How a Witherell auction works.
Witherell has been connecting collectors with one-of-a-kind objects since 1969. Browse our auction archive online — or come see us in person. If you have additional questions, our staff can provide more photographs, answer questions, and provide documentation when available.
Our Auction Process
We hold catalogued Luxury Asset Auctions as live + online sales, with simultaneous in-room, online, phone, and absentee bidding. Other timed sales run online-only. The basic rhythm is the same regardless of format: register, bid, win, settle — then arrange pickup or shipping.
Ways to Bid
Online Bidding
Online bidding is the most convenient way to participate. Sign in or create an account to get started — we'll have you registered to bid in just a few minutes. Cataloged Luxury Asset Auctions run live + online; smaller timed sales run online-only.
In-Person Bidding
Sometimes you just have to see it in person. Our live auctions are typically held at our gallery (300 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811), where parking is free. Our doors open one hour before the auction starts and registration continues during the sale. Once registered, a Witherell staff member will provide you with a paddle and a bidder number.
Phone Bidding
Witherell accepts phone bid requests up to the day before an auction. Please request a phone bid as early as possible. On auction day, a Witherell staff member will call you a few minutes before your lot comes up. The staff member will bid for you as if you were at the auction yourself.
Absentee Bidding
You can leave absentee bids in advance — we'll execute the bid on your behalf, up to your maximum, in the room. Sign in or create an account to leave an absentee bid online once BidSquare goes live. In the meantime, call us at 916.446.6490 or email info@witherell.com to place an absentee bid.
What Happens Once You Win
Congratulations — all collectors know the rush that comes with an item well-won. Here's what to expect next.
Payment
- Once the auction closes, you'll receive an invoice by email at the address provided on your account.
- Forms of payment we accept: check, cash, money order, or wire transfer (fees may apply). Credit card is permitted with prior approval — see our Conditions of Sale for full details.
- All purchases are available for pickup at our Sacramento facility.
Shipping & Pick-Up
- We ship most items through our partner packshippros.com.
- Multiple lots can be combined for shipping depending on weight, size, and safety.
- If we determine items won't travel safely together, we'll package and ship them in separate boxes.
- For larger items and international shipments, you'll need to arrange your own carrier. Contact us for a list of preferred shipping companies.
Insurance
- Insurance is charged on all shipments at 1.5% of aggregate purchase price (included on your invoice with your bid).
- We make every effort to avoid shipping damage claims.
- For damage in transit resulting in total loss, insurance covers the refund of your winning bid amount, buyer's premium, and any sales tax — but not your shipping and insurance costs.
- If you carry your own insurance, please email info@witherell.com immediately after bidding closes.
For the full set of bidding rules — buyer's premium, sales tax, rescission rights, dispute resolution, and warranty terms — please read our Conditions of Sale.
Competitive rates
for high-value lots.
If you have an heirloom firearm, a Greg Kondos painting, a generations-deep coin collection, or a single watch worth its own appraisal — we'd like to hear from you. Most appraisals begin with a few photographs and a short conversation.
Begin a Consignment