Should I say something about it?

[Robbie]

Let's say that there was a major auction coming up, to sell items from a very well known person's collection. And let's say that there was a fairly significant item with a beautiful display and description in the catalog stating that this is THE ONLY KNOWN COPY, and it is not. What is the proper thing to do? Should I say something to the auction house? Should I say something to collectors/bidders so that they make an informed decision?

I know it is not the only one because I owned another one of these items, and it is not the same one. I know of at least 2 others, unless this one is from the Halper collection, and if it were, I believe the description would say so. What would you do?

Robbie >>


I may post this to the memorabilia side.

[asphaltman]

Yes, I'd say something to the auction ouse. It may well be an honest mistake.

[Rob D.]

Robbie,

It's been my experience when notifying auction houses of such an error that nothing gets done. More than once I've read "only one known" descriptions, only to have another example of the described item sitting in my basement. Sometimes I've even e-mailed a photo as proof. I suppose the auction house can maintain that unless its representatives see another example in person, theirs is the only one known to them. I suppose.

Looking at the bright side, most bidders know to take all such puffery that auction houses spew with a grain of salt.

(Like you, in the very auction to which you're referring, there's an item described as "Extremely rare, this is the only one we've ever seen." I have one, have seen another offered at a National and have seen two others for sale on eBay. Who knows, maybe my eyesight is above average.)

[drc]

They said only known copy and if they didn't know of yours, they were correct.

My experience is to never say anything is the only example, because when you do that usually means a second and third will pop up in the future. If on eBay you honestly say "This is the only one I've seen before" that's fine. You're only discussing what you've seen. No one says you have to see and know all.

[Robbie]

Hi Guys...

I thought that a major auction house would at least check major auctions before proclaiming something "the only one." We're talking the Halper Collection! I guess, based on what Rob D says, I'm expecting too much.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by Robbie

Hi Guys...

I thought that a major auction house would at least check major auctions before proclaiming something "the only one." We're talking the Halper Collection! I guess, based on what Rob D says, I'm expecting too much.

Well, my thoughts and experiences obviously are anecdotal. Who knows, maybe the auction house in question strives for accuracy and will welcome your input. It's worth a shot.

Please let us know the result if you contact the auction house.

[benchod]

Well enough with the suspense.
Which lot in the Mastro auction are you referring to?

[jcmtiger]

Lot 508 says "Only Known copy", not sure if that is the item though.

Joe

[canjond]

Joe - funny you mention lot #508. When I saw it, I thought to myself it's not the only known copy as I know another board member owns a copy (and has displayed it before).

[canjond]

Here's the other calendar from the thread on this board... clearly a different example.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...ghlight=wagner

[glchen]

Speaking of only known copies, is Lot 309 really the only known copy of a 1922 Ruth "Home Runs Chocolate" postcard?