The Late Al Myers Collection At Auction

[John Holland]

Many of the older N-SSA members may remember Al Myers, one of the founders of the 44th New York, who passed away a few years ago. Al left a fairly substantial collection of arms, which the family has consigned to an auction house. The collection can be seen at: www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/7045/schultz-auctioneers/ (http://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/7045/schultz-auctioneers/)

This is a consignment auction, so everything there is a compilation of items from multiple sources.

[Dwambaugh]

Interesting info. I have been following this and discussing some of the lots with collector friends.

The Richmond muskets are of particular interest, some look to be reproductions, some original. Hard to tell. Knowing that this guy was a shooter clears things up significantly.

[Occupied Maryland]

Wow, some really nice stuff. The Auction House polices are eye opening though. With a 23% buyers premium and variable shipping cost (time and materials plus shipping cost) what seems reasonable isn't anymore. Plus 2-3 weeks shipping time and a 3% credit card fee. Too bad.

[MR. GADGET]

Yep
I see the auctions and done even go look at it.
The money, buyers fees, tax, shipping, transfer, CC fee all make it a waste.

Go spend a bunch of time looking and waiting only to see the stuff go higher than it should then extra fees make it a waste.

[MR. GADGET]

Would be really nice if collections could be auctioned at the fort with some money going back to the NSSA.
Guess they go it online or big Auction houses to get more money.
Last time I checked the seller fee was about the same as the fee they charge the buyer's.

[Michael Bodner]

Gadget,

Recall the auction in the museum basement a few years ago. Stuff went for PENNIES on the dollar.

I can't fault the family for taking a more profitable path.

Boots

[MR. GADGET]

Gadget,

Recall the auction in the museum basement a few years ago. Stuff went for PENNIES on the dollar.

I can't fault the family for taking a more profitable path.

Boots

Would really like to know what the value VS pay out it.
If something sells for say $100, after all fees for the buyer it cost him 140$ and close to true value. But the seller pays 40% and gets 60$ back is that the best deal?

I carried some stuff to a few local places, they do monthly auctions.
Wanted to iron out some things. Surplus guns, several. Said they should and would sell for 250 each. Buyer pays fees added also but ask what I get back? 50% of the sale price.

So I only hope it is like you said. They wanted to get better money and more profitable.
I did not see it that way. Even friends that sold guns at big auction houses told me it you got an item you paid 50% of the value you can make money selling in an auction.

BTW I dont falt anyone it it there's.

As I recall the auction at the fort had problems. Day, Time changed location, no room, heat and weather.

I wanted to go but something pulled me away.

[YOU DON'T KNOW ?]

Sounds to me like the auction house is run buy a bunch of personal injury lawyers.☺️ Caveat Emptor, I'll pass.

[jonk]

Auctions provide a service. They move large numbers of items fast. That's the upside. Downside is fees. Do I wish that the estate had gone through one of our sutlers? Sure. But it is what it is. Bid or not but while i don't know this auction house and think their descriptions are lacking and policies poor, don't let that stop you from bidding. Sometimes a good deal is snagged.

[John Holland]

The 1941 Jeep & Trailer in the auction is the same one that Jack Rawls used to drive around at Ft. Shenandoah! Al myers had purchased it from the Jack Rawls estate after Jack passed away.

[Occupied Maryland]

Guess it makes me old but I remember when I paid 20% to the auction house and buyer's fees hadn't been thought up yet :( Now it sounds like robbery.

[Muley Gil]

The 1941 Jeep & Trailer in the auction is the same one that Jack Rawls used to drive around at Ft. Shenandoah! Al myers had purchased it from the Jack Rawls estate after Jack passed away.

I well remember Jack roaring through the Fort in that Jeep. I often wondered how he kept from rolling it over. I suspect a touch of the barley may have involved. :D

[clowdis]

I well remember Jack roaring through the Fort in that Jeep. I often wondered how he kept from rolling it over. I suspect a touch of the barley may have involved. :D

I think they called it "provost patrol". I remember them too, even went on one once, never again!

[Steve Weems]

There are still auction houses that charge a reasonable amount. I have never paid more than 15%. These type are getting hard to find because they have discovered that they can hit the buyers a very heavy percent in addition to what they get from the seller but they are out there. I am finding freight costs have risen and can really bite into your net sales price plus the risk of shipping.
I have given instructions to my wife on how to dispose legally of any firearms I might have in event of my passing. For antique arms there are still a few good gun shows where you can get a fair percentage of the value of item.

[Ben Nevlezer]

When bidding on an item at any auction you have to know and calculate all the fees, taxes, etc., and adjust your bid accordingly. I purchased one item from this auction, my winning bid was $550. I drove the 100 miles one way yesterday to pick the item up in person to save shipping and the extra 3 percent cc fee by paying with a check. My $550 bid ended up being a check for $717. I am still very happy with my purchase and even happier that I ended up with more than I expected. Al had some amazing stuff! However, the wifeepoo, who wasn't thrilled with my winning bid to begin with, really wasn't impressed when she saw the check stub!
It was a very impressive auction but the fees really are ridiculous.

[Occupied Maryland]

Glad to hear you made out well. In spite of my growling about the fees I bit the bullet and registered and placed a bid on a Parker Hale I had a hankering for. All fine and dandy. Next day (of the sale) get an email telling me my registration application had now been denied after approval and taking my bid no less the day before. Somewhat miffed I told them to stuff it in polite terms. I received a reply about my lack of professional response and would be blocked from further auctions. I pointed out their professionalism in allowing me to register and bid and then withdrawing the same with short notice. Guess maybe I have a low credit score because I pay for everything and only use a Visa debit card? Should have pointed out since I was denied anyway how was I going to be blocked in the future??? No matter scored a nice looking 50 caliber CVA Flintlock Hawkin with very tasteful silver inlays at the local shop today for a song :)