At your first auction, you have a stark choice:

Either you try to merge into the carpet, remain anonymous, not stand out, and bid furtively from a darkened corner of the room (see below). There are times when this is a good idea, especially when you get a little more experienced.

Or, you can speak to the auctioneer beforehand, perhaps the day before over the phone, explain to him what lots you are interested in and then, on the day, take the advice of Graham Barton, auctioneer at Fulfords:

"Wear something bright and cheerful, so I can see you easily. We're good at spotting bids, but we're not super-human!

"Also, sit in an aisle seat. This gives you an open space into which you can wave your hand, or your catalogue, which again makes it easier for me to spot.