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Single-Owner Sale

A single-owner sale is an auction or sales presentation devoted to property from one collection or source rather than unrelated consignors.

Definition

A single-owner sale is an auction or sales presentation devoted to property from one collection or source rather than unrelated consignors.

Where a collector encounters it

Auction houses may hold one dedicated sale, create a series across several departments or dates, or place selected works from the same collection into evening, day, online, or private sales. The owner may be named or described generically.

What it does not establish

The format does not mean every object had only one historical owner, that the current owner is deceased, or that all objects carry the same quality, condition, title, or authenticity evidence.

Related reading

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Sources

  1. Unique CollectionsSotheby’s
  2. Guide for BuyersSotheby’s