FAQ

Can I trust you?

Yes, absolutely. Luke Honey has been cataloguing, valuing and selling antiques since 1994, and has a proven track record with several major auction houses in the UK and the United States. He is a well known figure to many collectors and dealers, has featured in the national press on numerous occasions, is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Art & Antiques Division), and a former trustee of The Frederick Parker Foundation, a registered charity. Luke works to maintain professional standards of service and conduct at all times.

I live in the UK. How do I buy something on your site?

Press that Buy Button. All shipping charges are included in the price, so there is just one simple payment for UK buyers.

I don't live in the UK. Can I buy from you?

Of course. Send Luke an enquiry giving details of where you live and how you would like your item to be shipped and we will get you an individual shipping quote tailored specifically to your needs. I can then send you a secure online payment linke from PayPal, Zettle (which accepts major credit and charge cards)  or my bank details for an international bank transfer. 

How long will it take for my items to arrive?

If you live in the UK, expect your item to be delivered between approximately 7-10 working days. Delivery times will vary for orders outside the UK, it really depends on where you live. We aim to get items off to buyers as soon as possible, and take considerable care in making sure items are packed safely. Chess pieces are individually wrapped.

How do you process payment, is it safe?

Online payments through the website are processed through Paypal. Paypal is a simple and trusted company which is easy to use. You will be able to use major credit cards and debit cards. All payments are processed using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) which guarantees your online safety. We do not have access to your credit card or banking details. Alternatively, we can send you a secure payment link via Zettle, which takes payment from major credit and charge cards. And we're also happy to accept international online bank transfers and good old-fashioned cheques.

What happens if I buy something online and I don't like it?

Although we strive to describe antiques as accurately and as carefully as we can, we appreciate that this can happen when you buy online. You can return an item to us (under the original condition it was sent in) within seven days for whatever reason, but please make sure that you send us an email first. We would suggest that you return items by recorded delivery as we regret that we cannot refund items which are damaged or lost in transit; and the parcel is not our responsibility until we have signed for it. Please see our Returns Policy for further information. 

If you feel that there is a genuine problem or fault, please contact Luke as soon as possible. He's a reasonable type and will do everything he can to sort out the problem as efficiently as possible.

Is it legal to sell ivory?

No. Since the ivory act of 2018, it is no longer legal to buy, sell, import or export elephant ivory in the UK, including antique ivory over 100 years old- although there are some exemptions. Although it is still perfectly legal to own ivory as a personal possession or give it away as a gift. We're responsible sellers and try hard to keep up to date with ivory and wildlife regulations at all time. For a modest professional fee, Luke is pleased to advise clients on all aspects of current ivory law. Please get in touch for further details.

Can I import ivory into the United States?

The United States ivory laws are complex, and can vary from State to State. Generally speaking (with a few exemptions) it is not possible to import elephant ivory into the United States. For a modest professional fee, Luke would be please to guide you through the current legal requirements.

What is CITES?

CITES is the 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora', an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. If you intend to export certain tropical hardwoods (ie certain species of rosewood and mahogany) you will need a CITES certificate. Again, for a modest professional fee, Luke would be happy to advise you on the process.

Can you value my chess set or game?

Yes. You've come to the right place. For a modest fee, Luke would be please to give you a professional written description and valuation and advise you on current market conditions. Luke can also provide signed 'antiques declarations', suitable for customs formalities.

Do you buy antiques? 

Luke would be delighted to hear from you. Obviously, he's a bit picky about what he buys (in the nicest possible way), as he aims to offer items of quality, interest and in the best possible condition. 

I'm interested in one of your antiques, but would like to have a closer look. Is this possible?

Absolutely. Luke Honey is based in Central London (about a ten minutes walk from the nearest Zone 1 tube station). He's a friendly sort and would be delighted to see you, please get in touch to make an appointment to view.