Internation Auction Deals? Still Possible?

[TristanC]

Lately with all the records set by international auction houses Sothebys and Christies, I'm just wondering if anyone had 'finds' or 'steals' to share?

I don't really see many buyers getting truly solid value at auction from the (admittedly very very few) auctions I've tried to follow.

Do any of you know of any good auctions? Or have old war stories (pref with pictures! ) that you want to share?

 

[Phoenix]

Well, I didn't get deals but have bought from Christies. I got two Kelly's and a Patek Philippe from them. I like buying from the big auction houses for secondhand items cos they have a reputation to protect - the items are much more likely to be authentic and the descriptions of the items are usually spot-on.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

You can get good stuff at fair prices at auctions. However, it won't be in the big name, record setting auctions, where people are bidding for a provenance or celebrity name. It will be in the smaller, less publicized events. Small auction houses are very good for this as well.

The key to getting a good value is to know something the other bidders don't and, therefore, overlook a piece. On the other hand, the auction houses want to get the best price for their client, the seller, and use their experts to make sure that all relevant information is given to the buyers. So, if you want the safety of a large auction house, you will pay more the item since there will be more people interested as well. If you want a good deal, you have to do your research and run some risk.