Congrats to Love of the Game and a brief reflection on auction houses

[timn1]

Just received my item from the recent LOTG auction, beautifully presented as always. It's been said before around here, but Al does a wonderful job-

I have to admit I was skeptical when I watched all the new smaller auction houses spring up in the last five years. But I have now come to think that these folks have not only filled the void left by Ebay's changes, but they have made the hobby a lot better for all of us.

Collectors now have real options for how to consign their material that they didn't really have when Mastro/Legendary ruled the roost (yes, I know REA and Heritage mitigated many of the issues involved with Mastro, but to me REA and Heritage have always seemed a bit inaccessible to the average consignor). These new houses have created competition that benefits collectors and consignors, elevated the ethical standards of the auction process, and created strong personal bridges between auctioneers and collectors that bigger auction houses just can't maintain.

So here's a shout-out to Love of the Game, Sterling, Brockelman and Luckey, BST Auctions (on the horizon), and ___________ [insert your favorite here] -

Tim

[h2oya311]

Hear hear!! Or is it...here-here!! Hear here?

[Jacker_ Cracks]

Toatally agree with the OP. Especially those 3 mentioned

[Michael Peich]

Tim--I could not agree more with your assessment. To your comments I would add that the sleuthing Al (LOTG) recently performed on the former "Tobacco" Scrapps was a piece of dogged accountability. That kind of interest in the hobby, more importantly, in the products they are auctioning, is what makes the newer auction houses so welcomed. Both Brockelman and Luckey / Sterling have performed similar research, and I know the guys at BST will be first-rate.

I would add JVSC to the list. Joe and Tim do a similarly superior job and fill a necessary niche.

Cheers,
Mike

[gnaz01]

With absolutely NOTHING but respect for all the AH's mentioned (I like all of them), why do you feel REA is inaccessible to the consigner?? I have only ever consigned twice, both times to REA and Rob/Brian have been incredibly awesome and personable to me.

Greg

[chipperhank44]

Couldn't agree more with the OP. Consigned with Heritage early in my vintage collecting days, nothing terrible about the experience just impersonal and corporate. Have consigned with B&L and Small Traditions since then, what a breath of fresh air!! As a consignor, I want to build a relationship with auction houses not be "processed".

[RichMcGillicuddy]

Winnings came in about a day or two. Very fast and easy. Great packaging and not crazy shipping costs. Love LOTG.