By placing a bid, the buyer agrees to the following terms and conditions of auction and sale. The same applies to the consignor upon submitting the auction order. The auction house assumes that the consignor is also the lawful owner of the objects submitted for auction.

1. The auction is conducted voluntarily and publicly in the name and for the account of the consignors, who remain anonymous during the auction. Auktionshaus Mette reserves the right to withhold information about the consignor even after the auction, provided that the auction house assumes full liability for any obligations of the seller.

2. All objects offered in the auction and post-auction sale are second-hand and are sold in the condition they are in at the time of the auction or direct sale. No liability is assumed for visible or hidden defects. Prospective buyers are given the opportunity to inspect the items during the preview and to review any available expert reports, for the accuracy of which no liability is accepted. Interested parties may, at their own expense, obtain additional expert evaluations of the auction items, provided that the timing of the auction is not compromised. Descriptions—whether written or verbal—in the auction, post-auction sale, and both printed and digital catalogues are made to the best of our knowledge and belief, and serve purely for informational purposes. They do not constitute warranted characteristics and are not subject to any guarantee by the auction house.

3. During the auction, the lot is awarded to the highest bidder after being called three times. The bidding generally starts at the reserve price listed in the catalogue. Bids are submitted in euros. As a rule, bidding increments are 10%. If multiple bidders place the same bid and no higher offer is made following the auctioneer’s call for an increase, the auctioneer will decide. If a timely bid is inadvertently overlooked or there is uncertainty about the sale, the auctioneer is entitled to withdraw the hammer and reoffer the lot.

4. A valid form of identification (ID card or passport) is required to obtain a bidder number or to consign property for auction. The auction house reserves the right to request additional security, such as a credit card number or a cash deposit. In accordance with the German Money Laundering Act, the auction house is obligated to verify the identity of buyers and prospective buyers and to document and retain this information. The duty of cooperation includes, in particular, the presentation of valid identification documents (ID card, passport, or official substitute). The auction house is entitled to copy or scan and retain such documents in compliance with data protection regulations. Legal entities or partnerships must present an excerpt from the commercial or cooperative register, or similar documentation. Buyers and prospective buyers confirm the accuracy of their information.

5. Upon the fall of the hammer, the buyer is obliged to accept the object and pay the purchase price. In case of doubt, the auction record shall determine the hammer price. Any costs for packing, shipping, and insurance are the responsibility of the buyer. Shipping is carried out exclusively at the buyer’s expense and risk. Shipping instructions must be provided in writing. Items will only be insured upon the buyer’s explicit request. Upon the fall of the hammer or conclusion of a direct sale, the risk of total or partial loss or damage passes to the buyer, who only acquires ownership upon full payment of the total invoice amount. The auction house assumes no liability for the items after the sale, unless due to intent or gross negligence.

6. The purchase price is due immediately upon the fall of the hammer and must be paid within 10 days to the auction house. Deferred payments are not permitted. The purchase price consists of the hammer price, a buyer’s premium of 20%, and VAT (currently 19%). In the event of payment default, the auction house reserves the right to take legal action after two reminders. Invoices issued during or immediately after the auction are subject to verification and possible correction; errors excepted. Objects will only be released after payment in full. If the objects have not been sold within six months of the auction or collected following a written request, the auction house reserves the right to reduce the reserve price by 30%.

7. Artist’s resale rights: If an artist is subject to resale rights, the consignor shall bear the associated costs in full. Billing is conducted annually.

8. Identical written bids will be processed in the order of receipt. The catalogue number indicated is binding without exception. Bids represent the maximum amount for the hammer price. The buyer’s premium is charged separately. Bids from unknown clients will only be accepted if they register before the auction or provide sufficient security; otherwise, such bids may not be executed. Telephone bidders will be called before the relevant lot is auctioned, provided that a written bid request is received at least 24 hours before the start of the auction. The reserve price is considered a bid, even if the bidder is unreachable at the time of the call. The auction house does not guarantee the establishment or maintenance of telephone connections.

9. The auction house reserves the right to exclude individuals from participating in the auction without giving reasons.

10. Visitors are liable for any damage they cause while on the premises. Entry is at the visitor’s own risk. The auction house does not assume liability for personal injury.

11. If legally permissible, the place of jurisdiction is Hamburg. This applies even if the buyer has no registered address within the jurisdiction of German law or if their whereabouts are unknown at the time of legal action. The legal relationship is governed by German law.

12. Upon sale of a lot, the consignor is obliged to pay the auction house a caveling fee amounting to 20% of the hammer price plus applicable VAT.

13. Any additional or divergent agreements must be made in writing. Should any of the above provisions be or become invalid, it shall be replaced by a regulation that reflects the meaning and particularly the commercial intent of the invalid clause. The validity of the remaining auction terms shall remain unaffected.

Status: 03/2025