Antiques at auction in Germany

Provenance and catalogue details

Read the Provenienz stated by the seller and cross-check it against the lot description. Mentions of signiert, Schätzpreis, Limit or Ausruf and Zustandsbericht structure the listing. An art auction house catalogue remains declaratory: the absence of detail on a restoration, a missing part or a Gebrauchsspuren changes the value. Ask for additional photos, the back of a painting, the hallmarks of a piece of jewellery or the marks on a piece of furniture. Check whether the lot is subject to the droit de suite (Folgerecht) and whether an export licence is required for delivery outside the EU. On Justiz-Auktion, seized jewellery and objects also appear: the listing there is shorter, so ask your questions before the auction ends.

Checkpoints before bidding

At German art auction houses, buyer's premium often ranges from 25 to 33%, with VAT depending on the scheme, margin or VAT added. At liquidators and industrial platforms, expect rather 15 to 20%. Zoll-Auktion and Justiz-Auktion do not charge a buyer's premium. Add up the price, the Aufgeld, VAT, transport and any restoration. Check the VAT scheme for each lot, especially at VEBEG. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. An auction generally offers neither guarantee nor right of withdrawal: read the seller's terms.

Collection, delivery and Nachverkauf

Many lots are collection only (nur Abholung), especially furniture, large paintings and fragile items. Other sellers ship within Germany or the EU: ask about cost and packaging before bidding. Between Germany and another EU country, no customs duty applies. Only delivery outside the EU, to Switzerland, the UK or Norway, incurs import duties and VAT. If a lot remains unsold, the Nachverkauf sometimes allows you to acquire it after the auction, often at the starting price. Written purchase orders are accepted by many auction houses. Bidorado's Radar highlights scattered and little-known sales outside Germany.