L’Autographe Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 114997809) with its registered office at 13 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HN (“L’Autographe Auctions”, “L’Autographe”, “we”, “us”), conducts business with Bidders, Buyers, and Sellers under the following Terms & Conditions. Participation in any auction constitutes acceptance of these terms.
We act solely as agent for the Seller. A contract of sale is formed directly between Buyer and Seller on the fall of the hammer.
### 1 Interpretation
Term
Meaning
Auctioneers
L’Autographe Ltd
Catalogue
The printed/online sale listing, any addenda, and related advertising
Conditions
These Terms & Conditions of Sale
Hammer Price
The price at which the lot is knocked down to the Buyer
Purchaser / Buyer
The highest bidder accepted by the Auctioneer
Seller
The person on whose behalf the lot is offered
VAT
Value Added Tax
### 2 Bidding
The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer is the Purchaser.
Bids may not be withdrawn. We may refuse any bid or withdraw any lot.
Lots may carry a reserve (not exceeding the low estimate). We may bid on behalf of the Seller.
Disputes are resolved at our discretion, including re‑offering the lot.
Written, telephone, and online commission bids are accepted at the bidder’s risk.
Lots are generally not sold below the low estimate.
### 3 Payment
Identification Buyers must provide name, address, and, if requested, proof of identity. A deposit may be required.
Buyer’s Premium The Buyer pays the Hammer Price plus a premium of 25 % (minimum premium £20). VAT at 20 % is added to the premium only for items delivered or collected within the UK. • Lots purchased via Invaluable attract an additional 5 % surcharge (plus VAT for UK buyers). • Lots purchased via Drouot attract an additional 3 % surcharge (plus VAT for UK buyers).
Methods of Payment Bank transfer, banker’s draft, debit or credit card (GBP / USD / EUR). We do not accept PayPal or cryptocurrency payments.
Overseas Payments International buyers must pay by bank transfer or card in the accepted currencies. Buyers are liable for bank fees and exchange‑rate shortfalls.
Release of Goods Lots are released only after full cleared payment.
Import VAT (UK Buyers) UK Buyers must pay import VAT on the Hammer Price at the following rates: 0 % on maps & books, 5 % on autographs, 20 % on prints.
### 4 Risk
Risk passes to the Purchaser on the fall of the hammer.
Lots are sold as‑is. Buyers must satisfy themselves as to condition and authenticity before bidding.
### 5 Liability
Neither Seller nor Auctioneer gives warranties; catalogue statements are opinions.
Our liability (if any) is limited to refunding the Hammer Price plus Buyer’s Premium.
Nothing herein limits liability for fraud or death/personal injury caused by negligence.
### 6 Auctioneer’s Remedies If a Buyer defaults, we may cancel the sale, charge interest, hold or resell the lot, or pursue legal action. Remedies are discretionary.
### 7 Delivery & Storage Quick & Professional Shipping We offer insured in‑house shipping at discounted rates; a tailored quote will appear on your invoice. Buyers may collect in person or arrange their own courier.
VAT on Postage UK delivery charges are subject to 20 % VAT; shipments outside the UK are VAT‑exempt.
Export Licence Where required, we will apply for an Export Licence on the Buyer’s behalf for a flat £20 per invoice, irrespective of lot count.
Customs Documentation We supply full customs declarations; Buyers are responsible for any import duties/taxes.
Packing & Insurance A packing fee (plus 20 % VAT for UK buyers) and an insurance charge of 2 – 3 % of the parcel value (plus VAT where applicable) will be added to the invoice.
Storage of Uncollected Lots Lots uncollected after the stated deadline may be moved to storage at the Buyer’s expense. If storage charges reach 50 % of the Hammer Price, or after three months, we may resell the lot to recover costs. Any surplus will be remitted; shortfalls remain the Buyer’s liability.
Delivery Timing & Insurance on Request Delivery is arranged during working hours immediately after the sale. Lots in transit are uninsured unless the Buyer requests (and pays for) additional cover.
### 8 Authenticity Guarantee All lots are guaranteed authentic. Claims of forgery must be supported by independent expert evidence and made within 21 days of receipt.
### 9 KYC / KYB New or inactive bidders must register at least 72 hours before the auction and provide photo ID (plus corporate documents where applicable).