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Topic: [Heritage] Space Exploration (Jun 2022)
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Jurvetson Member Posts: 142 From: Los Altos an SF, CA, United States Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 05-03-2022 12:11 PM
Over 1000 lots... oh my! Listings for Heritage's June 2-3, 2022 Space Exploration Signature Auction are up. Bidding opens on May 12. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2850 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 05-04-2022 05:04 AM
Some really interesting items there, including seven models that Michael Key created (I reached out to Michael, and he verified).Also, on the Skylab model the loose section is the back panel that needs to be reattached to the model and is not a separate piece. Let the game begin! |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3456 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 05-04-2022 07:28 AM
Wow! Great stuff and it looks like a lot of personal lots from Michael Collins (I love the Gemini signed covers), however, from a quick glance of the first few auction pages I did see autopens of the Apollo 15 crew on their litho. |
GerryM Member Posts: 252 From: Glenside PA Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 05-04-2022 09:00 AM
I have already flagged the forgeries and autopens already. Keep in mind at this stage this is just pre-auction viewing They will be removed by the time the auction opens up for pre-bidding this month. Its lining up to be another outstanding space auction. Gerry Montague Astronaut Archives
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NicDavies Member Posts: 45 From: Tobermory, Argyll, Scotland Registered: Jan 2019
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posted 05-04-2022 09:02 AM
I agree with Ken, some amazing items coming up. Heritage's blurb suggests that the listings are provisional and items are yet to be fully checked/verified, so it will be interesting to see which lots don't make the cut.As an aside, I sometimes wish auction houses would limit the number of very similar items (witness all those Borman 16x20s), but I guess there's a buyer upside to that. It also seems a shame someone had Borman annotate so extensively the crew banter during the taking of "Earthrise" but using an image of a later (orbit five?) "Earthrise" sequence. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4468 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 05-04-2022 09:32 AM
A number of SFX replica LM models in this auction. Descriptions remain a little ambiguous. “Modern reproduction” should be included in the lot descriptions.
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capoetc Member Posts: 2300 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 05-04-2022 09:13 PM
I messaged Heritage regarding Lot 50281 (Apollo XVII crew signed cover), which is described as an "insurance cover." I included the link to the discussion from the time when those covers were released.I also pointed out that on page 3 of the thread, about halfway down, Robert Pearlman posted a letter from Gene Cernan addressing the controversy and pointing out that he was encouraged by David Frohman to accept language in the COA that he was not comfortable with. The cover, and the others out there like it, are nice crew signed covers but they are not "insurance covers." I personally would not want one of these covers in my collection because I think the manufactured provenance detracts from what were really nice anniversary covers. Unfortunately, this game of whack-a-mole will continue forever due to the manufactured provenance that was attached to these anniversary covers long after the fact (due to no fault of Gene Cernan) in an effort to sell them as something that they clearly were not. Sadly, the subterfuge worked. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48513 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-12-2022 10:05 AM
Heritage Auctions release From the Earth to the Moon to Heritage Auctions: Astronaut Michael Collins' Personal Collection Blasts Off June 2-3Highlights include flags, medallions and more from 1969's historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission In July 1969, 65 miles above the lunar surface, command module pilot Michael Collins orbited the moon alone, at times even losing contact with Mission Control. Meanwhile, below him, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were making headlines the world over for becoming the first men to walk on the moon – or, in Armstrong's famous words, taking "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Collins never received the media attention his fellow Apollo 11 crewmembers did, but his role in the historic mission remains one of NASA's most important. Upon Collins' death last year at the age of 90, NASA released this statement: "Today the nation lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration in astronaut Michael Collins. As pilot of the Apollo 11 command module – some called him 'the loneliest man in history' – while his colleagues walked on the Moon for the first time, he helped our nation achieve a defining milestone." During Heritage Auctions' June 2-3 Space Exploration Signature Auction, a trove of sought-after relics from Collins' estate honoring that milestone moment will land on the auction block. In addition to artifacts that have been to the moon and back, the items consigned by Collins' daughters include relics from his 1966 Gemini 10 spaceflight, a mission that set a new altitude record for human flight. "When these items came in, I could not believe how precious and rare they were," says Brad Palmer, Heritage Auctions Space Exploration Consignment Director. "I'm so honored that the Collins family trusted us with them, and I look forward to these going to a great collection." One of the most exceptional items in the auction is an Apollo 11-flown American flag signed and certified by Collins, who kept the flag as a treasured souvenir of his role in the first manned lunar landing. At 17.75 inches by 11.5 inches, the incredibly rare silk flag is the largest size typically flown by Apollo missions. Written in black ink on the Collectibles Authentication Guaranty-certified flag: "Carried to the Moon on Apollo XI, July 1969- /Michael Collins CMP." Previously, in a November 2021 Heritage auction, an Apollo 11-flown American flag directly from Armstrong's family sold for $275,000. Also featured in the June auction is a vital piece of documentation from the Apollo 11 mission, a flown and used star chart by Collins. An extremely important artifact, the CAG-certified chart depicts dozens of stars and constellations and features numerous handwritten annotations by Collins, with the following written on the left border: "During the flight of/ APOLLO ELEVEN,/ I used this chart/ to help me locate stars. (The/ numbers were/ entered into/ the Command/ Module Computer/ Michael/ Collins/ CMP." As Heritage's catalog notes, the star chart "exemplifies both the innovation of the first lunar landing as well as the fundamental technological aspects of the achievement." Another item of note is an Apollo 11-flown MS67 NGC sterling silver Robbins medallion, one of 450 medals that made the 1969 lunar journey alongside Collins, Armstrong and Aldrin. The obverse features an incredibly distinct design: Collins' early and original concept for the mission insignia depicting an eagle carrying an olive branch in its mouth. NASA thought the sharp, open talons of the eagle appeared too "warlike" and later moved the peace-signifying olive branch to the eagle's claws. The medallion is one of the only, if not the only, major official items that renders the insignia as Collins originally designed it. Other highlights include an Apollo 11-flown, crew-signed "Type One" quarantine cover; a limited-edition Apollo 11 lunar plaque signed by Aldrin and Collins; and an Apollo 11-flown, crew-signed swatch of Beta cloth featuring the final version of the Collins-designed mission insignia. Noted space historian Howard C. Weinberger, a longtime friend of Collins, was well acquainted with the items Collins kept from his time in the space program. "Post-Apollo, Mike had become the Director of the National Air and Space Museum, where he had donated many of the artifacts he had retained," Weinberger says. "Although he was never desirous of selling what he had remaining, he let me know that one day he would and that he would certainly be asking for my assistance. "He obviously paid attention during our talks," Weinberger continues. "I always drove the point home that certification of artifacts was a top priority. And, as one who has had the privilege of assisting and assembling some of the space program's greatest artifacts, I can say without question that the Michael Collins Collection is the finest certified group of space items ever brought to market." |
lunareagle Member Posts: 593 From: Michigan Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-13-2022 12:20 PM
The Heritage Sale has gone LIVE! Bidding has commenced.Definitely the finest assembly of certified space artifacts I have seen, most from Apollo 11. |
Scott Member Posts: 3334 From: Houston, TX Registered: May 2001
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posted 05-14-2022 08:27 AM
You can't go wrong on autographs at Heritage or RR with Gerry and Steve at the helm. |
capoetc Member Posts: 2300 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 06-02-2022 08:42 AM
Reference my post halfway up-thread: I never heard a response back from Heritage. The Apollo 17 anniversary cover (Lot # 50281) is still being sold as an insurance cover.At least those who follow collectSPACE will be aware. |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1379 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 06-02-2022 10:28 AM
I hope that most cS'ers know about the phony "Lost Apollo 17 Insurance Covers" by now. But they sell well, because those who know about the controversy like to own one. There 300 of them out there that will eventually make their way to market. It's like an annuity for the former dealer, who threatened to sue Gene Cernan over his reputation of the whole affair here on collectSPACE. Remember, controversy sells! |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3456 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-02-2022 01:46 PM
Online now covering the Heritage space auction, however, unless my eyes are deceiving me, Lot 50114 -- the signed Mercury "We Seven" book that just sold at $11K, does contain autopen signatures of Schirra, Cooper, Slayton, Grissom, and has a Shepard secretarial. Only those autographs of Glenn and Carpenter are authentic in my opinion. Also noted a Bean autopen in a group of moonwalkers and possibly an Armstrong WSS that needs a closer look. Haven't seen any others past that point yet It's not the first time that I have seen the exact same signed book beforehand as I recall evaluating it many years ago. Overall, looks to be great auction for Heritage and with excellent results from the Michael Collins estate. |
capoetc Member Posts: 2300 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 06-02-2022 06:43 PM
Ken, that moonwalkers signed litho lot did not sell, although it will be available for purchase after the sale concludes. That lot does list the Bean as an autopen though, and the auctioneer also pointed out that the Bean was an autopen when the lot came up for bid.That's a good eye on the We Seven book. I had to go back and take a look after I saw your post. I would trust your opinion more than my own, but I agree with your assessment (for whatever THAT's worth!). |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3456 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-02-2022 07:01 PM
I wasn't at my computer screen when the moonwalkers lot came up and saw the Bean autopen as part of the set. I didn't know that it had been autopen-identified when the lot came up for bidding (which is great that Heritage gave that announcement), however, I wonder if it could had been replaced with a hand-signed Bean photo of some kind in order to complete an authentic hand-signed set, but maybe that wasn't possible to do with a consigners lot. |
Ianhetho Member Posts: 272 From: Bogangar NSW Australia Registered: May 2018
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posted 06-02-2022 11:31 PM
The moonwalkers lot has recently been added to "Post Auction Buys." Let’s hope the book loaded with autopens is added also. |
Ianhetho Member Posts: 272 From: Bogangar NSW Australia Registered: May 2018
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posted 06-03-2022 09:43 PM
The above mentioned book is now available for $20,625 through the "make offer to owner" button. Be quick. |
hbw60 Member Posts: 266 From: Registered: Aug 2018
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posted 06-03-2022 10:18 PM
Good catch, Ken! I'm shocked that a site like Heritage could fail to catch autopens for a major space auction, especially for such a high-priced item.If the buyer sees this thread and requests a refund, how does that work? I'd feel bad for the person who consigned this item, made over $10,000, and then found out they're getting nothing. I'm curious how that all works out. Either way, I'm going to be much more hesitant with Heritage from now on. |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3456 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-03-2022 10:29 PM
After contacting Heritage I did hear from them yesterday and was notified that the winning bidder for the "We Seven" signed book would be "rescinded." Hopefully the buyer was contacted and told of the autopen signatures along with the Shepard secretarial. To help address the above concerns and in support of Heritage, the auction firm does have autograph authenticating specialists on hand for all pre-checked space material before going to auction. |
hbw60 Member Posts: 266 From: Registered: Aug 2018
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posted 06-03-2022 11:12 PM
I'm glad to hear that, Ken.And I probably am being too paranoid about Heritage. I'm sure they have top people helping them out. In fact, after writing my previous post, I noticed that Gerry mentioned in this thread that he had caught several forgeries for them. So the fact that you and Gerry have both reviewed the listings, even if it was in an informal manner, is a great source of relief for me. You are both so reliable. I think in the future, I'm just going to make an effort to raise any concerns I have here before the auction, not afterward. This site is such an indispensable resource for people like me, who love the space program but aren't skilled enough to properly determine authenticity. So thanks, Ken, and everyone else, for being so fantastic! |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3456 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 06-04-2022 05:39 AM
Thanks, but just for the record, I do not review nor was I asked to examine signed space material for Heritage, rather informally or not. But as time permits, I may offer opinions on some material. When I did spend more time evaluating space auction lots on a regular volunteer basis many years ago (i.e. RR, Superior, Goldberg, Odyssey, Aurora, etc.), it was a lot of work and at a time when very good forgeries were appearing on the market, specially with the Apollo 11 crew. Currently, though, I do assist with a few auction firms, dealerships, and foundations like the American Space Museum on a regular basis when I can. You certainly can't go wrong with Steve Z. as I do believe Steve is the best out there that I know of. |
Chuckster01 Member Posts: 1064 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 06-04-2022 07:42 AM
I would like to personally thank Ken for his help with our auctions and as we also do auction I can tell everyone it is sometimes difficult to catch autopens and secretarial unless you have the years of experience of Ken and Steve Z. |
GerryM Member Posts: 252 From: Glenside PA Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 06-04-2022 08:36 AM
I authenticate the American astronauts signatures for Heritage. As it was stated earlier it's very easy to authenticate autopens especially now with great autopen sites online. Chris Spain's site is excellent. This "We Seven" book with the autopens and secretarial was flagged during my reviews earlier but somehow fell through the cracks. When the book went live and I spotted the book selling I emailed Heritage. Rest assured Heritage will not permit this to sell as it was described. That all said this shouldn't happen and I will have a call in to Heritage on how we can prevent this from happening in the future. I am very proud of my track record over the years at Heritage since I have been consulting with them. Heritage is a wonderful first class company and I am proud to be associated with them. I guess most Apollo astronauts and their families feel the same way and use them to consign their material. — Gerry Montague |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5085 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-04-2022 09:39 AM
Given all the great automated tools with pattern recognition applied across other industries am surprised at this point a similar capability has not been developed to allow auction houses, museums to prescan autographs against a signature data base. |
hbw60 Member Posts: 266 From: Registered: Aug 2018
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posted 06-04-2022 11:48 AM
Thanks for clarifying that, Gerry. If you're the one who formally authenticates these signatures for Heritage, then my trust in their auctions is restored completely. I have relied on your expertise many times, and your endorsement is among the most trustworthy in the world.And sorry, Ken, I didn't mean to imply that you were their authenticator in an official position. I simply meant that in a general sense, space auctions of all types are improved by the experts on collectSpace, even if they're just glancing at the auctions as potential buyers. And I'm glad that Heritage acted quickly to make things right here. In my experience, they have been a very honest organization. Last year, I won an item which arrived without the documentation which was supposed to be included. I asked them about it, and they spent weeks trying to find it in their storage areas. They offered me a full refund, but then they eventually found the missing documents and sent them to me via overnight mail. I was extremely grateful for how hard they worked to take care of everything. |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5085 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-05-2022 06:34 AM
Where does Heritage physically retain lots associated with its Space History auction and subsequently ship them out from? Is it in the same city/state where the auction is conducted?Apparently in some instances lots are not retained in Dallas but first must be shipped to that location prior to forwarding to winning bidders. Is this correct? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48513 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-06-2022 09:30 PM
Heritage Auctions release Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins' Collection Launches Heritage Space Exploration Auction Beyond $2.5 MillionSigned American Flag soars to $162,500 to lead event The largest-sized American flag aboard the most important flight in the history of the U.S. Space program, owned and signed by the mission's command module pilot, soared to $162,500 to lead Heritage Auctions' Space Exploration Signature Auction to $2,591,768 June 2-3. The result for the Apollo 11 Flown Largest Size American Flag Signed and Certified by Michael Collins Directly from His Personal Collection with Accompanying Signed Certificate, CAG Certified reached a new stratosphere, touching down at more than four times its pre-auction event to lead the nearly sold-out event, which drew 1,755 bidders in pursuit of more than 1,000 lots and generated sell-through rates of better than 99% by value and by lots sold. The flag led the collection of Collins, who famously flew aboard Apollo 11, the first manned mission to reach the moon, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Collins kept the flag as a treasured souvenir of the historic mission. At 17.75 inches by 11.5 inches, the incredibly rare silk flag is the largest size typically flown by Apollo missions. Written in black ink on the Collectibles Authentication Guaranty-certified flag: "Carried to the Moon on Apollo XI, July 1969- /Michael Collins CMP." "Michael Collins is among the most important astronauts in the history of space travel, and the results of this auction surpassed our loftiest expectations," Heritage Auctions Space Exploration Consignment Director Brad Palmer said. "We knew the interest in the flag would be sky-high, because mission-flown flags of that size (17-3/4 by 11-1/2 inches) are in exceedingly high demand among serious space collectors. This is a fantastic flag, owned and signed by Michael Collins, and it ended up serving as an outstanding launching point for the entire auction." From the same historic mission came an Apollo 11-Flown and Crew-Signed Beta Cloth Mission Insignia Directly from the Personal Collection of Michael Collins, CAG Certified that more than tripled its pre-auction estimate when it reached $137,500. In the center of the cloth is a circular insignia (diameter: 3-3/8 inches) that was designed by Collins, and shows an eagle carrying an olive branch to the moon with Earth in the distance over the eagle's right shoulder. After the mission, Collins wrote: "Carried to the moon aboard Apollo XI/ July 1969" and signed it, as did Armstrong and Aldrin. Made with fire-safe Fiberglass Beta yarns, Beta cloth was used in the space suits worn by the Apollo astronauts. Three lots brought triple-figure results; the third was an Apollo 11-Flown and Used Star Chart with Handwritten Annotations, Signed and Certified, Directly from the Personal Collection of Michael Collins, CAG Certified, which ended at $125,000 – more than three times its pre-auction estimate. The chart is a vital piece of documentation from the Apollo 11 mission, depicting dozens of stars and constellations and features numerous handwritten annotations by Collins, with the following written on the left border: "During the flight of/ APOLLO ELEVEN,/ I used this chart/ to help me locate stars. (The/ numbers were/ entered into/ the Command/ Module Computer/ Michael/ Collins/ CMP." The auction included 19 flags, including an Apollo 11-Flown American Flag Signed and Certified by Michael Collins Directly from His Personal Collection with Accompanying Signed Certificate, CAG Certified that reached $81,250 and a framed Apollo 11-Flown American Flag on a Crew-Signed Presentation Certificate that sold for $75,000. Mission-flown Robbins medallions always hold significant appeal to collectors, and this sale was no exception. All told, the event included 23 assorted Robbins medallions, including an Apollo 11-Flown MS67 NGC Sterling Silver Robbins Medallion, Serial Number 300 that went for $52,500 and an Apollo 11-Flown MS66 NGC Sterling Silver Robbins Medallion, Serial Number 357 that closed at $36,250. An Apollo 11-Flown Flight Plan Page 89B with Annotations Handwritten by Collins nearly quintupled its pre-auction estimate when it drew a winning bid of $47,500. Measuring 6-1/2 by 8 inches, the page is numbered 89B and comes from the Command Module Pilot Solo Book that was flown and used aboard Columbia. The heavily annotated page addresses LM Insertion and covers the time between 124:30 and 125:00. It has been signed in black ink along bottom: "Michael Collins/ CMP" and "A flown page from the Apollo XI/ Flight Plan/ Michael Collins CMP" on the verso, making it an extremely important relic from this historic flight. The lot Included a handwritten LOA from Collins stating he kept this page due to the stretch of time it covered when he was supposed to be "the loneliest human ever." A dozen bids came in for an Apollo 11-Flown Pilot's Preference Kit (PPK), Signed and Certified by Collins before it found a new home at $40,000. The kit includes a Beta cloth bag with a sewn-on tag that reads "KIT PILOT'S PREFERENCE/ P/N SEB 12100018-202/ S/N 1071." Collins signed and annotated that same tag, as well as the notes. Written directly below the tag is: "Flown to the Moon/ Aboard Apollo XI." Accompanying the kit is a handwritten note on Collins' letterhead, vouching for the authenticity of the kit. Flown PPK's are scarce and among the most highly coveted of flown Space artifacts. Other top lots included, but were not limited to: An Apollo 11-Flown Crew-Signed "Type One" Quarantine Cover, Certified by Michael Collins: $37,500 An Apollo 8 Crew-Signed Official First Day Cover for the "Apollo 8" Stamp: $35,000 An Apollo 11-Flown Flight Plan Clipping With Test Postal Cancellation Signed Twice and Annotated by Michael Collins Cancelled in Flight on the Day of the Moon Landing: $32,500 An Apollo 11-Flown Heat Shield Plug in Lucite Display on Wooden Base: $32,500 Complete results can be found here. |
Ianhetho Member Posts: 272 From: Bogangar NSW Australia Registered: May 2018
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posted 06-08-2022 03:38 PM
The above mentioned Mercury 7 book is still for sale for more than $10k. The description has not changed. Hmm. |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5085 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-10-2022 10:54 PM
Curious what the consensus is regarding the Heritage customer experience (particularly for bidders). Purchased an item from them at this most recent auction - corresponding with their staff to coordinate/arrange shipping has been challenging - very slow turn around time responding to inquiries (on the order of 24-48 hours per cycle). I know that Heritage prides itself on being the largest collectables auctioneer in the business but it seems they have done so at the expense of not focusing on the customer. Heritage is very proactive on ensuring (as a winning bidder) that you immediately remit payment but following that radio silence. |
Ianhetho Member Posts: 272 From: Bogangar NSW Australia Registered: May 2018
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posted 06-11-2022 10:00 PM
Yes, my recent experience was negative. My winning item, a small lucite, was shipped 16 days after I paid for it, FedEx Economy, and it arrived some weeks later.Heritage charged me $160 for shipping costs, materials and handling. To be fair there is a warning on Heritage's website noting that shipping costs might be higher to international buyers, but a lucite from the USA in a private or eBay sale usually costs me less. In short it took more than a month to receive my item and I paid four times more for the service. | |
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