Absentee bids let you place your maximum bid on an item before the live auction begins. During the live show, we’ll continue bidding on your behalf up to your max bid — just like leaving a bid with a traditional auctioneer.
When you place an absentee bid, the system sets the current bid conservatively — just enough to keep you in the lead without revealing your full amount.
The current bid shown on each lot reflects all confirmed absentee bids and updates automatically as new bids come in.
When the live auction starts, bidding will begin at the current bid. The auctioneer will continue bidding on behalf of absentee bidders up to their max bids.
Because absentee bids can arrive seconds apart, the current bid you see may not always include bids still being processed. Refresh the page for the most up-to-date information.
For our full absentee bid policy, please click here.
Bidding Quick Facts
How bidding works
All items have a minimum bid of $1.00.
When "No Bids" is displayed, it means no absentee bids have been placed on this item yet.
Once bids are placed, the current bid will be displayed instead.
For more information on the bidding process, please click here.
Bid Successfully Submitted!
Your absentee bid for Lot 004 - Antique Mourning Hair Brooch with Two Coiled Hair Spirals, Engraved for Samuel Mart, Died 1884, Aged 73, and Mary Mart Wallis, Died 1885, Aged 21, 1-3/4" W x 1-3/8" H was successfully submitted—thank you for bidding with us!
The current bid displayed will not update immediately. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
You may continue to place additional bids.
For our full absentee bid policy, please review the Bidder Terms.
Confirm Bid
Lot 004 - Antique Mourning Hair Brooch with Two Coiled Hair Spirals, Engraved for Samuel Mart, Died 1884, Aged 73, and Mary Mart Wallis, Died 1885, Aged 21, 1-3/4" W x 1-3/8" H
Lot 004 - Antique Mourning Hair Brooch with Two Coiled Hair Spirals, Engraved for Samuel Mart, Died 1884, Aged 73, and Mary Mart Wallis, Died 1885, Aged 21, 1-3/4" W x 1-3/8" H
Antique mourning brooch containing two coiled spirals of human hair beneath a domed glass cover, set within a gold-tone oval frame with black enamel border and scrollwork surround. The hair is arranged in two tight rosettes separated by a central band of straight strands.
The reverse is engraved in script with two memorial inscriptions: "Samuel Mar / died 16th July 1884 / Aged 73" and "Mary Mart Wallis / died 7th Sept 1885 / Aged 21." The brooch retains its original C-clasp pin mechanism with a hanging loop at the top. The reverse shows surface scratching and wear consistent with age. The pin clasp is intact and functional. The black enamel border shows minor wear and accumulated debris.