Here is the "Georgian" desk that I mention in my prior post regarding latest auction finds. Buyer Beware is, unfortunately, the rule at Auctions....I have been buying at this particular old and well-established Los Angeles auction house for 20 years (minus a few months) and almost every week.....they know me well! When this desk came to the block it was represented as being a period Georgian double pedestal desk. I was standing too far back and had not previewed the piece (a definite no-no), nevertheless, because the proportions of the desk and especially because of the height and form of the pedestal bases, I bought it. When the desk was delivered and I inspected it carefully, it was obvious that this desk is a good English second half of the 19th c.--not late 18th c. Even the receipt says "George III". This is a very good looking desk; however, it is not what the auction house represented it to be.
And I am really ticked! Such short-sightedness on the part of a company in the age of instant communication and connections is beyond stupid. The internet has blessed us (for better or for worse) with the ability to make our individual voices heard and COUNT.
The financial crisis of the past 5 years has brought into high relief the importance of personal and corporate integrity. We are nothing if we do not treasure our personal integrity and word. Those of us in the decorative arts field who have treasured our businesses and our clients, who have clung to our reputations despite our huge drop in sales, have started to recover.
But when a business fails to support and honor its customers, the loss of reputation is very difficult to recover. The failure to understand that the seller and the buyer are one is short sighted and will ultimately bring a viable business down.
And with this situation--any action I might take with the auction house, would probably be to my detriment. I will mention it to them, but as politically politely as possible.
On the other hand, I also bought a set of 4 mid-century horseshoe chairs for almost nothing that are really good and in almost perfect condition. I guess I just have to be happy knowing that "you win some and you loose some."
These chairs were designed by Lubberts and Mulder for Tomlinson Furniture in the 1950's. The chairs have had virtually nothing done to them in at least sixty years and they only need a good paste waxing and they are set to go. And they are just my style: Chinese influenced and classic, but mid-century.
Jones is fine and I'm getting better as long as I remember that I can't eat any fat at all. NO CHOCOLATE.
Be well.
Mary & Jones (& Cole)
The financial crisis of the past 5 years has brought into high relief the importance of personal and corporate integrity. We are nothing if we do not treasure our personal integrity and word. Those of us in the decorative arts field who have treasured our businesses and our clients, who have clung to our reputations despite our huge drop in sales, have started to recover.
But when a business fails to support and honor its customers, the loss of reputation is very difficult to recover. The failure to understand that the seller and the buyer are one is short sighted and will ultimately bring a viable business down.
And with this situation--any action I might take with the auction house, would probably be to my detriment. I will mention it to them, but as politically politely as possible.
These chairs were designed by Lubberts and Mulder for Tomlinson Furniture in the 1950's. The chairs have had virtually nothing done to them in at least sixty years and they only need a good paste waxing and they are set to go. And they are just my style: Chinese influenced and classic, but mid-century.
Jones is fine and I'm getting better as long as I remember that I can't eat any fat at all. NO CHOCOLATE.
Be well.
Mary & Jones (& Cole)
Hi, Mary - I'm sorry about your desk. I've had a similar experience, but not with an auction house. It was with an antiques wholesaler in France. They stated language error, but circa date is circa date!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Loi
I love all these failures to take personal responsibility. In the long run, these individuals and companies will loose out.
DeleteBe well.
Mary
I find that a man, or a woman, is only as good as his/her word and that it goes a VERY long way. I would never “fail” my word and I have high expectations. That being said, we are human and humans make mistakes :)
ReplyDeleteI consider my word to be my dearest asset. Was confronted with a situation today where I had to honor my promise, although it was to my detriment. But I am happy with "me" and that is best.
DeleteBe well.
Mary