HOW TO BUY

How to Buy at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's Auctions

Whether you're bidding on your first £50 lot or adding a £50,000 rarity to an established collection, we want to make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way. Our auctions bring together passionate collectors from around the world, and we'd love to help you find your next beloved collectables.

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 auctions that run over several days, giving you time to research and bid at your own pace. Below, you'll discover how to register and bid (whether in person, online, by post, email, or phone), understand our fees and VAT, and learn about payment, shipping, and collection.

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Cordelia Cheriton Auctioneer Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Getting started

Create your free account

Join our community of collectors by signing up for your free account. Once you're registered, you'll have access to all our auctions and can start building your watchlist of lots that interest you.

You'll also be able to track your bidding history and set up alerts for specific categories or high-value lots, ensuring you never miss that elusive piece you've been seeking.

Our live auctions

There's nothing quite like the excitement of a live auction - the energy in the room (even if you’re joining us online), the thrill of the bidding, and that moment when you win something special.

The beauty of our live auctions is that you can participate however suits you best.

Whether you prefer the atmosphere of our London saleroom, the convenience of bidding online in real-time, or you'd rather set your maximum bids in advance by email or phone, you'll have exactly the same chance to secure the lots you want.

Our auctioneers skilfully manage bids from multiple channels simultaneously, so whether you're raising your paddle in person, clicking online, or being represented by our team via your telephone or commission bid, you're part of the same exciting auction experience.

Bid online

Our SGB Live platform brings all the excitement directly to your screen.

Register as a bidder

Head to your chosen auction page and click the 'Register as a Bidder' button - it only takes a moment, and you’ll be able to bid straight away.

Set your commission bids

Found something you love? Place your maximum bid during the pre-bidding phase. Our system will automatically bid on your behalf up to your limit, and we’ll let you know if someone outbids you, so you won't miss out even if you can't watch every moment.

Join us live online

When the auction goes live, you can bid in real-time alongside collectors from around the world.

Joining us in person

On auction day, simply turn up to our saleroom at 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LP - our experienced team will register you and provide your bidding paddle.

No need to book ahead, just arrive when it suits you. Auction times are listed on each auction page, and you're welcome to pop in and out as you please.

View our upcoming auctions

Bidding by telephone, email, or post

We love that collecting spans generations, and some of our most passionate bidders prefer the time-honoured methods.

Bidding by post

Send your bids with the auction name, lot numbers, and your maximum bids to:

Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's Auction Department
399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LP

Bidding by email or phone

Our team loves talking about the lots and can help you place bids over the phone. Send your email containing the auction name, lot number(s), and your maximum bid to auctions@sgbaldwins.com or call+44 (0) 208 092 5856.

FAQs - Understanding the costs

Our auctions use professional bidding increments to ensure fair and orderly competition. 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 style steps (e.g. £3,200, £3,500, £3,800, £4,000). 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.

Good news if you're bidding from overseas - we don't charge VAT on items shipped internationally. If you're visiting London and collecting in person, you might pay VAT initially, but we'll refund it when you provide proof of export within three months. (For refunds, email proof of export to squadri@sgbaldwins.com with the subject ‘VAT Refund’.)

You pay the hammer price (final bid) plus a 20% 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 £124.

You will receive a detailed invoice with secure payment options. You can pay online using the link in your email, by bank transfer using the account details on your invoice (include your client number as reference), or in person at 399 Strand by card or cash. Please note that cash payments require photo ID and are subject to a lifetime limit of £8,300.

All items are shipped by Special Delivery with full insurance. For collections valued above £10,000 we offer white-glove courier service and can also arrange collection appointments. Standard UK delivery costs are £10 up to £1,000, £15 up to £10,000, and £20 above £10,000. EU delivery costs are £15, £25, and £35 for the same bands. Non-EU delivery costs are £30, £40, and £60. International collectors should contact us for a quote, and note that international shipments are exempt from UK VAT. You can also collect items in person at 399 Strand, Monday to Saturday, 9:30–17:30, with no appointment needed (though private appointments are available for high-value lots).

Ready to begin your collecting journey?

See what you could buy at auction

View our upcoming auctions

HOW TO BUY

How to Buy at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's Auctions

Ready to Bid on Your Next Item?

Create your free account

Our live auctions

Bid online

Register as a bidder

Set your commission bids

Join us live online

Joining us in person

Bidding by telephone, email, or post

Bidding by post

Bidding by email or phone

FAQs - Understanding the costs

How do your auction bidding increments work?

Can I bid if I live overseas?

Is the Hammer Price the final price I'll pay?

How do I pay?

How will I receive my item(s)?

We're here to help

Ready to begin your collecting journey?