Auction Date:2017 Jun 24 @ 01:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
One-of-a-kind archive of material from the collection of William Courtenay, who served as a clerk and Indian Agent at Fort Berthold in the Dakota Territory during the 1870s and early 1880s. He became one of the most trusted white men among the Native American Indians in the region during an era when the federal government was promoting a policy of assimilation; Courtenay seems to have been aided, in part, by his sincere appreciation for their culture. He was an avid collector of Indian artifacts and materials, and usually obtained items from the Indians themselves. In 1882, Courtenay moved to Miles City, Montana, where he became involved in the livestock business in addition to real estate and insurance.
Courtenay took on a role in Custer lore when, in 1881, the New York Times reported that he had been thumbing through Whittaker's Life of Custer when Lakota warchief Rain-in-the-Face caught a glimpse of Custer’s image. Rain-in-the-Face became excited and exclaimed that he was the one to have killed Custer, though the truth of his story is questionable. At the time, this was said to be the first authentic account of Custer's death ever given. As a whole, this is a remarkable and historically significant archive that provides enormous insight into the goings-on at the Fort Berthold Indian Agency during its most important years.
Among the highlights are:
* An ALS by George A. Custer, signed “G. A. Custer, Bt. Major Genl U.S.A.,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, April 15, 1875. Custer writes to Courtenay from Fort Lincoln, in part: “Mrs. Custer has this day received the three beautiful specimens of Indian handiwork which you were so kind as to procure.”
* An LS by Custer, signed “G. A. Custer,” one page, 5 x 8, May 13 [no year]. Custer writes to Courtenay from Fort Lincoln, in part: “On my return from the East…I found your letter and the two beautiful and acceptable gifts for Mrs. Custer and myself. Will you accept our sincere thanks and be assured we appreciate most highly the robe and the slippers.”
* Two original manuscript Indian treaty documents from July 1870: one made between the Sioux and the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan, signed by seventeen Indian leaders using their “x” marks, and twelve American witnesses; and one made between the Sisseton Sioux and the Arikara, Hidasta, and Mandan, signed by nine Indian leaders using their “x” marks, and four American witnesses.
* An eight-page manuscript report on issues brought up by Lean Wolf, chief of the Gros Ventre tribe, with portions discussing Sioux violence.
* Several photos, including: a stereoview by William R. Pywell of Sioux Indian scout Bloody Knife; cabinet photos of Courtenay and his family; and photos of Courtenay’s real estate office.
* A collection of handwritten letters to Courtenay and his wife by “Wolf Chief” of the Gros Ventres, concerning his peoples’ poverty, their distrust of a new Indian Agent, business transactions, and various struggles.
* Hundreds of other pages of material, including: various letters to and from Courtenay; documents related to his career; an 1875–1876 ledger from Courtenay’s time as postmaster at Fort Berthold; manuscripts handwritten by Courtenay including a travelogue, poetry, and prose; a few pages related to his collection of Indian artifacts, plus an auction catalog from his 1881 sale; and much more.
A more comprehensive listing of items in the archive:
ALS signed “G. A. Custer, Bt. Major Genl U.S.A.,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, April 15, 1875. Custer writes to Courtenay from Fort Lincoln, in part: “Mrs. Custer has this day received the three beautiful specimens of Indian handiwork which you were so kind as to procure for her and desires me to express to you her grateful appreciation of your generosity and to thank you in her name, to which I desire to add my own personal acknowledgments.”
LS signed “G. A. Custer,” one page, 5 x 8, May 13 [no year]. Custer writes to Courtenay from Fort Lincoln, in part: “On my return from the East…I found your letter and the two beautiful and acceptable gifts for Mrs. Custer and myself. Will you accept our sincere thanks and be assured we appreciate most highly the robe and the slippers.”
An original manuscript Indian treaty document, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 12.5, July 17, 1870. A treaty between the Sioux and the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan. In part: “A treaty of the peace amnity and concord made by and between the principal men and Chiefs of certain bands of the Sioux Nation and the Arrickarees, Gros Ventres and Mandans dwelling in the vicinity of Fort Berthold…The bands of Sioux mentioned consisting of a portion of the Upper Yanctonais, the Lower Yanctonais, the friendly Unkpapas and Blackfeet and a Sans Arc Chief whose band is at present encamped at the Cheyenne agency. The Chiefs and principal men of all the bands now represented here in council do mutually and severally agree that from this day forth they will hold each other as friends. That they will neither make war upon each other nor in any way manifest enmity by any action…They agree to discourage all hostile acts and intentions…The bands who are parties to this mutual agreement have for a long time been at war. Many injuries have been inflicted. Many lives have been lost. Many hearts have been made sad and much mourning and sorrow been occasioned. They now desire to put an end to all such practices. They desire to live in concord hereafter, to rejoice and sorrow with each other and to be bound to each other by they same friendly sentiments which now unite them to the Whites. On witness whereof we have set our hands and seals at the post of Fort Stevenson, D. T., on this 17th day of July 1870.” Signed at the conclusion by seventeen Indian leaders using their “x” marks, and twelve American witnesses. The folds are split in several places, with some partial splits and a few complete separations.
An original Indian treaty document, three pages, 8 x 12.5, July 11, 1870. A treaty between the Sisseton Sioux and the Arikara, Hidasta, and Mandan. In part: “For the purpose of better fulfilling our duty to the Government of the United States and with a desire to live on terms of amity and good will with each other, we the chiefs and head men of the bands of Sisseton Sioux located near Fort Totten, D.T. and we the chiefs and head men of the Arickarees, Gros Ventres and Mandan…bind ourselves and our respective bands to the due fulfillment of the following agreement…Should any member of our bands steal or destroy any property belonging to any member of the aforementioned bands, we agree to make restitution twofold in kind, should any member of our bands without just cause beat, maim or kill any member of the aforementioned bands, we agree to make such compensation as shall be satisfactory to the injured party.” Signed at the conclusion by nine Indian leaders using their “x” marks, and four American witnesses.
An eight-page manuscript report on issues brought up by Lean Wolf, chief of the Gros Ventre tribe. In part: “There was no large game on our Reservation, in seeking for Buffalo we arrived at the Camp of the Unckpapa Sioux, we remained with them a short time and then moved to the Missouri River…a large Party of Sioux passed in sight of our camp, and went into camp a few miles below us, about the same time it happened that a Trader was passing with a train of goods the Sioux attacked the train killing one man and capturing the goods. The leader of the Sioux was a man who had had one of his sons killed by a white man near the Yellow Stone last fall…No member of our band, nor of the Mandans or Arrickarees, participated in the commission of the outrage, or in any share of the resulting spoils.”
Several photos, including: a stereoview by William R. Pywell of Sioux Indian scout Bloody Knife on horseback and holding a rifle; two mounted albumen photos of William Courtenay’s real estate office; a cabinet photo of Courtenay, his wife, and their young child; a cabinet portrait of William Courtenay in Bozeman, Montana, in 1892; a small mounted photo of the Courtenay family in Miles City in 1896; and a few others.
Among the more interesting personal items is a cabinet photo of Courtenay and his wife Fannie Patterson on their wedding day, as well as two 1879 ALSs from Courtenay to Patterson’s father asking for her hand in marriage: “I have had the honor and pleasure of making the acquaintance of your daughter, Miss Fannie, and that acquaintance has ripened into a warmer feeling—in short, I love her passionately and devotedly, and venture to ask you to do me the greatest favor that one man can do to another—to give her to me as my wife.”
Eleven handwritten letters (and letter fragments) sent to Courtenay and his wife by “Wolf Chief” of the Gros Ventres. One reads, in part: “Friend William Courtenay. sir. Will you Please will you give. We want another store here. and we want some other man to keep store…We want you to keep store…With this store W. B. Shaws. He told me about it. but I do not believe it. Perhaps it is a lie: We do not like agent shaws. because he tells lies. I want you to tell the truth…Friend William Courtenay Sir Will you please help us to make to large houses…We want houses like the White people. there are 600 of us Gros Ventres and Mandans. and we want to live together. We are poor. We want houses like the Whites. the Gros Ventres Indians all good men.” It seems that Courtenay’s wife, who was indeed a schoolteacher at the Fort Berthold Reservation, may have tutored Wolf Chief in English. His other letters state, “my teacher going away I am Sorry my teacher Mrs. Wm. Courtenay away I do not like,” and, “Mrs. Wm. Courtenay give me Book good. I like and every thing I want to know soon Book Big good.” Several of his letters mention American presidents, for example: “President Garfield talk I hear and I am glad. White man good I think and issue all I want soon. White man I think and wagon I like.” Also includes two letters to Mrs. Courtenay concerning education from an Indian named “Eagle,” mainly asking for paper and supplies. One of these, in part: “Mrs. Courtenay if you know I have two names Eagle and Red Turtle I can write some book and I can not do to some…I wise very much. I saw old man very white hair is your father man I like very Mrs. Courtenay much…please give me ink to day I want to write in Red ink I am Eagle yourself Mrs. Courtenay.”
A thick ledger (partially disbound) containing approximately 250 true ink transfer copies of letters and documents pertaining to the Fort Berthold Post Office, dated 1875–1876, most of which were originally written by William Courtenay.
Documents including: Courtenay’s 1874 appointment as postmaster at Fort Berthold, signed by Postmaster General Marshall Jewell; an 1879 certificate confirming Courtenay’s honorable discharge from the US Infantry; an 1879 Fort Berthold receipt roll; a series of Courtenay’s own handwritten copies of letters recommending him for the Indian Agent position; and thirty manuscript 'true copies' of receipts for transactions made with Indians, with subjects named including "Little Bull," "Little Shield," "Womans Ghost," "Stuttering Mandan," "Gros Ventre Pete," "Sharp Horn," and "Walking Bull."
Twenty pages of manuscripts of Courtenay’s original writing, most written on both sides, consisting of poetry, prose, diary entries, and speeches or addresses; and nine pages of a travelogue written by Courtenay.
An auction catalog for the October 11–12, 1881, sale of “Indian Curiosities from Fort Berthold, Dakota, Collected by Mr. William Courtenay,” held at the Clinton Hall Sale Rooms by George A. Leavitt & Co.; two pages of Courtenay’s handwritten inventory lists for his collection of artifacts; and a document from the Smithsonian acknowledging his gift of “specimens of natural history,” signed by Joseph Henry.
Two printed documents from the Smithsonian Bureau of Ethnology concerning communicating with Indians via sign language, including one page with diagrams of hand gestures for each letter of the alphabet, and one blank worksheet for recording arm positions and ideas expressed by Indians using the language.
Other items include: a number of newspapers and newspaper clippings, one printed page of a document about how to pronounce Indian words, and numerous other letters sent to Courtenay concerning general affairs, with one of the more interesting examples including an 1874 letter saying, “I cannot tell when W. Matthews dictionary of the Gros Ventre will be ready for distribution”; an 1882 folding pocket map indexed township map of Montana published by H. R. Page & Co.; a section of a map showing the “Arikares, Gros Ventre and Mandan Reservation”; and more. In overall very good to fine condition.
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Infinite |
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Failure of the Bidder to comply with any of these Conditions of Sale or the terms of the Registration Form is an event of default. In such event, RR Auction may, in addition to any other available remedies specifically including the right to hold the defaulting Bidder liable for the Purchase Price or to charge and collect from the defaulting Bidder’s credit or debit accounts as provided for elsewhere herein: (a) cancel the sale, retaining any payment made by the Bidder as damages (the Bidder understands and acknowledges that RR Auction will be substantially damaged should such default occur, and that damages under sub-part (a) are necessary to compensate RR Auction for such damages); (b) resell the property without reserve at public auction or privately; (c) charge the Bidder interest on the Purchase Price at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month or the highest allowable interest rate; (d) take any other action that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or appropriate to preserve and protect RR Auction’s rights and remedies. Should RR Auction resell the property, the original defaulting Bidder shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs and expenses associated there with, including but not limited to warehousing, sales-related expenses, reasonable attorney fees and court costs, commissions, incidental damages and any other charges due hereunder which were not collected or collectable. In the event that such Bidder is the successful Bidder on more than one lot and pays less than the purchase price for the total lots purchased, RR Auction shall apply the payment received to such lot or lots that RR Auction, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. If RR Auction does not exercise such discretion, the lots to which the payment shall be applied will be in descending order from the highest purchase price to the lowest. Any Bidder failing to comply with these Conditions of Sale shall be deemed to have granted RR Auction a security interest in, and RR Auction may retain as collateral such security for such Bidder's obligations to RR Auction, any property in RR Auction’s possession owned by such Bidder. RR Auction shall have the benefit of all rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) as adopted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Warranties:
RR Auction does not provide any warranties to Bidders, whether expressed or implied, beyond those expressly provided in these Conditions of Sale. All property and lots are sold "as is" and "where is". By way of illustration rather than limitation, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to merchantability or fitness for intended use, condition of the property (including any condition report), correctness of description, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, importance, exhibition, relevance, attribution, source, provenance, date, authorship, condition, culture, genuineness, value, or period of the property. Additionally, neither RR Auction nor the Consignor makes any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to whether the Bidder acquires rights in copyright or other intellectual property (including exhibition or reproduction rights) or whether the property is subject to any limitations or other rights. RR Auction does not make any representation or warranty as to title.
All descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and terminology including but not limited to words describing condition (including any condition reports requested by Bidder, see also Terminology), authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance, exhibition, and relevance, used in the Catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or anywhere else, represent a good faith effort made by RR Auction to fairly represent the lots and property offered for sale as to origin, date, condition, and other information contained therein; they are statements of opinion only. They are not representations or warranties and Bidder agrees and acknowledges that he or she shall not rely on them in determining whether or not to bid or for what price. Price estimates (which are determined well in advance of the Auction and are therefore subject to revision) and condition reports are provided solely as a convenience to Bidders and are not intended nor shall they be relied on by Bidders as statements, representations or warranties of actual value or predictions of final bid prices.
Bidders are accorded the opportunity to inspect the lots and to otherwise satisfy themselves as to the nature and sufficiency of each lot prior to bidding, and RR Auction urges Bidders to avail themselves accordingly.
All lots sold by RR Auction are accompanied by an Auction Certificate (“AC”). On any lot presented with an AC issued by RR Auction, the certification is only as to its attribution to the person or entity described or to the lot's usage and only as explicitly stated therein (the “Certification of Authenticity”), to the exclusion of any other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to those pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code. The Certification of Authenticity inures only to the original Bidder (as shown in RR Auction's records). Bidder may not transfer, assign, or otherwise convey the Certification of Authenticity, and such purported transfer, assignment, or conveyance shall be null and void. The Certification of Authenticity is valid from date of the Auction in which Bidder was awarded the lot (the “Auction Date”) until five (5) years after the Auction Date, without exception.
FIREARMS.
RR Auction complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations relating to the purchasing, registration and shipping of firearms. A Bidder is required to provide appropriate documents and the payment of associated fees, if any. Bidder is responsible for providing a shipping address that is suitable for the receipt of a firearm.
Limitation of Damages:
In the event that RR Auction is prevented for any reason from delivering any property to Bidder, or Bidder is otherwise dissatisfied with the performance of RR Auction, the liability, if any, of RR Auction, shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the amount actually paid for the property by Bidder. In no event shall RR Auction be liable for incidental, special, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits, value of investment or opportunity cost.
Unauthorized Statements:
Under no circumstances is any employee, agent or representative of RR Auction authorized by RR Auction to modify, amend, waive or contradict any of these Conditions of Sale, any term or condition set forth on a registration form, any warranty or limitation or exclusion of warranty, any term or condition in either the Registration Form or these Terms and Conditions regarding payment requirements, including but not limited to due date, manner of payment, and what constitutes payment in full, or any other term or condition contained in any documents issued by RR Auction unless such modification, amendment, waiver or contradiction is contained in a writing signed by all parties. Any statements, oral or written, made by employees, agents or representatives of RR Auction to Bidder, including statements regarding specific lots, even if such employee, agent or representative represents that such statement is authorized, unless reduced to a writing signed by all parties, are statements of personal opinion only and are not binding on RR Auction, and under no circumstances shall be relied upon by Bidder as a statement, representation or warranty of RR Auction.
Bidder’s Remedies:
Under no circumstance will RR Auction incur liability to a Bidder in excess of the purchase price actually paid.
This section sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Bidder in conformity with the Warranties and Limitation of Damages provisions of these Conditions of Sale, and is expressly in lieu of any other rights or remedies which might be available to Bidder by law. The Bidder hereby accepts the benefit of the Consignor's warranty of title and any other representations and warranties made by the Consignor for the Bidder's benefit. In the event that Bidder demonstrates in writing, in the sole discretion of RR Auction, that there was a breach of the Consignor's warranty of title concerning a lot purchased by Bidder, RR Auction shall make demand upon the Consignor to pay to Bidder the Purchase Price (including any premiums, taxes, or other amounts paid or due to RR Auction). Should the Consignor not pay the Purchase Price to Bidder within thirty days after such demand, RR Auction shall disclose the identity of the Consignor to Bidder and assign to Bidder all of RR Auction’s rights against the Consignor with respect to such lot or property. Upon such disclosure and assignment, all responsibility and liability, if any, of RR Auction with respect to said lot or property shall automatically terminate. RR Auction shall be entitled to retain the premiums and other amounts paid to RR Auction - this remedy is as to the Consignor only. The rights and remedies provided herein are for the original Bidder only and they may not be assigned or relied upon by any transferee or assignee under any circumstances.
If Bidder wishes to challenge the AC within the period of the Certification of Authenticity, Bidder must present written evidence that the lot is not authentic as determined by a known expert in the field. If RR Auction agrees that the lot is not as represented, Bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be a refund of their purchase price, with no other costs, liabilities or amounts recoverable. If RR Auction does not agree with the claim by Bidder, then the Parties shall follow the dispute resolution procedures of these Conditions of Sale.
Any such challenge concerning an AC or Certification of Authenticity must, without any exception, be brought within one (1) year of Bidder’s notice to RR Auction of Bidder’s contention that the lot was not authentic, or six (6) years from the Auction Date, whichever is sooner.
If the description of any lot in the Catalog is materially incorrect (e.g., gross cataloging error), the lot is returnable if returned within five (5) calendar days of receipt, and received by RR Auction no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the Auction Date. If there is any discrepancy between the description in the Catalog and the AC, then the description in the AC shall control. This paragraph shall constitute Bidder’s sole right with respect to the return of items, and no refunds shall be given for any items not returned to and received by RR Auction.
NO RETURN OR REFUND OF ANY AUCTION LOT WILL BE CONSIDERED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THESE CONDITIONS OF SALE.
RR Auction’s Additional Services:
For Bidders who do not remove purchased property from RR Auction’s premises, RR Auction, in its sole discretion and solely as a service and accommodation to Bidders, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured and forwarded at the sole request, expense, and risk of Bidder. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by RR Auction or other packers and carriers, whether or not recommended by RR Auction. RR Auction assumes no and disclaims all responsibility and liability for damage to frames, glass or other breakable items. Where RR Auction arranges and bills for such services via invoice, RR Auction will include an administration charge.
Headings:
Headings are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the substantive sections to which they refer.
Entire Agreement:
These Conditions of Sale constitute the entire agreement between the parties together with the terms and conditions contained in the Registration Form. They may not be amended, modified or superseded except in a signed writing executed by all parties. No oral or written statement by anyone employed by RR Auction or acting as agent or representative of RR Auction may amend, modify, waive or supersede the terms herein unless such amendment, waiver or modification is contained in a writing signed by all parties.
If any section of these Conditions of Sale or any term or provision of any section is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections or terms and provisions of a section shall continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Governing Law and Enforcement
The Parties agree that any agreements between the Parties including but not limited to these Conditions of Sale are entered into in Boston, Massachusetts, no matter where Bidder is situated and no matter by what means or where Bidder was informed of the Auction and regardless of whether catalogs, materials, or other communications were received by Bidder in another location.
The Parties agree that these Conditions of Sale, and any other related agreement(s) are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for its conflict of laws principles. The Parties agree that any dispute related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale, or related to or arising out of any other related agreement(s) shall be submitted to confidential binding arbitration (the “Arbitration”) before a single Arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”). The Parties agree that the Arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the commercial rules of the AAA. In the event that the Parties cannot agree on the selection of the Arbitrator, then the Arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA. The prevailing Party in the Arbitration shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the Arbitration, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. The Parties agree that Bidder shall have no right to recover consequential or indirect damages, or lost profits damages.
The Parties consent to the enforcement of the decision in the Arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in either the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Except as provided in Bidder’s Remedies with regard to the Certification of Authenticity, any dispute, claim, cause of action related to or arising out of these Conditions of Sale or any other agreement(s) between the Parties must be brought within one (1) year of the acts, omissions or circumstances giving rise to the alleged claim, without exceptions. This provision is intended as a full, complete and absolute release of any claims after one (1) year of such acts, omissions or circumstances. The Parties agree further that these waiver provisions are intended to be binding on all parties in the event of any dispute, specifically including but not limited to third party claims and cross-actions brought by either RR Auction or Bidder. These provisions are consideration for the execution of these Conditions of Sale.
The Bidder hereby agrees that RR Auction shall be entitled to present these Conditions of Sale to a court in any jurisdiction other than set forth in this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the Parties' agreement, and the Parties further agree that the court shall immediately dismiss any action filed in such jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration related to or arising out of any Auction of an item sold for less than $10,000. This right shall relate to the individual item price, such that RR Auction may, in its sole discretion, enforce its rights pursuant to these Conditions of Sale in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts rather than in an Arbitration for items that in the aggregate exceed $10,000. The prevailing Party in such a proceeding shall be entitled to recover all of its related costs, whether before or after the formal institution of the proceeding, including but not limited to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and, if RR Auction prevails, the Buyer’s Premium as defined in these Conditions of Sale. This right of enforcement is unique to RR Auction, and these Conditions of Sale are a waiver by the Bidder of any right to enforcement or adjudication outside of an Arbitration.
CONDUCT OF AUCTION
Estimate Prices:
In addition to descriptive information, each item in the Catalog sometimes includes a price range which reflects opinion as to the price expected at auction (the “Estimate Prices”). In other instances, Estimate Prices can be obtained by calling RR Auction at (603) 732-4280. The Estimate Prices are based upon various factors including prices recently paid at auction for comparable property, condition, rarity, quality, history and provenance. Estimate Prices are prepared well in advance of the sale and subject to revision. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or sales tax (see under separate heading).
Owned or Guaranteed Property:
RR Auction generally offers property consigned by others for sale at public auction; in very limited occasion, lots are offered that are the property of RR Auction.
Before the Auction:
Bidder may attend pre-sale viewing for all of RR Auction’s auctions at no charge. All property to be auctioned is usually on view for several days prior to the sale. Bidder is encouraged to examine lots thoroughly. Bidder may also request condition reports (see below). RR Auction's staff are available at viewings and by appointment.
Maximum Bids – All Auctions:
To maximize Bidder’s chance of winning, RR Auction strongly encourages the use of maximum bids. RR Auction will then bid for Bidder until the lot reaches Bidder’s specified maximum. Maximum bids are strictly confidential. Placing arbitrary, non-incremental bids on lots with prior maximum bids may result in these lots being sold for less than 10% above the under Bidder's bid.
Successful Bids:
The fall of RR Auction's hammer indicates the final bid. RR Auction will record the paddle number of the Bidder. If Bidder’s salesroom or absentee bid is successful, Bidder will be notified after the sale by mailed or emailed invoice.
Unsold Lots:
If a lot does not reach the reserve, it is bought-in. In other words, it remains unsold and is returned to the Consignor. RR Auction has the right to sell certain unsold items after the close of the Auction. Such lots shall be considered sold during the Auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the Buyer's Premium, return rights, and disclaimers.
Bidding—Timed Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Any Bidder may bid on any lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. At that time, an extended bidding period goes into effect. If Bidder has not bid on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT, Bidder may not bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. Only those Bidders who have placed bids on a lot before 6 pm EST/EDT will be allowed to bid on that lot after 6 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the only Bidder on a lot at 6 pm EST/EDT, that lot is awarded to Bidder. During the extended bidding period, a lot will remain open only to those who bid on that lot prior to 6 pm EST/EDT. All lots WITHOUT an opening bid at 6 pm EST/EDT will remain OPEN to ALL Bidders until 7 pm EST/EDT or until they receive their first bid. These lots will close immediately upon receipt of a bid or at 7 pm EST/EDT, whichever comes first. For all lots that are active after 7 pm EST/EDT, bidding will remain open until 30 minutes pass without a bid being placed on THAT lot (the “30 Minute Rule”). The 30 Minute Rule is applied on a PER LOT BASIS; each lot in the Auction closes individually based on bidding activity after 7 pm EST/EDT. On a PER LOT BASIS, the 30 minute timer will reset each time a bid is placed after 7 pm EST/EDT. If Bidder is the high Bidder, raising Bidder’s maximum bid will NOT reset the timer. RR Auction reserves the right to close the Auction at any time at its sole discretion.
Bidding - Internet – Live Auction:
Bidder may open, monitor, and/or raise bids at any time before the close of a lot through www.rrauction.com. RR Auction offers a callback service the day of the Auction, but Bidder is responsible for supplying a correct telephone number(s) where Bidder can be reached until the Auction closes. Bidder must request this service in writing. RR Auction will make reasonable efforts to ensure that Bidders who request a callback are contacted if outbid; however, RR Auction does not guarantee this service and it is merely a courtesy and not an enforceable right.
To ensure proper registration, those Bidders intending to bid via the Internet must visit www.RRauction.com and register accordingly at least one full day prior to the actual auction. Winning bidders will be notified by RR Auction. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids.
Property is auctioned in consecutive numerical order, as it appears in the catalog. The auctioneer will accept bids from those present in the salesroom or absentee bidders participating by telephone, internet or by written bid left with RR Auction in advance of the auction. The auctioneer may also execute a bid on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve, either by entering a bid in response to salesroom, telephone or absentee bids. Under no circumstances will the auctioneer place any bid on behalf of the consignor above the reserve. The auctioneer will not specifically identify bids placed on behalf of the consignor to protect the reserve.
During live Auctions, internet bids can be placed in real time through one or more of the following Third Party services: www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable.com and www.icollector.com. RR Auction is not responsible or liable for any problems, delays, or any other issues or problems resulting out of use of the Internet generally or specifically, including but not limited to transmission, execution or processing of bids. RR Auction treats any third-party site bids as floor or telephone bids. Floor bids and telephone bids are always considered first over third party sites bids, and floor bids are considered earlier than telephone bids. All RR Auction lots purchased through the third party sites carry an additional Buyer’s Premium.
Miscellaneous:
Agreements between Bidders and Consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize RR Auction's Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the Auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, RR Auction reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer's Premium and Consignor a Seller's Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller's agreement.
Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions qualifies Bidder as a client who has consented to be contacted by RR Auction in the future. In conformity with "do-not-call" regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. RR Auction may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase, and auction opportunities available.
Rules of Construction: RR Auction presents properties in a number of collectible fields, and as such, specific venues have promulgated supplemental Terms and Conditions. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive the general Conditions of Sale by these additional rules and shall be construed to give force and effect to the rules in their entirety.