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What are the speculations about how well this auction will be attended? I just received an e-mail from them updating their policy on attendance:
Greetings,
Planning to attend the Sale of the Century? Wonderful— we can’t wait to see you! However, your health and safety are important, therefore we have put in place the following attendance policy.
Reservations are highly recommended so that we do not exceed the Illinois mandated 25% capacity— so please call ahead and let us know if you plan to attend. We will also continue to offer private previewing by appointment now through December 2nd.
Those attending are expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines, wear face masks, and have temperatures taken upon arrival (you are welcome to enter the premises if your temperature is less than 100.4 degrees).
Again, in order to not exceed capacity and to maintain social distancing we are utilizing our building across the street for additional live bidding, as well as a hospitality lounge. By expanding across the street we have increased our square footage to 150 thousand square feet. Additionally, plexi-glass screens have been installed at check-in as well as our phone bidding banks. PPE stations are located throughout the buildings to include face masks, gloves, and sanitizer, as well as a stringent sanitizing routine in place.
Unfortunately, we will not be holding the cocktail party Thursday evening, but we will extend our preview hours to 7pm and offer refreshments to include beer, wine, and champagne from 5pm to 7pm.
Rest assured that we are actively taking every precaution available to provide a safe and comfortable environment for those with a genuine interest in attending and participating in the Sale of the Century, on December 4th-6th.
Thank you,
Rock Island Auction Company
I’m quite curious about how deeply attendance will be impacted and what the impact will be on bidding. Perhaps more people bidding by phone and internet? Less people actually going to examine the pieces in person, and hence, less inclined to bid?
RIA is insane, no way to sugar coat that. I think that most folks bid at these particular auctions, with little regard for sanity, folks have deep pockets and many could care less whether or not they see an item in person, they bid and bid and bid…
I hope I am wrong, and the bids at this RIA are more down to earth, but the two venues that seem to have little to do with the real world are RIA and Gunbroker.
I was done with RIA when they reference Midas every time(no disrespect to George). As far as Gun Broker, I guess anyone can throw sh*t and see if it sticks.
RickC
I don’t fault the sellers at gunbroker. Most the stuff that sells there is started at a penny with no reserve. The sellers just sit back and let the buyers decide what they want to pay. The crazy ones are the bidders. It’s their choice to be parted with their money. However, it is generally not a place for a sane person to be able to purchase something. The same is often true for the big auction houses.
November 7, 2015
Offline
Live bidding in another building? Will be interesting to see how that works out. I’ve attended many big time antique auto auctions and must admit I’d like to attend a “big time” antique firearms auction. 2020 won’t be the year I’ll check that off my bucket list, if I had one.
Don’t knock Gun Broker, Rick. I’m thinking that may be how I thin my herd so I can attend future WACA shows as a buyer instead of a seller. I have more than a few nice “shooters” that don’t do well at collector shows. I’m still trying to understand the Ebay mentality but I know there’s gold in them thar interwebs.
Mike
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