I consigned a 17th century original leather bound French political book with Mr. Kaminski for an August 23rd Estate Auction. The starting bid agreed upon was $300-$500. I thought that was extremely low for such an old classic, but hoped for the best. Over 6 weeks passed and I hadn't received a check. When I contacted them, they stated that they sold the book for $75.00, well under the agreed upon opening bid. The man that I spoke to on the phone stated that the reason they did this was that I didn't submit the consignment with what is called a, 'reserve'. He stated that I was 'in good shape' and should expect a check within about 10 days. That was back in early October.
It is now November 29th. No Check. No nothing. This was my first experience auctioning anything on consignment. I wish I had gone to Chrysty's, but Kaminski's came with an 'Ophra' recommendation as a reputable auction house. I was also horrified when Mr. Kaminski handled my book without gloves and opened it in the middle and flattened it into an open position! I'm quite sure he broke the binding as it was very tight and I only opened it 15 degrees to read it and I handled it only with gloves and kept it behind glass for 30 years since I purchased it in Paris. I feel very discouraged about this whole experience as I have other items to auction and it seemed convenient that they were local.
Kaminski Auctions Reviews
I consigned a 17th century original leather bound French political book with Mr. Kaminski for an August 23rd Estate Auction. The starting bid agreed upon was $300-$500. I thought that was extremely low for such an old classic, but hoped for the best. Over 6 weeks passed and I hadn't received a check. When I contacted them, they stated that they sold the book for $75.00, well under the agreed upon opening bid. The man that I spoke to on the phone stated that the reason they did this was that I didn't submit the consignment with what is called a, 'reserve'. He stated that I was 'in good shape' and should expect a check within about 10 days. That was back in early October.
It is now November 29th. No Check. No nothing. This was my first experience auctioning anything on consignment. I wish I had gone to Chrysty's, but Kaminski's came with an 'Ophra' recommendation as a reputable auction house. I was also horrified when Mr. Kaminski handled my book without gloves and opened it in the middle and flattened it into an open position! I'm quite sure he broke the binding as it was very tight and I only opened it 15 degrees to read it and I handled it only with gloves and kept it behind glass for 30 years since I purchased it in Paris. I feel very discouraged about this whole experience as I have other items to auction and it seemed convenient that they were local.