First State Auctions

When was your business founded?

First State Auctions was established in 1995 and has more than 30 years of experience in luxury auctions.

What guarantees or warranties do you offer, if any?

We guarantee the authenticity of our auction items. Items are professionally assessed and authenticated by our specialist team. Our terms also warrant that items have good title and match their catalogue description, subject to our Terms & Conditions.

What is your level of experience in this line of work?

We have over 30 years of experience in luxury auctions. Our team includes qualified gemmologists, horologists and luxury authentication specialists with more than 100 years of combined experience.

What certifications, qualifications or awards has your business received?

Our specialist team includes qualified gemmologists, horologists and maison verification experts. We also operate an in-house authentication laboratory using specialist technology and instrumentation.

What is your fee structure like? Fixed fees? Hourly rates?

Auction buyers pay the successful bid price plus a 20% buyer's premium and any applicable charges. For sellers, commission and lotting fees are quoted based on the item or collection being consigned.

What are your current prices (fixed and variable)?

Prices vary depending on each auction lot and the successful bid. A 20% buyer's premium currently applies to successful purchases. Seller fees are quoted individually based on the item or collection.

Are you a member of any professional / industry associations?

No specific industry association memberships are currently listed publicly. Our team includes qualified specialists in gemmology, horology and luxury authentication.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

Helping buyers discover exceptional luxury pieces while helping sellers achieve strong results through a trusted and professionally managed auction process.

What are your payment terms and conditions? Do you offer payment plans? Afterpay? Interest-free terms?

Payment is generally required immediately after an auction. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, bank deposit and bank transfer. Approved arrangements may allow a 20% deposit with the remaining 80% paid within two business days.

What makes you unique compared to your competitors?

We combine more than 30 years of auction experience with an in-house authentication laboratory and qualified gemmologists, horologists and maison verification experts. Every item is carefully assessed before being offered for auction.

What insurance do you hold, and what value are you covered for?

Please contact First State Auctions directly for information regarding current insurance arrangements and coverage.

How quickly can work be completed? What are your turnaround times? Do you offer same-day service?

We conduct regular weekly online auctions. Timing for selling an item depends on assessment, authentication, cataloguing and the most appropriate upcoming auction. Contact our team for an estimated timeframe.

Do you have a favourite client story you'd like to share?

We enjoy helping private sellers, collectors and estates connect their luxury pieces with interested buyers. One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing an item find the right buyer while achieving a strong result for the seller.

Do you have any special offers? Do you offer any bulk or volume discounts?

Auction prices vary depending on bidding and the individual item. Sellers with collections or multiple suitable items are encouraged to contact us for a tailored assessment and fee quotation.