Consigning with Skinner

One of the Nation’s Leading Auction Houses

Skinner, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, and the pre-eminent auction house in New England. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner offers a broad range of auction and appraisal services. Our breadth and depth of knowledge and experience makes us a valuable resource for families and individuals looking to downsize a home, liquidate an estate, or consolidate a collection.

We’ve helped thousands of people all over New England and across the nation realize the full value of their tangible property. Our flexible, hands-on approach enables us to accept single items, major collections, or entire households – a factor that sets us far apart from most other national auction houses.

A Trusted Name in Art & Antiques

For over 40 years, Skinner has been widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. The company has built an international reputation for quality, integrity, honesty, and professionalism – qualities that are increasingly important in today’s highly competitive art and antiques marketplace.

Skinner Auctions

Skinner hosts over 60 auctions and events a year in its Boston and Bolton, Massachusetts galleries, and we attract the interest of buyers from around the world. We auction and appraise all manner of art, antiques and estate goods including furniture, paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, silver, rugs, glass, ceramics, pottery, porcelain, books, manuscripts, textiles, couture, musical instruments, scientific artifacts, Judaica, militaria, toys, dolls, and collectibles.

The Consignment Process

If you’re considering selling property from a home or estate, or are interested in appraising a collection, Skinner’s staff is eager to assist you. Our antique experts, appraisal services staff, and auction coordinators will work to address your individual needs and achieve the maximum value for your tangible property.

The first step to consigning with Skinner is to contact the Appraisal Services department in Skinner’s Bolton Gallery. Our appraisal services staff will fully explain the consignment process. They may also ask you to send photos of your items or to schedule an appointment with a Skinner appraiser.

Upon viewing your property, the appraiser will evaluate it for auction marketability and provide an auction estimate for each item. An auction estimate is a range in price that an appraiser believes your property will sell for at auction. Skinner provides auction estimates free of charge and at no obligation. Once you have reviewed the auction estimates, you can then decide what to consign for auction. Consignments are generally needed at least three months in advance of an auction.

Commission Rates & Fees

Our standard commission rate is 10% for items selling for $7,500 or more; 15% for items selling between $2,000, and $7,500; and 20% for items selling for less then $2,000, with a minimum commission rate of $30 per lot. For items of exceptional quality, commission rates and other fees may be negotiable. Skinner maintains insurance on all property in our possession. Insurance is charged at a rate of 1% of the final bid once each lot is sold. Additional costs may include photography, storage, handling, and transportation.

Contact Skinner

If you have questions regarding consigning property for auction, or you would like to schedule an appointment to obtain auction estimates, please contact:

Skinner Appraisal Services Department
357 Main Street
Bolton, MA 01740
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 978.779.6241
Email: appraisals@skinnerinc.com

Skinner Gallery Locations
Skinner, Inc.
63 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617.350.5400

Skinner, Inc.
357 Main Street
Bolton, MA 01740
Phone: 978.779.6241

View auctions online at www.skinnerinc.com