Hmmm... how to review an auction house? The ambiance is mostly driven by the lots on display for…read morewhatever the upcoming auction is... The prices are set not by management, but by free market forces... There are no "secret finds" because all lots are publicly visible for days before being sold... So, how about a description of what Swann does? They hold auctions of art prints, ranging from old masters to contemporary art. They also auction books, autographs, and maps. And they're good at it. Their experts are knowledgeable. Their catalog descriptions are generally accurate. Post-auction, the lots are professionally packed either for delivery or for on-site pick-up. I've only purchased, never sold, anything through Swann, so I can't directly speak to that side of the business. I do pay attention to the market for modern and contemporary prints and it seems that Swann is realizing good prices for their sellers. For somebody looking to purchase, I would say, do your homework, know what you want and what a reasonable price would be. And if you find it on the block at Swann, be comfortable in the knowledge that your dealings with the auction house will be smooth and professional.

This company is no longer responsive when working with prospective consignors. I've followed…read morewebsite instruction posting images and details about artwork, and followed up repeatedly with emails and phone calls. No response. I'm disappointed. It's not the Swann Gallery of the past.

Warning: DO NOT WORK WITH THIS AUCTION HOUSE. My experience raised serious concerns about…read moreprofessionalism and integrity. I had a deeply frustrating experience that calls into question how fairly their process is conducted. I expressed clear interest in a specific lot while it was actively listed, only to have it abruptly removed without explanation. When I inquired, I was told the piece had been sold outside of the auction process through a priority purchase. However, when I pressed for more clarity, the representative then backtracked and said she wasn't actually sure whether it had been sold. The shifting explanation was misleading and gave the impression that the story was being adjusted after the fact to make the situation more palatable This undermines the fundamental premise of an auction- fair and open competition. Pulling a lot midstream and moving it elsewhere, combined with inconsistent explanations, suggests a lack of transparency at best. At a minimum, I would have expected a straightforward explanation and the courtesy of being informed, especially after expressing direct interest. Instead, the experience felt opaque and dismissive. If you're considering working with this auction house, be aware that listed inventory may not actually be available for bidding- even if you've already engaged. That's not a standard I would expect from a reputable auction platform.

I was moving and selling most everything and needed an estate company…read more In less than two months after meeting with Claire Brooks of Showplace Luxury Art and Antiquities, my apartment was professionally packed up, and I hand a check in hand! Working with Claire was a very pleasant experience. At our first meeting, Claire photographed EVERYTHING. When she and Amos, a principle with the company, returned a few weeks later, they had thoroughly researched the art market. Their offer for my art and furnishings was reasonable and I readily accepted. The movers came a week later and I couldn't have been more pleased with the entire process. This was a knowledgeable and competent company and I highly recommend using Showplace for all your estate needs.

As I stated in my review of Christie's, you can visit many of the NYC auction houses for free,…read moreincluding Sotheby's. You never know what you might find here--I saw original copies of Hamilton's Federalist Papers, Paul Revere's silverware, letters signed by George Washington. Paintings and old Egyptian artifacts. I feel like there was more to see here than at Christie's and the selection was more interesting. Again, these things are likely to go into someone's private collection, possibly to never be seen again, so you shouldn't pass up a chance to see something really special.

Hello I'm from Poland after about 40 years, I found the work on paper Jean Michel Basquiat they are…read moremy property I will gladly sell or exchange them / I can donate one or two to charity / my English is poor - but I was in the USA between 1974-1990 I support myself with a Google translator I can send photos of my works and tell about them Please reply Zbigniew Latosiński email: marlat@op.pl best regards

We had the best experience working with Manhattan Auctions. They were incredibly detail oriented…read moreand took extra time to make sure we were completely satisfied with every detail. We never felt pressured or rushed. The owner & his team really seem to care about his customers and helped us make even more money than we thought. Thank you all again.

Carlos is a total bunghole, hung up on me for asking a simple question about a product. All of his…read morepieces are exorbitantly overpriced.

The most amazing selection of mid century and antique lighting I have ever seen! Nice family run…read morebusiness. If you are decorating this place is a must! Friendly staff.

Preeminent dealer in antique American furniture. Gallery is comparable to a museum…read more Supremely knowledgeable but very approachable. It's like a masterclass every time I have been there. In addition to discussing technical aspects of the furniture they are really willing to discuss pricing of specific pieces which is almost unique for high end dealers. There has never been the slightest pressure to purchase anything. Family business of several generations.

This gallery is like the American Wing at the Met except there is no admission charge,you are…read moreencouraged to examine the furniture,and you can even buy because everything is for sale and prices are negotiable. Frank Levy is an agreeable man and speaking with him is like conversing in your own living room. There was no sales pitch,just a man who loves what he does for a living and enjoys talking about it with anyone who shares his interest in Ammerican Furniture. I considered buying a chair and left the gallery with a photo and other info supplied by the friendly office manager,Melanie Smith. I thought about it for 10 days,Frank was always quick to return my follow-up calls,and finally decided to buy it. I was given a generous discount for a first-time customer. Frank took care of the delivery,which was included in the price,and it was dropped off at my house by his delivery man,Will,who kept me updated on where he was on the road so I would know about when to expect him. I am very pleased with the chair,the excellent customer service,the ease of the transaction,and I hope to be a repeat customer when my "acquisition fund" is repleted. If you cannot visit the gallery in person, check out the on-line gallery,that is how I discovered the chair.

Let me begin by stating this is a review pertaining to an online order. I have never been to the…read moreshowroom in Yonkers, NY. Ironically, had I visited the store in person, I never would have purchased this item because I would have seen it and been able to judge in person whether or not I believed it to be authentic. Instead, I relied on the photo and description that was provided online: "Antique Green Glaze Garden Temple Tile. Late-19th-century Chinese green glazed ceramic garden temple tile from the Hunan province." The photo and description of the tile for sale online do not match the tile I received. I contacted Harlan Rose, the manager of the store to explain that I thought the tile was a reproduction, he responded with, "Well this is a he said-she said situation." I tried to explain that no, it was not, since I had three original antique tiles that I had owned for many years, and I was trying to replace a fourth one that had broken, so I knew what the authentic tile would look like, and the one I received from FEA did not look like the three I had. I know they are handmade, and I know the color tones vary. But it was more than that. I told him the one I received was smaller, thinner, and heavier. It also smelled like fresh paint or lacquer. I told him that in my opinion, it seemed more like a reproduction, similar to the types that are sold online as "tiki tiles." Again he said, "Well it's a he said-she said situation." The return policy of the shop is that the customer owes shipping postage, both directions. And, once the item is received back, the store will keep a 25% "restocking" fee. I paid $75 for shipping to me, and I know it would cost at least that much for me to return it. After the 25% "restocking" fee, there would be virtually nothing left to my refund. Harlan offered me some sort of a discounted amount of a store credit if I returned the item, which I declined since I do not live near Yonkers. His final offer was to refund my $75 shipping cost, allow me to keep the tile that does not match my other three, and be out $290. In my opinion, I had no choice but to accept. I did receive my $75 back, but I am in possession of a tile for which I paid $290 and cannot use. I personally would never buy online from this store again. I was not happy with the customer service treatment I received. I do not believe I received the item that was described online as being a 19th century antique--just my opinion, but I wish someone had warned me in a review prior to my purchase so that I would have saved $290.

I was overwhelmed when I walked through the door. It was a huge space full of the most amazing…read morecollection of objects from all over Asia. The selection, the quality, the service were all A++. My experience with Harlan was exceptional. He felt that the piece I had seen online was too small for me, and directed me to more suitable chests and tables. I asked him if he would be able to hold on to two pieces I purchased until I was ready for delivery and he did. The selection was overwhelming. The service beyond good. Delivery service was excellent.

I was looking for a feather trim to glamour up my bday outfit and came to the right place. Lots of…read moreoptions to choose from and ultimately found the right color. The staff were extremely helpful. I even found an accessory in the same feather color to complete the outfit.

The best source of feathers in nyc and (shockingly) the most affordable in Manhattan.read more