Grey (and others commenting on this aspect),
I sympathize with you in this situation. I really do. I've auctioned
items worth many thousands before myself and agonized over writing the
descriptions. I did point out in my post that virtually ALL auctioneers
and sellers engage in this kind of thing to one degree or another --
it's part of doing business. And I think it's important to remember and
acknowledge that you seem to have been instrumental in uncovering the
extent of this current scandal.
Note I said that the half sheet description made it "sound" like a silk
purse, not that it "claimed" it was a silk purse. Technically, there was
nothing "wrong" with the description, it's just that the overall effect
did a lot to make it sound like it was worth the estimated $25,000 to
$35,000. OK, sure, that *is* what a good auctioneer is supposed to do:
hype the consignment. But at some point that part of the job description
can come into a conflict of interest with other responsibilities of the
job description. My real point was that if a good picture of the title
card (which had the same art) had been shown with the auction, then the
bidders could have made a direct comparison themselves at the time and
so made a "more educated" evaluation. But, then, there ain't no law
saying auctioneers or dealers need to accommodate their bidders to that
extent.
But by the same measure of value you cite, doesn't the fact that there
were no other known examples mean that extraordinary measures were
called for prior to and during the auction of this particular item? I do
personally feel that the higher the hammer price is likely to be, that a
greater responsibility must logically fall upon on the auctioneer/dealer
to do more to insure accuracy and authenticity. I also think there has
to be some consideration given to the fact that we are now in the 21st
century, with all this new technology, and so "let the buyer beware"
can't continue to be the Golden Rule (and ultimate rationale) it once was.
As for the other questions you asked about how far one should go and
where it all ends -- I think those answers are something only your own
organization (and all the others) will have to decide upon for themselves.
It's a challenge, no doubt. I wish you and everyone else all the best in
grappling with this issue.
-- JR
Smith, Grey - 1367 wrote:
JR
You mention "silk purse from a...", perhaps, but when it is the only
sow's ear on earth, it is assuredly, in many people's eyes, a silk purse!
Concerning including an image of the title card next to the half
sheet, not a bad idea but where does that end? Should we end up trying
to offer comparisons on all we sell. This is exactly why we continue
to offer the service of high res images forever on our site and are
the only poster seller that does so. As Heritage has always suggested,
educate yourself on anything you purchase. Thus the reason for the
link to comparables on every page of our auctions. This is also
something that only Heritage offers to their bidders.
*From:* MoPo List [mailto:mop...@listserv.american.edu] *On Behalf Of
*James Richard
*Sent:* Sunday, August 30, 2009 2:40 PM
*To:* MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
*Subject:* Re: [MOPO] FRANKENSTEIN 1/2 sheet vs TC from Heritage
I might be so audacious and impertinent as to suggest that a
responsible and highly-regarded auction house catering to the very
well-to-do and regularly selling tens of millions of dollars of
high-priced collectibles every year would have taken it upon
themselves to include a high resolution picture of the title card
along with the half sheet auction so that the bidders could have made
the comparison themselves at the time of the sale.
But I guess I'm just being naive... despite the cries of shock and
horror over the last few days, "let the buyer beware" is still the
Golden Rule in our society.
-- JR
Douglas Ball wrote:
Side by side, yes, but when the auction took place it looked damn good!
Doug
----- Original Message -----
*From:* JOHN REID Vintage Movie Memorabilia
<mailto:johnr...@moviemem.com>
*To:* MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
<mailto:MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU>
*Sent:* Saturday, August 29, 2009 7:04 PM
*Subject:* Re: [MOPO] FRANKENSTEIN 1/2 sheet vs TC from Heritage
There is indeed a very big difference between the two.
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