Basic details recorded in manuscript for each roup, or sale, are: the date of sale; lot number; price fetched at auction; to whom sold; and, in many instances, a brief description of the lot.

From 1930 printed catalogues of the sales are interleaved with the roup record, and provide together a more detailed description of items sold. Each volume is prefaced by a summary index of sales recorded within, and 'Out Door' sales are bound separately from auctions within the firm's rooms. Unless stated otherwise ['Out door Books', or 'West End Rooms' i.e. 36 Shandwick Place] records originate from Dowell's George Street premises.