Frequently asked questions
BRETAGNE ENCHERES
Bretagne Enchères is an auction house specialized in fine art and collectibles. We hold nearly 40 auctions per year across nearly 20 different specialties:
Jewelry – Watches – Furniture & Works of Art – Old Master Paintings – Modern Paintings – Asian Art – Tribal & Oceanic Art – Breton Art – Numismatics – Design, Contemporary Art & Urban Art – Rare & Antiquarian Books – Comics & Postcards – Historical Memorabilia – Wine & Spirits – Musical Instruments – Leather Goods – Perfume Bottles
We invite you to check our "Our Specialties" section to learn more.
To find out about upcoming auctions, please visit our Calendar page.
Finally, to browse our auction catalogs and discover all the items coming up for sale, visit the Upcoming Sales page.
If you wish to participate in one of our auctions, visit our How to Buy page for all the ways to acquire a lot at Bretagne Enchères.
Auctions are open to everyone, free of charge, and require no registration!
Jewelry – Watches – Furniture & Works of Art – Old Master Paintings – Modern Paintings – Asian Art – Tribal & Oceanic Art – Breton Art – Numismatics – Design, Contemporary Art & Urban Art – Rare & Antiquarian Books – Comics & Postcards – Historical Memorabilia – Wine & Spirits – Musical Instruments – Leather Goods – Perfume Bottles
We invite you to check our "Our Specialties" section to learn more.
To find out about upcoming auctions, please visit our Calendar page.
Finally, to browse our auction catalogs and discover all the items coming up for sale, visit the Upcoming Sales page.
If you wish to participate in one of our auctions, visit our How to Buy page for all the ways to acquire a lot at Bretagne Enchères.
Auctions are open to everyone, free of charge, and require no registration!
Opening hours:
Rennes:
Our office is open:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday early closing at 5:00 PM
Phone support is available:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Montgermont:
Our gallery is open by appointment.
Rennes:
Our office is open:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday early closing at 5:00 PM
Phone support is available:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Montgermont:
Our gallery is open by appointment.
Our pre-sale exhibition is generally open:
Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Special Sunday openings: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
These hours are subject to change depending on the auctions; please check our website before each sale to confirm exhibition times.
In Montgermont:
Our pre-sale exhibition is generally open the day before the auction.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Special Sunday openings: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
These hours are subject to change depending on the auctions; please check our website before each sale to confirm exhibition times.
In Montgermont:
Our pre-sale exhibition is generally open the day before the auction.
We create a virtual tour of our exhibition for each cataloged sale.
It allows you to discover the sale lots staged in the auction room from the comfort of your home, as if you were there.
The virtual tour is accessible via a simple link shared on our social media channels: as a post on Facebook and LinkedIn, a link in our Instagram bio, and in our newsletter.
It is also available on the specific sale page on this website!
It allows you to discover the sale lots staged in the auction room from the comfort of your home, as if you were there.
The virtual tour is accessible via a simple link shared on our social media channels: as a post on Facebook and LinkedIn, a link in our Instagram bio, and in our newsletter.
It is also available on the specific sale page on this website!
GET AN ESTIMATE
We offer several ways to have your property appraised:
- Online estimation
- Appraisal of precious items by appointment
- Home inventory
- Free valuation days
To find out more, visit the Valuation/Appraisal section.
- Online estimation
- Appraisal of precious items by appointment
- Home inventory
- Free valuation days
To find out more, visit the Valuation/Appraisal section.
Please send your photos to art@bretagne-encheres.com
Or via the form on our website on the Online Estimation page.
Or via the form on our website on the Online Estimation page.
An estimate gives the approximate value of items at a public auction. An item is estimated using a price range (low and high) corresponding to this value.
The estimate is based on:
– Quality of craftsmanship
– Condition of preservation
– Artist/Maker
– Age
– Materials
– Market trends
The auctioneer and expert's work involves conducting thorough research on your assets to provide you with the fairest possible estimate.
The estimate is based on:
– Quality of craftsmanship
– Condition of preservation
– Artist/Maker
– Age
– Materials
– Market trends
The auctioneer and expert's work involves conducting thorough research on your assets to provide you with the fairest possible estimate.
If you have booked an appraisal appointment for jewelry, coins, or watches, please bring your items with you.
If the items are too bulky, feel free to show us photos for an initial opinion.
If you would like a quick preliminary estimate, please bring photos only of the items to be appraised.
If the items are too bulky, feel free to show us photos for an initial opinion.
If you would like a quick preliminary estimate, please bring photos only of the items to be appraised.
Verbal estimates given for informational purposes are always free and confidential.
This applies to photo estimates or appointment-based appraisals.However, if you require a written legal document following an appraisal appointment, a fee will be charged.
On the other hand, if you wish to carry out a home inventory, we will offer you a package that includes travel, appraisal, and the creation of the inventory file.
Can the auctioneer travel to my home?
Appraisals of your belongings can be carried out directly at your home if the number of items is large and/or your situation requires it.
In this case, the auctioneer or an expert will travel to draw up an inventory of your property. This can include all your belongings or a selected collection across one or multiple residences.
Home visits are fee-based, and the price varies depending on your location and the volume of items to be appraised.
Depending on the purpose, inventories fall into two categories:
1. Voluntary inventory
The inventory request is made on your own initiative:
– For valuation purposes
– For sale purposes
– For estate division
– For insurance value
2. Judicial inventory
– Inheritance inventory
– Inventory in the context of guardianship or enhanced curatorship
Whatever the purpose, the inventory consists of drawing up a list of the furniture in your home, providing a precise description, and giving an estimate.
It is also an opportunity to learn more about your objects or even discover hidden treasures!
Appraisals of jewelry, gemstones, watches, and coins are conducted by appointment with our experts, directly on our premises.
You can contact us by phone to book an appointment at +33 (0)2 99 31 58 00 or directly with Ms. Tiphaine POURET, Head of Specialties, at +33 (0)7 57 41 71 48 / t.pouret@bretagne-encheres.com
I own many objects, paintings, and furniture. How should I proceed to get an estimate?
If you have a large number of items to appraise, we initially suggest sending us general overview photos: overall views of your rooms, grouped item photos, etc.
If the collection holds potential value for public auctions, we can arrange a home visit.
If only certain elements appear interesting, we will ask you for detailed photos of those specific items to carry out the appraisal.
If the collection unfortunately holds no art market value, we will guide you toward solidarity recycling channels (second-hand shops, charities, clearance services).
You can contact us by phone to book an appointment at +33 (0)2 99 31 58 00 or directly with Ms. Tiphaine POURET, Head of Specialties, at +33 (0)7 57 41 71 48 / t.pouret@bretagne-encheres.com
I own many objects, paintings, and furniture. How should I proceed to get an estimate?
If you have a large number of items to appraise, we initially suggest sending us general overview photos: overall views of your rooms, grouped item photos, etc.
If the collection holds potential value for public auctions, we can arrange a home visit.
If only certain elements appear interesting, we will ask you for detailed photos of those specific items to carry out the appraisal.
If the collection unfortunately holds no art market value, we will guide you toward solidarity recycling channels (second-hand shops, charities, clearance services).
Yes, home visits are charged.
The price varies according to the terms and purposes of the visit:
1. If you wish to carry out an inventory of your property:
An auctioneer or expert travels to your home, inventories your goods, and provides you with an inventory report afterward. In this case, we offer a package including travel, appraisal, and file creation. This package varies based on your location, time spent on-site, and the volume of items. The inventory report can serve for insurance and asset sharing. We invite you to send us photos in advance to receive a quote.
If following the inventory you choose to consign your items for sale at Bretagne Enchères, inventory fees may be reduced or waived.
2. If you want a home visit for a quick opinion, known as a "courtesy visit":
An auctioneer or clerk visits your home to give a quick opinion on your items' value. We take photos on-site of interesting objects and contact you afterward with verbal phone estimates. Unlike a full inventory, we do not provide a written legal document. It is an affordable, fast way to learn the history and value of your possessions. If you later decide to sell, we will guide you through the steps.
This service is available in the immediate vicinity of Rennes for a flat rate of €60.
The price varies according to the terms and purposes of the visit:
1. If you wish to carry out an inventory of your property:
An auctioneer or expert travels to your home, inventories your goods, and provides you with an inventory report afterward. In this case, we offer a package including travel, appraisal, and file creation. This package varies based on your location, time spent on-site, and the volume of items. The inventory report can serve for insurance and asset sharing. We invite you to send us photos in advance to receive a quote.
If following the inventory you choose to consign your items for sale at Bretagne Enchères, inventory fees may be reduced or waived.
2. If you want a home visit for a quick opinion, known as a "courtesy visit":
An auctioneer or clerk visits your home to give a quick opinion on your items' value. We take photos on-site of interesting objects and contact you afterward with verbal phone estimates. Unlike a full inventory, we do not provide a written legal document. It is an affordable, fast way to learn the history and value of your possessions. If you later decide to sell, we will guide you through the steps.
This service is available in the immediate vicinity of Rennes for a flat rate of €60.
SELL
Choosing auctions is an effective way to sell your belongings at the fairest price thanks to market expertise and knowledge that you won't find anywhere else.
Often overlooked, public auctions are actually a simple and accessible way to sell your items across a wide variety of fields and price points.
To learn all about valuations, visit the Valuation/Appraisal section.
Once the valuation is done, if you wish to offer your item for sale, we will send you a sales requisition form.
The sales requisition, also called a consignment mandate, is the contract by which a property owner commissions an operator to sell items at public auction. The mandate must be in writing. It includes the seller's contact details, item description, and sale terms: date, location, commission fees, incidental costs, and reserve price if applicable. The sales requisition may be revoked, subject to paying costs incurred by the operator up to the time of the sale.
The sales requisition includes:
– Item description
– Estimate
– Auction date
– Our general terms and conditions of sale
– Seller's commission (around 24% incl. VAT)
– Details of various taxes and fees payable upon sale:
• Seller's fees: Bretagne Enchères commission on the sale proceeds
• Capital gains tax (in certain cases)
• Import taxes for non-EU items (in certain cases)
• Resale right / Droit de suite (in certain cases)
In your requisition, you have the option to set a reserve price, upon the advice and agreement of the auction house. This is the minimum price below which you do not wish your item to be sold. This price cannot be higher than the low estimate provided during the appraisal.
Often overlooked, public auctions are actually a simple and accessible way to sell your items across a wide variety of fields and price points.
To learn all about valuations, visit the Valuation/Appraisal section.
Once the valuation is done, if you wish to offer your item for sale, we will send you a sales requisition form.
The sales requisition, also called a consignment mandate, is the contract by which a property owner commissions an operator to sell items at public auction. The mandate must be in writing. It includes the seller's contact details, item description, and sale terms: date, location, commission fees, incidental costs, and reserve price if applicable. The sales requisition may be revoked, subject to paying costs incurred by the operator up to the time of the sale.
The sales requisition includes:
– Item description
– Estimate
– Auction date
– Our general terms and conditions of sale
– Seller's commission (around 24% incl. VAT)
– Details of various taxes and fees payable upon sale:
• Seller's fees: Bretagne Enchères commission on the sale proceeds
• Capital gains tax (in certain cases)
• Import taxes for non-EU items (in certain cases)
• Resale right / Droit de suite (in certain cases)
In your requisition, you have the option to set a reserve price, upon the advice and agreement of the auction house. This is the minimum price below which you do not wish your item to be sold. This price cannot be higher than the low estimate provided during the appraisal.
It entirely depends on the item you entrust to us for sale.
Indeed, our sales are organized by specialty based on a quarterly calendar. We host between 1 and 4 auctions per year for each specialty.
Thus, the listing timeframe can range from a few weeks to several months. We inform you of the sale date when sending your requisition.
If you are facing an urgent situation with imposed deadlines (probate, guardianship, etc.), we can schedule your items for auction on a priority basis.
What is a reserve price?
In accordance with Article L. 321-11 of the French Commercial Code, "the reserve price is the minimum price agreed upon with the seller below which the item cannot be sold. If the item has been estimated, this price cannot be set higher than the lowest estimate appearing in the advertisement or publicly announced by the person conducting the sale and recorded in the report."
It is not automatic and must be mutually agreed upon between the seller and the Voluntary Sales Operator.
The latter is also subject to a duty of advice, encouraging them to recommend a reserve price for valuable items to rule out the risk of selling them cheaply.
Source: Council of Auction Houses
To learn all about putting items up for auction, visit How to Sell.
Indeed, our sales are organized by specialty based on a quarterly calendar. We host between 1 and 4 auctions per year for each specialty.
Thus, the listing timeframe can range from a few weeks to several months. We inform you of the sale date when sending your requisition.
If you are facing an urgent situation with imposed deadlines (probate, guardianship, etc.), we can schedule your items for auction on a priority basis.
What is a reserve price?
In accordance with Article L. 321-11 of the French Commercial Code, "the reserve price is the minimum price agreed upon with the seller below which the item cannot be sold. If the item has been estimated, this price cannot be set higher than the lowest estimate appearing in the advertisement or publicly announced by the person conducting the sale and recorded in the report."
It is not automatic and must be mutually agreed upon between the seller and the Voluntary Sales Operator.
The latter is also subject to a duty of advice, encouraging them to recommend a reserve price for valuable items to rule out the risk of selling them cheaply.
Source: Council of Auction Houses
To learn all about putting items up for auction, visit How to Sell.
Except for specific exceptions, selling fees are 25% including VAT in addition to the hammer price.
For certain prestigious sales, our fees may be 24% or 25% including VAT.
In the case of a court-ordered sale, legal fees are 14.28% including VAT.
Our fees are systematically listed in the catalog, on our website, and announced at the beginning of the sale by the auctioneer.
For certain prestigious sales, our fees may be 24% or 25% including VAT.
In the case of a court-ordered sale, legal fees are 14.28% including VAT.
Our fees are systematically listed in the catalog, on our website, and announced at the beginning of the sale by the auctioneer.
If your item finds no buyer, it is "passed" or withdrawn from the sale.
We then offer you options:
– Collect your item (by scheduled appointment)
– Re-offer it in another auction at a lower estimate.
If your item is presented at auction multiple times without finding a buyer, we will ask you to come retrieve it.
We then offer you options:
– Collect your item (by scheduled appointment)
– Re-offer it in another auction at a lower estimate.
If your item is presented at auction multiple times without finding a buyer, we will ask you to come retrieve it.
BUY
All lots scheduled for an auction appear in the sales catalog.
Catalogs can be accessed:
– Directly from our website, on the "Upcoming Sales" page
– From the Interenchères platform, either by searching for "Bretagne Enchères" or by clicking the link on the sale page of our website.
– From the Drouot Digital platform, either by searching for "Bretagne Enchères" or by clicking the link on the sale page of our website.
Catalogs can be accessed:
– Directly from our website, on the "Upcoming Sales" page
– From the Interenchères platform, either by searching for "Bretagne Enchères" or by clicking the link on the sale page of our website.
– From the Drouot Digital platform, either by searching for "Bretagne Enchères" or by clicking the link on the sale page of our website.
If you cannot attend the auction, you can bid remotely:
– By absentee bid (firm limit order): we bid on your behalf incrementally up to a maximum amount you have set.
– By telephone bid: we call you live during the sale to take your bids over the phone.
– Live or via secret absentee bid via the Interenchères platform (firm absentee bid or live bidding).
– Live or via secret absentee bid via the Drouot Digital platform (firm absentee bid or live).
Visit our "Services" section and the How to Buy page for all remote purchasing terms.
– By absentee bid (firm limit order): we bid on your behalf incrementally up to a maximum amount you have set.
– By telephone bid: we call you live during the sale to take your bids over the phone.
– Live or via secret absentee bid via the Interenchères platform (firm absentee bid or live bidding).
– Live or via secret absentee bid via the Drouot Digital platform (firm absentee bid or live).
Visit our "Services" section and the How to Buy page for all remote purchasing terms.
It is a purchase order specifying a maximum amount up to which you wish to bid.
You authorize the auctioneer to bid on your behalf at the best possible price during the sale.
You authorize the auctioneer to bid on your behalf at the best possible price during the sale.
The auctioneer places bids for you during the sale, respecting the maximum amount you set.
You win the lot if you are the highest bidder, even if your maximum amount is not fully reached.
How to submit a firm absentee bid?
You have 3 ways to place a firm absentee bid:
1. Fill out and submit the form available on our website on the page of the lot that interests you.
2. Send a request by email to art@bretagne-encheres.com.
3. Fill out the paper form available during the pre-sale exhibition.
To process all requests, we close absentee bid submissions three hours before the auction starts.
For us to process your purchase request, please send us copies of two pieces of identification (ID card, passport, driver's license) along with a bank details slip (RIB).
You win the lot if you are the highest bidder, even if your maximum amount is not fully reached.
How to submit a firm absentee bid?
You have 3 ways to place a firm absentee bid:
1. Fill out and submit the form available on our website on the page of the lot that interests you.
2. Send a request by email to art@bretagne-encheres.com.
3. Fill out the paper form available during the pre-sale exhibition.
To process all requests, we close absentee bid submissions three hours before the auction starts.
For us to process your purchase request, please send us copies of two pieces of identification (ID card, passport, driver's license) along with a bank details slip (RIB).
It is a written agreement in which you request to be called during the auction by a staff member of Bretagne Enchères, who will place your bids live with the auctioneer during the sale.
You have 3 ways to arrange a telephone bid:
1. Fill out and submit the form available on our website on the page of the lot that interests you.
2. Send a request by email to art@bretagne-encheres.com.
3. Fill out the paper form available during the pre-sale exhibition.
To process all requests, we close bid submissions three hours before the auction starts.
For us to register your purchase request, please send us copies of:
– Two pieces of identification (ID card, passport, driver's license)
– A bank details slip (RIB)
1. Fill out and submit the form available on our website on the page of the lot that interests you.
2. Send a request by email to art@bretagne-encheres.com.
3. Fill out the paper form available during the pre-sale exhibition.
To process all requests, we close bid submissions three hours before the auction starts.
For us to register your purchase request, please send us copies of:
– Two pieces of identification (ID card, passport, driver's license)
– A bank details slip (RIB)
A secret absentee bid allows you to participate in the sale without being logged in live during the auction, and without the maximum amount you wish to set being visible to the auction house. That is why it is called "secret".
To place an absentee bid, you must go to the sale page on Interenchères, select the lot you are interested in, and click "place a bid".
You then enter the maximum amount up to which you wish to bid. You will then need to validate your information to confirm your order.
You will be notified by email if you win the lot at the end of the sale.
To place an absentee bid, you must go to the sale page on Interenchères, select the lot you are interested in, and click "place a bid".
You then enter the maximum amount up to which you wish to bid. You will then need to validate your information to confirm your order.
You will be notified by email if you win the lot at the end of the sale.
* To bid in a Live sale on the Drouot Digital platform, you must first have a Drouot.com account.
Create an account:
- In the "My Account" area, click "Create an account".
- Fill in the required information.
- Accept the general terms of use and validate your registration.
- You will then receive a validation email (pensez à vérifier vos courriers indésirables).
- Click the confirmation link.
It must then be registered for the sale. The registration deadline for sales can vary (sometimes with no limit, sometimes restricted to a few hours before).
Log in on the day of the sale and click "Bid Live". You will arrive at the Live Player, where you will see the room video feed and the progress of the bidding.
Before a lot comes up, the starting price info is announced.
Click on the proposed amount to bid (bidding increments are determined by the auctioneer).
If you are the highest bidder, you are immediately notified by the platform.
* Source: FAQ drouot.com
Bretagne Enchères will email your buyer's invoice the day after the sale.
Create an account:
- In the "My Account" area, click "Create an account".
- Fill in the required information.
- Accept the general terms of use and validate your registration.
- You will then receive a validation email (pensez à vérifier vos courriers indésirables).
- Click the confirmation link.
It must then be registered for the sale. The registration deadline for sales can vary (sometimes with no limit, sometimes restricted to a few hours before).
Log in on the day of the sale and click "Bid Live". You will arrive at the Live Player, where you will see the room video feed and the progress of the bidding.
Before a lot comes up, the starting price info is announced.
Click on the proposed amount to bid (bidding increments are determined by the auctioneer).
If you are the highest bidder, you are immediately notified by the platform.
* Source: FAQ drouot.com
Bretagne Enchères will email your buyer's invoice the day after the sale.
* An absentee bid is a mandate given to the auctioneer indicating the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the lot.
Before the sale, the auctioneer reviews your absentee bid. During the auction, they will bid for you as if you were present in the room.
You must have a complete Drouot.com account to place an absentee bid. You can place absentee bids for all room auctions whose catalogs are on Drouot.com, whether or not they are broadcast live. You can place your absentee bid up to 4 hours before the sale.
To place an absentee bid:
- Click "Leave a bid" on the lot that interests you.
- Enter the maximum amount excluding fees you are ready to pay for this lot in the dedicated field.
- Click "Confirm": the absentee bid is stored in your cart.
- In your cart, accept the general terms and click "Validate".
Find all your absentee bids in your client dashboard.
During the sale, the auctioneer will bid for you. If you are the highest bidder, the auction house will contact you to arrange payment and collection or delivery.
* Source: FAQ drouot.com
Before the sale, the auctioneer reviews your absentee bid. During the auction, they will bid for you as if you were present in the room.
You must have a complete Drouot.com account to place an absentee bid. You can place absentee bids for all room auctions whose catalogs are on Drouot.com, whether or not they are broadcast live. You can place your absentee bid up to 4 hours before the sale.
To place an absentee bid:
- Click "Leave a bid" on the lot that interests you.
- Enter the maximum amount excluding fees you are ready to pay for this lot in the dedicated field.
- Click "Confirm": the absentee bid is stored in your cart.
- In your cart, accept the general terms and click "Validate".
Find all your absentee bids in your client dashboard.
During the sale, the auctioneer will bid for you. If you are the highest bidder, the auction house will contact you to arrange payment and collection or delivery.
* Source: FAQ drouot.com
On the Drouot platform, a secret absentee bid is called an "Automatic Bid".
* An automatic bid is the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the lot. It is not disclosed to the auctioneer.
The system will bid for you progressively as the auction unfolds as if you were in the room. This gives you the guarantee of buying at the fairest price if you win the auction. Under no circumstances will the amount you entered be exceeded.
You must have a complete Drouot.com account to set an automatic bid.
You can modify your automatic bid amount up to 3 lots before it comes up for auction.
Example: your automatic bid is for lot #10, you can modify it before lot #7 goes on the block.
To place an automatic bid:
Click "Place a bid".
* An automatic bid is the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the lot. It is not disclosed to the auctioneer.
The system will bid for you progressively as the auction unfolds as if you were in the room. This gives you the guarantee of buying at the fairest price if you win the auction. Under no circumstances will the amount you entered be exceeded.
You must have a complete Drouot.com account to set an automatic bid.
You can modify your automatic bid amount up to 3 lots before it comes up for auction.
Example: your automatic bid is for lot #10, you can modify it before lot #7 goes on the block.
To place an automatic bid:
Click "Place a bid".