Posted By:
MWWarshawlaw,
Good point. I think one of two conclusions can be drawn from extenuated examples of auction hyperbole:
(1) The seller is so desperate to realize a high price that he will resort to any chicanery or deception. This deception may take the form of a simple omission or a calculated (and often ridiculous) attempt to linguistically disguise certain aspects of condition that would normally be an essential part of forthright and straightforward disclosure (e.g., the Mastro Zeenut lot).
(2) The seller (auction house) shows preferential treatment to particular consignors so as to solidify and enhance those business relationships and augment profits, often at the expense of the bidding public (e.g., Superior's standard auction disclaimer).