Terms & Conditions
General
TimeLine Auctions Ltd acts as agent for the seller only.
The sale shall be conducted by the Auctioneer nominated by TimeLine Auctions Ltd. The Auctioneer shall have sole discretion as to the conduct of any sale and his decision shall be final in all matters.
TimeLine Auctions Ltd reserve the right to refuse entry, decline bids or to expel any person from any sale, at their sole discretion.
Catalogue Protocols:
Dating:
In the printed catalogue and on the TimeLine Auctions Ltd website, a variety of expressions may be used to describe an opinion of the date(s) of origin attributed to lots offered at auction. An unqualified statement e.g. '6th century AD' means that in our opinion the lot dates from the 6th century AD. The phrase 'Probably 6th century AD' means that in our opinion the lot dates from the 6th century AD but it is possible that it may be dated differently. The phrase 'Possibly 6th century AD' means that in our opinion the lot may date to the 6th century AD but there is a strong element of uncertainty in this attribution. The terms 'Archaistic', 'After the Antique', 'Style' or 'Undated' mean that the lot may be of recent origin, replicating an ancient style or design for decorative purposes; such lots are offered strictly 'as seen' and will not be accepted for return under any circumstances. Except when otherwise specified, when no date is offered, the lot may be of mixed dates (e.g. Iron Age, Roman and Medieval items offered together in a single lot) or in our opinion the lot may be of recent origin.
Condition:
expressions and wording relating to the condition are used to briefly describe our opinions of the lots and will not fully list minor blemishes, small repairs or slight restorations. Bidders are strongly advised to view all lots and to fully satsify themselves before bidding.
Sellers
All Goods submitted to TimeLine Auctions Ltd for sale by public auction will be lotted and catalogued at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd. Sellers should note that, for printed catalogue sales, antiquities with a lower estimate £200 or less and coins with a lower estimate of £100 or less will not normally be illustrated in the printed catalogue.
Selling Commission:
Standard Rate is 18% of the Hammer Price Inclusive. Special Commission Rates may be applied for individual items of significant value or for collections, at the sole discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd.
Storage Charges:
Daily or such other charges for storage of Goods submitted for public auction may be levied, at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd. Such charges may include for collection of Goods from the Seller's home/premises, if appropriate.
Loss and Damage Insurance:
This is charged at 1.5% of the Lot's hammer price, if sold; if unsold, 1.5% of the low estimate.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing between you and us, we accept responsibility to you, through our commercial insurance policy, for any damage to or loss or destruction of the Lot. This applies for the time that the Lot is in our custody, howsoever caused (but excluding damage, loss or destruction caused directly or indirectly by terrorism, war or natural disaster), providing that you pay the Loss and Damage Insurance fee described above in consideration for us accepting such responsibility. Claims will be limited to the amount of any reserve or to the Hammer Price (if sold), less any selling commission (sold or unsold as applicable) and other costs deductable.
Other Charges:
Special charges for any unusual research, special imaging, testing, consultation with external specialists, conservation, cleaning or other services in connection with any aspect that is considered necessary for the proper presentation of any Goods offered for sale will be levied at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd but the need for such services and costs will be advised in advance.
Value Added Tax:
Where applicable, Value Added Tax at the prevailing rate(s) will be applied to all of the Selling Commission and other Charges due from the Seller, on an inclusive basis. Sellers resident outside of the United Kingdom or European Union should note that Import VAT may be payable at the time of importation to the United Kingdom on a valuation basis, with adjustment made after the auction, based upon the final Hammer Price(s).
Reserves:
The Seller may set a Reserve Price, being the Minimum Hammer Price that the Goods may be sold for, at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd.
At the Auctioneer's discretion, Lots may be sold for one bid increment below the Reserve Price.
Estimates:
The setting of Estimates shall be at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd and the amount of any Estimate shall not be taken as being indicative of the true Value of any Goods.
Unsold Lots:
In the event of any Lot being Unsold, no Selling Commission shall be payable unless that Lot is subject to a Reserve when a Selling Commission Rate of 6% of the Reserve sum, inclusive of VAT, shall be payable. Charges for Storage, Insurance, or Other Services may be payable in all instances, at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd. Sellers are responsible for insuring any Lots that remain Unsold, from the time the Hammer falls and must make arrangements for collection of the Unsold Goods immediately after the auction ends. Additional costs for delivery of Unsold Goods to the Seller may be applied, at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd.
Withdrawn Lots:
In the event that a Seller withdraws any lot after the catalogue has gone to print, an 'unsold fee' of 6%, inclusive, of the low estimate or reserve sum (whichever is higher) will always be payable. TimeLine Auctions Ltd reserves the right to withdraw any item from sale at any time if any question arises as to authenticity, ownership or any other matter that might impede a successful sale (in which circumstance no 'unsold fee' shall be payable).
Void Sales:
In the event of any dispute, TimeLine Auctions Ltd shall hold the sale Void pending resolution and no monies shall be paid over until the dispute is finalised. The Seller shall be liable for the return of any monies paid over by TimeLine Auctions in the event of a dispute raised by the Buyer being upheld.
Payments:
Pyaments to Sellers will normally be made within 30 days of the date of the sale, subject to payment having been received from the Buyer(s) and subject to no dispute having been notified by any Buyer(s). Payments are made by cheque in pounds sterling, sent to the Seller's registered address by Royal Mail. Where overseas payments are made by bank transfer, bank charges of £15.00 will be deducted.
Acceptance of Selling Terms:
By submitting any Goods for sale by auction, the Seller is deemed to accept all of the Terms and Conditions of Sale and to warrant that he/she is the legal and beneficial owner of all of the Goods. The Seller agrees to fully indemnify TimeLine Auctions Ltd against any claims.
Buyers/Bidders
Caveat Emptor:
The Buyer must fully satisfy himself as to the description, genuineness, condition, provenance or value of any Lot(s) prior to the sale and shall not rely upon the Catalogue, images or upon any statement made by TimeLine Auctions Ltd regarding any Lot. TimeLine Auctions Ltd act solely as agent for the Seller and all matters pertaining to the sale of any Lot are matters between the Seller and Buyer. Lots including the terms 'Archaistic', 'After the Antique', 'Style' or 'Undated' mean that the lot may be of recent origin, replicating an ancient style or design for decorative purposes; such lots are offered strictly 'as seen' and will not be accepted for return under any circumstances.
Estimate Guide Prices and Reserves
Estimate ranges are provided for general information only and are given in Pounds Sterling (£), with approximate equivalents in Euros and US Dollars. Hammer prices realised may fall outside the ranges indicated. The low estimate is normally the Vendor's reserve. Lots to be sold without Reserve are so noted.
Bidder Registration:
All persons intending to bid at any auction, whether in person or by Absentee Bid, shall Register their personal details with TimeLine Auctions Ltd prior to bidding. Buyers may be asked to provide an acceptable form of proof of identity and proof of address. TimeLine Auctions Ltd reserves the absolute right to refuse to register any Bidder or to refuse any Bid at their sole discretion and without stating any reason. Bidders may register in advance of the date of any auction or on the day of the sale.
Agents: All bidders shall be deemed to be acting as principal in their bidding and shall be personally accountable for all bid amounts, premiums, and any other costs. Should any bidder wish to appoint an agent to bid on their behalf, this must be authorised by TimeLine Auctions Ltd in advance of the sale and a deposit may be required. Any such arrangements shall be subject to normal registration requirements in addition.
Bidder Numbers:
All Bidders attending the Sale will be allocated a Bidder Number which must be shown to the Auctioneer at the time of bidding and when the Hammer falls. Buyers are at all times responsible for their Bidder Number Paddle.
Absentee Bids:
Although it is best for Bidders to attend the sale and to make their Bids in person, at the request of a Registered Bidder, TimeLine Auctions Ltd will exercise bids on behalf of any Bidder who is unable to attend the Sale. Instructions to Bid must be in writing and stipulate the Lot Number(s) and Maximum amount of the Bid(s). Bids to 'buy' will not be accepted. The Auctioneer will execute Absentee Bids at his/her discretion depending upon competing bids from the floor or elsewhere. In the event that two or more Absentee Bids of the same amount are received, then the one first received will have priority. All Bids will be made at the lowest level possible. There is no charge for this Service but Timeline Auctions Ltd will accept no liability for errors or for failing to make any Bid. All Absentee bids must be received by no later than the time stipulated before the sale, and their receipt be acknowledged by TimeLine Auctions Ltd.
Internet Bidding:
Live on-line bidding arrangements are available. Prospective bidders must register with the service provider directly before the sale. A separate charge is payable for this facility. TimeLine Auctions Ltd shall not be responsible for any technical or other failure that might result in bids not being received.
Telephone Bidding:
For Lots with a minimum estimate value above £400, telephone bidding arrangements may be available to serious bidders only, at the discretion of TimeLine Auctions Ltd and subject to prior arrangement. Telephone facilities are limited and prospective bidders who wish to use this service are strongly advised to confirm the arragement well in advance of the sale. In no case will telephone facilities be granted within twenty-four hours of the start time of the Sale. It is an absolute condition for provision of telephone bidding facilities that the bidder agrees that a bid at the low estimate figure will be executed irrespective of whether a telephone call is successfully placed during the Sale. Telephone bidders are required to give a minimum of twenty-four hours notice prior to the start time of any Sale to cancel their arrangement or a bid will be executed on their behalf at the low estimate. TimeLine Auctions Ltd shall not be responsible for any technical or other failures that might result in bids not being received.
Conduct of the Sale:
The Auctioneer shall conduct the sale entirely at his discretion for all matters and his decision shall be final and binding on all participants at the sale. The Auctioneer may execute Bids on behalf of absent Bidders or on behalf of Vendors up to the amount of any Reserve. Bidding shall be in Pounds Sterling (£) only, at the discretion of the Auctioneer but shall generally be in increments as set out below:
From £0 to £100 - in increments of £5-£10
From £100 to £500 - in increments £20
From £500 to £1,000 - in increments of £50-£100
From £1,000 to £5,000 - in increments of £200
From £5,000 - in minimum increments of £500 or at Auctioneer's discretion
Buyer's Premium:
The Buyer shall pay the Buyer's Premium in addition to the Hammer Price on all lots purchased. The Buyer's Premium Rate shall be 21% Inclusive.
Liability for Goods:
The Buyer is fully responsible for all Goods purchased, from the time the Hammer falls and must make their own provision for full insurance cover, including while in transit or storage. TimeLine Auctions Ltd does not insure goods after the hammer falls or while being shipped and the Buyer must make arrangements for cover for loss or damage howsoever caused. Any Goods not collected from the Sale venue on the day of Sale will be removed by TimeLine Auctions Ltd to a place of storage, at their discretion. Storage Charges may become payable for uncollected Goods. Unless noted in the Catalogue as being for 'collection only', shipping costs may be quoted and must be paid, together with all sums due, before Goods will be released.
Collection of Goods:
For printed catalogue sales, most Lots will be present at the Sale venue and may be collected immediately after the Hammer falls, on full payment being made. Certain Lots, by virtue of size or other difficulty, may not be present at the Sale venue and any Buyer will be required to make prompt arrangements for collection from a storage location designated by TimeLine Auctions Ltd. For eAuctions and for those not attending printed catalogue sales, shipping can be arranged through Mail Boxes Etc a specialist company and details are given on invoices. Shipping costs are in no cirumstances refundable.
Shipping Insurance:
On occasions where TimeLine Auctions Ltd directly arranges shipping and by prior arrangement we are able to offer shipping insurance for purchased lots, through our commercial insurance policy, at a fee of 6% of the full invoice amount (minimum charge £10.00) inclusive, with a fixed excess of £200. In all other cases, responsibility for insuring purchases in transit rests solely with the Buyer.
Storage:
Buyers should note that all lots are moved into storage seven days after the issue of invoices for any sale and TimeLine Auctions Ltd reserves the right to make an initial transfer charge of £12.00 inclusive per lot with a storage charge of £3.60 inclusive per day per lot stored.
Invoices:
Invoices will be issued at the Sale venue or, for those not attending, shortly afterwards. Payment in full is required and funds must be fully cleared before any Goods may be collected or shipped.
Payment:
All payments are to be made in Pounds Sterling (£) and become due at the time the Hammer falls. Settlement of Invoices is required within 7 days of the date of the Sale. Interest, at 5% above the prevailing Lloyds TSB bank base rate, will be payable for late payment. TimeLine Auctions Ltd will accept payment by any of the following methods:
Cash in Pounds Sterling - up to a maximum of £7,000 at any one Sale.
Pounds Sterling (£) Cheque on UK bank - Goods will only be released upon clearance.
Bank Transfer - to any amount - £10 bank charges must be added to invoice total.
Debit Card - to any amount - no additonal charge.
Credit Card - to any amount - a 3% administrative fee will be applied on the total balance.
If payment is made by debit/credit card, then goods may ONLY be sent to the person and address registered to that card.
Charge cards (such as American Express), Paypal and similar systems, drafts, counter cheques, cheques drawn on foreign banks or in currencies other than Pounds Sterling will not be accepted.
Overseas Import Regulations:
Regulations, import tariffs, taxes, restrictions or other matters of the country where the Buyer resides are the sole responsibility of the Buyer. Buyers resident in the USA should note that restrictions on importation of cultural goods are in force for items originating from the modern geographical areas of China, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Cambodia/Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq/Iran and South America. This list is not intended to be complete and other restrictions may apply or residents of other countries may be affected. Residents in Canada should note that items transiting through the USA are similarly restricted. The buyer is solely responsible for compliance with import criteria and TimeLine Auctions Ltd will not be responsible for any delays or other action arising from any Customs Import procedures. Buyers must note that all provenance/origin information held by TimeLine Auctions Ltd is provided by the Seller, is given fully in the Catalogue and that no additional information will be available.
Value Added Tax:
Where indicated by * in the catalogue, Import VAT will be payable on the Hammer Price. Where indicated by † in the Catalogue, VAT will be payable at 20% on the Hammer Price.
Disputes:
In the event of any dispute, the Buyer must notify TimeLine Auctions Ltd immediately, but in no case later than fourteen days after the date of the Sale, in writing and stipulating fully the ground for such dispute. During the progress of any dispute, Timeline Auctions Ltd shall hold any and all monies paid by the Buyer until such time as the matter is finalised. In cases where deliberate forgery is alleged, any such claim shall be subject to review by TimeLine Auctions Ltd who may consult such experts as they deem appropriate. The responsibility for proof of forgery shall rest with the Buyer but disagreement between experts or the inability of an expert to express a definite opinion shall not be sufficient grounds. All disputes shall be resolved in accordance with English law. No claim will be considered unless the item is first returned to TimeLine Auctions Ltd in the same condition as at the time of sale. Shipping costs are in no circumstance refundable.
Any refund is limited to the original Hammer Price of the Lot(s) concerned plus Buyer's Premium only and shipping costs are not refundable. Under our Terms and Conditions, TimeLine Auctions Ltd will not be liable for any loss of business, business profits, revenue or income or for loss of business reputation or for disruption to business or wasted time on the part of the buyer, their management or staff or, if you are buying items in the course of a business, for any indirect losses or consequential losses or claims of any kind, irrespective of the nature, amount or source of the loss or damage alleged to be suffered, and irrespective of whether the said loss or damage is caused by or claimed in respect of any negligence, other tort, breach of contract, statutory duty, bailee's duty, restitutionary claim or otherwise.
Acceptance of Buying/Bidding Terms:
Any person bidding at any sale is deemed to have read and accepted these Terms in full and undertakes to fully indemnify TimeLine Auctions Ltd against any claims.
