Frequently Asked Questions

Buying an antique should be exciting, whether you are standing in front of it in our gallery or looking at it from several thousand miles away.

We understand, however, that buying an important piece online can require a degree of trust. How can you be sure about its condition? Will it look the same when it arrives? How do you know it is genuine? And how on earth do you safely send an eighteenth-century mirror or marble-topped commode across the Atlantic?

These are entirely reasonable questions.

We have spent many years buying, selling, restoring and shipping antiques around the world. We are always happy to talk through a piece before you buy it, provide further photographs or video, discuss its history and condition, and help arrange specialist delivery.

Below are answers to some of the questions we are most often asked.

Can I buy from Nicholas Wells Antiques online?

Yes. We sell to private collectors, interior designers and trade clients throughout the UK and internationally, and many of our clients purchase without seeing the piece in person.

We appreciate that buying an antique is rather different from ordering something newly manufactured. Every object is unique, and age, surface, colour, scale and condition are all part of the decision.

If you would like to discuss an item before purchasing it, please contact us. There is absolutely no obligation and we are very happy to answer questions.

I love a piece, but I am nervous about buying an antique I haven’t seen in person. What can you do?

Please ask us to show you more.

The photographs on our website are intended to give a good representation of each object, but they do not have to be the end of the conversation.

We can usually provide additional photographs of any part of an item you would like to examine — the back of a mirror, the underside of a table, drawer construction, old repairs, marble, gilding, upholstery, labels, marks or simply a close-up of the surface.

We can also often provide a video walk-through, showing the piece from different angles and in natural movement. Video can be particularly helpful for understanding scale, colour, surface and the way light falls across polished timber, giltwood, bronze or stone.

If there is something you are uncertain about, ask us. We would much rather spend time helping you make the right decision than have you buy something you are unsure about.

Can you provide a condition report?

Yes.

Antiques are, by definition, old objects and signs of age should be expected. An eighteenth-century table should not look as though it left the workshop yesterday.

We are happy to discuss condition in detail and provide additional photographs where appropriate. We will point out significant restoration, replacement, damage or alteration of which we are aware.

Condition is also more nuanced than simply describing an antique as “perfect” or “imperfect”. An old repair can be entirely acceptable; an untouched original surface can be particularly desirable; sympathetic conservation may preserve an object, while excessive restoration can remove much of its character.

If condition is especially important to you, please tell us what you would like us to examine.

How do I know an antique is genuine?

Every object we sell is examined and researched by us before it is offered for sale.

Our descriptions reflect our considered opinion of the object’s age, origin, materials and, where appropriate, maker or attribution. Where documentary provenance, labels, signatures, marks or comparable examples exist, we will include or discuss them.

There are also important distinctions in the language of the antiques trade. “Attributed to”, “workshop of”, “in the manner of” and “period” do not mean the same thing, and we try to use these terms carefully rather than implying a certainty that the evidence does not support.

If you would like to understand why we have dated or attributed a particular piece in a certain way, please ask. Antique research is one of the most interesting parts of what we do.

Can I see an antique in person before buying?

Of course. Please contact us to arrange a viewing.

If travelling to see the piece is impractical, additional photography and a video viewing can often provide much of the information you would want from seeing the object in person.

Will the colour look exactly the same as it does online?

We make every effort to photograph our stock accurately, but screens, lighting and photography can alter colour slightly.

This is particularly relevant to old surfaces. Mahogany, rosewood, lacquer, porphyry, marble, patinated bronze and old gilding can change considerably according to the light.

If colour is particularly important to an interior scheme, tell us. We can provide additional photographs, including photographs taken in natural daylight where practical, or video to give you a better understanding of the surface.

How can I tell whether an antique will fit my room?

Dimensions are provided with our listings, but we are very happy to help with this.

Antiques can be surprisingly difficult to judge for scale from a photograph. A console may look enormous in a close photograph but be remarkably elegant and shallow in a room; equally, a vase or lamp may be considerably larger than it initially appears online.

Before buying, check not only the final position but also doors, staircases, lifts and other access points.

If you are unsure, send us the relevant measurements — or photographs of the intended space — and we can discuss it with you.

Has the antique been restored?

Many antiques have received some restoration during their lifetime. This is not necessarily a disadvantage.

Our preference is for sympathetic conservation and restoration which respects the age, materials and character of the object. The objective should generally be to preserve an antique rather than make an old object look new.

Before dispatch we can also discuss whether a piece requires any conservation, polishing, stabilisation or other attention.

Please ask us if you would like more detail about restoration to a particular object.

Shipping & Delivery

Can you ship antiques internationally?

Yes. We regularly sell to international clients and can help arrange delivery throughout the UK and worldwide.

Antiques are not ordinary parcels, however, and the appropriate method depends upon what is being transported.

A bronze may require relatively straightforward specialist packing; a large giltwood mirror, chandelier, marble table or fragile work of art may require bespoke crating and specialist fine-art handling.

We can discuss the options with you and obtain an appropriate shipping quotation.

How do you ship valuable or fragile antiques?

For important, fragile or high-value pieces we recommend using professional fine-art and antique shippers rather than ordinary parcel couriers.

Depending upon the object and destination, this can include specialist wrapping, bespoke cases or crates, collection by trained art handlers, consolidated fine-art transport, air or sea freight, customs clearance and white-glove delivery at the destination.

The object determines the shipping method — rather than trying to make the object fit a standard courier service.

Can my purchase be insured while it is being shipped?

Appropriate transit insurance can be arranged as part of many specialist shipping services.

The precise insurance arrangements depend upon the shipper, destination and object, so these should always be confirmed when the shipping quotation is agreed.

For valuable antiques we strongly recommend establishing the insurance position before an item leaves us.

We also photograph and document pieces before dispatch where appropriate, providing a record of their condition before they begin their journey.

Which fine-art shippers do you recommend?

There are several well-established specialist fine-art logistics companies operating from the UK, and the best choice depends upon the object, destination, timescale and level of service required.

Among the firms clients may wish to consider are:

Cadogan Tate — international fine-art and antique handling, packing, bespoke crating, storage, customs assistance and installation.

Constantine — one of Britain’s longest-established fine-art logistics specialists, providing UK and international transport, bespoke packing and case-making, customs support, storage and installation.

Hedley’s Group — specialist logistics for fine art, antiques and furniture, including international transport, bespoke packing and crating, storage and white-glove installation.

We are also happy to work with a client’s preferred shipper.

For each purchase, we can help determine what level of service is sensible. Not every antique needs museum-style crating, while certain fragile objects absolutely warrant it.

What is white-glove delivery?

White-glove delivery goes considerably further than having an object delivered to the kerb.

Depending upon the service arranged, specialist handlers can bring the item into the property, unpack it, position it and remove the packing materials.

For large, fragile or particularly valuable furniture and works of art, this can be well worth considering.

What about customs, duties and import taxes?

International shipments may be subject to local import duties, taxes, customs charges or documentation requirements.

These vary according to the destination and the nature, age and materials of the object. Specialist fine-art shippers are particularly useful for international purchases because they are accustomed to dealing with customs procedures and the documentation associated with works of art and antiques.

Certain materials can also be subject to specific import or export restrictions. Where this is relevant to an object, it should be established before shipping.

We can help you and your shipper with the information about the object required for the necessary documentation.

How long does international delivery take?

There is no single answer because a small object travelling by air is very different from a large piece of furniture travelling as part of a consolidated shipment.

When obtaining your shipping quotation, we can ask for an estimated delivery time as well as the cost so that you can choose the most appropriate option.

Sometimes waiting a little longer for a scheduled specialist fine-art shipment can also make international transport considerably more economical.

Looking After Your Antiques

How should I care for antique furniture?

The most important principle is surprisingly simple: don’t overdo it.

An antique surface has developed over decades or centuries. Frequent aggressive cleaning, silicone sprays, abrasive products and enthusiastic DIY refinishing can cause far more damage than ordinary use.

Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid excessive water and household cleaning sprays. Keep furniture away from strong direct heat where possible and be conscious of prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade timber, textiles and other materials.

If an antique requires more substantial cleaning, polishing or repair, ask a specialist conservator or restorer before attempting it yourself.

Should I polish antique furniture?

Occasionally, and with the correct product and technique.

Good antique furniture should develop a natural, mellow surface rather than a permanently glossy modern finish. Over-polishing can leave residues and may eventually obscure rather than improve the surface.

If you are unsure what finish an object has, ask us before applying anything to it.

Should I repair an antique myself?

For anything beyond very minor maintenance, we would generally recommend speaking to an experienced restorer first.

A repair which looks innocuous can permanently alter an original surface or remove evidence of age and construction. Modern glue, varnish, metal polish and aggressive cleaning products are particularly capable of doing damage that is difficult to reverse.

We can often advise on the appropriate approach or put you in touch with a specialist.

How should I look after marble and stone?

Old marble and decorative stone should be treated gently.

Avoid acidic household cleaners, abrasive products and prolonged contact with liquids, particularly wine, citrus and vinegar. These can stain or etch polished stone.

Use coasters and mats where appropriate and clean spills promptly with a soft cloth.

How should I care for giltwood?

Gilded surfaces can be extremely delicate, particularly where the gilding is old.

Dust very gently with a soft brush and avoid water, furniture polish or household cleaners. Do not rub areas of flaking or lifting gilding.

If the surface appears unstable, it is better to have it assessed by a conservator before cleaning it.

How should I care for antique bronze and metalwork?

Patination is often an important part of the appearance and value of antique bronze.

Avoid commercial metal polishes unless you know that a bright polished finish is historically appropriate. Removing an old patina can dramatically change an object and may be irreversible.

Gentle dusting is usually all that is required for routine care.

Buying With Confidence

What happens if the antique looks different when it arrives?

Our aim is that there should be no surprises.

That is why we encourage questions before purchase and are happy to provide additional photographs, close-ups, measurements, condition information and, where practical, video.

For online purchases, our returns policy sets out the applicable cancellation and return arrangements. Please contact us promptly if you have any concern after delivery rather than arranging a return independently, as valuable antiques need to be packed, insured and transported appropriately.

Can you help arrange a return?

Yes.

If an item needs to be returned, please contact us first. We can help advise on appropriate specialist transport.

An antique should be returned using a suitable standard of packing, handling and insurance, particularly if it is fragile or valuable.

Please see our full Returns & Exchanges Policy for the current terms applying to your purchase.

I’m interested, but I’m still unsure. What should I do?

Call us.

There is sometimes a tendency to think that because an antique appears on a website, buying it has to be an anonymous online transaction. It doesn’t.

Behind every piece is a real object that we have handled, examined and researched — and a real person you can speak to about it.

Ask us for another photograph. Ask us to measure a particular detail. Ask about a repair you have spotted. Ask us to turn the piece over. Ask us why we believe it was made in England rather than France, or why we have dated it to 1780 rather than 1820.

And if you are considering a significant purchase from overseas, ask us to make a video and walk you around the piece.

Buying at a distance shouldn’t mean buying blind.

We want you to understand what you are buying and to be delighted with it when it arrives.