Internet bidding boost for auction

Peter Francis Auctioneers - 2009-08-05

The volume of bidders increased considerably when a leading Welsh auction house introduced live internet bidding at a sale of antiques.

Carmarthen-based Peter Francis Auctioneers says competition for lots, in particular paintings, was stronger than it had ever been.

The technology threw open the sale of antiques at the Carmarthen saleroom to bidders from across the world, as if they were in the room.

“We had a very good sale in line with our expectations,’’ says the company’s principal, Nigel Hodson. “The online bidding certainly made a difference to prices, in particular the paintings.’’

Over 100 potential buyers had registered online and around 65% of these were bidding for the paintings.

The sale was one of the most interesting the auction house has held in recent months. Among the outstanding lots was a pair of 19^th century double-handled French porcelain vases which went under the hammer for £1,750.

The lot which raised the highest sales bid was a collection of three 19^th century unsigned watercolours in the style of Samuel Prout. These sold for £3,700.

The large collection of good quality furniture also attracted a great deal of interest with the highest price of £1,800 being paid for an 18^th century North Wales oak dresser.

And a pair of Mintons cabinet plates were sold for an outstanding £2,400, far exceeding their estimate.

Nigel Hodson is confident that the additional interest created by live internet bidding will be maintained at future sales.

“Our next sale of antiques will be on September 22^nd and we are looking forward to welcoming potential customers to both our newly refurbished Towyside saleroom and online,’’ says Mr Hodson.