Selling

Weschler's can be your single resource for selling at auction, with our ability to offer the contents of an entire estate, from fine art and antiques to teapots and toasters. Unlike some auction houses, we don't demand a high minimum value. Our experienced staff also won't miss items of significant value that may be overlooked in 'house,' 'tag' and 'estate' sales.

Whether you wish to consign an individual item, a collection, or an entire estate, we can accommodate your needs. For more information about our services, please call (202) 628-1281 or (800) 331-1430.

 

Catalogue Sales

Weschler's holds approximately 9 specialized sales each season which include:

• American Furniture & Decorations
• European Furniture & Decorations
• American & European Paintings, Drawings, Prints & Sculpture
• Jewelry, Coins & Watches
• Twentieth Century Decorative Works of Art
• Asian Works of Art
• Rugs, Carpets & Tapestries

Estimates

Setting an auction value estimate is based on several factors, including age, quality and condition; a comparable item's performance at auction; and special or unusual history or provenance.

 

Reserves

You may set a minimum price below which your merchandise will not be sold. If you elect to set a reserve, and bidding does not reach the reserve amount, you will be advised of your options. Your account will be charged for any expenses incurred.

 

Shipment of Property

Weschler's can assist you in arranging shipment of your property to our gallery where it is inventoried and safely stored until the sale date. Weschler's receives items on an appointment basis, generally Wednesday through Friday.

 

Exposure

Even the best property will not reach its potential unless the right buyers know about it. Weschler's produces richly illustrated and well-documented catalogues for its major sales, which are mailed to thousands of subscribers around the world several weeks before the sale. Each item is fully described, and most are photographed. In addition, Weschler's advertises these sales globally and seeks appropriate press coverage to ensure the widest possible exposure for the auction.

Weschler's web site has furthered Weschler's prominence globally with up-to date sale information as well as on-line illustrated catalogue and weekly sale highlights.

The week before the auction, we open our galleries to the public, and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect the items for sale. Our specialists are available to answer any questions. This process helps ensure our auctions are attended by well-informed, educated buyers who are ready to bid.

 

Contract

For the consignor, the contract outlines charges that may be applied to your account in a catalogue sale. You will receive two copies of our Contract. One copy should be signed and returned to us; the other kept for your records. We cannot offer property at auction without a signed contract.

Commissions for Catalogue Sales

 

At Weschler's, commissions for each item sold are:

25 percent under $500
20 percent from $500-$1,499
15 percent from $1,500-$2,999
10 percent above $3,000

 

Insurance

All items are covered under Weschler's Fine Arts blanket policy. This assures the safe storage of your merchandise at our gallery until title passes to a new owner.

 

Lot Fee

Merchandise consigned for a catalogue sale is stored on the premises without any charge through the scheduled sale date.

 

Settlement of Account

Weschler's settles accounts 35 calendar days from the date of each auction. An itemized statement of the account is mailed with the settlement check after all payments by the purchaser have been satisfied.

 

Weekly Sales

Tuesday auctions at Weschler's complement our catalogue sales by offering a wide variety of non-specialized items at moderate prices. Each weekly auction is locally advertised, ensuring our sales are well attended by a large and diverse audience. Every Monday our first floor gallery opens at 9 a.m. for you to inspect an endless variety of merchandise. It's an opportunity to find exceptional values in fine quality reproduction furniture, collectibles, carpets, artwork, silver, jewelry and office and household goods.

 

Weekly auctions begin every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. It's the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the auction process, to start a collection, or to furnish your home. For the seller, weekly sales offer you an efficient way to get a competitive price and a quick turnaround on your property.

 

Examining your property

Items for our weekly sales are received by appointment, generally Wednesday and Thursday. While we do not provide estimates of potential auction value for weekly sale items, we will be happy to discuss what similar items have sold for in the past.

 

Reserves

Weschler's does not accept reserves, a minimum price below which your merchandise will not be sold, on weekly sale items. The auctioneer does, however, reserve the right to pass a lot if an appropriate opening bid is not achieved.

 

Unsold property

If after two auctions a bid is not received on a piece, it will be disposed of at the consignor's expense.

 

Shipment

Weschler's can help you arrange shipment of your property to our gallery where it is inventoried and safely stored until the sale date.

 

Standard commission

Weschler's charges a commission of 25 percent of the sale price, with a minimum commission of $250 to cover advertising, staff, and other expenses.

 

Prompt settlement

Weschler's settles accounts seven calendar days from the sale date on which the last consigned items are sold. Settlement reflects the bid amount less our 25 percent commission. An itemized receipt is sent at the time of settlement.