Purchased an item listed as "very good condition" that -very clearly- was not-- a few deeply etched fingerprints and overall damage to the surface of the work. Luckily I did not pay too much, but it's unlikely I would have bid if the photos or description properly represented the condition of the piece. Emailed them to discuss and received no response. Don't think I'll be buying from them again without personal inspection, if at all. Stay away. read more

Great objects and terrific staff. Really enjoy working with them. They always go above and beyond with questions and viewings and arranging appointments for pick up. I even received a hand written note thanking me for my purchases. A plus and a huge asset to Hudson and designers. read more

Their estimates at the Aso O. Tavitian sales were so off; we bought several great lots way under under the low estimate. The owners are under the impression that they are Christies. Delusion of grandeur worked to our advantage! Always great buying here for sleepers. read more

AWFUL SERVICE AND LOT PORTRAYAL--TWICE In the course of two years, I won two lots at two different auctions; unfortunately, both were egregious occurrences. The first occasion (April 2021), saw the appearance of a lot of far lesser size, quality, and value than that described. In addition, I received it 6 weeks after I payed for it, in New York City, thus very close to the location of Stair Galleries' auctions. Nevertheless, I thought I would give Stair Galleries another chance, especially since the aforementioned lot was an artwork, and value/quality are more often than not a matter of opinion. In the second instance, however, I purchased a lot at a jewelry auction (April 2022) for a present to my mother on Mother's Day: well, the lot--a handsome gold and diamond floral brooch--was wrapped in heaps of plastic without even a box for it. It's a marvel that the brooch didn't arrive completely shattered, though, naturally, the pin arrived deformed. read more

I have been buying from auction now for about 30 years. I find Stair to be one of few that is honest in their depiction and description of items being sold. I also find their terms to be very good compared to other larger international auction houses. They respond to inquiries in a timely manner. read more

Stair Galleries is an absolute gem. If you're used to the hauteur of Christie's or Sotheby's, this place will be a breath of fresh air. The staff are knowledgeable and approachable; you get the impression they are there to answer your questions, not to prevent you from pocketing the silver. If you're previewing a sale, you can pick up a catalog at the front desk instead of waiting in line to check a reference copy that's chained to some immoveable object. Both previews and auctions are dog friendly, and sale day usually includes free wine and munchies. Having said all that, this is still a very high-class auction house, with big-name consignors and bidders from around the globe. Some items will fetch staggering prices -- like the Faberge Imperial figurine that recently went for 10 times its presale estimate of $500,000 -- but there's lots of wonderful stuff that sells at a good discount relative to the NYC auction houses. Less expensive items (under $2,000) are usually offered in the monthly Exposition Auctions, while the semi-monthly Fine Auctions are reserved for pricier offerings. (But even then, you may be surprised by the occasional bargain.) Stair Galleries is about a 10-minute walk from the Hudson train station, so it makes a great day trip from the city. read more

I have bid twice on Artfact with Stair Galleries, and twice, the auctioneers went so quickly through the bidding that my bids were not accepted. Not only have I wasted an enormous amount of time- but Artfact was cheated of a commission, and the seller lost out on much more money. Additionally the auction house refused to give me the name of the auctioneer. read more

This auction house is an excellent resource - a highly professional staff with international experience that pulls in diverse high quality -or high style - property for auction. read more

Their internet access is antiquated in general and no direct access for bidding other than through a third party system. Confusing service and incompetent staff when it came to registering for phone bidding. I contacted their staff to set up bidding by phone for several items I have sought for well over a year. Following their procedure, I registered, and placed initial bids. Two days prior to the auction I called the firm, and specifically asked if I was correctly registered for phone bidding. I was informed that I was indeed registered and one of their representatives would contact me when the items I was interested in came up for bidding. I then watched helplessly as those items came up and there was NO phone contact. I would have bid significantly more than what the items sold for. I reached out with a query as to what went wrong, and received a curt reply that I had only registered for an absentee ballot and not phone bidding, this from the staffer who I had first discussed phone registration with. Stair Auctions.. .get with the 21st century when it comes to your own internet access, and then either properly train or remove staff that are incompetent. If you are looking to sell a valuable item or are seeking something significant for your collection GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. read more

Being a novice to auction I asked questions and the people at Stair Galleries were gracious enough to talk me thru the process, as a result I bought a down filled sofa at a fraction of the retail cost, my latest purchase a small Buddha carved from marble is the perfect gift for a friend. I love looking through the online catalog. read more

Buyer Beware! This auction house requires your requesting condition reports before the auction so make sure you do since defects and damages are not explicitly reported. read more

I consider myself lucky to be in such close vicinity to Stair Galleries- in addition to the overflow traffic of incoming customers to my shop I have also had great success as both a consignor and buyer on many occasions. A special note: their Friday night Expo sales can be an excellent opportunity for affordable treasure hunting! read more