the purpose of the shill bid is to move the increment up a notch or two and generate a higher (real) bid. Sometimes the shill fails and the shiller or consignor wins they're own lot back. Or possibly the consignor feels item is simply going for too low and wins item back rather than lose out $$ wise.

The plan backfires sometimes.

This practice, i'm sure, is still happening and so common. I'm sure Houses believe this is just "part of the business".

The FBI may have discovered that even though Smith bought the item, Doe went on to auction the same item at a later auction.

Wow, even pols are weighing in.

http://www.cnn.com/palin-blames-obam...mp-agrees.html

great observation

Crazy that the AH couldn't figure that out.

My thoughts exactly, Dave. One can say the consignor had nothing to do with it, but if that was the case, why is the same shill name coming up for all of 1 consignor, which is exactly your point.

Peter,
Dentists drill deeper to get to the root of the problem Lawyers just touch the surface trying to cover the surface with Fluff... ;);)

When the AH says you don't have to pay for the lot if you win it.