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.
Antique sperm whale tooth with a natural curved form and smooth, polished tip. The base end shows the open root cavity with visible interior dentine structure. The outer surface has a warm ivory-toned patina with natural longitudinal grain lines running the length of the tooth.
Condition shows cracking and separation of the outer cementum layer at the base, with sections lifting and splitting away from the underlying dentine. Surface scratches and age-related wear are present throughout.