DuMouchelles is legendary as being one of the best auction houses in the Midwest. Nearly one-hundred years old, its imposing presence on Jefferson Avenue has stood the test of time. The business continues and thrives through the topsy-turvy climate of every conceivable challenge that big cities face and some don't survive. Like fine wine, it gets better with time. read more

At every step of the way I have been so impressed with DuMouchelles professionals, respect, and communication. My father recently passed away and we sold what was essentially his life's work through DuMouchelles, and my dad had worked with them earlier in his career. They understand how to work with someone who is in the middle of grieving too. I highly recommend. read more

An amazing collection of art, antiques and collectibles in Detroit. You can find valuable items and antiques galore. Amazing old building and location across from the Ren Cen. I was told that this building was actually the first Cadillac dealership in America 100 years ago. A must stop in for a tourist visiting the area. read more

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This place auctioned some of my most treasured items in 2016. Unfriendly and rude staff. Someone in Michigan recently asked my opinion about this place. I would not recommend this place to anyone! read more

We purchased a print at auction, had even contacted the gallery prior to the auction for additional information, won the bid, and when it arrived, we discovered it was misrepresented in the catalog. It came with an authentic COA (we are collectors of this particular artist, so we are familiar with what to look for). However, the print itself was missing the signed number. It had the signature, and we feel 90% certain it is an authentic piece. We know exactly where the number should be. However, when we addressed the auction house with this information, we received the run around with many excuses, trying to shift blame to the deceased owner, and the original publisher. What it came down to was why did they, as a dealer of art, not fully check that the COA and the acccompanying art work match? That is irresponsible and not of any professional standard that would be expected. I would be very careful and know what you are purchasing. They did verbally offer a full refund, without the details of shipping refunds and other expenses. They did also state that they would simply put it up for auction again despite the lack of certainty that the COA actually belonged to this piece. Sounds a bit on the shady side. read more

Well, I remembered reading sordid news about this place years ago in the paper but so long ago that I forgot what the controversy was. Still, I needed a little Christmas cash. Back in the 90s I purchased a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk from an antique store. I did not know it was Louis Vuitton because it doesn't have the LV logos all over it, which is not my taste anyway. I'm not a guy who wears a pony on his shirt but it did look solid. The girl who owned the shop worked with me on the price she said that a janitor friend had been given the trunk by the Dodge family because he worked in one of the mansions. So I hit up ChatGPT with all of the particulars and it came back with the issue of provenance. The history and story behind the peace matters quite a bit on the price. AI said that these can go for anywhere from 5000 to 12 at auction. When I supplied the addresses in Manhattan and Paris brass plate riveted on the side, 5th Avand included the Storage ticket from a Manhattan warehouse it came back with "you need to take this to have it appraise at Christie's because of its connection to a world famous family." It could bring as much as 20,000 but the family name could send it north of that quite a bit. On Fridays, DuMouhelle's does "free appraisals." A young man let me in the front door and another helped me carry the steamer trunk through the side door and we lifted it up on the table. A woman I'm guessing was at least an octogenarian came over and I thought "Good, someone with experience." I open the trunk and she pulled out the paperwork I had done years ago researching the family and the young man who went to Yale who last owned this trunk. His travels had taken him to Africa and judging by the "patina" on the outside, that seemed to check out. Then a younger girl started looking up comparables on the computer. She included some that were attached to famous names like jewelers who own chains of stores etc. She seemed somewhat enthused. The examples she found had been listed at around 3000 but when the hammer came down several were sold for 7000 and some closer to 10. The one I have is from 1910 and from my research is a very rare orange canvas colored model, which I read was more valuable because it was rare. Then the elderly lady started saying "well we're not going to take it on just to have fun with it, we have to sell it and the ones online are in better condition than yours. I get it, condition counts, but so does provenance and history. None of the other names were as big as "Dodge." AI said that the tag from the storage house and the brass plaque on the side made this very authentic. The elderly woman offered me 2500 to 3000. And her attitude was very haughty. Then a man who my only assume was her husband who was looking over coins in mint condition and the little plastic cases started saying "it's all about the condition." and if it's not in mint condition the value comes way down. And they don't ever include provenance in their estimates. He did not explain why. "If a coin is in poor condition it is worth far or less." he squeaked to me from his chair in a rather unpleasant tone. Duh... I was aware of that fact. I collected coins as a kid. I got a sense that they have performed this routine before. He was purposefully painting what I perceived to be a false equivalency. I will admit that mine is missing the belts that go around it but they are available from Louis Vuitton if someone cares to attain them. Or online. The inside has the top tray it is not missing, the serial numbers are clear and clean and none of the wood is cracked nor the canvas torn. And every single LV stamped rivet is in place and not missing. It just needs cleaned up a bit. I think I know why there appraisals are free, and I think I know why they have just a little over two stars. Avoid this place like the plague. I will post pictures of the trunk soon. At least the young girl was kind enough to supply me with some packing tape to re-wrap my trunk to take out the door and home, and a younger man even helped me load it into my car, where I headed home with it to tidy it up and put it on eBay for all the world to judge, instead of two predators looking to make a fast buck. read more

I have purchased several items from DuMouchelles over the years. I have always been very impressed with the quality of the service they have provided. I would feel very comfortable purchasing from them now and in the future. read more

I brought in an old oil painting in to see if it was valuable and the gentleman could not of been nicer and more thorough. He explained everything and generously shared his extensive knowledge telling me all about what he saw. Unfortunately it was not valuable but I trusted what he said and appreciated the thorough detailed explanation. Then he even offered to carry it to my car! Really above and beyond service! A great place to go see if you have a treasure! I can't wait to go back! read more

A wonderful auction house. So many people have left 1-Star reviews because their feelings were hurt due too their art being worthless. Come on people, it isn't DuMochelle's fault your parents or relative left you worthless art. The staff is simply being honest. If your art is worthless, it won't sell at auction and you'll be wasting everyone's time. This is an auction house, not a high end art appraisal business. If you have highly valuable art, call an art appraiser. If you have junk don't blame DuMochelle. Everyone who has complained about not receiving a call back needs to understand thta the founders/proprietors recently passed away. The current family and staff are doing their best. On a more positive note, my wife and I have acquired numerous art pieces and other auction items from Dumouchelle over the last six months. It's a pleasure to go to an auction and to experience the auction environment. I highly recommend people consign valuable work with DuMochelle or attend an auction. I hope Yelpers will start leaving realistic reviews in the future. read more

I went to DuMouchelle to gather some knowledge on a piece my mom left In her collection. I came in and waited several minutes for someone to assist me. People came in after me and was being waited on. One staff kept looking at me, however there was a customer that came in after me, she had only been there seconds and the same staff immediately waited on her. I'm sorry but it was Clearly a situation of being black and being out of place.. ultimately this lady staff told me my piece was 100 years old, but was worthless without its contents. All I was interested in was where this piece originated from.. THEY ARE REALLY NICE NASTY.. Excellent experience I will say.. read more

Well, stuff that was considered vintage when I was growing up is now considered antique. That's what I discovered when I visited this awesome gallery. It is family owned and are actively involved in the community -- kudos to that. They are the best provider for antiques in the Detroit Metro area -- I just popped into their Retail Salon, but they offer appraisals as well as a famous auction! I was so impressed by their collection. They were able to help me locate the broken lampshade from my mother's glass lamp that is sixty years old! People from all over the world attend their auction, they are incredibly famous. If you have a question about antiques, this may be your one stop. Equally interesting as the store are the clientele. They attract some very fabulous and eccentric people. read more

I bought an item on Liveauctioneers platform from Dumouchelle. Tried paying them with credit card twice, 1st time they were closed and the second time they said they will call back which they did not. After the weekend I saw them having charged my credit card. They had added another processing fee which there was NOT supposed to have been such a charge. When I called them they said that they did not and it was Liveauctioneers. After I told them that I would dispute the charge they said they will have it reversed. Then I asked them to charge my credit card and they said that they will not accept credit card even though they have clearly said thay do in the terms and conditions. Needless to say I had to issue a check and send them which took two weeks. Will NOT buy from them and or use other on line bidding platforms such as Bidsquare or Invaluable in future. read more

My husband and I visited DuMouchelles on Saturday, July 17th. We were interested in learning if any of our artwork and antiques were worth selling. We met with Catherine and she couldnt have been nicer. She helped us understand the value of our things and advised us on selling them. Even though they didn't make any money on our visit they treated us as though we were important customers. Thank you so much Catherine and DuMouchelles for making us feel so comfortable. Jim and Pat Bosscher read more

I am very pleased with our whole experience at DuMouchelles. We had several family heirlooms that we wanted to go to people that would value and appreciate them as our family had. DuMouchelles delivered on that. Joe Walker took a very special interest in one of our paintings from an American artist and collected as much info as he could about our history with the painting. It went for auction well above the quoted price thanks to his fact finding and knowledge of fine art. My experience with Joan Walker was great as well. She gave very honest and fair opinions about our "valuables." We could not have gotten the audience for all of our heirlooms that DuMouchelles has. I would recommend this company and plan on doing business with them again in the future. read more

I moved from New York - Brooklyn one year ago,They were good when first I start deal with Dumouchelle . Definitely they have the best and greatest things that i really love , But they didn't showed the respect . they didn't respond for Call bidding ( by phone ) , as well as they showed an ugly behave before so Good bye Dumouchelle. I,ll miss the good emplooye friends from there , But if they call and apologize for that then,,,!. I am a good buyer & a good guy and alwayes forgive people's mistakes David H. read more

Visited Dumouchelle's today. Joan Walker and others gave us a fair and honest appraisal on some vintage dolls. They took the time to explain why the dolls were worth what they were worth. Overall we were very satisfied with the experience. read more

A 'one' is too good of a rating for this business. Many years ago I was referred to DuMochelle to get a valuation for an antique bookcase that had been lost in a fire. After being ignored for nearly 20 minutes after arriving on time for my appointment, I was finally graced with the presence of one of the meanest women I'd ever encountered in. my. life......EVER. She glanced at my photographs, shoved them back at me, and told me she would not give me an estimate. Not could not, mind you....would not. Before I could ask why...she dismissed me and walked away. Being a non-confrontational personality, and still reeling from the loss of my home, I just left. I eventually received a value of $39,975.00 from an out of state dealer. I'm writing today because this same person, a mean, elderly woman, dismissed a dear friend today, who was trying to find someone reliable, insured, and capable for handling the auctioning of some inherited jewelry pieces with 6 figure estimations.. She arrived with written appraisals on the recommendation of the appraiser she used for the valuations. Again, this evil old woman took one look at my friend, dismissed her, and walked away. She never even looked at her paperwork. When my friend asked another employee for assistance, SHE was told by Evilene, that she simply did not want them. When leaving, my friend mentioned this to the owner, and he just threw his hands up. He knows his wife/mother well I guess, and accepts her nastiness. Next week we'll send our non-black friend and see what happens. read more

I love DuMouchelles auctions. They always have something interesting to sell and the prices are often attractive if you know what you're buying. However, I live in another state and generally need to have small items shipped. This is common in the auction business these days. The nearby UPS store is run by a Sopranos like family. They do not deal honestly with people and become hostile if you question why they are charging $150 to ship a $30 parcel. I CANNOT BUY FROM DUMOUCHELLES BECAUSE THE THE LOCAL SHIPPERS ARE COMPLETE RIPOFF ARTISTS. The UPS Store is a prime example. Expect the charge to be several hundred percent more than the actual charge to ship. A good example is a gemstone I purchased. Actual shipping cost with insurance was about $9.00, the charge from UPS store was $65.00. This is why I cannot buy from a great auction like DuMouchelles. DuMouchelles, please start doing in house shipping with fair prices. read more

My first visit to Dumouchelle was wonderful...Bob handled my walk-in complimentary appraisal with kindness and respect. My second visit was horrible! Although I was standing at the service counter, the man would not even look up. The woman who finally asked me if I needed help spilled coffee on me without apologizing then proceeded to be dismissive about the items I brought in for appraisal. She was unkind and rude. I hope management looks into whoever was minding the store on Sat, Sept 29 because she has changed my perception of the auction house. I will never go back and will be happy to steer others away. read more

My mother called and left a message, called again, and called again. She needed several appraisals for pieces that are being donated to the DIA and Wayne State. The Detroit Institute of Art had previously accepted a piece from her. (Heritage Appraisals responded immediately and are coming out tomorrow). Obviously, no one ever returned her call. Screw 'em: we won't be using Dumouchelle to sell off the remaining fine art and antiques when she moves to a retirement village this spring. read more

We've bought a bunch of stuff from their auction. It is typically antique stuff and art, although they have other interesting items like stuffed animal heads, dolls, and other collectables. Last month we bought a clock, this month I am looking at a dining room china cabinet. They also do appraisals for insurance which is nice. That costs a little bit of money. read more

The employees and managers are extremely rude Don't care about customers They took my item to sell. Unfortunately, they didn't even listed at all. After 2 months I check No body cares I would recommend that you go anywhere else. read more

I had a terrible experience with this auction house. I won an item at Dumouchelle via Live Auctioneers. I went 150% above the top estimate listed by Dumouchelle. The truth is, they had listed the item as a copy and I knew it was genuine. After I won it, and had received a confirmation email saying so, I was informed that they'd made a mistake and the seller wanted more money. I'd won it for $275. I was told I could have it for $500. I felt like I was being extorted. It was Dumouchelle's mistake, not mine. Frankly, they should have offered to make up the difference themselves. This was my one experience with them. Never again. read more

I love this place and have been going for almost 30 years. That being said, their recent shift from their Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday mornings to Thursday and Friday morning auctions, along with a couple of really bad experiences trying to bid online and by phone have cooled my enthusiasm greatly. Obviously the bulk of their clientele are either retired, or have very flexible schedules that they can be there, on the phone, or hovering online at that hour of the day. I do like to do the previews, and staff are always friendly. It's a great way to learn about art and antiques, and I will continue to do that. But it's going to be the rare item I bid on in the future after dozens of purchases ranging from $8 to more than $2000 due to the time change. read more

Went to DuMouchelles auction preview seeking to buy a specific piece. The staff promised that I could bid over the phone when the lot came up, and they would call me during the bidding process. As you see where this going, they never called. Very disappointing. Was contacted never contacted by them. read more

Had emailed dumouchelles about a couple pieces I had in my collection and they wrote back saying they'd love to see the pieces. So, I drive out 40 minutes, pay for parking, and walk into the gallery. the woman at the front desk tells me to put my pieces down by the register. I lay them out, she glances at them, and tells me they're not worth anything and DuMouchelles isnt interested in "just pretty pictures to hang on the wall". Not one word leaves my mouth and she's already walked off and apparently our meeting is over. I left after being in the gallery for two minutes. The whole interaction was especially frustrating as i am a working artist and i know the relative worth of my pieces. Which just goes to show this gallery is run by a bunch of old people who don't know the first thing about art, who's sole purpose is to prove to customers that they're superior. what gallery has exhibition posters up on the wall but will not buy original pieces by the same artists??? idiotic, and a complete waste of time, energy, and money. Will never be returning. read more

we have a ton of old antique stuff and the old guy with grey hair and glasses that came out walked so fast saying we don't sell this stuff but a few weeks later we see everything that we have on their sight going up for auction.. They Treat people like their beneath them... read more

A pretentious, overrated auction house / consignment shop. My husband and I both talked to their so-called *expert* by phone before deciding to make the two hour drive to their horribly located downtown Detroit location. I took a lot of time organizing and cataloging the items we took, which anyone should do, as the receipt you will be given when they take items for auction is non-descriptive and inadequate for leaving valuable items in their care. By phone, we were encouraged to bring unlimited amounts of items. When we arrived, we were not greeted. We were not even shown to a private room, but rather shuffled over to a long row of folding tables where we had to pull out our collection in full view of the public. (Did I mention the downtown Detroit location? There is not even so much as a security guard or buzzer system to enter.) The staff member who showed us to the tables glanced at a portion of what we had with us, but did not even look at half of it before proclaiming we didn't have any items in which they would be interested. She told us they only take very high end or very unique items. She declared this while standing next to a cart displaying a collection of carved onyx elephants and animals -- the type they sell in every tourist trap in Cozumel. When I mentioned I had seen less valuable items in their auction catalog, she told me to pick five of my most unique items (out of approximately 100.) These she took out of our sight to someone else that she said was their expert in these types of items. She came back 10 minutes later and told us she would take two of the items on consignment for their next auction. She gave is a receipt with a very low estimate of their worth. We will have to wait and see how the auction goes before I can comment on the remainder of this process. When we showed the "expert" one of the items we had, she was not even familiar with the maker; we had to pull out our ipad and show her the online research we had performed. The item had a decent value, but she assured us that it would bring only a small fraction of the value at auction -- perhaps 10%. This, from a woman who minutes earlier had never heard of the line. Meanwhile, we had plenty of time to browse the items in the messy and poorly displayed warehouse they call a "salon." We also examined the catalog of upcoming auction items and were dismayed to see much less valuable or unique examples of the same items we had. Certainly they had some beautiful and valuable pieces on site, but most were not high end enough to justify the dismissive attitude of the staff. Overall, this auction house left me with the feeling that they are unorganized and unprofessional. We felt it was a huge waste of our time, especially after discovering we could have simply sent pictures of our pieces. After talking to this person twice on the phone, you'd think she could have mentioned that option. Perhaps then, at least, they might actually take a look at what we have, since most of our items she rejected sight unseen. We are not sure how how Du Mouchelles has earned the reputation it has other than that it is Detroit, so they are the biggest fish in the dirty little pond. read more

I am so disappointed in the "service" provided by Dumouchelle Auction House. I brought a Chinese folding chair to them with the leather seats on Saturday. The owner and his daughter flocked around me and told me that they could immediately sell this chair. Since it belong to a friend of mine, I needed to consult with her first. I then returned the following week driving from Brighton to Detroit to drop off the Chinese folding chair, a Faberge egg, and an original pastel painting for auction. I was assured that they would call me within a week to tell me what they would be Setting as bid prices for my items. They never called. I left four phone messages and sent an email asking them to contact me and was never contacted. Beware of the contract that you sign. Yesterday I received an email saying I was charged for the painting and Faberge Egg a total of $50 because they were not sold at the auction. The chair that I expected to receive at least $1000 for was sold for 325. After their commission and taxes, I am netting $125. I am livid that no one took the time to call me. And I was selling this for a friend. There is no way I can tell her that her chair only netted her $125. Shameful. read more

Incredibly snobby atmosphere. I took a few paintings in, and was completely dismissed and told they were worth "nothing". They may not be worth anything, but it seems there could be a better way of dealing with potential customers. Aside from that, I have had them sell a few paintings in the past. Their commission is the same (if not more when all is said and done) as Christies and Sothebys, which is mind-boggling since both of those auction houses are more established, and far surpass the expertise available at DuMouchelle. I don't know, I guess this place isn't for me. I like to be treated with respect, which is no where to be found within their Detroit compound. read more

I am disappointed in Dumouchelle's Auction Galleries. I have sent them two different items; the first I emailed a second request for a response and never received an answer. While they may decide that my piece will not sell, it is rude to not reply. I submitted an original watercolor by a Mid Century Modern artist as well just two days ago, and received no response. A huge disapointment. Just bad business practice. read more

I have never visited this auction house. My business is almost exclusively online. They do an outstanding job posting pictures and providing accurate descriptions. They are extremely expensive as it relates to buyer premiums. The shipping options are not very reliable. It took entirely too much time to provide a shipping quote and it is not inexpensive. read more

Please take my advice , as it's the first consumer complaint I have ever filed . The vetting system for the shipping department is flawed, I have had a item bid for and payed for that will not be released . I am not sure if the auction house hopes to meet their terms of agreement ;which means the item will fall into their hands eventually at no cost , I am not sure. I have filed a complaint with live auctioneers , the federal trade commision with auction houses and the Detroit better business bureau. My concerns is their are more victims to their practices of disregard to consumer practice and purchasing. Please be aware of auction houses that do not ship in house , I have learned another valuable lesson at age 55. read more

They are extremely rude,rude, rude. Won't even acknowledge you, or look at you. It is as if they do not want to be bothered. I would recommend that you do business with them. You will be disappointed. read more

I took a few artworks in, they all pretend to be "busy" when clearly they're not busy, totally ignore customers, and refused to accept anything under certain value. The next week I try to sell them on eBay, you know what, I sold them all, one sold at $375 and the other one sold for $795 ! Next time you want to sell anything, please avoid this company, they have attitude problems and charge high commission! read more

Dumouchelle's is a good venue for a buyer, but for a seller--not so much. They tell you that your seller's commission is going to be 30%--and that rate is one of the highest in the United States--but then they add on "storage", "photography", and "insurance" fees, which brings your rate up to almost 50% on your final bill!!! This is for a seller and usually someone who is selling, needs the money or they wouldn't. At 50% they are higher than Skinner, Heritage, Leslie Hindman, or anyone else. Rome auctioneers doesn't even charge sellers a commission because they don't think it's fair. After the sale, they then hold your money for 90 days, which is excessive use of your money. Heritage and Skinner remit your proceeds in 30 days which is more reasonable. Also the "experts" there know zip about Oriental art or Art Glass, nor do they ever learn, which means they sell those things far under their market value. They are mostly concerned with silver and glass antiques, and do their best to dissuade you from selling your things, so that you will be satisfied with much less. Their jewelry estimates are higher than anyone else's because one of the family is a jeweler and thinks he's an appraiser. The parking is a nightmare (I get a ticket almost every time I am there.) and the loading area is worse. The staff is friendly but other than that: DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND CHECK OUT OTHER HOUSES TOO. They need a reality check and you can do better. Update on 7/15: They have reduced the total commission rate to around 33%, by reducing their charges for "storage, insurance and photography". That would seem to be a good thing, but--surprise--THEY NOW CHARGE $25.00 FOR AN ITEM THAT DIDN'T SELL. As if it's the seller's fault? I don't know another gallery that does that. These people need some competition to honest them up. read more

I received an unsolicited call from a whiney woman regarding an item I had inquired on previously but had no interest in pursuing or additional information on. She was passive aggressive and nasty. I would not trust these people. read more

Terrible service. Try's to undersell item in order to make a quick buck. Avoid at all costs.

I bought a framed poster from them. They were unhelpful via phone and email.Of course, I knew I had to make my own shipping arrangements to have the poster shipped to California but they would not be even remotely helpful in advising me. It would have been easier for them to just answer my question then to keep telling me how much they would not help me. read more

I think that there is a snobby attitude at Dumouchelle's. It's hard to put your finger on - just body language and tone of voice - most people in this business are so nice and down to earth, it's unfortunate. Would recommend elsewhere... read more