Age & Condition Information
Age Information:
Where we have a precise date for an item, such as a hallmark or date stamp, this is quoted in the description together with images. Other items are described with a 'circa' age - giving its approximate age based on known information. This might be information such as when the maker or artist was known to be working, when a particular pattern or style was in production, or when particular marks (or absence of marks) were in use. Some items are more broadly dated with its period, such as 'Georgian' or 'Late Victorian'. These items are dated based on the style/function of the item as well as the materials and methods used in its construction - or when available information is not sufficient for more precise dating. We endeavor to be as accurate as possible, using our many decades of experience with antiques and awareness of the age of items. We have included Art Deco and vintage (post 1940) items within our Antiques Collections since whilst these items are not strictly antiques, they are of the period in their style and production.
Items in our Recreations Collection are pieces that look back at previous periods in their style but are post 1940 in their production. These are described as 'vintage' or 'contemporary' since whilst we know that these items are not period, it would be difficult to give a more precise date of manufacture. Please note that items in our Recreations Collection are pre-owned.
Condition Information:
The condition of antiques will always have a degree of subjectivity. Those who purchase antiques regularly may have a different view to others who have only previously bought new items. Depending on materials used, antiques will have an aged appearance or patina and are likely to have some signs of wear - often adding to the value of the item as an antique. Depending on the item, it may be customary to polish the piece - such as for silverware, which will nonetheless retain a unique, aged surface appearance. However for other pieces, removing their aged appearance would devalue the item as an antique. We inspect each piece and endeavour to include any flaws in its description together with accompanying images. Often these are imperfections from its original manufacture or may be from its age or use. Items are of course priced based on their condition as well as their rarity and appeal. Condition descriptions are however subject to human error as well as having a degree of subjectivity. We aim to provide decorative pieces that are good examples of their type.
Payment & Returns
Payment:
On completing your order, payment can be made using the following payment methods:
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Secure payment at checkout using a debit or credit card
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By bank funds transfer (we may require confirmation of ID and address)
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Secure payment via PayPal invoice (+ 4% charge)
We only accept payment by cheque from returning customers and at our discretion.
If you require payment via PayPal invoice please contact us to discuss your requirements. For payment by invoice - we will send you an invoice via email. When you receive the invoice, simply click the PayPal button on the invoice - please note that you do not need a PayPal account to pay using your credit/debit card. When directed to PayPal, choose to checkout as a “guest” and follow PayPal’s instructions to complete payment.
Please note that we do not dispatch items until payment has been received.
After you place your order you will receive an order confirmation by email. This means that your order has been accepted. We also list items on other reputable sites. In the unlikely event that a conflict arises from multiple orders for the same item – we will always give priority to orders place through this site (Antique-Ethos.co.uk / Antique-Ethos.com). Should events occur beyond our reasonable control, we retain the right to cancel the order prior to dispatch and refund any payment in full. You can opt to cancel your order any time prior to dispatch being booked – please see “Cancellations and Returns” below.
All prices are in GBP (£ Sterling) and include VAT (where applicable) but exclude delivery charges where these apply.
To discuss your purchase in advance simply email us at antiques@antique-ethos.com or alternatively use the on-line form on our Contact Us page quoting the item's SKU number together with your full name and address.
Cancellations and Returns:
For all orders to all destinations:
Where payment has not been made: you are able to cancel your order prior to making payment without any charge. Prior to receiving or on receipt of your invoice, simply email us saying that you wish to cancel your order – you do not have to give a reason why. You can simply email us at antiques@antique-ethos.com and cancel your order.
Where debit/credit card payment has been made and the item has not been dispatched: you can easily cancel your order prior to the item being dispatched however (with apologies) we need to recover some of the non-recoverable fees charged to us for your payment, as well as fees for issuing a refund. For payments made in GBP you will be refunded your original payment less 2% of your payment. Where payments are not in GBP you will be refunded your original payment less 2.5%. Refunds will only be issued after funds have cleared – this usually takes 5-7 working days.
Where a PayPal payment has been made and the item has not been dispatched: you can easily cancel your order prior to the item being dispatched however (with apologies) we need to recover some of the non-recoverable fees PayPal charges us for your payment, as well as fees for issuing a refund. For payments made in GBP you will be refunded your original payment less 6.5%. Where payments are not in GBP you will be refunded your original payment less 7%. This is to recover PayPal’s payment fees, reversal fees and (where applicable) currency conversion fees. Refunds will only be issued after funds have cleared. Please note that these charges are subject to change in-line with changes to PayPal fees.
Where a payment has been made by bank funds transfer and the item has not been dispatched: These fees do not apply where payment is made via electronic funds transfer where we would refund your original payment in full after payment has cleared.
Where the item has been dispatched: Once the item has been dispatched using postal or courier services we are unable to cancel its delivery. If the item is being delivered by an arranged delivery service then we will endeavor to cancel the planned delivery as soon as we are notified.
Where in receipt of the item, returns are accepted within 14 days of the item being delivered to you. If you wish to return your purchase please contact us at antiques@antique-ethos.com and return the item within 14 days. The item must arrive to us in the same condition as originally sent and in its original (or comparable) packaging. Once we have received the item we will refund your payment less any delivery costs incurred by us as well as any reversal fees (as outlined above). Please be aware that we will not issue a refund for items that are returned to us in a damaged condition.
If it is mutually agreed that the item was not adequately described, we will reimburse your original payment in full as well as the cost of its return delivery (using a pre-agreed service).
Where payment was made via debit/credit card or via PayPal, refunds will only be made to the issuing account after funds have cleared. Payments made via electronic funds transfer are only refunded to the issuing account after funds have cleared.
Reimbursement for Items Damaged in Transit:
For all orders to all destinations: We of course package items securely to protect them against damage in transit. All posted items are insurance against loss or damage during transit. In order to claim for damaged items we need the item returned to us with its original packaging. If a package arrives damaged to an extent that it is clear that its contents are damaged, then we ask that you do not accept it and that you request that the package is returned to us as senders. If you accept (sign for) a package to find the item has been damaged in transit - we ask that you photograph the item and its packaging, and contact us by email within 24 hours.
Furniture and other items delivered by carrier to UK addresses will be insured by the carrier against damage during transit. You must inspect items before signing for them. If an item arrives damaged, we ask that you do not accept it and that you request that the item is returned to us. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure that items are fully inspected before being accepted - once paid and signed for, legal ownership of the item transfers to you as a customer and the carrier will not accept liability for any damage found.
Delivery
Free standard delivery to all UK addresses is included within the listed price for items that are suitable for posting. Where it is not considered appropriate to post items - this is clearly stated in the item's description (product page). These are items that are too fragile, heavy or bulky to be sent via standard parcel services. Please see details below.
Contact us at antiques@antique-ethos.com if you have any queries about delivery.
Items Suitable for Posting : UK Addresses
We aim to have your item(s) ready for posting within 2 working days (usually this is next working day). We will contact you by email when your item has been dispatched. Dispatch times may on occasion be longer where items have specific packaging requirements. We will inform you and keep you updated on the progress of your order. All items are insured until accepted and signed for on delivery.
Standard delivery is free for all UK addresses - covering the UK including Highlands and Islands, Scilly Isles and the Isle of Man, but excluding the Channel Islands. An 'express' delivery option for UK addresses is also available at checkout. Express delivery cost given at checkout is added to your payment and can be reviewed before you confirm your order.
For UK standard delivery we use 'Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class', 'Parcelforce 48' (or an equivalent service via UPS or DPD) depending on the size and weight of the packaged item. Parcels are collected the next working day after dispatch (Mon-Fri).
For 'express' delivery we use 'Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class', 'Parcelforce 24' (or an equivalent service via UPS or DPD) depending on the size and weight of the packaged item. Parcels are collected the next working day after dispatch (Mon-Fri) or can be dropped-off same day (including Saturday) where this is agreed in advance.
Please contact us if you have a specific delivery requirement. We are able to deliver to 'drop-off' or 'collection' points if you know you will not be home to accept delivery or if this is preferred. We do not deliver to PO boxes.
All items require a signature on delivery. It will not be possible to deliver your item without a signature - the only exception being where we are asked to deliver to a 'drop-off' or 'collection' point. Delivery times stated are estimates based on the carrier’s information and may vary.
Items Suitable for Posting : International
We aim to dispatch items within 2 working days. We will contact you by email when your item has been dispatched. Dispatch times may on occasion be longer where items have specific packaging requirements. We will inform you and keep you updated on the progress of your order. All items are insured until accepted and signed for on delivery.
Please contact us in advance of making your purchase for information on available shipping options. We will provide quotes for delivery options valid for three days from given. Items can be reserved for this period if requested. Delivery costs given at checkout are added to your payment and can be reviewed before you confirm your order. Delivery options to addresses outside the UK are charged based on the item's packaged weight and size.
Delivery times stated are estimates based on the carrier’s information and will vary within zones. Estimated delivery times stated do not include any delays due to customs clearance. Please note that all country specific taxes, duties and customs charges are payable by the customer.
Items Not Suitable for Posting
Where normal delivery options are not available for an item, this is clearly stated in the item's description. For items that cannot be posted we try to ensure we deliver a quality service at the best price. In order to achieve this, these items will have one of three delivery options. The available delivery option for each item is clearly stated in the item's description.
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Free delivery to limited UK mainland addresses: This includes most UK mainland addresses but excludes Northern Ireland, Highland and Islands as well as rural and remote locations. For excluded locations we may need to add a small surcharge - please contact us for details. For international deliveries we will provide a delivery quote on request.
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Free 'local' delivery - for addresses within 50 miles of our location: This option is offered for smaller, heavier items as well as items requiring specialist set-up. Delivery outside 50 miles and international deliveries may require a specialist courier or specialist set-up to be arranged. Please contact us to discuss requirements and possible options.
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Delivery quote on request: Generally items of furniture - delivery costs for these items will be dependent on its size as well as distance and location. Please contact us for a quote before you place your order.
We usually carry-out local deliveries ourselves. For other deliveries we use trusted carriers experienced in delivering fragile or antique items. Items are insured in transit. If an item arrives damaged, we ask that you do not accept it and that you request that the item is returned to us. It is your responsibility to ensure that items are fully inspected before being accepted. Once accepted, the carrier will not be liable for any damage found. Please see above about reimbursement for damaged items.
We regularly visit a number of locations throughout the UK. Depending on the particular item and where you are located we may be able to arrange delivery at a reduced price. Please ask us before you place your order.