Terms and Conditions
Important Notices & Cataloguing Protocols
1. Interpretations and Definitions: the following terms generally apply within these Terms and Conditions; other terms are defined within specific sections following:
Auctioneer – the firm TimeLine Auctions Ltd (“TimeLine” hereafter) or its authorised auctioneer, acting as Agent for the Seller.
Agent – a person or body acting on behalf of another.
ALR – Art Loss Register - All lots with an upper estimate value of ?1,000 and above and all ancient Western Asiatic lots are searched against the Art Loss Register database.
Auction – a sale event whether taking place live in real-time or of extended duration (Timed Auction).
Bid – a sum offered by a Bidder to purchase the Lot.
Bidder – the person offering a Bid.
Buyer – the person who the Lot is knocked down to.
Buyer’s Premium – the percentage of the Hammer Price payable in addition by the Buyer.
Date of Sale – the date on which the Auctioneer knocks down the Lot.
Group – any Lot comprising more than one item.
Hammer Price – the amount of the winning bid when knocked down by the auctioneer to a Bidder.
Knock(ed/ing) Down – the act of the Auctioneer in bringing the Hammer down to complete the contract for the sale of the Lot to the Buyer submitting the highest bid.
Lot – the goods for sale.
Net Proceeds – the Hammer Price less the Selling Commission and any charges or expenses levied at TimeLine’s discretion.
Purchase Price – the total sum due for any Lot, including the Hammer Price, the Buyer’s Premium, any internet bidding fees, any shipping charges, taxes, duties or any other costs payable to TimeLine.
Reserve Price – the minimum Hammer Price at which a Lot may be knocked down.
Seller – the person offering the Lot for sale.
Title – legal rights of ownership of the Lot.
2. Application: the singular includes the plural and vice versa and any reference to ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘it’ applies to all of them.
3. Dimensions and weights: all dimensions and weights are approximate and are for general guidance only; a single dimension given is normally the greatest dimension for the piece(s).
4. Condition: items are briefly described with respect to condition using various phrases to signify the overall and general condition. It should be noted that items having significant age, sometimes being very ancient, often show minor blemishes and defects and these are considered to be normal and would not be individually described. Phrases used include:
Restored - may be repaired or otherwise reinstated; possibly with some areas replaced;
Fair Condition - may be fragmentary or obviously damaged;
Fine Condition - usually essentially complete but may have minor damage or show restoration or repair;
Very Fine Condition - usually complete and in good condition; may have some minor damage, restoration or repair; and
Extremely Fine Condition - complete and better than average condition, without significant repair or restoration.
5. Dating: dates may be given in several forms, as examples below:
527 AD - an item that bears a date upon it or that can otherwise be dated with precision;
6th century AD - an item that can be dated with considerable confidence to a specific period;
Circa 6th century AD - an item that can be approximately dated by comparison with other pieces;
Probably 6th century AD - an item that is likely to be of this period in the light of similar pieces;
Possibly 6th century AD - an item that might be of this period by comparison with items of a broadly similar character; and
Undated - no date is known or suggested for the piece.
6. Attributions: works of art attributions may be given in several forms, as examples below:
Signed – a work bearing the signature of the named artist;
Attributed to – a work of the period of the artist which may be in whole or in part the work of the artist named;
Circle of – a work of the period of the artist and showing his influence;
Follower of – a contemporary or nearly so work executed in the style of the artist;
Manner of – a work executed in the style of the artist but of a later date; and
After – a copy of any date of a work of the artist.
7. Other Descriptive Matters: some other words or phrases are used descriptively, as examples below:
Style - an item made in the style of an earlier age but thought to be probably of later date.
Archaistic - an item made in the style of a much earlier age;
Grand Tour - an item usually of some age but in the style of an earlier age;
After the Antique - an item made as a reproduction, usually of quite modern date; and
Faux - used descriptively when the material used is probably imitative in character.
8. Lots including Archaeological or Cultural Property: a UK export licence from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, is required for all Lots originating from UK soil or territory leaving the UK and for such Lots of non-UK origin when leaving the EU. TimeLine will make applications for the necessary Cultural Property Export Licence as a ‘free of charge’ service to Buyers. Clients are advised to check concerning any Regulations applicable in their country of residence regarding importation and to enquire prior to bidding. The deferment of any Export Licence shall not be reason to cancel any bid nor to delay payment.
9. Lots including materials from Endangered Species: a CITES licence will be required for the export from the UK of any item(s) made of or containing materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell, rhinoceros horn, whalebone, etc. Clients are advised to check concerning any Regulations applicable in their country of residence regarding importation.
10. Copyright: all cataloguing text, images and other material published by TimeLine whether physically or electronically is the property of TimeLine and may not be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or otherwise transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of TimeLine.
11. Basis of Contract: these terms and conditions apply to the exclusion of any other terms that the Seller or Buyer seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing.
(a) In consideration for TimeLine's accepting goods for sale, and the Seller agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.
(b) In consideration for TimeLine's accepting a Buyer’s bid at the Auction, the Buyer agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.
(c) As auctioneer, TimeLine acts solely for, and in the interest of, the Seller. TimeLine does not act for or give advice to Buyers.
