More commentary
Marshall Ketchum says
The question concerning trying to correct misinformation in auction listings is interesting. There have been numerous times when I have sent corrections to auction houses. Almost invariably they have been appreciative of the information. The problem is that by the time the items are posted or the catalog is issued they have few means to make corrections public. They may or may not make corrections as the lots come up.

Next, from Gwen Stebbins
Dear Gazelle Readers:

I am responding to the post regarding auction houses and if they like to be corrected. I see by saying “Sunday” in the post, they are not speaking of the auction I specifically cataloged but I do feel the need to clarify some things.

As a cataloger for a reputable major auction house, I and the auction house welcome your input and support in helping with any mistakes that have been made. Obviously, the catalog can not be reprinted but it is my experience when you contact the auction house saying you will be bidding and asking for an up to date condition report, they tell you any information that has since been gained regarding the piece.

The James D Julia Glass & Lamp sale is coming up this June and they have a wonderful Steuben collection, including several items that came in from the flagship store in New York that I am sure will be of interest to some of you as well as several rare pieces that I had never seen for sale before. I had only viewed in exhibits and books so it was quite a thrill!

I will be the first to say that while I am very knowledgeable on Steuben glass, I am not the end source and in some instances when not sure on a specific piece, one relies on the collector that has amassed hundreds of pieces when giving names to glass, specific colors etc., I read the Gazelle with interest because of the opinions exchanged and it seems that many of you can not agree on what certain items are called i.e.. comports, compotes etc., and the discussion on blue went on a little longer than most enjoyed (smile)

Also, keep in mind that when a sale is cataloged, many things are involved……..additional catalogers, information obtained from consignees, sale coordinators, assistants, typists and everyone does the best job they possibly can but mistakes will occasionally happen…….a funny story…..one of the typists was a young man and every time I said “mauve” he thought I was saying “golf”. He didn’t know what mauve was and probably still doesn’t but he obviously knew about golf…….too funny! Obviously, this was a mistake that was easily corrected while others are less easy to detect and go unnoticed.

So in short, if you receive a catalog from James D Julia or better yet, if you are lucky enough to attend the sale, please feel free to correct me AND let me know so that I will know in the future. Also, please feel free to tell Julie the Administrative Assistant to Dudley Brown the sale coordinator and she will make the necessary corrections to condition reports. Now, the only thing I ask is that you do not correct things like “comport to compote” or the colors of glass unless it is 100% wrong…..here is where your thoughts do not count, only facts. As Steuben collectors and dealers, we sometimes forget that there are another 500-1000 items in the sale that need the same attention so again, please only contact the auction house if something is all together wrong.

Thank you

Gwen Stebbins
Lilaby Creek Antiques

More will come on this continuing discussion.