«In reality it’s probably the most transparent way to handle a purchase», says the head of Bonhams’ Zurich office. The London house, with branches worldwide, has existed since 1793 — that alone vouches for its trustworthiness. And yet the Swiss are cautious about auctions, even though they are not unfamiliar here: bulls, cattle and cows have long been sold this way. You won’t find cows at Bonhams, but a vast range of objects — from classic cars to watches, jewellery, fine wines and whisky, to art from every era.
The budget spectrum is broad too: it starts at bids of around 200 francs and runs into the millions for exclusive pieces. The reserve is always set, and the recommended top price is given by experts — what bidders are actually willing to offer is another matter, and goes under the term «sentimental value». «Objects that are a piece of history and have a story carry not only a monetary but often an emotional value for the person acquiring them», Bodmer knows.
How to get started
Smaller, cheaper objects are a good way in for newcomers — posters, lithographs and prints from the «Prints and Multiples» category. Once the object of desire is settled, there are four ways to bid: in person on site (for Bonhams chiefly London, New York, Los Angeles), by written Absentee Bid, live online via computer or app, or by phone with a Bonhams staff member bidding on your behalf. The Absentee Bid is the most convenient — but also the least exciting. For part of the appeal is precisely the thrill: the bids leapfrog each other and you have seconds to decide whether to go a little higher.
Experts are there to help
A large network of experts ensures a safe experience: they assess every object, check authenticity, provenance, condition and value and produce the «Condition Reports» that interested parties can request. «As a layperson especially, you should never hesitate to ask questions — regardless of the object’s price», says Bodmer. «Auctions are a world of their own. It takes just two bidders for things to get interesting; with seven to ten it really comes alive. Even today I get a joyful thrill every time I bid on the phone for our clients. That’s exactly what makes auctions so appealing.»
This article appeared in MEN issue 1/21 (November 2021).
