An auction. I find that a dealer is much more likely to slight something than an auction house that has many experts backing them up with an international reputation.

Definately from a dealer. You have relationships with dealers who can guide and instruct you on the best things to buy and help you to develop a worthwhile collection.

Having worked for both an auction house and LAPADA The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers, I know that there are good reasons for buying from both.

However, the general public should really feel more comfortable buying an antique from a dealer, especially one who is a member of a recognised trade association with a Code of Practice.

The main reasons are that buying from a dealer is a much more relaxed and personal transaction and you have a greater come-back in law should anything be found to be amiss. It is also a much more transparent and simple process. You agree a price and that is that. The dealer will help arrange to get the piece to where you want it to go, tell you whether it has undergone any restoration, give you advice on its care and may even offer to buy it back if you change your mind.

On the other hand, once an auction is underway, you have to decide instantly whether to bid and how high to go. You simultaneously have to take into account that the price you are bidding is not what you will have to pay which may be as much as 25% more as a buyer’s premium, plus VAT on the 25%. When you have bought your piece, it is up to you to collect it and get it home and you can never return it if you change your mind.

from a reputable auction house. Dealers have to get their cut and you can’t find good deals with them

In XVIIIc. Daniel Defoe explained everything: the truth lies in the middle.
Although I’m a Russian art dealer, I buy everywhere, always taking into consideration that the more experienced the seller is, the higher is the price!!
There are usually no fools at auction houses, but still sometimes the staff does not now what they are selling, so one can buy cheap even at the auction.
If you are not a professional, consult the dealer what to buy at the auction.
If you are buying from the dealer, ask another dealer about the sellers’ reputation.
No auction house will give you the wide range of the information, you need.
I understand, that after my letter there have arrived new questions.
Don’t hesitate to write to me.

Sincerely yours
Serge M Senin.