The new auction season is a day or two away.  What with the political wrangling in Washington and debt problems besetting some European nations it will surprise no one if the market is, at least short term, thin.  Historically such times have been buying opportunities but it is difficult to muster the courage if smart people on all sides keep their hands in their pockets.  In time the intrepid may be congratulated but in the short term endure anxious moments.  I have no doubt serious collectors will seize the opportunity.   That’s how you know who is the serious collector.

The five sales archived this week were altogether small.  The most successful sale, by dollars, was PBA’s Fine Golf Books:  the library of Duncan Campbell.  It raised $199,026 while selling only 41% of the lots.  Bonham’s in the UK with their Scottish Sale achieved the best overall performance.  Eighty-seven percent of all lots sold and 77% of the aggregate high estimate was achieved.

Wednesday    Sept 7          Lyon and Turnbull:  Rare books, maps and manuscripts;

Thursday       Sept 8            Bloomsbury Auctions:  Conjuring and Circus;

                                                PBA:  Rare Books & Manuscripts;

Friday             Sept 9            Cowan’s Auctions:  American Indian and Western Art;

                                                Keys Fine Arts:  Prints;

                                                Neal Auction Company:  Prints, Photography;

                                                Skinner, Inc.:  Prints;

Saturday        Sept 10          Neal Auction Company

With these sales we sail for the new world.  It will be unsettling and riveting.

Bruce McKinney

AE