Reviews
Bidder Reviews for Swann Auction Galleries (80)
4.4 out of 5.0 Stars
5 Star
83%(66)
4 Star
5%(4)
3 Star
5%(4)
2 Star
1%(1)
1 Star
6%(5)
Accurate Descriptions
50-80 of 80 Reviews
LynnFalmouth, MA
Jul 28, 2021
JohnKey West, FL
Jul 23, 2021
LaurenceStrabane, GB
Jul 16, 2021
Reliable and Personable
The experts in the Prints Department, Lisa and Todd, are lexically knowledgeable in their area of expertise. They take a fastidious pride in the authenticity of the items they curate and welcome bidders 'questions and concerns. As far as my experience of buying prints from Swann goes, bidders may assume they can buy with complete confidence. These people really know their stuff!
SeanBrisbane, AU
Jul 14, 2021
PROHIBITIVE PROCESS FOR NON-US BUYERS
Bidding from Australia-won an auction lot and was quoted an exorbitant shipping charge, well in excess of the cost of the lot itself, and also fully double (or more) the amount charged by other US auction houses with which i have been recently dealing. After some negotiation I was able to get a reduction in the shipping charge, for which I am thankful enough (but why such effort should be necessary?). The worst was yet to come, as Swann only has two options for payment for those outside the US, namely: international bank transfer, and international money order !?) please.... no easy payment by credit card, nor paypal. What century are we in again? When i went to my bank to inquire about an international money order they looked at me funny, as though i had come from somewhere in the distant past, and who could blame them? They informed me that they did not administer international money orders and had not done for some time. So my only option was to pay by international bank transfer, which cost me a further $25.00. When all was said and done, the auction lot cost me $60.00, but the overall amount i paid in the end, including all extra charges was $160.00! This is completely unacceptable. I will not state that Swann wishes to deliberately discourage international participation in their auctions, only that if this were their intention they could not go about in a more efficient way. I ask again, why in the 3rd decade of the 21st century Swann does not have the facility to accept payment by credit card, or why they do not have a Paypal account?
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul 14, 2021
We do accept credit cards, upon request, with a 3 % fee. Shipping charge is based on actual cost of shipping, normally via UPS or Fedex, which can be costly for low-value purchases. Very sorry you were disappointed.
FrankWilmington, VT
Jul 12, 2021
JohnCorning, NY
Jun 19, 2021
DennisNorth Salem, NY
May 16, 2021
DanExton, PA
May 3, 2021
markBrattleboro, VT
Apr 21, 2021
StevenFort Lauderdale, FL
Mar 25, 2021
Top notch service
Great service and just what you would expect from a long established auction house.
UedaHachioji-shi, JP
Mar 11, 2021
shipping charge
When knocking down at other auction companies, I looked for the delivery company which packs a knocking down work by itself and took an estimate from 2-3 companies. I had my expensive shipping charge stolen in that case. You could also send shipping charge and the packing charge at the cheap price at the same time as a work was remitted, so a swan auction was saved very much.
![ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939). [THE SEASONS / L'HIVER.]](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/199/193045/97342446_1_x.jpg?height=94&quality=70&version=1)
Rare Ink LLCSouth Orange, NJ
Mar 11, 2021
WillNew York, NY
Feb 25, 2021
JamesChesterton, IN
Feb 18, 2021
First time buying from Swan Galleries-Questions?
I bid on and won a framed item in their recent auction. I received a question as to whether I wanted to have it shipped with or without the frame. However, I had already sent in my payment that included the frame. I placed two calls without a response so by the time I got a call back they had already cashed my check and turned the item over to their shipping dept. So my main concern was their lack of communication. When we did finally connect, the person was friendly but at that point I had no option. I can also comment that the shipping cost seemed quite high but I will have to determine that whenI get home and see the packing.
MICHAELScarsdale, NY
Feb 18, 2021
AntonyLondon, GB
Jan 23, 2021
MLarchmont, NY
Jan 7, 2021
DanaWinchester, VA
Jan 7, 2021
Karl-OttoKoeln, DE
Dec 15, 2020
StevenWoodstock, VT
Dec 3, 2020
HoustonSt Simons Island, GA
Nov 13, 2020
Always reliable, professional, and friendly
Swann continues to offer the finest and rarest (of vintage posters, in my case). Their condition descriptions are always leaning on the conservative side. Every poster I recall purchasing from them is in better condition than I expected. The in-house shipping is a MAJOR plus, not to mention the overly precautious packing methods. Whenever I decide to consign any of my collection, Swann will be one of the first to contact! I continue to anxiously await the next auction, year after year.
JohnNaples, FL
Nov 5, 2020
Reliable and experienced
Purchased an item from Swann-description was detailed and representative of actual. Company was professional and responsive throughout-total transparency. Very happy with the purchase and the down to earth handling of the transaction.
StuartToronto, CA
Oct 27, 2020
excellent Auction House
Very happy with service and quality of product purchased. Auction House was prompt and professional. 5 Stars! Buy with confidence.
DonaldDallas, TX
Oct 15, 2020
bidding platform
Bid directly with Swann Galleries. You can use LiveAuctioneers to search for items, but you're much better off going directly through the gallery. The buyer's premium is less and you avoid the risk of double payment (which happened to me... getting a refund/credit was a hassle I didn't need).
PeterHolderness, NH
Oct 15, 2020
GregSanta Barbara, CA
Aug 18, 2020
Map Specialist Was Extremely Helpful
Communication in general with Swann was excellent. I have to say that I received superb pre-auction advice from Caleb Kiffer. Extremely helpful and his information cemented by decision to buy specific maps. Thank you!
NiallLahaska, PA
Aug 16, 2020
MichaelWatertown, CT
Jul 23, 2020
First Class Organization in Every Respect.
I've dealt with this auction house on several occasions. They are fantastic in every respect from their printed catalogs, description of items, clientele, payment and shipping. I recommend them highly.
MartinAustin, TX
Jun 26, 2020
Great experience
Thorough description of lot and very responsive staff. While shipping was slightly delayed due to COVID, the packing was very well done and safely secured the items during transport. Excellent experience and I highly recommend the auction house.
FRANCOISLe Chesnay-rocquencourt, FR
Jun 11, 2020
TOP