Auction Companies

I remember once putting some stamps in Talman's auction years ago and seeing it end up in Vance's auction. I also remembered comparing what I got for them in Talman's auction verses how much it was being suggested for them in Vance's auction.

Regarding selling, I've made a couple of large consignments (monetary value) to Ron Leith Auctions and had very good success. He now only holds one sale annually, usually in March. If you live in the United States there is the added advantage that he maintains a P.O. Box in Sumas, Washington, so you can avoid the hassles of Canadian customs forms when sending your consignment. Also, always check the current exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar as it can really have an impact on your final settlement, positive or negative.


Regarding buying in a mail only auction, you have to be careful to first check to see if it's the auction firm's policy (1) to reduce your bid to the estimate if you are the sole bidder, and (2) reduce your bid to one advance over the under bidder if there are multiple bidders. I know from experience that Vance does follow these two policies.