Bloomfield Auctions

About Bloomfield Auctions

Bloomfield Auctions is an auction house in east Belfast, based at Unit 22, Owen O'Cork Mill, Beersbridge Road. It describes itself as one of Northern Ireland's leading auction houses, with a reputation for getting the best possible price for its clients. The firm has been under its current leadership since 2014.

Its main feature is a weekly sale held on the premises every Tuesday at 1pm, which is also offered online. That makes it one of the more frequent regular salerooms in the UK. The firm puts weight on the stories behind the objects it sells, asking what an object would tell us if it could talk, and aims to help clients understand the history and personal meaning of their items.

History

Bloomfield Auctions was established in 1985. The firm says its team of specialist and general valuers has helped vendors and buyers for more than 40 years. It came under its current leadership in 2014.

What Bloomfield Auctions sells

The firm concentrates on portable, collectable categories, and many lots are the kind of family heirlooms that pass through probate and house clearances. Its main areas are:

• Gold, silver and platinum jewellery
• Watches and clocks
• Coins and banknotes
• Military and police medals, uniforms and related items
• Silverware
• Fine Irish art

Lots are sold through the firm's own website, the-saleroom and EasyLive, so its catalogues reach international as well as local buyers.

Selling at Bloomfield Auctions

Valuations for sale are free, either by contacting the firm or through its online estimate request form. Seller's charges are set out on its website and are subject to VAT:

• £5 per lot, whether sold or unsold
• 19% of the hammer price, with a minimum charge of £5

Withdrawing catalogued items costs 19% plus VAT based on the mid-estimate. A collection service is available for sellers who cannot deliver items, priced by travel and handling time. Unsold items not collected within three days of notification incur storage charges and are no longer insured. Overseas sellers should note that VAT under the margin scheme applies, and any customs taxes on consignments from abroad are not covered by the firm.

Buying and bidding

Purchases carry a buyer's premium of 15% plus VAT on the hammer price. Bidding is possible in the room, through the firm's own online platform, or through the-saleroom, which adds 6% plus VAT. Bidding on the firm's own site may also carry an internet surcharge. Timed auctions run only on the-saleroom.

Online buyers pay by credit or debit card or by bank transfer. Payment is not taken automatically, so buyers should wait for the payment link that the firm sends by email after the sale. Collection is by appointment only. Furniture must be collected within three working days and general items within five working days, after which weekly storage charges apply.

Location and viewing

The saleroom is at Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DX. Viewing is in person on Mondays from 10am to 6pm and on Tuesdays from 10am to 12.45pm, before the 1pm sale. Times may change around bank holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Bloomfield Auctions hold sales?

Bloomfield Auctions holds a sale every Tuesday at 1pm at its Belfast premises, with online bidding available. Viewing is on Monday and Tuesday morning before the sale.

What is the buyer's premium at Bloomfield Auctions?

The buyer's premium is 15% plus VAT on the hammer price. Bidding through the-saleroom adds a further 6% plus VAT.

What does it cost to sell at Bloomfield Auctions?

Sellers pay £5 per lot, sold or unsold, plus 19% of the hammer price with a £5 minimum. Both charges are subject to VAT.