Verifying against the live site and live WHOIS/DNS…
Common questions
Is bonhams.com legit or a scam?
AboutUs doesn't label sites "legit" or "a scam": this page lists the dated registration, DNS, HTTPS, mail-authentication and safety checks we could verify, each with its source, so you can decide for yourself.
Who owns bonhams.com?
Nobody has completed AboutUs's owner verification for bonhams.com. That's true of most sites here — it isn't itself a warning sign.
Correct a description, link or other detail. Submissions are reviewed before publication.
The site's bot protection blocked AboutUs's HTTPS check; all 1 of the other checks passed (Nov 1, 2026).
Registered 1995 · AboutUs's live check was blocked by the site's bot protection
Bonhams.com Art and car auctions in California
Bonhams is not only the world’s fastest growing auction house, it is also the world’s oldest and largest auctioneer of fine art and antiques still in British ownership.
AboutUs has not vetted this site. Everything below is what we could measure automatically. Anything you do on the site — paying, sharing personal details, downloading — is between you and the site, not AboutUs.
Current facts
Latest available measurements; dated entries retain their dates. These are measurements, not an endorsement of the site.
latest result
Domain registered May 3, 1995 — 31 years old.
latest result
Registrar on record: Cloudflare, Inc. — unchanged since AboutUs began tracking (Aug 31, 2026).
checked Sep 29, 2026
The site names Bonhams as the organisation behind it.
checked Sep 29, 2026
The live front page reads as an online shop, mainly for specialists in its field.
Authority 76/100— ahead of 76% of the August 2026 scored sampleClear
Why this authority score
76 is a percentile: higher than 76% of sites we score.
How it's calculated
Prominence (Tranco rank #17,558)+8
Verified continuity: 31.5 years (RDAP registration)+11
Identity corroboration (capped)+4
Security & email hygiene+2
Calibration adjustment (published map)+14
Model score: 39/99 — what these reason lines add up to.
Published Authority (percentile): 76/100 — this site's rank against the August 2026 scored sample. Public Authority is capped at 99.
What bonhams.com said about itself, 2006
Quoted from the site's AboutUs wiki page in each year it changed (1 version). These are the page's own words at the time, not AboutUs's assessment. New words · dropped words
2006
Bonhams is not only the world’s fastest growing auction house, it is also the world’s oldest and largest auctioneer of fine art and antiques still in British ownership. The name Bonhams is recognised worldwide throughout all sectors of the fine art, antiques and collectors market, and several of its departments are established world leaders within their fields.
Site history
Dated record — historical facts always carry their date; self-description below is the 2014 record.
1995
Domain registered (May 3, 1995).
2006
First tracked by AboutUs (Jun 19, 2006); profile edited 8 times through 2014.
2014
Self-description at the time:
“Bonhams.com Art and car auctions in California”
2026
Checked today — The site's bot protection blocked AboutUs's HTTPS check; all 1 of the other checks passed (Nov 1, 2026).
✓ domain continuity 31 years registered– live check blocked the site's bot protection turned the check away Nov 1, 2026
Safety evidence
No unexpired threat-feed result; name-similarity check available (recorded about 72 days ago); 3/3 transport and email checks available (oldest recorded about 72 days ago). This is evidence coverage, not a probability that a website is safe.
No caution flags in the available scoring observations; this is not a complete safety assessment
Lifeline · bonhams.com over time
Checked in the last 30 daysOlder, dated recordFrom registration records
Registered 31 years ago · on AboutUs since 2006 · 4 registrar changes since Aug 25, 2011 · 1 registrant change since 2007 · last checked Oct 31, 2026.
Registration
RegisteredMay 3, 1995bonhams.com was registered on May 3, 1995.Source: RDAP, fetched Aug 31, 2026
AboutUs record
AboutUs wiki pageAboutUs wiki pageJun 19, 2006 – Apr 21, 2014An AboutUs wiki page described bonhams.com from Jun 19, 2006 to Apr 21, 2014 (8 edits).Source: AboutUs wiki archive, 2006–2023
Registrar
Network Solutions, LLCAug 25, 2011 – Apr 10, 2012Registrar Network Solutions, LLC (IANA 2) in the WHOIS and RDAP records held for bonhams.com, from Aug 25, 2011 to Apr 10, 2012.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)TUCOWS, INC.May 17, 2012Registrar TUCOWS, INC. (IANA 69) in the registration data recorded on May 17, 2012.
Registrant
Registrant recordsDec 29, 2007 – Jun 5, 2026Registration records for bonhams.com are held from Dec 29, 2007 to Jun 5, 2026 (213 records). 1 change of registrant name or organization is marked. Privacy-service and redaction changes, renames of the same organization and new contacts at it are not counted.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is); counted by registrant name and organization only
Zone file
Nameservers: star.co.ukNameservers: star.co.ukDec 29, 2007 – Oct 17, 2013Registration records listed star.co.uk nameservers (dns0.star.co.uk, dns1.star.co.uk) for bonhams.com from Dec 29, 2007 to Oct 17, 2013. Days a zone file covers are shown from the zone file instead.Source: From registration records (WHOIS / RDAP archive, who.is)
Certificate
AmazonAmazonJun 26, 2025 – Nov 1, 2026Amazon issued 9 certificates for bonhams.com from Jun 26, 2025, the latest valid until May 12, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)DigiCert Inc
200020102020Jan ’26Oct ’26← last 12 months, drawn wider
Every dated fact on this lifeline (23)
May 3, 1995Registration: bonhams.com was registered on May 3, 1995.Source: RDAP, fetched Aug 31, 2026
Jun 19, 2006 – Apr 21, 2014AboutUs record: An AboutUs wiki page described bonhams.com from Jun 19, 2006 to Apr 21, 2014 (8 edits).Source: AboutUs wiki archive, 2006–2023
Jul 1, 2006AboutUs record: “Bonhams is not only the world’s fastest growing auction house, it is also the world’s oldest and largest auctioneer of fine art and antiques still in British ownership. The name Bonhams is recognised worldwide throughou…”Source: AboutUs wiki archive, 2006
Dec 29, 2007 – Jun 5, 2026Registrant: Registration records for bonhams.com are held from Dec 29, 2007 to Jun 5, 2026 (213 records). 1 change of registrant name or organization is marked. Privacy-service and redaction changes, renames of the same organization and new contacts at it are not counted.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is); counted by registrant name and organization only
Dec 29, 2007 – Oct 17, 2013Zone file: Registration records listed star.co.uk nameservers (dns0.star.co.uk, dns1.star.co.uk) for bonhams.com from Dec 29, 2007 to Oct 17, 2013. Days a zone file covers are shown from the zone file instead.Source: From registration records (WHOIS / RDAP archive, who.is)
Said about itself in 2006
Jul 1, 2006
“Bonhams is not only the world’s fastest growing auction house, it is also the world’s oldest and largest auctioneer of fine art and antiques still in British ownership. The name Bonhams is recognised worldwide throughou…”
Source: AboutUs wiki archive, 2006
Current AboutUs recordJul 3, 2026 – Aug 20, 2026 (latest)Authority and Safety last refreshed Aug 20, 2026.Source: AboutUs checks
Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
TUCOWS.COM CO.May 28, 2012Registrar TUCOWS.COM CO. in the registration data recorded on May 28, 2012.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
TUCOWS, INC.TUCOWS, INC.Nov 1, 2012 – Feb 28, 2019Registrar TUCOWS, INC. (IANA 69) in the WHOIS and RDAP records held for bonhams.com, from Nov 1, 2012 to Feb 28, 2019.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
Cloudflare, Inc.Cloudflare, Inc.Mar 6, 2019 – Nov 1, 2026 (latest)Registrar Cloudflare, Inc. (IANA 1910) in the registration data recorded, first on Mar 6, 2019 and most recently on Nov 1, 2026.Source: RDAP, fetched Aug 31, 2026
Registrant changeNov 20, 2013The registrant name or organization in the registration record changed; first recorded Nov 20, 2013. That can be a rename, a new contact or a sale; the record alone does not say which.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is); counted by registrant name and organization only
1 registrant change, 2007–2026
Nameservers: star.co.ukOct 18, 2013 – Apr 1, 2016star.co.uk (dns0.star.co.uk, dns1.star.co.uk) were the nameservers listed for bonhams.com at every ICANN zone-file snapshot AboutUs holds from Oct 18, 2013 to Apr 1, 2016 (snapshots exist for only part of 2013–2018).Source: ICANN zone-file snapshots, 2013–2018 (legacy archive)
Nameservers: star.co.ukApr 2, 2016 – Dec 15, 2017Registration records listed star.co.uk nameservers (dns0.star.co.uk, dns1.star.co.uk) for bonhams.com from Apr 2, 2016 to Dec 15, 2017. Days a zone file covers are shown from the zone file instead.Source: From registration records (WHOIS / RDAP archive, who.is)
Nameservers: CloudflareApr 3, 2018Cloudflare (alex.ns.cloudflare.com, meera.ns.cloudflare.com) were the nameservers listed for bonhams.com at every ICANN zone-file snapshot AboutUs holds from Apr 3, 2018 to Apr 3, 2018 (snapshots exist for only part of 2013–2018).Source: ICANN zone-file snapshots, 2013–2018 (legacy archive)
DNS moved to CloudflareApr 3, 2018bonhams.com's nameservers moved from star.co.uk to Cloudflare at some point between Dec 15, 2017 and Apr 3, 2018. Last seen at star.co.uk: Dec 15, 2017 (registration record). First seen at Cloudflare: Apr 3, 2018 (ICANN zone-file snapshot). AboutUs holds no nameserver records for the 4 months in between, so the date of the move is not known more closely.Source: Derived from the nameserver records on this lifeline (registration record → ICANN zone-file snapshot)
Nameservers: CloudflareNameservers: CloudflareJul 26, 2018 – Jun 5, 2026Registration records listed Cloudflare nameservers (alex.ns.cloudflare.com, meera.ns.cloudflare.com) for bonhams.com from Jul 26, 2018 to Jun 5, 2026.Source: From registration records (WHOIS / RDAP archive, who.is)
Seen in the .com zone fileSep 8, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 (latest)First seen in the .com zone file records AboutUs holds on Sep 8, 2026; latest sighting Oct 31, 2026. Nameservers on Oct 31, 2026: alex.ns.cloudflare.com, meera.ns.cloudflare.com. DNSSEC signed on Oct 31, 2026.Source: ICANN CZDS zone file, snapshot Oct 31, 2026
DigiCert Inc
Jul 25, 2025 – Nov 1, 2026
DigiCert Inc issued 8 certificates for bonhams.com from Jul 25, 2025, the latest valid until Mar 27, 2027.
Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Sectigo LimitedFeb 4, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026Sectigo Limited issued 2 certificates for bonhams.com from Feb 4, 2026, the latest valid until May 13, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Let's EncryptMar 21, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026Let's Encrypt issued 28 certificates for bonhams.com from Mar 21, 2026, the latest valid until Jan 12, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Google Trust ServicesApr 24, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026 (latest)Google Trust Services issued 67 certificates for bonhams.com from Apr 24, 2026, the latest valid until Jan 20, 2027. Seen in use on Sep 30, 2026.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader); TLS check, Sep 30, 2026
Aug 25, 2011 – Apr 10, 2012
Registrar: Registrar Network Solutions, LLC (IANA 2) in the WHOIS and RDAP records held for bonhams.com, from Aug 25, 2011 to Apr 10, 2012.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
May 17, 2012Registrar: Registrar TUCOWS, INC. (IANA 69) in the registration data recorded on May 17, 2012.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
May 28, 2012Registrar: Registrar TUCOWS.COM CO. in the registration data recorded on May 28, 2012.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
Nov 1, 2012 – Feb 28, 2019Registrar: Registrar TUCOWS, INC. (IANA 69) in the WHOIS and RDAP records held for bonhams.com, from Nov 1, 2012 to Feb 28, 2019.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is)
Oct 18, 2013 – Apr 1, 2016Zone file: star.co.uk (dns0.star.co.uk, dns1.star.co.uk) were the nameservers listed for bonhams.com at every ICANN zone-file snapshot AboutUs holds from Oct 18, 2013 to Apr 1, 2016 (snapshots exist for only part of 2013–2018).Source: ICANN zone-file snapshots, 2013–2018 (legacy archive)
Nov 20, 2013Registrant: The registrant name or organization in the registration record changed; first recorded Nov 20, 2013. That can be a rename, a new contact or a sale; the record alone does not say which.Source: WHOIS / RDAP archive (who.is); counted by registrant name and organization only
Apr 2, 2016 – Dec 15, 2017Zone file: Registration records listed star.co.uk nameservers (dns0.star.co.uk, dns1.star.co.uk) for bonhams.com from Apr 2, 2016 to Dec 15, 2017. Days a zone file covers are shown from the zone file instead.Source: From registration records (WHOIS / RDAP archive, who.is)
Apr 3, 2018Zone file: Cloudflare (alex.ns.cloudflare.com, meera.ns.cloudflare.com) were the nameservers listed for bonhams.com at every ICANN zone-file snapshot AboutUs holds from Apr 3, 2018 to Apr 3, 2018 (snapshots exist for only part of 2013–2018).Source: ICANN zone-file snapshots, 2013–2018 (legacy archive)
Apr 3, 2018Zone file: bonhams.com's nameservers moved from star.co.uk to Cloudflare at some point between Dec 15, 2017 and Apr 3, 2018. Last seen at star.co.uk: Dec 15, 2017 (registration record). First seen at Cloudflare: Apr 3, 2018 (ICANN zone-file snapshot). AboutUs holds no nameserver records for the 4 months in between, so the date of the move is not known more closely.Source: Derived from the nameserver records on this lifeline (registration record → ICANN zone-file snapshot)
Jul 26, 2018 – Jun 5, 2026Zone file: Registration records listed Cloudflare nameservers (alex.ns.cloudflare.com, meera.ns.cloudflare.com) for bonhams.com from Jul 26, 2018 to Jun 5, 2026.Source: From registration records (WHOIS / RDAP archive, who.is)
Mar 6, 2019 – Nov 1, 2026Registrar: Registrar Cloudflare, Inc. (IANA 1910) in the registration data recorded, first on Mar 6, 2019 and most recently on Nov 1, 2026.Source: RDAP, fetched Aug 31, 2026
Jun 26, 2025 – Nov 1, 2026Certificate: Amazon issued 9 certificates for bonhams.com from Jun 26, 2025, the latest valid until May 12, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Jul 25, 2025 – Nov 1, 2026Certificate: DigiCert Inc issued 8 certificates for bonhams.com from Jul 25, 2025, the latest valid until Mar 27, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Feb 4, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026Certificate: Sectigo Limited issued 2 certificates for bonhams.com from Feb 4, 2026, the latest valid until May 13, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Mar 21, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026Certificate: Let's Encrypt issued 28 certificates for bonhams.com from Mar 21, 2026, the latest valid until Jan 12, 2027.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader)
Apr 24, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026Certificate: Google Trust Services issued 67 certificates for bonhams.com from Apr 24, 2026, the latest valid until Jan 20, 2027. Seen in use on Sep 30, 2026.Source: Certificate Transparency logs (AboutUs's own certificate-log reader); TLS check, Sep 30, 2026
Jul 3, 2026 – Aug 20, 2026AboutUs record: Authority and Safety last refreshed Aug 20, 2026.Source: AboutUs checks
Sep 8, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026Zone file: First seen in the .com zone file records AboutUs holds on Sep 8, 2026; latest sighting Oct 31, 2026. Nameservers on Oct 31, 2026: alex.ns.cloudflare.com, meera.ns.cloudflare.com. DNSSEC signed on Oct 31, 2026.Source: ICANN CZDS zone file, snapshot Oct 31, 2026