All of our auctions are held online only . This means that lots remain open for bidding over a set period and close sequentially. Dynamic closing of lots ensures fair bidding by extending the closing time when bids are placed in the final moments before a lot closes, meaning that all bidding decisions are final.

All bidders can register online via our website before bidding. Valid identification and acceptance of the Conditions of Sale are required before your registation is accepted.

Once registered, you may place bids directly online as the sale is closing, or leave a maximum bid in advance. The system will bid automatically on your behalf up to your designated limit.

Estimates are provided as a guide only. Some lots may be subject to a confidential reserve, which will not exceed the lower estimate.

In addition to the hammer price, buyers pay a very competitive premium of 24% which includes any applicable VAT or taxes, and online fees stipulated by bidding on platforms such as the-saleroom.com.

All books are catalogued by experienced specialists and described in good faith; the role of our catalogue descriptions and photographs is to sell lots honestly, and single lots will feature condition reports embedded within the description, with relevant photographs to match where necessary. Condition reports and additional images are available on request, and should you have any queries or doubts, please do get in touch well in advance of the auction closing so that we can advise.

Payment is required within 5 days of the auction closing date. By bidding, you agree to submit payment within this time frame.

Collection or shipping can be selected from the invoice. If shipping is selected it can be added to the invoice automatically at the point of payment.

We provide professional valuations for auction, insurance, probate, and estate planning purposes in the UK.

Estimates are informed by current market demand, recent auction results, condition, rarity, and provenance, and are positioned to encourage competitive bidding. Our valuers will be fully transparent about how and why they reach their conclusions on estimates and valuations.

Condition is a critical determinant of value. Original bindings, dust jackets, and restoration can significantly affect desirability. Collectors seek the best and highest quality books, with originality to contemporary form highly important in the modern market. As with anything antique or collectable, the market for books which are worn is significant reduced – however that isn’t to say that something very tired is rendered worthless. It simply depends from item to item, and the best way to ascertain if your book has value is to let our experts examine it and offer you guidance.

Fine books are distinguished by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and historical or cultural importance, including finely bound volumes, illustrated books, and private press editions.

Clients may submit details and images of their books for a confidential review. Our specialists will advise on valuation, estimates, and the most appropriate sale venue to achieve the strongest international result.

Here at Quire Auctions we offer expert and thoughtful cataloguing, targeted international marketing, and access to a wide pool of serious collectors, consistently achieving stronger results. Our market spans the entire world and our very doorstep alike, and we pride ourselves on our professional and understanding customer service to all.

The most sought-after books typically include first editions, signed books, limited editions, association copies,, private press books, letters and manuscripts, and volumes in fine original condition, particularly with dust jackets. Value is decided by a combination of rarity, condition and desirability. You may well have a book which fits two of these three categories, but if it significantly lacks in one of the three, that can be enough to render its value negligible.

Determining whether a book is a true first edition often requires careful examination of the title page, copyright page, binding, and known bibliographic points. As practices differ between UK and US publishers, professional assessment is strongly advised for potentially valuable books. Being a first edition does not always mean that a book is valuable, but it will certainly help and is usually the first point of identification an expert will make when assessing a book.

A true first edition is the earliest published form of a work, issued during the book’s initial print run. Identification varies by publisher and period and may include publication dates, impression statements, or other bibliographic points. Sometimes, a first appearance in print is not the same as a first edition in book form, and value can vary depending on scarcity and desirability. Our specialists are experienced in distinguishing true first editions in both British and American  publishing.

All books are catalogued by experienced specialists and described accurately, with any defects or restoration clearly stated.

Shipping may be selected at the point of payment via the link provided on your e-invoice.

Yes. We regularly ship books and manuscripts worldwide. Available services and costs depend on the destination and will be shown at checkout. 

Certainly. Clients may use their own nominated shipper or courier. Please notify us promptly so that collection can be arranged.

All consignments are dispatched using tracked services and include insurance cover up to the value paid, along with postage.

Books and manuscripts are wrapped in protective paper, cushioned with honeycomb kraft paper, and securely boxed. Additional materials are used where necessary to prevent movement and protect bindings and edges.

Rare, fragile, or high-value items receive enhanced packing appropriate to their condition and format. Upgraded shipping or insurance may be recommended.

Consignments are usually dispatched within four working days of payment and confirmation of shipping. Our shippers will notify you on the day of despatch with tracking.

Where practical, multiple lots will be combined into a single order, subject to weight, size, and safe packing considerations.

For international shipments, any customs duties, fuel surcharges, courier levies or any other incidental costs, import taxes, or local charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

All international shipments are accompanied by accurate customs documentation describing the contents as books or manuscripts, in accordance with international shipping regulations.

We will despatch books within 4 working days of receipt of payment (which must be within 5 working days of an auction closing). Whilst we can't guarantee courier performance (although we only use the most reliable couriers - knowledge of whom we've gained through years of shipping books), we can give you an idea of when books should arrive:

Parcel weight:  0.2 kg to 9 kg: Royal Mail

UK: 24 hour tracked, signed for. Arrival within 5 - 6 working days

US: Express, signed for. Arrival within 9 working days

Europe: Express, signed for. Arrival within 8 working days

Australia: Express, signed for. Arrival within 14 working days

For bulk shipments the courier will vary but the delivery timings should be very similar if not faster.

A book that belonged to, was inscribed by, or otherwise associated with a significant individual related to the author or subject.

A handwritten signature, inscription, or text by a notable individual.

The external covering of a book, including Leather, paper covered boards, and the most common in Victorian and later books, cloth.

A label or print indicating ownership, affixed to the pastedown.

A bibliographic description of the completeness of a book including plate counting.

A binding produced at or near the time of publication.

A book inscribed by the author to a named individual.

The original paper wrapper issued with a book, often crucial to value.

All copies printed from substantially the same setting of type.

The first appearance of a work in book form.

Brown spotting caused by oxidation or impurities in paper.

A handwritten document or book.

The ownership history of a book or manuscript.

The front and back of a leaf.

A book whose spine has been repaired or replaced.

Pages left untrimmed by the binder.

Prepared calfskin used for manuscripts or bindings.