Since many years, our House has been organising several times a year auctions with different offices and French auctioneers. (Artcurial, Aguttes, Groupe Ivoire, Versailles, Expertissim etc ..)
Consignment is the most rewarding way for the instrument both at the sale’s price level as well as emotionally to know that it will regain its original function, which is to be played right by the musician who will buy it.
However, the auction room remains an interesting place of negotiation for different reasons:
- The instrument is in poor condition and requires a too important restoration.
- The instrument is available as part of an estate or a family sharing.
- The instrument does not find a buyer after a long time of sale at a professional’s
The advantage of this type of sale is its quickness, almost immediate. However the prices are usually much below the market values in order to arouse an interest in purchasing it for another buyer.
Indeed, the auction room is usually a place of exchange for professional violin and bow makers who buy instruments requiring most of the time important restorations. Only a well-trained eye can detect good deals because it is rarely possible to play the instrument or to examine it thoroughly. This is why we do not recommended to private individuals to purchase in auction rooms without being advised by a connoisseur or an expert.
We collect instruments all year round and organise a dedicated sales once the stock is sufficient. You have the possibility to meet Mr. Boyer to show him your instrument. No valuation fees to provide if your instrument is put into auction room through us. If you decide to keep your instrument after valuation, you will bear the costs. (Please see our rates here)