Gardner Galleries works closely with estate solicitors, trust officers, executors and family members to provide the highest level of professional service in the dispersal of estate chattels, from a single item to an entire household.

Items are accepted on a daily basis for inclusion in upcoming auctions. Free pre-sale estimates are provided at our York Street building, with photographs of large items acceptable. Visits to the home can be arranged with no charge for a general over view and estimate of total value. If a written appraisal is required the fee is based on a flat hourly rate, with the fee refunded if the items are consigned for auction. Appraisals are conducted for probate, insurance and family division at competitive rates by accredited personal property appraisers. As part of our goal to provide exceptional customer service throughout the entire auction process, we can provide our own staff and cartage van for shipment of items for auction.

Commission rates include everything except cartage. Unlike many other auction houses there is no extra charge for photography, insurance, internet listing, cataloguing, advertising, etc. The standard selling commission rates are as follows (per total consignment, not per item):

Over $1,000.....20%;

$500 to $999.....25%;

Under $500.....30%.

Please note that consignments may be refused if all items are of low value. Estates and single items of very high value are dealt with on a case by case basis. Payment is usually one week following weekly sales, two to four weeks after a catalogue auction. Consignors receive a computerized printout of the results with every lot sold itemized. Reserves are only accepted if less than our pre-sale low estimate, and if the item(s) does not reach the reserve a cataloguing charge is applied.

The Gardner Galleries on York Street has attracted sophisticated buyers for almost forty years looking for the best in antiques, art and estate furnishings. These major auctions are advertised internationally, promoted through our mail and internet client lists, have several days of exhibitions and printed catalogues with estimates. In addition, every lot is illustrated and described on our website.

Gardner Galleries East draws hundreds of buyers every week intrigued by the eclectic offerings. Dealers and private buyers know every sale includes modern furnishings, antiques, appliances, jewellery, china and the unexpected. Both have central alarm systems, video surveillance, locking showcases, sprinklers, storage, seating, hardwood floors and air conditioning to best present items for sale.

Our firm is the preferred choice for almost all area trust companies and law firms. We have recently handled estates for TD Canada Trust, The Royal Trust Company, Oak Trust, The Public Guardian & Trustee, BMO Trust Company and Scotiatrust, serving all of South-Western Ontario. Prospective consignors should note that we are the only firm dealing exclusively with estate furnishings and fine art in the London metropolitan area. Consignors benefit from over one hundred years combined experience, international mailing list, internet listings & notices, printed catalogues and a track record of thousands of successful auctions. Our firm is one of very few worldwide with two locations to best handle the complete contents of an entire estate residence.