Auction · Consignment
Auction Estimates & Consignment
Realistic auction estimates and expert consignment guidance for Florida sellers: where your work will sell best, on what terms, and what to expect.
Member of the International Society of Appraisers · USPAP-compliant appraisals · 15+ years in the fine art market
- Member, International Society of Appraisers
- USPAP-compliant reports
- 15+ years in the fine art market
- Serving all of Florida, based in Sarasota
The right house, the right sale, the right estimate
Two auction houses can produce very different results for the same work. The difference comes down to the right specialist department, the right sale and season, a realistic estimate and reserve, and fair consignment terms. Helmuth Art Advisory helps Florida sellers get each of these right.
Where public auction is the strongest course, Austin Helmuth prepares and places consignments with the houses best suited to the property, and keeps you informed from contract to settlement.
What we do
- Pre-sale estimates: a realistic range based on recent comparable results
- Venue selection: international, specialist or regional, matched to each work
- Terms review: seller's commission, fees, reserve, marketing and payment timing
- Consignment management: paperwork, shipping coordination and catalog details
- Alternatives: if auction is not the best fit, a private sale or consignment instead
Auction estimate vs. appraisal
Auction estimate
A selling range for a specific sale. Often provided by auction houses at no charge, focused on attracting consignments. Not valid for insurance or tax.
Formal appraisal
A USPAP-compliant report with a defined value type, effective date and documented method. Used for insurance, estates, divorce and donations.
Not sure which you need? Send photos and Austin will tell you.
Process
How consignment works
Send photos
Upload photos of the front, back, signature and any labels or paperwork. A phone camera is fine.
Honest value range
Austin reviews the work and tells you what it is, what comparable works have sold for, and whether it is worth pursuing.
Choose the right route
Auction, consignment or private sale: you get a recommendation on venue, timing and expected net, with no pressure.
Sale & settlement
Austin manages the consignment or private-sale process and keeps you informed through to payment.
Credentials
Experience placing important works
Every appraisal is prepared personally by Austin Helmuth, who has researched, cataloged and appraised thousands of important works.
Austin Helmuth is a member of the International Society of Appraisers. [Confirm ISA logo-use rules for members]
Selected past engagements
As stated in Austin Helmuth's professional history:
- Brokerage of the complete collection of Lou Pritchett, former President of Procter & Gamble
- Placement of masterworks from the Eli Wilner collection
- Sale of the Estate of William Ten Eyck, CFO of Pontiac
- Key deaccessions from the Appleton Museum collection
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[TESTIMONIAL PLACEHOLDER: attorney / insurance agent quote, with permission][Name, firm]
FAQ
Auction & consignment questions
What is an auction estimate?
An auction estimate is a low-to-high range of what a work is expected to bring at a particular auction. It is a marketing and selling tool, not a formal appraisal, and it is not suitable for insurance, estate or tax purposes.
Appraisal or auction estimate: which do I need?
If you need a documented value for insurance, an estate, a divorce or a donation, you need an appraisal. If you want to sell and need to know where and for how much, an auction estimate and venue recommendation is the right starting point.
Which auction house should I consign to?
It depends on the artist, the category, the value and the timing. International houses, specialist sales and strong regional houses each suit different works. Austin recommends the venue best suited to each piece.
What are the costs of consigning?
Auction houses typically charge sellers a commission and may charge for photography, insurance and shipping, and these terms are often negotiable for strong property. Austin helps you understand and negotiate them. Austin's own fees are quoted upon request, based on scope, and disclosed in writing before you commit.
What is a reserve?
A reserve is a confidential minimum price below which the work will not be sold. Setting it sensibly protects you without discouraging bidding.
Considering auction?
Get an independent view before you sign a consignment agreement.