Get involved in Partridge Auctions’ next live auction on Saturday, 22 June.
Following the huge success of its first live event in February, the newly launched auction house, Partridge Auctions, will host their second event this month at its new, easy-to-access premises on Chemin de L´Argillière in Nyon.
Taking place on Saturday, 22 June, this second auction will feature a large section of furniture, artwork, silver, crystal, and books, many of which have come from two fine estates that Partridge Auctions have been instructed to auction this month. Amongst the 300 items on sale there will be a pair of antique Chinese folding chairs, a pristine walnut writing desk and side table, a pair of Dresden urns, Muller fres lighting, a collection of wine including Petrus 2000, and a set of A. Lanternier & Co limoges.
Evelyn Partridge, one of the two partners involved in setting up Partridge Auctions at the end of 2012 explained to knowitall.ch how the bidding process works, “We hold live auctions every few months although this may change as the business evolves. We charge a commission of 15% for the buyers and 20% for the sellers, which compares favourably with other auction houses. We offer to collect furniture from the seller and can arrange transportation for the buyers too. Typically, we will ask a seller to send us pictures and/or descriptions of items and we would then visit and take our own pictures if necessary, whilst compiling an inventory and agreeing values and reserves. We are happy to use the sellers´ reserves for two consecutive auctions but for a third auction, the reserve is at our discretion or the seller must take it back.”
Asked how they came to set up their new business, co-partner, Kathy Fisher, explained, “Evelyn and I used to work on the board of a local school and found that we worked well together. With our legal and financial backgrounds, we brainstormed several ideas and finally concluded that buying and selling quality items was something that could be significantly improved in the Geneva area. Buyers find it hard to find interesting, quality items at reasonable prices and conversely, sellers find it hard to sell their equally interesting, quality items at reasonable prices. We decided that an auction house would bring the two parties together and that market values would be more likely to be attained. A win-win for everyone!”
If their last auction was anything to go by, it’s clear that the expat community in this region finds auctions a valuable but fun experience! Evelyn and Kathy hope to expand their business to make it more attractive to the local French-speaking community too. A French version of the site will be available shortly, as will the possibility to bid online for items between the main live auctions, a feature which international collectors should find useful for accessing some of the rarer items that Partridge Auctions holds.
Anyone interested in taking part in the next live auction is advised to register their interest via the Partridge Auctions website at www.partridgeauctions.com, although it is possible to turn up on the day of the auction and register as a bidder. A catalogue will be issued one week before the event, including detailed descriptions of each of the items in the auction. Participants have the option of bidding in person or via absentee bid.
Sellers are invited to complete the Seller’s Goods Form which can also be downloaded from the Partridge Auctions website. Once the organizers have received the instructions, a decision will be made whether to accept the goods for auction, in which case a reserve price will be negotiated. Sellers are responsible for transporting their own items, and may transport items to and from the auction site or the Partridge Auctions storage facility located in Crassier, Switzerland. All items must be delivered in time for the Auction Preview, which takes place the day before the live auction.
If you’ve never been to a live auction before, then why not give it a try? You have absolutely nothing to lose and at the very least you can expect to have a thrilling day out! If you have some items to sell, Evelyn and Kathy will be more than happy to spend some time with you, discussing the various options. But if you just fancy turning up and seeing for yourself the excitement of a live auction, you are also very welcome. You may just surprise yourself and walk away with a little treasure at a price you didn’t think could be at all possible! Visit the Partridge Auctions website for the full terms and conditions for selling and bidding.
Partridge Auctions
www.partridgeauctions.com
Evelyn Partridge and Kathy Fisher
079 829 46 56
Live Auction: Saturday 22 June at 14h00 (doors open at 12h00)
Auction Preview: Friday 21 June 10h00 – 17h00
Chemin de L´Argillière, 2a, Nyon
