Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked by sellers and consignors.
If you cannot find the information you need, please email info@foxhillauctions.co.uk, send photographs by WhatsApp to 07435 052 845 or telephone 01488 860 124.
Foxhill Auctions specialises in smaller, valuable and collectable items, including:
We do not accept firearms, air weapons or items containing ivory.
If you are unsure whether your items are suitable, please send us some clear photographs and a brief description before travelling.
Begin by sending us clear photographs and a brief description of your items by email or WhatsApp.
You are also welcome to bring suitable items to the Hungerford Coin & Stamp Centre at 34A High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0NF.
Once we have assessed the items, we will advise whether they may be suitable for auction or whether we may be interested in making a direct purchase offer.
Where possible, please include photographs showing:
Please make sure the photographs are clear and taken in good lighting.
An initial opinion based on photographs may be subject to physical inspection and further research.
Yes. Complimentary, no-obligation valuations are available for items you may be considering selling directly or consigning to auction.
These are informal selling valuations and are not suitable for probate, insurance, taxation or legal purposes.
Formal written valuations are available as a separate fee-based service.
Yes. Foxhill Auctions purchases selected items outright.
After assessing your items, we may discuss whether a direct purchase or auction consignment would be the most suitable option.
A direct sale may provide a quicker alternative to waiting for an auction. There is no obligation to accept an offer and no pressure to sell.
Home visits may be available for substantial specialist collections, multiple suitable items or valuable estate contents with appropriate auction or resale potential.
We will normally ask for some initial information and photographs before deciding whether a visit is appropriate.
We do not usually provide final values during the visit. Items may need to be taken away securely for examination, testing or further research before an offer, auction estimate or reserve can be confirmed.
Appropriate paperwork and a receipt will be provided for any items taken for assessment.
If you decide to proceed with an auction consignment, we will provide the appropriate consignment paperwork and a receipt for your items.
Our team will then:
You will receive the proposed descriptions, estimates and reserves for approval before the catalogue is published.
An auction estimate is an opinion of the price range that a lot may achieve at auction.
Estimates are based on factors including the item’s condition, rarity, quality, provenance and recent comparable sales. They are not guarantees of the final selling price.
The starting bid is normally set at approximately half of the lower auction estimate.
A reserve is the minimum price at which a lot may be sold.
It acts as a safety net and means the lot will not be sold below the agreed amount. Any reserve must be agreed with Foxhill Auctions before the catalogue is published.
A reserve should be set at a realistic level. An unnecessarily high reserve can discourage bidding and may result in the lot remaining unsold.
If you are unable to pick up your item in person, you can arrange for someone else to pick it up on your behalf. Alternatively, we can assist with shipping the item to you for an additional fee.
If you are unable to pick up your item in person, you can arrange for someone else to pick it up on your behalf. Alternatively, we can assist with shipping the item to you for an additional fee.