I empathize with your frustration
Hi Larry,
Sorry to hear about the experience. I believe as you and many do that there are some less than honorable practices at major auction houses that are at best questionable and at worst illegal. With so much financial gain at stake, I do not see that changing anytime soon. If I was in your shoes, and I was willing to go 8500 and the item was at 4500 and I didn't trust the house, I would probably have put a ceiling bid in the middle - say at $6500 - maybe there is a shill, but perhaps I still get the item for way less then I would have been willing to pay. Or maybe the same thing happens and you feel a little less worse about losing because of the higher price. Regardless, I feel your pain. I have had similar experiences. In fairness to the houses, I have won items for below my ceiling bids as well. Be well.
-Howard
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