Premier Gold Rush

Bidder Terms and Conditions (Revision 11/2016)

We advise all bidders to read the Terms and Conditions of the Sale before bidding with Dan Morphy Auctions LLC and/or its affiliates Morphy Firearms LLC, and Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas collectively referred to below as MORPHY’S[DEC1] . Those who bid are bound by those Terms and Conditions of the Sale, as amended by any oral announcement or posted notices, which together form the contract of the sale between the successful bidder (purchaser), MORPHY’S and the seller (consignor) of the lot.

TERMS OF SALE

When bidding on any lot offered by MORPHY’S, the bidder indicates acceptance of the following Terms of Sale.  Any participation in the auction binds you to agreement of these terms whether or not you read or understand said terms.

CONDITION OF ITEMS

MORPHY’S makes every effort to accurately describe all items offered in its sales, however all items for sale are “as is,” and it is the bidder’s responsibility (present or absentee bidders) to determine the exact condition of each item. MORPHY’S will not be held responsible for typographical errors. Neither we nor the consignor, make any guarantees,  warranties,  or representation expressed,  or implied,  in regard to the property or the correctness of the catalog or other description of the authenticity of authorship, physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, provenance, exhibition,  literature or historic relevance of the property or otherwise. No statement anywhere whether oral or written, shall be deemed such a guarantee, warranty or representation. Prospective bidders should inspect the property before bidding to determine its condition, size and whether or not it has been restored. It is the bidder’s responsibility to initiate contact with Morphy’s in request for additional information regarding the items.  Submit all questions regarding upcoming auction items at least 48 hours prior to the date of auction.  We will make every effort to answer all submitted questions in a timely manner.  However, we cannot guarantee that questions submitted within 48 hours of the auction date will be answered prior to the auction.  The consigner and we make no representation or warranty as to whether the purchaser acquires any reproduction rights in the property. Returns will not be accepted under any circumstances. All items will be available for preview approximately one (1) month prior to the auction. 

All items are sold for display purpose. If electrical, mechanical, or other working parts are inoperable, even if working at the time of sale, we are not liable due to the inherent nature of the age of these antiques and items. 

AUTOMOBILES – These terms do NOT apply to our automobile auctions.  To view the terms and conditions for our Automobile Auctions, please go to: www.morphyauctions.com/autoterms

FIREARMS – These terms do NOT apply to our firearms auctions.  To view the terms and conditions for our Firearms Auctions, please go to: www.morphyauctions.com/firearmterms

GAMING DEVICES – MORPHY’S may hold these items for up to 5 business days to allow state agencies to verify the purchaser’s information. All auction participants are urged to check the legality of possession in and/or shipment of gaming devices to their state of residence. Ownership of gaming devices is prohibited in these states: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  If you become a high bidder on a gaming item, and you are from one of the prohibited states as listed here:

• You must pay for your item,
• You will not be able to take possession of the item (MORPHY’S cannot ship it to you or allow pickup),
• MORPHY’S will consign the item in your name to the next appropriate auction. 

If you do not pay for the item in full, MORPHY’S will block you from participating in future auctions.  Any gaming device purchased at the auction shall be used for the purpose of display or social entertainment within the private home or residence of the buyer, and such devices shall not, in any event or manner, be exposed to the public for the purpose of gambling or be resold in the state of Nevada without a gaming distribution license. Proof of residence/ID is required for purchase of gaming devices.

FIREWORKS – MORPHY’S can only ship Class 1 Division 1.4 and 1.6 Explosives (as described in the following website: http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/placards/class1.html) per the 49CFR 173.50 and can only ship these via FedEx. All items not shippable must be picked up by the buyer.

GOODS MADE FROM OR CONTAINING MATERIALS FROM PROTECTED SPECIES - MORPHY’S does not accept any responsibility or liability for the sale of items containing materials from protected species or for any omission in marking or labeling goods as containing materials from protected species. Such material includes, but is not limited to, ivory from elephants and walruses, tortoise shell, crocodile skin, whalebone, rhinoceros horn, some species of coral and certain woods.  Restrictions on the importation, exportation, sale, transfer, and/or possession of goods containing materials from protected species derive from international, federal, and state laws and regulations promulgated thereunder.  Laws include, but are not limited to, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA).  States currently restricting trade of protected species include, but are not limited to, California, New York and New Jersey. 

Prospective purchasers are on notice that several countries completely prohibit importation of property made, all or in part, of protected materials. Some countries require special permits, such as a CITES permit, from the relevant regulating authority in the countries of exportation and importation as well. Potential purchasers intending to import the property into another country should be familiar with the relevant customs laws and regulations prior to bidding on goods containing material from protected species. Regulations may vary as the U.S. generally prohibits importation of articles containing material(s) from species it has designated endangered or threatened if the articles are less than 100 years old, subject to certain exceptions.

It shall be the potential purchaser's sole responsibility to research and satisfy the requirements of any laws and regulations that apply to the import and export of property as described in the aforementioned paragraphs. All purchasers agree to comply with any and all domestic and international restrictions on the trade of protected species as a condition of the sale. Please note that the ability to obtain an export license or certificate does not ensure the ability to obtain an import license or certificate in another country, and vice versa. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to obtain any export or import licenses and/or certificates as well as any other required documentation. MORPHY’S is not able to assist the purchaser in attempting to obtain the appropriate licenses and/or certificates, and there is no assurance that an export license or certificate can be obtained.  The inability or delay in obtaining permits, licenses or other permissions to import or export goods containing material from protected species will not constitute a basis for rescission or cancellation of the sale of said goods or the delay in payment of purchased items in accordance with these Bidder Terms and Conditions.

JEWELRY AND WATCHES              

• Jewelry Condition Reports:  Lots being offered are sold as-is on the day of sale. Condition reports, either written or verbal, are provided as a courtesy only, and are not to be taken as fact or guarantees of condition or quality of the lots. All information provided is the opinion of the specialist at MORPHY’S, including but not limited to weights, grades, color, and clarity. All gemstones and diamonds are measured and graded in their setting unless stated otherwise. All weights and grades are approximate. Buyers wishing to have a grading or gemological report from an independent, internationally recognized laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), may request one at their own expense or hire an independent adviser of their choosing.
• Watch Condition Reports:  The accuracy or functionality of timepieces cannot be guaranteed, and all items are sold as-is.  Any condition statement reflects the condition of the watch on the date of the report. Condition can change from the time of the report to the say of sale.  The origin or authenticity of diamond dials, bezels, straps and bracelets cannot be guaranteed.
• The lack of a condition report does not imply that the item or lot is free from imperfections, defects or wear and tear of the aging process. This includes but is not limited to: deficient stones, needed repair or defects.
• It is common and generally accepted in the jewelry industry that some diamonds and most gemstones have been enhanced with various treatments to improve their overall appearance.
  • These treatments include but are not limited to: heating, dying, oiling, laser drilling, HTHP, wax, bleaching, irradiation, resin or polymer impregnation and various other techniques.
  • Unless stated in the title, it is assumed that one or more treatments have been performed to the stones. While many treatments are considered permanent, this cannot be guaranteed.
  • Please note that many treatments cannot be determined without sophisticated laboratory testing. Due to the various laboratories and developing scientific methods for testing, not all reports or certificates will have the same results for treatment type, extent of treatment and stability of treatment.
  • MORPHY’S makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to whether natural stones have been treated or enhanced, whether specifically referenced or not.
• Laboratory reports may accompany some lots
  • If a lot is accompanied by certificates or reports from internationally recognized and accepted gemological laboratories, it will be noted in the description.
  • Copies will be available upon request, with the original going to the successful bidder.
  • The reports cannot be guaranteed and are provided for informational purposes only. Results on reports may differ from laboratory to laboratory.
  • MORPHY’S accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports.

Grading Scale:

Near Mint Plus 97% - 100%                  Near Mint 90% - 96%                    Excellent 80% - 89%                    Very Good 70% - 79%                    Good Below 70%

BIDDING

RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The auctioneer will determine the highest bidder. The auctioneer alone has the right to reopen the bidding of an item if deemed necessary due to a dispute. If there is a tie bid between the floor and Internet or absentee bid, the floor bid takes precedence. MORPHY’S and its representatives reserve the right to remove those attendees who impede preview and/or the auction. Title to all merchandise shall pass to the highest bidder at the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer. The buyer will then assume all risk and full responsibility of the lot purchased once ownership has changed. We recommend that you arrange insurance for your items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder.  MORPHY’S is not responsible for any errors in bids, omissions of bids, or failure to execute bids and shall have no liability to any bidder for any technical or other failure associated with the internet, absentee bidding, or telephone bidding.

• ABSENTEE BIDDING - MORPHY’S will accept absentee bids if pre-authorized by mail, fax or through www.morphyauctions.com online. Absentee bidders must use the absentee bid form and clearly mark the lot number, title and maximum bid amount. Absentee bidding forms may be accessed online at www.morphyauctions.com. If there are two (2) identical bids placed on the same item, priority will be given to the first bid received. All bids must be left in increments as explained on our bid form. If a bid is “out of increment,” the auctioneer has the right to round the bid up to the next correct increment. Bidders may preview, register and place bids online through our website, www.morphyauctions.com. Absentee and online bids placed through www.morphyauctions.com will be auto charged to the credit card entered 48 hours after the end of the sale.  If you wish to pay by another method please contact us within 48 hours after the sale.  Seller(s) agree to allow the Auctioneer to accept and execute absentee bids in a competitive manner for potential buyers and under the Morphy Auctions absentee bidding terms and conditions. During the live sale, the auctioneer will execute your absentee bid competitively up to the maximum amount you have indicated.
• ONLINE BIDDING - Online bidding through www.morphyauctions.com, Live Auctioneers, Bidsquare, Proxibid, or other bidding platforms may be available; all Terms and Conditions still apply. A 2% surcharge will be added for third party online platforms.  If there is a tie bid between the internet bidding venues and the floor, the floor bid takes precedence.  If a credit card has been provided to one of the online bidding platforms, MORPHY’S reserves the right to use and charge the credit card if the winning bidder has not paid via another method by the 7 day term in Payment Terms below.  Due to our fast paced auctions and bids coming from floor bidders, phone bidders, internet bidders and absentee bids, the auctioneer has the final word on all item(s) sold. You (the bidder) assume the risk of winning an item online and not having the item actually sell to you. This is due to the final call of the auctioneer and the operator not being able to re-open that lot. Online bidder is responsible for accidental bidding.
• BID RESULTS – MORPHY’S will only contact successful bidders. Please allow 24-48 hours post auction to receive your official invoice from Morphy Auctions.  The invoice will include item, hammer price, premium, packing and handling, shipping, insurance, and any other charges that apply.  Please hold phone inquiries regarding bid success until after receiving your invoice.  For verifications, MORPHY’S cannot provide winning bid information until the second business day after the auction.  MORPHY’S will not provide bidder information to any outside sources.
• TELEPHONE BIDDING - Requests for phone lines must be received at least three (3) days prior to the auction date. MORPHY’S cannot guarantee phone lines but will make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to participate through that method. Phone lines are provided on a first come first served basis. Please visit www.morphyauctions.com or call 877-968-8880 to request a call from our representatives during the live auction.

BID INCREMENTS

Bid increments listed are a general guideline.   Actual increments are at the auctioneer’s discretion.  If a lot does not receive a bid of 25% of the low estimate, the lot will be passed by the auctioneer.

$0 - $500…$25                 $500 - $1,000…$50                 $1,000 - $2,000…$100                 $2,000 - $5,000…$250                 
$5,000 - $10,000…$500                 $10,000 +… Auctioneer’s discretion

RESERVES

The majority of our items are unreserved, but occasionally items may carry a moderate reserve. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below our low estimate. In the case of a reserved item, the seller has authorized the auctioneer to bid on their behalf until the reserve price is reached.

BUYER’S PREMIUM

A 23% buyer’s premium will be added to all successful bids and is payable by the purchaser as part of the total purchase cost.  If payment by cash, check, money order or wire transfer is made within 7 days of the sale a 3% discount may be taken on the Hammer price by the buyer. DISCOUNT IS ONLY AVAILABLE IF INVOICE IS PAID WITHIN 7 DAYS from the sale date.  Split payments are subject to a 23% buyer’s premium if a credit card is used as any form of total payment.  A 2% surcharge will be added for any third party online bidding platform that is utilized by the bidder.

SALES TAX

Lots delivered to you, or your representative are subject to all applicable state and local taxes, unless appropriate permits are on file with MORPHY’S. Bidder agrees to pay MORPHY’S the actual amount of tax due in the event that sales tax is not properly collected due to: 1) an expired, inaccurate, or inappropriate tax certificate or declaration, 2) an incorrect interpretation of the applicable statute, 3) or any other reason. The appropriate form or certificate must be on file at and verified by MORPHY’S five days prior to Auction, or tax must be paid; only if such form or certificate is received by MORPHY’S within 4 days after the Auction can a refund of tax paid be made. Lots from different auctions may not be aggregated for sales tax purposes.

PAYMENT

All merchandise must be paid in full within seven (7) days of the date of the sale. If payment by cash, check, money order or wire transfer is made within 7 days of the sale, a 3% discount on the Hammer price may be taken by the buyer. DISCOUNT IS ONLY AVAILABLE IF INVOICE IS PAID WITHIN 7 DAYS from the sale date.  Split payments are subject to a 23% buyer’s premium if a credit card is used as any form of total payment.  Purchases totaling $100,000 or more must be paid within three (3) days of the date of the sale.   Call 877-968-8880 to pay your invoice by phone or mail payment to:   Dan Morphy Auctions LLC - 2000 N Reading Rd., Denver, PA 17517

Absentee bids placed through www.morphyauctions.com will be auto charged to the credit card entered 48 hours after the end of the sale.  If you wish to pay by another method please contact us within 48 hours after the sale. 

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, personal checks/ certified checks, wire transfers, money orders, and cash.

• Coins, Currency, Jewelry and Watches – We accept cash, wire transfer, check, certified checks and money orders only.  No credit cards.

• CREDIT CARD – We will not accept credit card payment for any coins, currency, jewelry, or watch purchases.  For first time buyers and credit card charges greater than $2,500.00 buyers must complete the bottom portion of the invoice and must specifically sign the acknowledgement of our terms of sale before we will accept payment via credit card.   We do offer the convenience of paying automatically by credit card.  If you wish have your card automatically charged for all purchases please complete our “Authorization for Automatic Credit Card Use.”  We have this form available online or upon request.  Split payments are subject to a 23% buyer’s premium if a credit card is used as any form of total payment.
• CHECK - There will be a $30.00 service charge for returned checks. Make checks payable to: Dan Morphy Auctions LLC. MORPHY’S reserves the right to hold items paid for by personal or company check until said check clears (14 days). MORPHY’S has the right to hold all checks over $2,000.00.  Customers who have an established successful buying history with MORPHY’S may be exempt from this. We will accept a personal or company check >$2,000 and/or from a first time buyer if you provide a Bank Letter of Credit, available on our website, www.morphyauctions.com.
• WIRE TRANSFERS – There will be a $30.00 charge added to all wire transfers less than $2,000.00.  Please add this amount to your invoice total before sending a wire transfer.

In the few situations where a successful bidder does not remit payment when due, MORPHY’S will proceed with the legal steps necessary to protect its interests and will block the bidder from future auction participation.

PACKING/SHIPPING

• It is the bidder’s responsibility to take shipping and handlings & insurance costs into consideration when bidding on items.
• BIDDERS PRESENT AND TAKING ITEMS AFTER AUCTION – Since item liability transfers upon a successful bid, items paid for must be packed, transported and/or removed by the purchaser at his/her own risk after the close of the sale. We recommend that you arrange insurance for your items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder.  If any employee or agent of MORPHY’S shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the purchaser.  MORPHY’S shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee.
• ITEMS NOT PICKED UP THE DAY OF THE SALE (DENVER LOCATION ONLY) – Packaging, shipping, and insurance on items will be made available as an added courtesy and cost. We recommend that you arrange insurance for your items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder. Again, if any employee or agent of MORPHY’S shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the purchaser.  MORPHY’S shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee. All applicable charges will be applied.  Shipping will be based on actual costs via FedEx, FedEx Freight, or USPS (best way).  Handling and insurance will vary in cost depending on each invoice. All packages will be shipped with insurance. Items will ship seven to fourteen (7-14) business days after payment is received.
• SHIPPING TERMS - Morphy will ship all items to the buyer at the listed address via FedEx or other carriers, FOB Denver, Pennsylvania or FOB Las Vegas, NV or FOB other auction locations.  Any risk of loss or damage to the item(s) during transit via FedEx, or any other carrier, in excess of the insurance provided by or purchased from Morphy, is at the risk of the buyer. Any additional insurance coverage should be purchased by the buyer through the carrier. Buyer releases Morphy from any and all claims for loss or damage to any item during transit and agrees to pay all costs of defense, including attorney’s fees, for any claims brought against Morphy for loss or damage occurring during transit.
• INSURANCE -  Shipping insurance is automatically added up to $1,000 for every package.  If your package is valued at >$10,000 we will also automatically add "Additional Insurance", which you can decline by contacting us.  If you wish to arrange for "Additional Insurance" for packages valued between $1,000 and $10,000 please contact us prior to payment and we can quote this additional insurance amount for you.  Insurance for all 3rd party shipments must be arranged through that carrier.
• INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS – MORPHY’S has the capability to ship to international bidders.  By law, MORPHY’S cannot, and will not, declare lesser values for any international purchases and all shipments will include the invoice with purchase totals including the buyer’s premium and shipping cost. All international bidders are responsible for knowing their country’s laws on importing items and for paying all customs and duties on the items.
• 3^RD PARTY SHIPPING of Large Items – Bidders MUST arrange and pay for 3^rd party shipping when packages are a certain weight, length, or dimensional size.
  • Dimensional size is length (the longest measurement) + (height x 2) + (width x 2).  For example a 36” x 36” x 12” package = 36 + (36 x2) + (12 x 2) = 132”
  • USA home shipments must be <70 lbs. and <108” length and <165” dimensional size
  • USA business shipments must be <150 lbs. and <108” length and <165” dimensional size
  • International shipments must be <150 lbs. and <108” length and <130” dimensional size
  • There may be certain shipments that meet these requirements that will still require 3^rd party shipping, and we will communicate the reason in those cases.
• For any buyers who wish to arrange, or must arrange due to the size of the item, for their own shipping, MORPHY’S must be notified at least seven (7) days prior of shipping company name and arrival date and time.  Pickup must be scheduled to begin and end within our normal business hours (9am – 4pm, seven days a week).  Buyers must arrange weekend pickups in advance with MORPHY’S staff, and additional charges may be necessary for overtime.  3^rd party shipper must arrive with a copy of the invoice
• STORAGE FEE – MORPHY’S will charge a storage fee of $50/week for any items awaiting pickup for more than 14 days following the auction date.
• MORPHY AUCTIONS, LAS VEGAS LOCATION ONLY
  • OFFSITE SOLD PROPERTY STORAGE INFORMATION
    • All lots, if not removed immediately after the sale (or other 3^rd party transportation arranged immediately), will be transferred to a nearby shipping facility after payment of the Morphy invoice.  For the convenience of the successful bidder of one or more lots, all purchased and paid lots will be transferred together.  Our logistics partner, Box Brothers, is a well-known organization that specializes in crating, packaging and shipping. 
    • Buyers must make arrangements for their own property insurance from the point of sale (hammer fall) for all transferred items
    • Modern firearms, or any lot containing modern firearms, will ship directly from MORPHY
    • Buyers may make an appointment 24 hours in advance to pick up their property at 4255 S Dean Martin Drive, Suite H, Las Vegas, NV 89103. 800-842-6937 chrislong@boxbros.com
    • Buyers will have 5 calendar days of free storage to retrieve their property or make arrangements with Box Brothers to pack and ship their property.  Storage fees will begin to accrue on the 6^th day of storage.
    • Box Brothers will invoice the buyer directly for storage, packing, and shipping charges.
    • MORPHY’S must approve any change in shipping address before Box Brothers will be permitted to re-route your purchases.
    • MORPHY’S can accommodate shipping for certain items.  Please contact our Customer Service team for more information or to obtain a quote.
  • SPECIAL COURTESY – Items purchased at our Las Vegas location may qualify for free shipment on our freight truck to Denver, PA.
    • To be considered for shipping, all item invoices must be paid in full by day 7 after the auction, or they will not be shipped on the truck and shipping charges will then apply.
    • Items will leave Las Vegas approximately 14 days after the auction date.  Upon arrival in Denver, PA the buyer must pick items up within 14 days, or a $50/week storage fee will apply.  Buyers will be contacted by phone or email when items arrive in Denver, PA.  It is the buyer’s responsibility to pick the items up here.  For packages to qualify for courtesy shipping, at least one piece or all pieces together in a package, must have a dimensional size of more than 130sq inches.  Dimensional size is length (the longest measurement) + (height x 2) + (width x 2).  For example, a 36” x 36” x 12” package = 36 + (36 x2) + (12 x 2) = 132.

• FIREWORKS – MORPHY’S can only ship Class 1 Division 1.4 and 1.6 Explosives (as described in the following website: http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/hazmat/placards/class1.html) per the 49CFR 173.50 and can only ship these via FedEx. All items not shippable must be picked up by the buyer.

APPLICABLE LAW

These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Each of the parties hereto hereby submits to the federal or state courts located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for the exclusive jurisdiction of any disputes in connection with these terms and conditions.

BINDING ARBITRATION

Any dispute under the terms and conditions shall be resolved, and any relief sought (including equitable relief) may be granted, by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.  Each party will bear one-half of the cost of the arbitrator’s fee.  A prevailing party is entitled to recover its attorney’s fees, costs and expenses.

POST-SALE RETURN POLICY

MORPHY’S engages knowledgeable experts to provide catalog descriptions on the merchandise we sell. Every effort is made to ensure those descriptions are accurate and that they fully disclose any exceptions to condition. Any buyer who has made their payment within the due date of 7 calendar days who wishes to report a problem must notify MORPHY’S within three calendar (3) days of receipt of their purchased item. Buyers who have not made their payment within the due date of 7 days may not return any items under any circumstances.  No lots purchased by floor bidders (including those bidders acting as agents for others) may be returned.  A Return Authorization Number (RA#) must be issued by MORPHY’S before you ship anything back to our address.  Any items arriving without a return authorization will not be given a refund.  The item in question must be shipped with the RA# on the outside and inside of the package, with full insurance, so it arrives at MORPHY’S within one week of the aforementioned authorization.

All rights reserved. Entire contents copyright 2015, Dan Morphy Auctions LLC. Copyright includes, but is not limited to, print media, microform and electronic media, such as CD-ROMS and online computer services.