Sell decorative arts at auction
Art glass and collector paperweights, porcelain, silver, and fine crystal, photographed with care and offered to collectors who know the makers.
- Complimentary estimates, no obligation
- Payment typically within 30 days
- Virginia firm license #1086
Objects made to be lived with, and collected
Decorative arts are judged on maker, material, and condition, so the way each piece is researched, photographed, and described matters. We present every lot so bidders can see what makes it special.
Glass and paperweights are a specialty of ours, and they have their own section below. Our in-house shipping team packs fragile purchases for buyers after the sale, so collectors bid with confidence.
What we sell
- Art glass and collector paperweights
- Porcelain, pottery, and ceramics
- Silver and metalwork
- Crystal and cut glass
- Clocks, lamps, and lighting
- Whole collections of decorative arts
Glass and paperweights
Paperweights and art glass are judged on clarity, color, and condition, so the way they are photographed and described matters. We capture each piece so bidders can see what makes it special.
Our in-house shipping team packs glass for buyers after the sale, including white-glove service for fragile and valuable pieces, so collectors bid with confidence.
In glass, we sell
- Antique and contemporary paperweights
- Studio and art glass
- Crystal and cut glass
- Vases, bowls, and sculpture
- Lamps and lighting with art glass
- Whole glass collections
Recent results in decorative arts
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Lot 337 St. Louis 14/50 Gingham Weight Realized$3,000
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Lot 163 Antique New England Glass Millefiori Realized$1,500
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Lot 327 St. Louis 1978 Candlestick Pair Realized$850
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Lot 227 Heilman Roessler Coral Cave Paperweight Realized$850
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Lot 322 St Louis 1996 Anthemis Paperweight Realized$800
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Lot 259 St. Louis 1981 Basket of Flowers Realized$750
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Lot 348 St. Louis 1981 Millefiori Weight Realized$700
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Lot 266 St. Louis 1997 Ruche Bleue 8/200 Realized$700
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Lot 8 Baccarat 1967 Zodiac Close Pack Realized$700
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Lot 282 St. Louis 1981 Millefiori Flower Basket Realized$575
Talk to Jim Weigl
Jim founded Blue Box Auction Gallery in 2020, after more than a decade in the auction industry. As auctioneer and appraiser, he and the team work closely with consignors, from the first photos to the final bid.
How selling decorative arts works
Send photos
Photograph each piece in soft daylight from the top and the side, and include the base, where signatures and makers’ marks are often found. Avoid using a flash.
Get a complimentary estimate
A specialist reviews your photos and tells you what your pieces could bring at auction. Estimates from photos are preliminary until we see them in person.
We research and catalog
Once you consign, we inspect, photograph, and describe each lot, then market the sale to collectors and buyers.
Auction and payment
Bidders compete in the auction. Afterward you receive a settlement statement, and payment is typically issued within 30 days, once the buyer has paid.
Questions about selling decorative arts
How should I photograph a paperweight?
Use soft, even daylight and photograph it from the top, the side, and underneath. Avoid flash, which hides detail, and include any signature, date cane, or label.
Can fragile pieces be shipped safely after the sale?
Yes. Our in-house shipping team packs purchases for delivery, including white-glove service for fragile and high-value pieces.
What does it cost to sell at auction?
Our commission is deducted from the hammer price after the sale, and terms depend on the type and value of what you are selling. We explain the commission and any other charges in writing before you consign.
How and when do I get paid?
After the auction you receive a settlement statement showing what each lot sold for and any agreed fees. Payment is typically issued within 30 days of the auction closing, once the buyer’s payment has cleared.
Can I set a minimum price?
Yes, on certain items. A reserve is the lowest price you will accept, agreed with us before the auction. If bidding does not reach it, the item does not sell.
Get a complimentary estimate for your decorative arts
Tell us what you have and add a few photos. A specialist will reply with an auction estimate and the next steps.
- Complimentary estimate, no obligation
- Consignments accepted nationwide; we travel for significant collections
Prefer to talk? Call (757) 550-0285, Monday to Friday.
Not ready to send photos yet?
Start with a complimentary guide or a short quiz.
How to Photograph Items for an Auction Estimate
Simple phone-camera tips that help our specialists give you a faster, more accurate auction estimate: light, angles, marks, condition, and what to send.
Consignment Guidelines: What We Accept
What Blue Box Auction Gallery accepts for auction, what we cannot, the minimum value per lot, and how consigning works from the first photos to payment.
Is Auction Right for Me?
A five-question quiz that suggests the best way to sell what you have: auction, an estate sale, an appraisal first, or a conversation.