Whether you’re bidding on your first £50 lot or adding a £50,000 rarity to an established collection, we want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Some of our auctions are live events where you can bid in person at our London saleroom or join online in real time. Others are online-only timed auctions that run over several days, giving you time to research and bid at your own pace.
Our live auctions
Whether you prefer the atmosphere of our London saleroom, bidding online in real time, or setting your maximum bids in advance by email or phone, you’ll have exactly the same chance to secure the lots you want. Our auctioneers manage bids from every channel simultaneously.
In person: on auction day, simply turn up to our saleroom at 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LP — our team will register you and provide your bidding paddle. No need to book ahead.
Bid online
- Register as a bidder — on your chosen auction page; it only takes a moment.
- Set your commission bids — place your maximum bid during pre-bidding and the system will bid on your behalf up to your limit.
- Join us live online — bid in real time alongside collectors from around the world.
Bidding by telephone, email or post
Send the auction name, lot number(s) and your maximum bids to Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s Auction Department, 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LP, email auctions@sgbaldwins.com or call +44 (0)208 092 5856. New customers may be asked for a reference from another auction house.
Understanding the costs
You pay the hammer price plus a 23% buyer’s premium, and for UK buyers an additional 20% VAT on the premium — for example, if you win a lot for £100, the total is £127.60. Lots subject to VAT on the hammer price, or import tax, are marked in the catalogue. We don’t charge VAT on items shipped internationally; if you collect in person and export, VAT is refunded when you provide proof of export within three months.
Bidding increments
Bids increase by £5 up to £100, by £10 from £100 to £300, and by £20–£50–£80 steps between £300 and £600. From £600 to £1,000 bids rise by £50, from £1,000 to £3,000 by £100, and between £3,000 and £6,000 by £200–£300–£500 steps. From £6,000 to £10,000 bids rise by £500, from £10,000 to £20,000 by £1,000, and above £20,000 increments are at the auctioneer’s discretion.
Payment
You’ll receive a detailed invoice with secure payment options: pay online using the link in your email, by bank transfer (quote your client number), or in person at 399 Strand by card or cash. Cash payments require photo ID and are subject to a lifetime limit of £8,300. We do not accept American Express or cheques. Payment is required within 7 days of receiving your invoice.
Questions about bidding?
Our team genuinely enjoys helping collectors navigate the auction process.