How a Harborough auctioneers is continuing to bring down the hammer despite the lockdown

A jewellery, art and antiques sale planned for early April is now going ahead as a live internet auction at a Market Harborough auctioneers on Tuesday May 12.

Careful planning after the Covid-19 lockdown has meant that Gildings are now able to press ahead with the sale next week.

The highly-anticipated event is comprised mainly of jewellery and pocket watches.

When making the decision to reopen online, Gildings were encouraged by evidence from other UK auction houses that despite the pandemic online-only sales are performing well.

“We are getting lots enquiries about our forthcoming auction, which is great news,” said Gildings director Will Gilding.

“The groundwork for this sale was done before the lockdown was imposed.

“However, our main challenge was organising posting and packaging post-sale as we didn’t want to sell items to people when we couldn’t guarantee delivery.

“We now have that and other necessary processes in place, which means we can go ahead.”

In normal times, the buzz of the sale room is a key part of any auction.

But online technology means that from a buyer’s point of view, this auction is very much business as usual. “As always, the catalogue is available to view online.

“We have already had around 200 additional enquires from people who usually would come and look at items in person,” added Will.

“In normal circumstances we have about 100 people in the room and around 500 bidding online, so there has already been a huge shift towards technology.”

Buyers have an extra incentive to buy at auctions at the moment as the fees for doing so at Gildings are currently waived, saving four per cent.

That represents a decisive reduction on more valuable items.

Gildings also offers buyers the opportunity to ask questions or even request condition reports online.

“Our buyers have faith in the technology and in our valuation expertise, so seeing an item for the first time after purchase was already the norm,” said Will.

“However, now as always, we are happy to talk to people or provide more detailed condition reports for anyone interested in a particular lot.”

While restrictions continue to be imposed, Gildings are planning a pared-back sale schedule for this summer.

“We would love to get back to running auctions on a fortnightly basis with the real human interaction that entails,” said Will.

“However, the main challenge will be getting consignments onto the premises in order to sell them. “We are working hard to make this happen as the restrictions are gradually relaxed.

“So we would strongly encourage anyone with items they are interested in selling to get in touch for a valuation.”

If you would like to find out more about Gildings auctioneers please visit their website here: https://www.gildings.co.uk/