Selling Through a Holt's Auction
To Sell
The main objective in selling your item is obviously to realise the best possible price and to end up with as much money in your pocket at the end of the day. In such a specialised area as Antique and Modern Guns, what Holt’s can offer first and foremost is the world market. Attracting the buyers is vital in achieving a good result and as often as not, this involves the overseas market. The specialists at Holt's spend a good deal of time promoting the sales and raising the company profile by attending shows and holding valuation days as far afield as India, South Africa, Russia and of course, America. By bringing your item to the attention of such an international client base means you really do achieve the best possible results.
Before selling in any of Holt's Sales please first download and read our terms and conditions:
Terms & Conditions
Is my gun worth anything?
You never know! Value can depend on many factors, some fairly unlikely! It is always worth having a valuation – be it a gun or gun accessory, edged weapon, militaria or vintage fishing tackle. Holt's will give you a free valuation with no obligation.
How do I go about getting a valuation or entering something for the sale?
In the first instance contact the main office enquiries@holtsauctioneers.com They will be able to advise of the best way forward to suit your circumstances, be it to book an appointment at a free valuation day, arrange a home visit, or by speaking to one of the specialists even to have an idea of value there and then.
The free valuation days are held around the country in a similar vein to the Antiques Road show. Anyone can book an appointment to see a specialist at one of the various venues (generally a country house, club or a well reputed pub!) and they will give a free appraisal as to potential auction value, a suitable insurance value and some kind of historical context.
At these valuation days items can actually be consigned for sale, making the whole procedure simple and convenient. After a short appointment where values are discussed and agreed and a reserve price set, the item(s) are accepted for sale, a receipt is given and Holt's will do the rest, leaving you to do nothing further than await the arrival of a satisfactory cheque following the sale.
In some circumstances a home visit is more practical. It is much the same in that a valuer can visit you by a pre-arranged appointment, discuss and agree values and collect items for sale.
For overseas clients, please view the representatives page on the website to contact your nearest Holt's Representative.
What about gun licences and paperwork?
Holt's operate under a Registered Firearms Dealer Licence and are fully authorised to accept guns and firearms in for sale, including Section 5. The specialist will advise you at the time of consigning what (if any) action you need to take.
Regarding paperwork, initially you will receive a receipt at the time of consigning goods for sale. Subsequently you receive a 'Pre-Sale Advice' which confirms the specifics of the item, the sale and Lot number and any agreed reserve (minimum figure the item can be sold at).
After the sale you receive a 'Post-Sale Advice' which informs you how much your items sold for.
What will it cost me? Holt's operate purely on a commission basis and so receive a percentage of the final selling price.
Standard terms are 15% (+VAT) for the first £1,000 and 10% (+VAT) thereafter.
Illustration Charges:
Holt's endeavour to market each lot and a decision is taken to photograph a proportion of items and include the images in the sale catalogue, especially those that in the view of the valuers would benefit from wider exposure. Photographic charges are:
Full Page £150
Half Page £75
Quarter Page £30
There is a 1.5% damage and loss liability charge which fully covers the item from the moment of it being consigned through to it being sold.
