Fraud & Online Auctions

I read with great interest Katie Haffner's article in the New York Times yesterday regarding "Fakes on eBay". I understand when eBay says that they cannot authenticate every item that gets posted on their site, but what about the buyers who unknowingly end up paying top dollar for a reproduction. Is their only defense "Buyer Beware"?

I'm not naive enough to think that we don't have any reproductions on our site nor will we ever again in the future, but I will tell you that at Manion's, we never knowingly represent a fake as real. We also offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase. We have recently hired some additional personnel who are experienced collectors to police our auction listings, but even with that, something might still slip through. We are only trying to review one small category of collectibles (Militaria). I can't fathom how eBay could ever keep up with all their varied listings to adequately protect their buyers.

This also brings up the topic of "Certificates of Authenticity". I watched the HBO show "Real Sports with Bryant Gumble" recently where they ran a story about fake sports memorabilia. One of their points was that a COA does not mean much. Anyone can print one up and even reputable authenticators can be fooled as was shown in the story. A COA seems to make some buyers feel more comfortable about their purchase, but in reality, they offer little if any protection.

CR Keller

HOW TO SHIP YOUR CONSIGNMENT TO MANION’S AUCTION

New consignors often express concern when it comes to shipping their items quickly and safely to Manion’s. Recently we received a large and rather valuable collection of Imperial German and related militaria from the estate of Thomas K. Muldowney. The way the artifacts were packed provides an excellent example for how to protect your investment for transit.

Since everyone is interested in getting their items to us safely and in the most cost-effective manner possible, we offer the following suggestions:

Padded envelopes for smaller items are a good start, but consider the damage that might be done to the delicate enamelwork on an order or medal were a heavier or oddly shaped package accidentally dropped on top of it. Wrapping the item in bubble wrap and adding a cardboard stiffener on either side will help protect against such shock and keep the item from sliding around in its packing and possibly damaging itself and the envelope during transit.

Cardboard boxes for large items, say the size of a bust or helmet, are even better. Large and small bubble wrap and foam peanuts are good shock absorbers, while self-adhesive packing tape is perfect for sealing the box and covering seams and cracks that might allow in moisture.

For even larger items or multiple pieces of bulky or oddly shaped artifacts, fabricating a simple plywood box and padding it with copious amounts of bubble wrap or foam peanuts provides one of the safest shipping containers for what are often some of the most exotic and valuable pieces a collector might own. In this case, Imperial German spike helmets are well protected.

Clearly mark all boxes and include detailed packing lists marked to correspond to the contents. Be sure to include any special instructions regarding the return or rerunning of unsold items. Also, e-mailing duplicate lists will help expedite your consignment through our system to the auction block.

While the plywood box option will cost more than a cardboard box, the protection afforded by the wooden crate might be well worth the added expense in material and shipping cost…especially considering the intrinsic value of the items. Ask yourself how much that Garde du Korps lobster tail spike helmet is worth to you?

Of course you may (and should) always purchase maximum insurance for your packages, but the monetary value is only one factor in the equation. While your items will almost certainly represent a long and lovingly held investment to you, the value of the artifact to history itself is another aspect that could quite possibly be priceless.

Firearms may be shipped directly to us, but handguns may not by shipped by the US Postal Service. Purchases and returns must be through a licensed dealer.

Feel free to contact us directly for advice on packing and shipping your items. We're here to help!

HISTORIC AUCTION FOR MEMORABILIA OF THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ

ATTENTION Buyers and sellers! Manions Auction is now planning to offer a Special selection of material relating to Participants and Historic Figures of the Conflict in Iraq and the Global War on Terror! At this point we have Hussein and High Ranking Iraqi material as well as nice examples of U.S. headgear and uniforms. Some items are documented and many are one of a kind! We welcome your consignment of souvenirs, gear, uniforms and insignia of both Iraq and USA as well as other participants! Our target date is March but we need things by Friday, Febuary 10 to photo and catalog in time! Contact us at collecting@manions.com for more information!

RARE PHOTO ALBUM OF SS REICHSFÜHRER HEINRICH HIMMLER OFFERED BY MANION’S AUCTION

RARE PHOTO ALBUM OF SS REICHSFÜHRER HEINRICH HIMMLER OFFERED BY MANION’S AUCTION

Auction 279

Lot No. 57-85110

Manion’s will soon be listing for auction a rare photo album assembled by a witness to one of SS leader Heinrich Himmler’s official wartime meetings with the command staff of the feared 2nd SS Panzer Division (Das Reich). It provides a candid glimpse ‘behind the scenes’ at one of the Third Reich’s most infamous personalities.

The album consists of 38 original black and white photos chronicling the meeting. Every shot includes a handwritten caption on heavy cardstock and each page is separated by a protective tissue paper leaf.

Many high ranking and highly decorated officers are pictured, most readily identified. Himmler is clearly visible in about 90% of the shots. The album even includes a shot of him in a strange and rather jaunty pose, the caption detailing his `good mood.`

This is a rare opportunity for historians and Heinrich Himmler/SS-interested collectors. It is scheduled to be listed on February 3, 2006, and requires a starting bid of $6000.00.

Show of Shows - Live Auction

Manion's will be conducting a live auction at the SOS show on Friday February 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the expo center. We are asking consignors who wish to put items in the auction to send them to our office by February 1st so that we can get them processed and into the catalog for that night. If you have any questions, please call us toll free at 1-866-MANION1