Introduction

Smith and Wilde have made the buying process at auction simple and are fully committed to providing buyers with the best possible opportunities to purchase the finest quality Militaria from around the world.

Prior to the auction, buyers are able to view the forthcoming sale catalogue on line, and if a printed catalogue has been ordered it will have been received in good to time to allow buyers time to view it for items of their specialism, and choice with no rush leading up to the auction day.

The Royal Armouries and the Wellington suite offer a comfortable surrounding for buyers to view items at their leisure and bid in a relaxed and professional environment. Buyers are given the opportunity to view items for sale throughout Thursday (the day before the sale) and during Friday morning (before the sale). Buyers are also encouraged to take advantage of the facilities within the Royal Armouries, view some of the fantastic exhibits within the exhibitions and also visit Leeds' contemporary City Centre.

Throughout the auction viewing day and sale day our staff are available and committed to offering the best possible level of customer service, see Previous Auction, any potential questions or considerations will be answered with integrity and confidence.

Buying

Smith and Wilde are fully committed for purchasers to buy with confidence. Smith and Wilde ensure that every item submitted for sale is given the scrutiny of a thorough and careful examination by our specialists, and where necessary a second opinion will be sought. This level of examination is applied to all items submitted and all buyers can be reassured that the integrity of all items sold in the Smith and Wilde sales have been subject to this process.

Catalogue

Each item listed for sale in the Smith and Wilde sale receives a detailed and accurate description from one of our specialists and a full colour photograph of it is featured in the sale catalogue. Smith and Wilde are a modern up to date, forward thinking Militaria Auction Company who have achieved great success in a short period of time and now boast an international customer base from all collecting backgrounds.

In the forthcoming months prior to a sale some early items received are shown on our 'Sale Preview' webpage see Sale Preview. This shows forthcoming sale items and gives buyers the opportunity to view some of the items received for sale months prior to the auction. Sale preview items will have a brief write up and a full colour picture. The full colour printed Smith and Wilde sale catalogues are despatched to international destinations up to three weeks prior to a sale, giving ample time for clients to read, digest and review the items available.

After the printed catalogue has been despatched, approximately two weeks prior to the sale the full colour sale catalogue is made available, viewable and downloadable on line.

If a printed catalogue has been ordered it will have been received in good to time to allow buyers time to view it for items of their specialism and choice and with no rush leading up to the auction day. The on-line catalogue is an electronic version of the printed a catalogue showing a full colour picture of the item and the corresponding write up. The high quality resolution pictures in the on-line version of the catalogue can be 'zoomed in', which allows buyers an opportunity to view 'close up' items for sale from the comfort of their own home and PC.

Buying methods available

1. In person at the auction venue.
2. Completing the Postal / Fax / Commission Bidding form which is available in the printed catalogue and on-line. (Photocopies and Faxes of the form are accepted). The Postal / Fax / Commission Bidding form may also be e-mailed to Smith and Wilde by typing out your full name, address, telephone number, chosen lot number, lot description and payment details. Buyers may also telephone the Smith and Wilde office where one of our staff will complete a Commission Bidding form on your behalf.
3. Buyers may also book an auction Telephone Bid on your chosen lot by contacting the Smith and Wilde offices by e-mail, telephone or fax.

Viewing and Sale day

Viewing of items available for sale is usually between 12.00pm and 7.00pm the Thursday before the sale and between 8.30am and 11.00am Friday morning on the day of the sale.

The Sale items are displayed in the Royal Armouries Wellington Suite, Leeds. After registering with our friendly reception staff you will find the lots clearly displayed and access to items is facilitated by one of our sales team. There are viewing points in the Wellington Suite viewing room, and have an inspection lamp, pen and paper available at each see Previous Sale. For those unable to attend the sale we offer a confidential postal and telephone bidding service and we will also arrange the postage and packing of your purchased items (This is an added cost).

The Royal Armouries are situated near Leeds City Centre and can be reached easily using the motorway network. Leeds City Railway Station is approximately five minutes away and Leeds / Bradford International Airport is only thirty minutes away by taxi, which affords easy access to the auction venue from the UK and Europe. The Royal Armouries has ample parking (1540 spaces available) and has full catering, café and bar facilities. Click here for directions by car, rail or on foot.

Costing

The Smith and Wilde buyers' premium is 15% on the hammer price; VAT is chargeable on the premium only, not on the hammer price; i.e. the total cost of a lot which hammers for £100 is £117.63.

Smith and Wilde treat every enquiry individually and can arrange a private and confidential seller's premium.