Albert Sebille

[zharsanyi72]

So I have a original  Albert Sebille watercolor painting.
9"x8"
The Swann  estimated  $1000-1500.
I do not know what to do,because they charging  at least 25% seller fee.

[mariok54]

Hi Zoltan,

Who has quoted you this estimate and why is it  'at least' 25% seller's fee?

Did you take it to an Auction House to be appraised?

[zharsanyi72]

The specialist from the Swann estimated.
And he told me to send the painting to him, and  they will  listed to the next Ocean Liner catalog september or november.
Now the Christie's also interested.Quote:

Dear Sir,
Thank you for contacting Christie's regarding the possible sale of your property.  Would you please let us know where you are so that we can forward your request to the correct specialist?
We look forward to assisting you and thank you for your interest in Christie's. 

[mart]

Actually that is an appropriate fee for a major auction house !!  But if you do not want them to sell it for you, you can always sell it yourself !!

[mariok54]

Actually that is an appropriate fee for a major auction house !!  But if you do not want them to sell it for you, you can always sell it yourself !!

Hi Mart .. it was the 'at least' bit that worried me.... although over here 20% would be the norm.

[mart]

Didn`t think about the phrasing they used but you are right,, sounds a bit off !!  I think many auction houses use a 25% standard fee here.  Of course if a major auction sells it chances are it might bring more than the estimate !!  Of course it could stay at the estimated price or lower,, you just don`t know !!  If there is a good gallery in his town he could see if he could consign it to them for sale !!  Might be his best bet !!   That way he could add a bit to the price to help cover their fees !! But some of the galleries charge 20 to 25% !! So its a toss up as to what is best !!

[zharsanyi72]

I do not know why, but I'm scared to sell expensive things on ebay.Lot of things could go wrong.May be I will follow Mart advice.  Trying  to find  a gallery in Denver.

[mariok54]

I'm not sure whether it's the same over there, but many Auction Houses in the UK start off with a commission rate of 17.5% + VAT, so that works out at c 21%, but if the item realises over say £500 the commission can drop to say 15%, and one local to us will charge only 10% if the hammer price is over £1000.

Re ebay, there are always risks as either a buyer or a seller ... and there's been plenty of discussion on the ebay forum. I've been stung more than once, both as a buyer and a seller, but thankfully all the BIG buys I've made have always gone smoothly