Terrible company Run. This company sold me a piece on live auctioneers and didn't describe or photograph this damage properly. They actually didn't describe any of it at all. This is sick glass so this piece is destroyed. The company didn't bother to respond to my emails either but I'm sure they will have a response to negative reviews. It's always the companies that do nothing actually provide the customer solution before they leave a review but then always take the time to respond after the fact. I have no choice but to dispute this transaction because completely trash. read more

See all

Excellent selection. Fair prices. I have bought and sold and always satisfied. Helpful staff. Parking.

I contacted them for a question about some antiques I own and they wrote back to me in what I thought was a rude way to talk to anyone epically a new customer. They advertise on their website encouraging people to reach out to them about antiques and they will evaluate and let you know what they are potentially worth. When I wrote to them expecting a welcoming and evaluation though what I received was basically a one sentence email from them that said "Clarke Auction is not interested in your antiques" Well then why do you say on your website urging people to bring their antiques to you if you're going to be rude and dismissive when they do. All you had to say was tell me something nice about them and approximate how much they are worth. Even if it's $50 to $100 People reaching out to you are hoping for a positive experience with the auction so please try to remember that when writing to potential customers. I would have visited this place and maybe bought something now I won't ever visit. read more

The people at the Clark auction couldn't be nicer. I have visited three times to their free Wednesday appraisals. They accepted a few of my things, and explained why the others were not acceptable. it was a great learning experience. I am amazed at how patient they are and knowledgeable. read more

Alright, so my initial review was removed. Here's the "toned down" version: My experience with Clarke Auction lacked transparency. I felt pressured to consign my valuables at no reserve. In fact the conditions as verbally communicated to me were: "We cannot accept your merchandise unless there is no reserve". In actuality there was a clause in the contract that could have "Bought in" my property for a modest fee. Said clause was not brought to my attention. I took a significant loss but I did, of course, have the option not to consign. read more

I contacted Senko Imamura for a possible consignment, and because of the difference of time since I am in another side of the country, Senko suggested me to give her a call after her work hours. I was shocked she offered that since she did not have to do it. I called her and she explained everything to me how her business works and how simple it was to consign an item with them. If I do not use their service at this moment, I would def use in the future or be happy to recommend to other people. Look for Senko, she is the best. read more

Bummed to have to write this review, because I was looking forward to being a client of Clarke's, and always love the assortment of items they offer. Unfortunately, my experience with them has turned into a nightmare, and in the face of a customer conflict, they have not shown integrity as an auction house. I spent a large sum of money on just my first auction with them, including $1,000 on a lamp. The lamp's description read: "Good condition; minor denting on base". I've been searching for this particular piece for a long time, so although 1k for a lamp is out of my budget, I went for it. I learned *a whole lot more* after bringing it home, however. The denting is not minor, it's major. There was also major scuffing throughout the entire lamp. The dimmer cap is missing, a piece which would need to be special-ordered. It is also wired for the UK, and requires a special-order bulb. It took me a while to buff out the scuffs, acquire a UK adapter, and find the special lightbulb. Finally, upon finally having all my ducks in a row, I learned that the lamp doesn't turn on. I took it to a repairman who specializes in the specific designer, and he informed me that to restore it to working order would cost $500. So, the lamp which was described by Clarke as "in good condition" except for "minor denting", is actually a broken item, useless for its intended function. It would require an additional 50% of the purchase price just to use it. I read over the terms and conditions as soon as I realized this, and the auction house did not mention that lamps are untested, or anything on the subject. As expected, I as the consumer expected "good condition" to mean exactly that: good condition. Now, my issue with Clarke Auction Gallery lies with their response to the issue once I tried to resolve it. I spoke back and forth with a very nice rep at the gallery, who had to act as a sort of messenger to and from the owner. She was not given the authority to make decisions on her own, but the owner would not speak with me directly. I was told that *going forward, they will add a disclaimer to electronic lots*, which is an admission that they did not sufficiently protect themselves from liability in this particular case, and therefore the policy would need an update. However, she informed me that the owner will not take the item back and refund me. Instead, he graciously offered to auction the item again FOR ME, including "untested" in the description. I had two issues with this: first, it would be dishonest, and second, it would not get me the same return as I paid. Had I seen "untested" in the description originally, I would never have bid the amount that I did for the item (and neither would someone else). I explained these objections to the helpful rep, and asked that the owner himself please contact me, so that I can hear his logic on the choice to force me to auction it with a description of their choosing, as opposed to simply taking the item back and auctioning it themselves. After I refused their offer to auction my broken lamp, and asked for the owner himself to contact me, there has been radio silence. I don't plan to hear from Clarke Auction Gallery again. The whole situation has been filled with red flags, and I think it's distasteful that a business would refuse to rectify a situation fairly, all so that they can keep the customer's money. read more

Biggest complaint about Clarke is their jewelry department. The photography is terrible, the customer service is same, the vibe there is tense and unhappy in general. Ron seems like a happy camper, but the jewelry lady is a rhino. I've bought lots at Clarke over the years, i consider myself a dealer, and the last time I went to pick up and pay before closing, the jewelry person basically slammed a door on my face and refused to facilitate the transaction. The ladies in the office saw the situation and came to help luckily. As I say the staff in the office are good and try hard, but a middle level employee with a big fat ego is no way to run a highly profitable jewelry department. read more

After some consideration of a piece of artwork I was interested in I needed more information and called the gallery. The staff member that answered was able to get me the measurements I needed on the painting in a timely manner so I could evaluate my wall space. They also provided me will local courier information which was very helpful to make my decision in bidding. read more

One of my favorite auctions houses. They always have unique items and are very responsive. I live across the country and they have gone out of their way to accommodate me. I love their art auctions!! read more

High end merchandise. Most of the better local estates come though there. A serious auction for knowledgeable collectors and dealers. Competition for the best pieces is stiff. My one complaint is that preview for jewelry is not set up well. read more

So happy with my first clarke auction purchase!! My leather settee was delivered today by a shipper they recommended.. it was a great experience from beginning to end.. I will never pay retail prices again!! Thanks clarke auction!! read more

Crooks. Ripped me off. Lost thousands of dollars. Never informed me that my paintings could have been "Bought in' for a $75 fee. My paintings ended up selling for 25 cents on the dollar. read more

I was referred to Clarkes by a few antique dealers I'd purchase from over the years. They had many good things to say. However it seems that Clarke's is only good to those in the business. They asked me to send them pictures of the items I was interested in auctioning off. Although it was not "antique" it was quality furniture a rosewood dining set. When I called back to see what they thought I was treated as if I had sent pictures of something I'd hauled in off the curb. They were rude and spoke down to me. They made an offer to pick up the set for $150 and put it in the auction with no reserve. So if it sold for less than $150 I'd owe Clarkes or if I wanted it back I'd have to give them another $150 for the return trip. The value of the furniture is a matter of opinion but Clarke's seem to forget that people who wish to sell furniture and people who buy furniture are sometimes one in the same. They seem to think that taking advantage of the consumer is more important then ethical business practices. The woman I spoke with had a complete lack of professionalism. I wouldn't waste my time on them if I was selling or buying, I don't think you'll come out on top with these people. read more

Having worked with many auction houses I can tell you Clarke and his team of appraisers are the best in the business.

Contacted them to obtain more info on an item that was going to auction in less than 24 hours. Initially sent an email, but since I was very interested in the item and wanted to insure I obtained the information, I called. The person who answered the call knew whom I was due to the email that she forwarded to the jewelry contact there. She tried to put me through directly, but that person was busy, and I would be contacted when she was available. After a few hours, I called back and got someone new, and the jewelry person was still busy, but I was assured that she would call me back as soon as she was not busy and before she left for the night. So, I actually emailed 3 times and called twice that day. I then thought I would get an email or a call the following day before the auction started so I could place a bid if interested, once I got the info. The call and email never came, and the auction also came and went. Sent another email indicating how unprofessional they were, especially to a previous buying customer. I got an email back indicating that some of the info I requested was on line. The problem is the way this info is displayed or obtained. I tried a few different browsers and one sees a pic and a short descripton of the item; it is only if one moves the cursor down to below the description and almost off page does more info display. Still the most important info as to the true identity of the center gem in the ring, was the major concern. Some businesses call citrine or even smoky quartz, topaz. The ring was said to be topaz, but with 37 years in the business, I was very skeptical and wanted to know if the gem had truly been ID'd. It is not uncommon to have problems with jewelry purchased at auction, so it is possible to purchase a citrine as topaz, and even a blue topaz as aquamarine, etc. I purchased a cocktail ring in the past at auction that had about ten 1/4ct nice looking diamonds, only to find out that 3 of them were actually CZ. Buyer beware. Very possible that many people are buying items out there as one thing and they are really something else, and they will never know as they will never have it looked at, so that is why I needed to have my questions answered before considering placing a bid. :-( read more

Horrible auction house who only want your money and then nothing to do with you. I purchased a painting from their auction and they released it to their recommended shipped. My painting then "disappeared" and was never shipped and they kept my money. They refused to speak with me over the phone and washed their hands of me. DO NOT buy anything from them. They are crooks!! read more

Clarke auction gallery sold many items from my families estate,each and every person on staff could not have been more courteous or professional.I would gladly recommend this gallery to anyone that is looking to sell or buy fine quality antiques .Richard K. read more