We love unusual antiques, collectables and sharing our knowledge with our community and customers. And we are passionate about providing great services to support our clients. If you are too, get in touch and join the Abbeys team.
Our Purpose
Abbeys is much more than an auction house.
We specialise in the professional management of our clients’ personal assets.
We provide a complete suite of services in support of people who need to manage, move, buy or sell personal items.
Our clients include people who may be moving house, downsizing or managing a deceased estate and businesses needing to clear abandoned goods or excess commercial stocks.
Our history
The Abbeys community
Charity auctions
Our charity auctions in partnership with Australia Post raise money for local charities, helping to build healthier, vibrant and more inclusive local communities. These auctions feature a wide range of great value goods, ranging from clothing and jewellery to electronics and tools.
State Trustees Partnership
Abbeys has worked alongside the State Trustees for over 30 years. Our auction house and estate services play a vital role in their mission to assist Victorians with their financial needs.
Policy on the sale of Elephant Ivory & Rhinoceros Horn
Abbeys Auctions is pleased to present our clear policy position on the sale of Elephant Ivory and Rhinoceros horn.
We appreciate that a concerted effort amongst Auction Houses and reputable Antique dealers is required to significantly disrupt the illegal importation and trade in Ivory and Rhinoceros horn products.
Our intent is to support the disruption of this trade by refusing to provide an outlet for the sale of these products. We also firmly believe that this position is in keeping with the expectations of our clients and community stakeholders.
Effective from 1st June 2018, Abbeys Auctions will not sell unworked elephant ivory or rhinoceros horns, or any items made substantially from worked elephant ivory or rhinoceros horn.
The directors of Abbeys Auctions have carefully considered the practicalities of this policy and we appreciate that in some situations, very small amounts of ivory are present in older or antique items. In these instances, our policy is to adopt the “De Minimus” principle when determining whether to sell such items at auction.
The “De Minimus” principle allows for discretion in situations considered to be a minor or incidental use of ivory, not a primary use. Our view is that a product with very small amounts of ivory present as a decorative feature AND clear provenance that dates it’s manufacture as prior to 1972, may be offered at auction when we are confident that the ivory is not the primary reason for the value or desirability of the item. An example of this is an antique piano with ivory keys. The ivory in this situation is not the primary reason why a person would wish to purchase an antique piano and as such is considered to be an incidental use.
Abbeys Auctions has operated in Melbourne since 1969 and as we approach our 50th year of business we are pleased to affirm our support for the protection of rare and endangered species across our planet.
- Hugh Farrelly
Managing Director - Amanda Brook
Director