Buying instruments at auction

Below you can see a step-by-step guide to buying fine musical instruments at auction.  If you have any queries about any of the buying procedures please contact Brompton's and one of our specialists will be happy to help.

1. View and play instruments

Either come to one of the public viewing days and spend as much time as you require playing the instruments on offer, or arrange a private viewing in our department. Private viewings can usually be arranged some weeks before the sale.  When available, buyers are able to try instruments in the Farraday audtorium.

 

2. Register with Brompton's

Register with our clerks 20 minutes or so before the auction starts. You will be given a ‘paddle’ with your number on it. This is the means by which the auctioneer will identify you if you are the successful bidder.

 

3. Bid at the auction

Once in the auction, the auctioneer will work through the catalogue, giving the lot number and a short description of the instrument. Raise your hand when your lot comes up and the auctioneer will acknowledge your bid.

 

4. Pay and receive your instrument

Once you have successfully bought an instrument in one of our sales, you can pay at the cashiers desk, we accept all major credit cards. Once payment has been made the instrument can be collected.  We require full payment within ten days of the sale date.