Following on from our previous post detailing the TIAS reports and how most, (over 90%), of online antique sales find buyers in the USA. This seems to be supported by the number of auction house reports detailing successful sales shipping to international buyers.

One such report from the sale rooms of Brown & Co., in Lincolnshire, UK asks ... Why do some lots make so much more?

In this instance it is without doubt the salerooms use of online marketing for the sale. Craig Bewick, auctioneer and valuer notes, “The Brigg salerooms are situated a long way from the Cottesmore hunting country, but two of the three telephone bidders were from that area.

In one case an 18thC portrait miniature went to Tasmania, and in all, some 78 lots will be travelling overseas.

No mean feat for a small sale room in the sleepy town of Brigg in Lincolnshire.

The star of that particular sale was an original watercolour of a huntsman entitled "The Cottesmore" by Charles Johnson Payne, known as Snaffles. The guide price of £500-£800 was quickly swamped with an opening bid of £500, which then moved swiftly on to a breathtaking £2800. Craig Bewick, comments ...

We had high hopes for the lot prior to the sale with three telephone lines booked, and indeed it was one of those bidders that ended up being the succesful buyer of the item, interestingly the next two lots were very similar watercolours by the same artist, they made £800 & £700 respectively.

So, whether selling internationally or locally and offering items of local interest or with international appeal, you must ensure your sale is promoted online... List your Auction House in The Antiques Directory.

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