Posted By:
Tom LawrieMy experience with Kevin, Doug Allen and the others at Mastronet has always been positive. Their bredth of knowledge is pretty incredible, but there are always going to be a few items about which Kevin, Doug or the others may have only minimal knowledge. But from your story I gleemed two points that reassure me:
1. The listing was correct in the auction [apart from David Rudd, how many others of us really know an Albumen from a cabinet from a CDV from a ... (whatever else is out there)?] I'm not certain that I would know an albumen if it hit me in the eye, and I collect 19th century material.
2. Kevin was asked something about the lot, and that raised some questions in his own mind. So rather than lie or blow you off, he double-checked with someone who specializes in 19th-century photography (who, apparently, confirmed Kevin's own understanding).
Personally, I'm reassured by your story rather than disillusioned.
Take care,
Tom