Going, going…sold!

Selling fine art, furniture, jewelry, rare autos or other collectible items via international auction houses reaches a global audience

Do you have fine art, antiques or collectibles that you would like to know the value of to consign to sell at auction? Do you need to disperse or divide the contents of an estate or items you’ve inherited? Selling at auction can be a great way to turn your treasures into cash via major international auction houses in Los Angeles, London, New York, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Why should someone sell at auction as opposed to selling on his or her own or through a gallery or shop?

“The art market has truly gone global; however, just as in real estate, location counts,” notes Paul Fisher, of the Trusts and Estates Department at Bonhams in Los Angeles, “This is what makes an international auction house more important than ever. We have the ability to market locally sourced merchandise directly in the regions where they are most appreciated.”

Selling at auction is also much safer than inviting strangers into your home, especially with jewelry. Sales commissions are lower selling at auction than if consigned to a shop. Anonymity can be obtained as well.

What’s hot?

The market for Chinese antiques went through the roof in the last few years, as the Chinese bought back porcelain, textiles, art, bronzes and more from U.S. collectors. The market is also strong for mid-century furniture, California contemporary art, works by blue chip/well-known artists, Hollywood and other memorabilia, rare automobiles, wine, coins and much more. If items are priced correctly, they usually sell. If something is unique, in excellent condition, with a strong audience, the estimate is often exceeded.

Is there a minimum to sell at auction?

For the most part, items that fall under $2,000 are not for the larger auction houses. That being said, a grouping of like items, such as silver pieces, can often meet the threshold. Once estimates are provided, the person can consign items to be sold. After pieces are sold, payment goes directly to the consignor in about 30 days, less the commission to the auction house.

Any big surprises?

There have been some phenomenal sales at auction. When two people are bidding against one another – be it on the telephone, online or in the showroom – the sky is the limit. Recently, a Chinese table estimated at $20,000$30,000 ended up selling for ten times that amount.

What if items don’t sell?

There is some limited risk, especially if the reserve price is too high. If an item doesn’t sell, it will be returned to the client or can sometimes be offered in another sale at a lower price.

What about fair market value appraisals?

You can hire a fine art appraiser for insurance or tax purposes. There are several very good ones in our area, as well as people who handle estate sales.

For a complimentary consultation regarding consigning your fine art, antiques and collectibles to auction, contact Leslie A. Westbrook, Fine Art & Antiques Broker at (805) 220-6773 or email photos with descriptions (including size and provenance) to LeslieAWestbrook@gmail.com. See Facebook page Fine Arts/Collectibles/Antiques Broker. Westbrook is a 40-year-resident of Santa Barbara and former owner of three antique shops in Montecito and Summerland.

Buy Local

Rustic White Oak Parsons table ($895) with patinated steel base (72” x 30”w x 30”) handmade in Carpinteria by Brothers of Industry. Custom sizes also available. Plaza lamp ($395) also made in Carp. All available, as well as abstract art pictured ($550) the downtown Santa Barbara retail showroom.

Brothers of Industry. 4 E. de La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone (805) 8455780, www.goodsboi.com

14’’ Raffaellesco Platter

The Raffaellesco pattern was inspired by Raphael’s 16th century frescoes in the Vatican palace. It is said that the central motif of this pattern, the dragon, symbolizes a benevolent deity who brought good luck to the sailors of the time. Today, it is commonly believed that having a piece of Raffaellesco in your home brings blessings and good luck. ($128)

Available from Italian Pottery Outlet, 929 State Street, 805-564-7655, www.italianpottery.com

The Brazo

Designed by Venezuelan-born industrial designer Pablo Pardo and Winner of 2008 IDEA Gold Award and 2007 Best of Neocon Gold, the Brazo, adjustable lamps, fuse breakthrough LED technology with a uniquely tactile and calibrated light control experience.Tune it to any beam spread, brightness and direction, controlling the volume and focus of light. The aluminum shade on the lamp’s arm enables much of this adjustability and to fluidly dial and guide the light source any direction. Brazo is available in both table and floor models.

Pablo Lighting available at MichaelKate Interiors, 132 Santa Barbara St. 805-963-1411.

Granite, marble, onyx, limestone and other stone products fall into the category of “natural stone”. These stones were quarried from varicolored mountains all over the world and because they were made by natural forces, the colors and patterns vary from slab to slab, sometimes even in the individual slab. We have 85 colors in stock of marblegranite and quartsite. Also we have Santa Barbara Sandstone veneer, boulders, pavers, curbes, caps, etc.

Working closely with your fabricator allows you to take advantage of the stone’s natural energy by planning exactly where each part of the slab will be on your countertop.

Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805-770-3569 www.stonesourcesb.com