It’s Easy to Buy with Thimbleby & Shorland
Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time bidder, everyone is welcome at Thimbleby & Shorland. Registration is free, and bidding is simple, exciting and accessible. You never know what you might win.
Our auctions are online-only. We do not hold traditional in-room auctions and do not accept telephone, commission or absentee bids. Our easy-to-use online platform is designed to work seamlessly on computers, tablets and mobile devices.
Trusted, Honest Cataloguing
Our valuers carefully examine and authenticate the items we offer for sale. Each lot is accompanied by an objective description and clear photographs, giving you the information you need to bid with confidence.
Auction catalogues are published online approximately 10 days before each auction.
All items are pre-owned and sold “as is”, so please read each lot description carefully and expect signs of wear consistent with the item’s age and previous use. Colours may vary slightly from those shown in photographs, and weights and measurements are approximate.
Where possible, we recommend viewing items in person before bidding. You may also request a condition report or additional photographs, available up to 48 hours before an auction closes.
Condition reports reflect our general assessment of an item and are provided for guidance only. While every effort is made to ensure they are accurate, we cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or oversights.
See for Yourself
We love welcoming clients to our Saleroom, and public viewing is available for the majority of lots.
Viewing arrangements vary between auctions, so please check the header of the relevant catalogue for the viewing location, dates and opening hours.
Ready to Bid?
You must register separately for each Thimbleby & Shorland auction you wish to participate in.
For new bidders, registration includes a mandatory identity verification check. This one-time process helps keep our auctions safe and secure for everyone.
We would recommend registering early for a sale to make sure you are approved to bid in plenty of time.
How Our Online Auctions Work
Thimbleby & Shorland operates timed, online-only public auctions that are open to bidders worldwide.
Lots close independently at 20-second intervals from the scheduled auction end time. Please check the header of the relevant catalogue for the auction’s scheduled closing time.
To give everyone a fair opportunity to bid, any bid placed within the final five minutes automatically extends the bidding on that lot by a further five minutes. This continues until no further bids are placed for five minutes, so individual lots may close at different times.
All bids are binding. Once a bid has been placed, it cannot be withdrawn or removed. Please check your bid carefully before submitting it.
Pre-Sale Estimates
Every lot is given a pre-sale estimate range, providing professional guidance on its potential value at auction.
Estimates are based on factors including the item’s condition, rarity, previous auction prices for comparable pieces and current market trends.
Please remember that estimates are only a guide. Auction results are determined by bidder interest, and an item may sell for more or less than its pre-sale estimate.
Real-Time Bidding and Confidential Maximum Bids
Bids can be placed as soon as an auction catalogue is published. Each bid is processed immediately against the lot’s opening or current bid.
Your bidding status is displayed directly on the individual lot listing. You will also receive automated email notifications if you are currently the highest bidder or if another participant outbids you.
If you are immediately outbid after placing a bid, this usually means that another bidder has already entered a confidential maximum bid that exceeds your offer.
You can also enter a confidential maximum bid, which represents the highest amount you are willing to pay for the lot. Our automated bidding system will then bid competitively on your behalf, increasing your bid only when necessary and by the required increments to maintain your position as the highest bidder.
Your maximum bid remains completely confidential and is not disclosed to other bidders or Thimbleby & Shorland staff.
Don’t Forget the Buyer’s Premium
A 16% + VAT buyer’s premium (GST inclusive) is added to the final closing bid price.
In addition there is an Internet Charge of 5.94% including VAT for users of the-saleroom.com and 3.6% including VAT for bidders using our online platform.
