Posted By:
boxingcardmanI think the last few "collectors" auctions have been too high end. From what the Mastro folks told me at Hollywood Park, the classic auction is supposed to be for stuff that is worth at least $500 a lot, while the regular auction is for stuff they estimate to be worth at least $1000 a lot. I hope this is a trend on their part towards offering more modest items that more collectors can afford and towards breaking up "dealer" lots and offering them directly to collectors. I think that sort of focus would be better for the consignors too, since it would take some items out of large group dealer-type lots and make them accessible directly to collectors who will presumably pay retail for the items.
Edited to say: With all the choices for consigning more modest items, I think Mastro has lost some business. It would be foolhardy of a collector to consign average materials worth a few thousand dollars to Mastro if they are going to be thrown into one gloppy lot for a dealer to buy and break.