Gemsmakers · Auction preview desk

Antique Auction Preview Field Notebook

Take consistent notes while reviewing a lot in person or from an online catalog. Separate the auction house’s statements from what you personally observed, identify unanswered condition questions, and capture why a lot is or is not ready for a decision. This notebook does not appraise an object or recommend a bid.

Catalog claim / observation splitCondition follow-up listCopy, download, print

Lot and source record

Auction house / venueSale date and timeLot numberWorking object descriptionCatalog URL or printed catalog referenceEstimate as publishedPreview method

Separate the claims from what you saw

Catalog / seller claimsDirect observationsUnresolved questions for the auctioneer / specialist

Record the evidence boundary: “Not visible in the listing photographs” is different from “not present.” A catalog description is a seller-provided claim; note its source and do not silently convert it into an observation.

Readiness and practical constraints

Select only checkpoints you actually completed. The readiness meter reflects checklist coverage, not quality, authenticity, or financial suitability.

Source and lot identity matched Condition report requested or reviewed Terms, buyer charges, and tax reviewed Pickup, shipping, and deadline checked Questions answered by named source Comparable records are genuinely comparable

Terms / fee referencePickup / delivery planDecision boundary

Preview routine

Match the lot number and catalog page before recording anything else.
Save the description and its source, then write your own observations separately.
Inspect the entire object where permitted: underside, back, joints, edges, mounts, and included components.
Ask a specific question and record the responder, date, and answer.
Review sale terms, deadlines, and collection logistics before making a decision.

Photographs and short viewing windows have limits. When an important feature cannot be checked, keep that uncertainty explicit.

Condition questions to tailor

Which areas were inspected, and which were inaccessible?
Are there replacements, repairs, fills, overpainting, relining, or later fittings?
Does “working” mean tested, recently serviced, or simply appears intact?
Are measurements taken at the widest points? Are removable parts included?
What are the collection window, packing responsibilities, and storage charges?

Field notebook notes

Can the readiness score tell me whether to bid?

No. It counts completed checks only. It cannot judge authenticity, market value, legal title, condition, or your finances.

Should I trust a condition report as a guarantee?

Read the sale terms and report limitations. Ask the auctioneer how the report was prepared and whether the lot has changed since inspection.

Does this save my notes online?

No. The tool processes the form in your browser and creates text you can copy, download, or print.

Lot and source record

Separate the claims from what you saw

Readiness and practical constraints

Preview decision note