Easy to work with picked up consignments with no charge my items did well in his auction

After bidding with Fontaine's Gallery for 20 or more years, and likely spending tens of thousands of dollars the owner, John F just told me to buy somewhere else, why? Because I just told him his two "preferred" shippers charge between 600% and 1000% OVER the actual cost of the postage. That's it, no threats, no profanity, nothing more than stating facts, and politely asking about alternatives. We are a small, elderly run business, so ever dollar is precious. Imagine how Mr F (XXX YOU) treats his mom and dad. read more

Condition report of 1800's dresser claimed "No Damage No Repairs excellent condition." When I picked it up they were being very thoughtful moving the product around, I thought they just cared about the lot and were being gentle. When I got it loaded and home I noticed why they were being so gently, legs were loose 2 were held on with new screws and the ornamental twist up the side was repaired many years ago. Not even worth trying to return, just be careful this does not appear to be a reputable auction house. The product is not worth the time and effort to repair or return given the difficulty and distance of moving. Thought because they had nice glossy auction catalogs and pretty pics, they were legit... Buyer beware... read more

Oh, if only I'd researched Fontaine's on Yelp before committing myself to placing a bid in one of their online auctions, I would not now be over $500US out of pocket. I won one of their auction lots, and my successful bid was under the estimate. I congratulated myself on my good fortune, not suspecting what was to follow. When I paid for the lot, I contacted two of their preferred shippers, as I live in Canada, and needed the item to be collected/shipped on my behalf. I participate in many auctions, both online, and in-person throughout the year, so I am well acquainted with the process...or thought I was until now. The first shipper was sent the dimensions, weight, and delivery address, and was asked for a shipping quote on the item. I then received a curt response telling me that they needed to know how much money I spent on the item before they would give me a quote. This is the first time I have ever encountered such a request, and this information is only needed AFTER a quote has been accepted, and ONLY for the customs declaration form. I asked for some clarification on this point, and then received another email, this time from the owner. The message was terse, and simply reiterated the information request once again. On to the next "preferred" shipper. At least this shipper didn't ask how much money I had spent on the item, preferring to bypass me altogether, contacting Fontaine's directly, and getting all that information from them anyway. Classy. Their quote for a small item to be shipped to an address less than a day's drive away? $750CAN. To give a bit of contrast, I recently shipped a medium-sized antique table from Vancouver to New York for $550CAN. In essence, I could drive down to Fontaine's, collect the lot from them, spend the weekend in a nice Hotel, drive back, and still spend less money. At an impasse, I contacted Fontaine's, as there are no other shippers in Pittsfield who were willing to take on such a small job. I described the situation, and asked if there were any other shippers that they could recommend. Their response? Complete silence. It's pretty clear why Fontaine's maintains a close working relationship with their "preferred" shippers. Ask yourself, does spending 3/4 of a thousand dollars to ship a small item to a location less than a day's drive away seem even remotely reasonable? I have had to abandon the lot, and I am now out $500US. I derive my income from the sale of items I procure from auctions. Hook, line, sinker, and copy of the Angling Times. Avoid. read more

These folks need to take lessons on treating customers with respect! A 1 star rating is too high. I wanted to leave zero stars! read more

Some of the best antiques in the Berkshires and beyond. The last antique clock auction was just fantastic! An E. Howard No. 68 floor standing astronomical regulator clock descending over the course of many decades from the original family sold for $277,300 at an antique clock auction held Nov. 23 by Fontaine's Auction Gallery. It was a new world auction record for an E. Howard clock, shattering the old record set in November, 2012 of $230,100, also at Fontaine's. The E. Howard No. 68 was the top lot in an auction that saw 370 rare and important clocks from several prominent collections come up for bid in a sale which grossed over 1 million dollars. The best things in this auction went well beyond our expectations, with new clients participating at every level. Fine examples of rare clocks are at the highest selling point that I can remember over the course of my forty years in the industry said John Fontaine, owner of Fontaine's Auction Gallery. Fontaine's Auction Gallery's next big event will be a cataloged antique auction slated for Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. (with previews Friday, Jan. 10, from 10-5, and Saturday, Jan. 11, from 8-11 a.m.). Featured will be items from the home, shop & personal collection of Randy Gottesfeld of Gaslight Time, Brooklyn NY. The auction will be held in Fontaine's Pittsfield gallery, at 1485 West Housatonic Street. read more

Great gallery and auction. Very knowledgeable. Premium is in line with other auction houses,

This Auction House is not reliable. I was asking about a condition for a lot (a Lalique vase) which I bought later. The Auction House pretended not to know. When I received the lot it was obvious that that the vase was altered and damaged. 'Unfortunately' the item arrived a day too late so that Fontaine's refused to take it back. I spoke to Mr. Fontaine myself so I have an idea where the problem is to be located. read more

Helped my Mom consign multiple antique items with Fontaine's when she was downsizing after my Dad's passing. I found Mr. Fountaine very helpful and honest in his appraisals. He always was available when we had questions. In the end I think he got the best prices possible on all the items he sold for us. He provided prompt payment and accounting after auctions. I would recommend him. read more

Misrepresented auction goods, fake provenance, refusal to make refund. Say away from this auction gallery or you will be buying items that are fake antiques or items that are not as described. There are many other auction houses that you can trust. Fontain's is not reliable or trustworthy. STAY AWAY FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! I wrote to Fontain's Auction Gallery concerning lot #12 that I bought in their February 22nd 2014 Auction. This is the last communication from me you will receive, if you do not reply, I will take legal action to rectify your misrepresentation of the provenance and title of that lot in question. The provenance you stated; being from the "Andy Warhol Collection," in Sotheby's 1988 New York Auction, item number 2523, is either fraudulent or, at best, incorrect. In addition; that lot #12 was listed in your auction records, description, and invoice as "skull cracker," which is incorrect, as it is not a weapon, but rather a ceremonial dance wand. Based upon those facts I expect a complete refund or the difference between the value of that lot, without authentic Warhol provenance, and the actual price I paid. A Bonham's Native American expert assumes the "Warhol" label is fake based upon his past experience with similar falsified labels, and put the actual value of that lot 12 at $600 because there is no authentic Warhol provenance. The following is what I wrote to you, on April 14th 2014, and this is what I still expect from you: "I WANT TO RETURN THE PIECE TO YOU FOR A FULL REFUND AS YOUR DESCRIPTION WAS NOT ACCURATE OR I WANT YOU TO PAY ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BONHAM'S EXPERTS APPRAISAL OF THE PIECE BEING APPROXIMATELY $600 AND WHAT I PAID YOU; BEING $1028. THE DIFFERENCE IS $428. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE ME RETURN THE PIECE TO YOU FOR A FULL REFUND, OF $1028, OR WOULD YOU RATHER REFUND TO ME THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN THE TRUE VALUE OF THE PIECE, AS IT DID NOT ORIGINATE IN WARHOLS COLLECTION AND YOUR DESCRIPTION WAS INCORRECT, THAT DIFFERENCE BEING $428." read more

I bid and won an item via their online auction site. Their method of payment (wire transfer only) cost me extra as did their scam in house package and shipping. To top it off, upon recieving the item I found that the glass in the door was missing. This significantly negative condition was deliberately omitted in the item description and the accompanying photographs were taken to hide the missing part. Upon raising the issue via email I was referred to 'condition 13' of their 'Conditions of Sale' which says I can ask for a detailed item description but if I don't, they are not obligated to provide it. Be wary of this place. They lack integrity and don't give a damn about their customers. You have been warned. read more

Pleasantly surprised to find how professional and easy to work with these folks are. Been doing business a long time and really seem to enjoy what they do. Great shipping and very affordable rates for my larger item I purchased If you're looking for a fantastic Victorian and or clocks, they are the best! read more

John Fontaine is a classic example of why antique dealers have a bad reputation! I can't believe how nice he was and the great prices he gave when he came to down to our place to take many of our beautiful antiques; only to turn around and rob us blind and take us for a ride! A never ending ride! It been almost 2 years and each time we try to contact him and ask him what is going on with the 2 truck fulls of antiques, he says they either didn't sell yet or: "Well unfortunately, the auction didn't do too well, here's the cheque for a few hundred bucks." Seriously! That one gorgeous antique mirror on its own is worth $3000! And he knew it since he himself said when he was at our place, that it wouldn't go for less than $1000! And when we asked for the rest of the big ticket items, he said they haven't sold yet. Yet, when we asked for their return, few days later, he finally gets back to us and says that they just sold but for 1\8th the value!!! How can he even sleep at night! If we weren't dealing with family illnesses and care giving, and had the time and energy, we would have already sued! But, there's a time and place for everything. That time and place will come! read more

A great family owned antique and auction business. The live auctions are fun, friendly and they change every month! The bidding at the auctions is also very fun! John and his staff made this whole experience wonderful, and I had a great time looking at all of the antiques! I recommend showing up early to see the previews and to reserve a seat! read more

Gave them a bunch of furniture on consignment in 2008. Got a check for $75 for an original Thonet hatstand (a bit low, methinks?), and then never heard from them again, despite numerous phone calls. Maybe good for buying, but my experience suggests that they are not trustworthy when it comes to consigning. read more

john fountains auctions are the worst.....man is dishonest......i consigned antiques over 3 years ago and he would trie to keep some of my paintings......he would say they did not do well or he would do again.....for 3 years.....finally they brought me a cheap painting and said it was mine and it was not mine......never got my best painting back or money.....and now he is trying to extort money from me because he knows i am a permanent disabled veteran......avoid this man......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more