David that is not considered shill bidding. It is looked at as the house bidding on behalf of a reserve. If you remember many years ago at auctions the auctioneer would say "the book is at $50 now I am asking for $60". They would write all reserves in a book and bid on behalf of the book. This is the same thing. Technically that is how it works, but you are right if you bid on behalf of the seller you are skating on paper thin ice. My point is not really to disagree with you except that once disclosed it is not illegal.
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James Wymer
Wymers Auction
wymersauction.com
Always accepting quality consignments
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