How to be a Good Shopper at the Auction

1. Go to our website www.mortonkuehnert.com prior to the auction. We have photographs and descriptions of the items online the Wednesday before the Thursday evening auction. For special auctions items are online two to three weeks in advance and may be accompanied by a full-color catalog. Catalogs are available at the gallery.
2. Once you have narrowed down your list, do your homework. Spend some time doing research on the internet. Look for information such as; how to discern age and authenticity, identify maker marks, and for the current market value of an item.
3. Items are available for preview at the gallery every Wednesday. Gallery hours are 9 am until 6 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am until 2 pm on Saturdays. It is important to give yourself plenty of time to preview the items you want to bid on before the 7 pm gavel Thursday night. Inspect the items you want to bid on for maker’s marks, signatures, damage, and for lot numbers so that you don’t miss the bid. The auction moves very quickly and most lots will sell in under a minute
4. If you have any questions, Morton Kuehnert specialists and staff are on-hand to help you. No question is a stupid question.
5. Auction night we provide a catalog of all the auction items. You will want to highlight/mark the items you want to bid on.
6. Set your maximum bid price; this is an important practice to develop. You don’t want to get caught up in the fast pace of the bidding. Remember there is a buyer’s premium and sales tax that will be added to the cost.
7. Be sure to arrange transportation for any item on your list that will not fit into your vehicle. If you buy something you had not planned on, you have until 2 pm Saturday after the Thursday night auction to pick up the item(s).

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