Vintage View: Auction floor argot

It’s quiet on the auction scene right now, as many houses and firms throughout the country grab a quick break before the autumn sales season kicks off in earnest.

Be ready to take your first step into viewing and bidding as we demystify some standard period jargon and terms you might hear at an auction, or read in a catalogue online or in your hand.

Don’t melt at the frothier adjectives used, such as ‘fine’ or ‘quality’, unless you trust the auction house in assigning special terms of excellence. Investigate each piece yourself, ask the staff for fuller information and make up your own mind.