While a competitive, public auction is usually the best way to realize the greatest value for an item, there are times a private treaty sale may be appropriate. This is often when an item is of extremely high-value and there is only one appropriate buyer, such as a museum or a motivated collector who already owns the item’s “mate.” A private sale may also make sense if the seller wishes to sell the item in a short time or if confidentiality is essential.
Cowan’s uses our knowledge of the market and our relationships with top collectors, institutions and dealers to match great objects with appropriate buyers. Commissions for private sales vary according to the value and nature of the work.
Talk to our Specialists to discuss the option of selling privately.
