Need Advice: Damaged Rw72B From Auction

I won a RW72b a couple weeks ago from Sam Houston off SAN. I was pretty stoked because these guys don't circulate very often and the price was relatively decent.

I didn't realize until a few days after I received it, but there is a tear on this copy. So I went back to the original listing. You can see it on the attached pic. Left side, half-way down. I totally didn't see it.

There was no mention of this defect, and I just think Sam Houston missed it. Frankly I'm suprised because a reputable firm probably should've done better diligence with such a high-value stamp. I haven't put in a call yet because I just discovered this two days before Christmas. I figured I'd poll the group for some advice before I call Tuesday.

Should I return this for a refund? Is it ever a practice for auction firms to offer a credit to remedy these situations? Truth be told, I don't want to go back on the market. Even with the tear, it's an excellent copy. And considering the low circulation and high SCV, the hammer price ($1000) was okay.

You should call Sam Houston immediately, if not sooner to let them know yous gripe. They are reputable - they will talk to you,

Peter

they banned me for a return for a paperclip mark they did not mention

50% of Scott (presumably more if you include the juice) does not sound like a good deal for a damaged example to me, but I do not know this area at all.

I would think you'll be buried in it. If you or your heirs ever go to sell it, any dealler will lowball you based solely on the tear, regardless of scarcity, IMO.

Damage is one thing on classic material that is legitimately scarce... on modern issues, heck no.

Send it back. Based on the description they clearly missed it; that's on them. "It's in the scan" doesn't fly in real auctions.

You can try, but I don't know if you'll have any luck.

From their terms and conditions:
4. Lots are Not Returnable for the following reasons:
Lots returned after 10 days of receipt for any reason.

Checking the website it looks like this auction closed on December 6.

Call them to let them known about the defect, they should agree to a return or price adjustment. I believe the ASDA code of ethics addresses this issue. You should not have to settle of an inferior product.

Thanks for all the advice. I think the consensus is to send this back. Damn it really felt good to fill this spot at a decent price. These guys really don't come to auction that often.

@1typesetter I received it on 12/18 so I hope they make good.

Will keep all posted.

mchaelsu76,

Let us know how it goes with returning your defective item. You should have no problem, they have a reputation and there really isn't any reason to suspect foul play on your part. Besides, you have a right to expect the description to match what you received, and in this case you did not receive the item described.

--Jim Wentzell
stampguyps177-681

Here's the actual item. The image went through the optimizer so I don't know how well the tear shows on your screens.



I've got a feeling everything will be fine. Let this be a cautionary tale - check the scans.

Too bad it is not a scan - because of the flash you can really not identiy the problem.

Peter

Update. Spoke to Stephen at SH yesterday. He saw it right away in the catalog and didn't hesitate in asking me to send it back.

@Petert4522 sorry I didn't scan. I took it to the office and didn't have a flat bed. But you can see the problem in the picture. It's on the left edge, half way down, same spot as in the catalog pic that I posted at the front of this thread.