How to Bid

Prospective buyers must complete and sign a registration form with his or her name and permanent address, and provide identification before bidding. We may require the production of bank details from which payment will be made or other financial references.

As a prospective buyer you may bid in person but if you cannot attend an auction, leave a written bid, or an absentee bid online via Lotfinder.

Option 1) Bidding in person
We encourage you to pre-register by providing your billing information and a bank reference to the Registration Desk no later than 48 hours prior to the auction. On the day of the sale, please leave yourself sufficient time to present your ID, sign the registration form and receive your bidding paddle.

Option 2) Leaving a written bid
If you cannot attend the auction, you may choose to leave a written bid. A member of Christie's staff will try to secure the piece for you at the lowest price possible. Simply print out the absentee bid form, specify your maximum bid amount, fill in all other requirements and fax the form to the Bid Department to reach our hands at least 24 hours prior to the auction. Note that an absentee bid form is always provided in the back of all Christie's catalogues.

Option 3) Leaving an absentee bid online via Lotfinder
We offer a secure way to submit absentee bids online up to approximately 24 hours before the day of the sale via Lotfinder. The catalogue is now available in Lotfinder on christies.com.

Please note that, as an exception, admission to the Impressionist & Modern Evening sale, and the German & Austrian sale are by ticket only.