Tips for buying at auction

Go to auctions regularly and try and attend saleroom previews which usually take place a few days before the sale. This will give you more time to examine pieces properly.

Each item in the catalogue shows the price the auction house valuer expects the object to sell for. Estimates should only ever be taken as a rough guide - they are never a guarantee of the final sale price.

Check the auctioneer's commission.

Set yourself a bidding limit. Choose a top price and stick with it.

Pay particular attention to the condition of the piece and take into account the potential cost of restoration

If you can't get to the sale you can usually leave a bid with the commissions clerk, who will bid on your behalf.

If the bidding is rising rapidly, the auctioneer will usually only take bids from two people at a time. When one drops out he will look around the room for someone else to join in. If you are still within your limit make yourself known!