Posted By:
E, DanielI think arguing anything other than misrepresentation is ridiculous. The item delivered quite clearly does not look anything like the goods offered for sale in the catalog. And lets face it, appearance is everything in our and most collecting interests.
In terms of Southebys being too busy to take accurate photographs - being so overwhelmed with all their auctions and 'more important' items for sale, hogwash! That's why people give such auction houses their items, because of the implied AND stated efforts to display all pieces to advantage (that is, great light, shot with superior equipment, in a catalog layout that screams classy, and a blurb that translates the better qualities of the item) and before an audience that trusts them. Similarly buyers are told they can trust the company for their expertise in describing all pieces materially accurately, and that where they get it wrong - they should make good.
If you want/can expect crappy scans and sh@#*y customer service for your memorabilia, I will happily open a business to supply said service. 
Daniel