Millon

About Millon

Millon is one of the most storied independent auction houses in France, tracing its origins to 1928 when it was founded in Paris. The house began under the name Robert, initially making a mark in the French auction world before joining forces with the Millon family of auctioneers who helped shape operations at the Hôtel Drouot, Paris's historic auction complex. Over the decades, Millon has grown from a regional Parisian operation into an international enterprise, with salerooms in Paris, Nice, Brussels, Milan, and Ho Chi Minh City, along with appraisal offices in over 35 cities worldwide.

Specialist departments

What sets Millon apart is the extraordinary breadth of its expertise. The house operates 49 specialist departments covering 5,000 years of art, design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle history, ranging from:

• Old Master paintings, modern art, and Art Nouveau
• Asian art and African and Oceanic art
• Historical memorabilia and militaria
• Jewellery and watches
• Wine and spirits and vintage automobiles
• Comic strip art

This diversity means Millon can handle virtually any category of collectible or fine art, making it a one-stop destination for sellers and buyers seeking niche categories that larger international houses may not cover as thoroughly. The Asian art department is one of the most active in France, regularly offering Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Southeast Asian works. The historical memorabilia and militaria department attracts collectors of Napoleonic-era items, royal ephemera, and military artifacts, while the modern art department handles works by major twentieth-century artists, and the furniture and decorative arts departments cover everything from Louis XV commodes to Art Deco design. The house has also developed a presence in lifestyle auctions, including wine and spirits, luxury goods, vintage fashion, and classic automobiles, categories that attract a younger, more diverse collector base.

Scale and locations

Millon organizes over 350 auctions per year across its various locations, a volume that rivals or exceeds many larger international houses. The company reported total sales of approximately 94 million euros in 2023, a 200 percent increase compared to 2020, driven partly by aggressive expansion into new markets and embrace of digital technology including online bidding.

The Paris headquarters remains the primary hub, with major sales held at several prestigious venues in the French capital. Millon Riviera in Nice caters to collectors and consignors in the south of France, the Brussels saleroom serves the Benelux market, the Milan office represents Millon's push into the Italian art market, and the Vietnamese operation reflects the house's interest in Southeast Asian art and its growing collector base in the region.

Buying with Millon

Millon offers several auction formats including traditional live auctions, online-only sales, and hybrid events combining physical and digital bidding. The house applies degressive buyer's premium rates, meaning fees decrease as the hammer price increases, typically ranging from approximately 11.90 percent to 29.17 percent excluding tax depending on the sale category and lot value, a more equitable approach for buyers of higher-value lots than most French auction houses use. Online bidding is available through Millon's own platform as well as major aggregators such as Invaluable and Drouot Live. All lots are catalogued with detailed descriptions and high-resolution photographs, condition reports are available on request, and the house also offers telephone and absentee bidding.

Selling with Millon

For sellers, the consignment process begins with a free appraisal, conducted in person at any of the house's offices, at dedicated valuation days held throughout France, or through an online submission form. The house's 49 departments mean virtually any item can find a specialist who understands its market and provenance. Seller commissions are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, as is standard in the French auction market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Millon sell?

Virtually every category of fine art, decorative art, and collectible across 49 specialist departments.

What is Millon's fee structure?

Degressive buyer's premiums ranging from about 11.90 to 29.17 percent depending on lot value and category.

How do sellers consign items to Millon?

Sellers can request a free appraisal online, in person, or at one of many regional valuation days.