General Questions
Who is Empire Military Auctions?
Our auction company was formed by five individuals combining over a century of individual experience and knowledge. We offer the latest user-friendly web technology to bring you some of the finest military artifacts in the field.
What is Empire Military Auctions?
We are a traditional auction company.. Rather than encourage a bidding frenzy where split-second decisions must be made, our system provides you a preview period, followed by 14 days of active bidding to consider your bids carefully. All bidding is done online, and results are available in real-time.
When do you hold auctions?
Auctions are held periodically, closely following the end of both the MAX show and Show of Shows, the two largest military shows in the United States. Our inaugural auction is scheduled to commence on January 16, 2008 and end on January 31st, at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time.
Can I attend an auction?
Because our auctions are held online, and because our pictures are detailed, our administrative and storage facilities are not open to the public, except by appointment. If you are unsure about a detail of a lot you are considering, just ask. We'll be more than happy to post additional photographs and answer any questions you may have.
Can I get a Catalog?
We do not currently print a catalog, but may do so in the future.
How do I register to bid?
Registration is easy and free. Just use our friendly registration form. Your information is kept strictly confidential. To register, click here. Registration is free.
Why do I need a Credit Card to Register?
We require a credit card to verify your identity as a bidder, by validating your mailing address. This step ensures that all members have registered in good faith, which reduces fraudulent bids during our auction. We do NOT store your credit card information, and will never charge your card without your express written consent. Please note: you do not have to register until you are ready to place a bid - all of our items can be viewed by the general public.
How else can I verify my Identity?
Although credit card verification is the easiest way to verify your identity, you may furnish us with two written militaria-based collectibles references via email, letter, or fax at least 48 hours in advance of an auction. In addition, persons personally known to members of our board of directors may, at our discretion, also be registered manually by us.
Buying
How do I bid?
Bidding has never been easier or more stress-free. Click here to register, and then you can bid on any lot, once the auction begins.
How does Empire's bidding system work?
Empire uses automatic proxy bidding. Simply bid the maximum you're willing to pay for a lot, and Empire's cutting-edge software will continue to bid on your behalf, up to (but not exceeding) your maximum. And, if you're watching an auction and there is a flurry of last minute activity, not to worry - the auction will be automatically extended. The hammer for each lot will fall exactly five minutes after the last bid.
What are the bid Increments?
When our proxy bidding system bids on your behalf, it uses a formula based upon the current price of the particular item you are bidding on. Bid increments are as follows:
Bid Amount Increment
$100 $2
$250 $5
$1000 $25
$2500 $50
$5000 $100
Is there a reserve price?
No. Empire is an absolute auction, where there are no reserve prices. Starting bids represent the minimum amount the owner of the lot is willing to accept. This means that any item with a confirmed bid will sell.
Will Descriptions and Photos Change?
To provide the most accurate photographs and descriptions possible, information on an auction item may be updated and expanded prior to the start of an auction. This ensures that any feedback from members of our board of experts, and any helpful information provided by viewers, is incorporated into the listing. However, once an auction begins, information will remain unchanged to be fair to all bidders.
How do I pay for winning lots?
We prefer payment via credit card, but we also accept checks, money orders, and direct bank wires. if you win an auction, you will be able to choose the payment option that best suits your needs. Since we do not store credit card information, you will never be charged without your express written consent. All accounts must be settled within five (5) business days after you receive an invoice from us.
What are the fees?
We charge a flat 15% buyer's premium on all winning lots.
What about shipping?
Items will be shipped after we receive payment. All winning lots are professionally packaged by us, and sent by USPS Express Mail to domestic winners and USPS Express International Mail to international winners. At the buyer's request, we can insure all items against loss, theft and damage. Please contact us for an insurance quote. If an insured item arrives damaged, please retain all packaging material and contact us in writing within five (5) business days.
Can I return something?
Of course you can. We allow you a five (5) business days from the time of receipt to inspect and consider your winnings. If an item is other then as described and you would like to return it, notify us in writing within the five (5) business days of receipt, and we will make arrangements to process a return.
Consigning
Why should I consign with Empire?
The secret to any successful auction is exposure and consumer-confidence. We have large advertising budget which ensures that thousands of prospective bidders visit our website during any given auction cycle. Additionally, we have a mailing list of over 20,000 collectors active in the field. Our company is among the most well-known and trusted in the field of military antiques. This gives bidders the confidence to bid on your items.
What can I consign?
We accept a broad range of military artifacts for each auction. You may consign any authentic and unaltered historical specimen with an expected hammer price of more than $500. Don't worry - if you have many smaller items in your collection, we will consider them on an individual basis or group them into related lots for you. We do not currently accept firearms or other items that violate US Federal law. Please note: reproduction, articles in poor condition, and items deemed to be in poor taste or not interesting to our target audience will not be accepted.
What are the fees?
We charge a flat 15% seller’s fee on the final bid price.
How do I get things to you?
Since we maintain offices in both Europe and the US, you may ship items directly to our facilities. Please package items carefully and insure items to your satisfaction, as we assume full responsibility for the safety and security of your item(s) after we have received and inspected them.
My collection is large. Can you help me?
Consignors are normally responsible for shipping all lots to us. However, for exceptionally large collections we can make special arrangements to help you catalog, pack and ship your artifacts.
How are items stored while in the possession of Empire?
We care about your merchandise as if it were our own. Accordingly, artifacts are handled with care by our staff. We store everything in a temperature controlled, secure facility that is not open to the public.
How are items priced?
Auction houses with poor reputations and low buyer turnout often protect their consignors by setting unreasonably high opening bids. Because we attract thousands of bidders, we encourage low starting prices and do not allow reserve prices to be set. This policy gives people a reason to bid, encourage competition, and actually works in your favor.
What is the timeline?
We hold auctions periodically, and need sufficient lead-time before the start of the auction preview, to receive, catalog, describe and photograph your items. We are however, flexible - exceptions can of course be made on a case-by-case basis.
When will I be paid?
Unlike other military auctions that are very slow to pay, settlement checks are mailed between 6 and 8 weeks after the close of your lot.
Do you purchase items?
Although Empire is an auction house, we will be glad to consider purchasing a single piece, an entire collection, or any unsold lots. Accordingly, if you do decide that you wish to sell something directly, please contact our auction headquarters and we can make you an offer. Please do not contact individual board members. Direct all questions to our auction headquarters.
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