I derive my income from antiques, and the world's auctions are my life's blood…read more Therefore, my income is compromised when an auction house lacks the coherence to manage its affairs credibly. I registered for one of their notable auctions when I discovered a particularly attractive Scrittoietto Napoleone III displayed in their catalogue. On the day of the auction, I chose to place an absentee bid, as my expectation was that the lot would not garner much interest. My bid was accepted and confirmed, so I chose to direct my attention elsewhere that day. Imagine my surprise to later return to the auction to discover that the lot had been sold to another bidder for far less than my absentee bid. Not only was my time wasted focusing on the Scrittoietto for the last month, and making arrangements for its international journey to Canada, my income stream has also been interrupted by the incompetence of this auction house. I will not be returning.