Anyone with any good advice about auctions

[181218]

Hello,

I Have been looking through the Live Auction section of this G. Titanic auction being held in New York. The only time I have ever taken part in a live auction has been once and that was also threw Ebay and only had a handful of Titanic lots — so not quite in this class, and I won although I did not think I would. I have never had any experience of a big Titanic auction whatsoever. Has anyone here ever had any first hand experience? Any advice ? I must say from looking at some of the estimates on some lots - they seem to be quite high for what are. Are these estimates good indications of what these items will sell at? Or is it common practice for auctions to make the estimates as high as possible. For example when I see a picture of the Olympic entering New York with an estimate price of $1000 -$1500 makes me wonder about these estimates and their accuracy. I suppose all of this is very hard to judge.

Does the catalogue have more details on the different lots as each item listed in the Live Auction section is quite brief in description.

I wonder if there will be a lot of lots that will not make these estimates, as there may well be lots that go over the estimates.
.

 

[Dominique Pare]

Hi Miles, first congratulations for your card I saw it and it is a great J. Phillips card. Now for this auction, I personally think that their estimates is a bit high not to say very high in some cases.

I think that there will be quite a few lots who will not make these estimates like many of the postcards, but on the other hand some will, for example the lifeboat plaque or the life jacket just to name a couple.

In my experience it is not a common practice to jack up etimate prices in an auction. It will be interesting to see the realisation price list of that event.

regards
Dom

 

[181218]

Thanks very much for your information. What items come to mind do you think have over high estimates. I know there are quite a few lots, but does anything come to mind ? Do you think this Smith autograph on the Olympic card will go for $4000 - $5000. I know it is hard to say, but I ask because I could put all my money on one item which might not be quite enough and lose. My aunt says she will give me £1500 to put towards something. Any idea how much you think the Smith autograph will go for or is that really in the lap of the gods ? I wonder if the estimate for this is realistic. I'm not someone that has lots of money so I can't spend ten thousand pounds on something hence I have to look at the things for $3000 and below. I don't know if I'd stand a good chance of winning the Smith postcard with that amount.

See I could put that money towards something smaller and more than likely win, but the Smith postcard might be risky so if all my dosh goes on trying for this card I'd could well lose and walk away empty handed - prob not a bad thing

I particularly like this picture of the Olympic coming into New York.

.