WFAA Television News Report Update: Heritage Auction To Sue L.A. Prop and Wardrobe
February 8, 2008 by Jason DeBord
A second report was broadcast by WFAA TV’s Channel 8, based on David Schechter’s investigation into items consigned by L.A. Prop and Wardrobe Company and sold by Heritage Auction Galleries (see Heritage Auction Galleries & L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Company, WFAA Television News Report…, More on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe).
In this update, Mr. Schechter reports that Heritage Auction Galleries will “sue L.A. Prop for knowingly providing bogus items for sale and damaging the auction house’s reputation”.
Here is a link to the full video report at WFAA.com:
David Schechter, WFAA News 8:
“Why didn’t you guys do more homework?”
Greg Rohan, Heritage President:
“We took the word of the company, L.A. Prop, that gave us the items to sell. We had no reason to believe that they were systematically giving us items that were not genuine.”
Jason De Bord
As an Internationally acknowledged memorabilia collector, I feel well informed to tell you what I think is important for you to know. As the reputation of Heritage Auctions has been under scrutiny lately, I hope that my thoughts are of some help.
I have worked with every major (and most minor) auction houses in the past ten years. I have seen it all. I have always said that the auction houses were at the mercy of the consignor of any item. Almost in every auction catalogue I see discrepancies and forgeries. Sometimes I am shocked by how an auction house can market what they do. I have always been under the assumption of “buyer beware”. People ask me all the time how do I know that what I purchase is authentic? Sometimes it is not easy (as you can imagine) to authenticate a piece, but I do what it takes, usually with magnifying glass in hand, to do so. Everything I purchase is authentic. I do not rely on any COA….only my learned and trusty eye (and brain).
I feel that Heritage has been dealt a bad hand. The media, as per usual, smelled a good story and felt the need to expose Heritage Auction for the recent Ann Sothern items. If they had done their job well, they would see that Heritage is small potatoes, compared to what some of the auction houses get away with. Boy, could I tell them some stories. (Send them MY way!) It is clear to me, with the interviews that I have seen regarding the Sothern situation, that Heritage was most reliable and trustworthy in the situation. Heritage is only at fault in trusting their long known consignor(s). I know some auction houses that BLATANTLY sells bogus material. I know that Heritage truly believed what they were selling was authentic. There is a BIG difference between trust and downright forgery. The fact that Heritage is refunding monies are proof enough of where they stand on the subject. I would like to see other auction houses act accordingly!
Heritage proved themselves to me many years ago after the infamous Debbie Reynolds auction they worked on with Darren Julien. Long story short, I was getting screwed by Reynolds herself AND Julien (I will not give the many details), Heritage got involved and made the situation right by selling an item to me that I had bid on. I appreciate that to this day. That is proof of just how honest and sincere Heritage Auctions are. I could give you details about auctions held by Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Julien, Profiles and especially eBay, where almost ANYTHING GOES! It is unbearable, sometimes, to see what I do. Heritage’s auctions are always well organized and a pleasure to consider.
As the recent issues continue to be brought to my attention by other quality collectors from around the world, I remind these people what truly goes on in the collecting world and how truly small what Heritage’s issues really mean in comparison. I also remind them of the different motives involved, and again, the difference between trust and innocence VS blatant lies. I travel around the country (and currently working on a book) regarding my collection. I am ALWAYS asked how I acquire what I do and where I purchase. I hold back nothing when it comes to giving advice to collectors by telling who the good (and bad) guys are. Heritage is one of the few good auction houses and I think they should be proud of the hard work that they do.
All the best, Michael Siewert, JudyGarland.com