Selling Chinese-Asian Art Collections | New England

Selling Chinese-Asian Art Collections, Single or Multiple Items?

Selling Chinese-Asian art collections requires several key ingredients.  Not the least of which is knowing what exactly is being sold and what the market values are. The next big question is where and how? After all,Buyers Chinese porceIain art not all dealers and auctioneers are equal, or even close to it.

During the last 35 years the market for Chinese and Asian art, has changed enormously. Prices for finely carved antique jades have skyrocketed in value, as have fine "Chinese taste" porcelains, bronzes and paintings. However, prices for more typical examples of Chinese Export or "China Trade" items have risen more modestly. Regardless, the markets for both categories are enjoying seemingly an unending interest among collectors around the world.

To optimally take advantage of these higher prices in this resilient market does require significant expertise when it comes to accessing it successfully. This is where we can help, we know the market and have been closely involved in it for decades on a daily basis.

What we can do for you:

  • We buy single items or entire collections.
  • We can tell you the CURRENT market value(s) of your item(s).
  • Explain the possible venues available for the sale of your property and how we can accomplish this for you. 
    • Auctions, the positives, and negatives. Fees, timing and where.
    • Direct sale(s) to established dealers and in what country.
    • Direct sale(s) to collectors.
    • Direct sale(s) to museums or other institutions.
    • Donation(s) to tax deductable institutions. 
    • Aide and advise a negotiated sale(s) to family members or friends. 
  • ALL of the above may also be the best option. 

Commissions On The Sale Of Property

  • under $10,000 35%
  • $10,001 to $30,000 30%
  • $30,000 and up 25%
  • Items over $200,000 rates are negociable.

We also think the entire experience for our customers should be an enjoyable one and most importantly stress-free and as simple as possible.

If you're faced with handling the sale of a collection or perhaps just one piece, speak with us about it. We REALLY know the market and our fees are highly competitive.  If you just want to sell something, let us know we welcome all inquiries.

Thank you, Peter L. Combs,

Gloucester, MA

Are You Thinking Of Selling Something? To a Dealer or through an Auction?

If you have an item(s) you want to sell, you have a couple options. You can get a presale estimate from an auction house and then consign it.  You can sell it directly yourself to a dealer like us for instant payment. We would urge you to check both options!

Yes, do both, call an Auctioneer and Call Us.

  • Call An Auctioneer, make an appointment and see what they anticipate your object(s) will bring.  Be sure to ask for the "High and Low" estimate(s) at auction. Also about "Reserves" the minimum price you are willing to accept at auction. Also, ask how long will it be before the item is sold and how quickly they pay you afterward. (typically 35 to 45 days post auction if the buyer pays on time.)
  • UNDERSTANDING AUCTION MATH. Ask the Auctioneer what they charge both you i.e. "Seller Comission" and the winning bidder i.e. "Buyer's Comission" (aka Buyer's Premium). Seller Comissions average 10% to 25%. Winning bidders pay a Comission to the Auctioneer based on the Selling or "Hammer Price", it usually ranges from 18% to 25%.   This is important to know as most buyer's set a MAXIMUM bid including the Buyer's Premium, which dictates how high in TOTAL they are willing to go. The entire "Buyer's Comision" goes to the Auction House.

    Example: if an object sells for $1,000. The Bidder pays $1,000 plus 25% = $1,250.  The seller gets $1,000 minus 20% = $800. Auction house makes $400 from your $800.

  • The Dealer, Call Us.  We'll examine your item(s) at no obligation, we can make you an offer on the spot.  You get paid for the full amount immediately.

Selling Chinese-Asian Art Collections

plcombs Asian Art

185 Main St., Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
1 978 283 5763