The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-04-04
BALDWIN NOT CORRECTED
4 Pastime With Danger fo- the Un-
 sophisticated.

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 4 Pastime With Danger fo- the Un-
 sophisticated
 "Thero are bargains galore 1t auc- tions," says a writer in the Pail Mall, "but the way to them is beset with pit falls.
 The neophytes who find themselves at trade sales of antique furniture are not many, but every mans hand Is against them. The newcomer is re- ceived politely, but the traders watch ] the bent of his fancy and at the right moment bounce upon hlH. and devour 1 him.
 We might suggest ! few simple | lines of action to the lady-and women are, Of course, the everest hands at targain-or man who, hay Hug pursued a hobby through varying stages, decides to enter the auctions.
 "yirst. glance with careful eye over the catalogue. Everything looks well in well written catalogue, Then ane should give oneself plenty of time to view the pieces the day before the salo.
 "A magnlfylng glass is here a useful friend under it's informing influence cracks appear In porcelain, newly made additions in Chippenaale hopeless fakes stand confessed.
 Having noted the half dozen pieces you wish to own, inform yourself as far as possible as to their value. Refer to one of the nov general hend- books on the particular subject. Be sure that when you return next day to tho auction you known the top price you want to give and will not be guided by the bidding. The auction eers and the trade between them are often tempted to trot q novico-that Is run up the price for his benefit or. in- crease it by larger bids than usual,
 ''Ton shillings is a price at which small pieces of furniture are often started by the auctioneer, who makes believe to have had a bid. 1T the new conner thinks the price low he will nod to the seller, who, as it were in reply, will say @ pound, and soon find thirty shilisugs elsewhere although it doesnot really exist; another nod from you and
 in this way yau may pay G2 for a piece that although worth it to you at the moment will prove poor bargain.
 ''The better plan, if you suspect the auctioneer of having started the price at ten shillings, is to lie low, when no one else bidding, he will say: Well gentlemen, five shillings some few may then increase at a shilling or two a time, and when these bids are dying out you name price in clear fgure-you are as near the rostrum as possible nail your piece.
 q am inclined to recommend the use of the honest porter to whom you pay a commission. All auction rooms, from Christes to the ultimate East, possess these useful attaches, and the friend. ship of a good porter or attendant is above rubies.
 Most of these men, for example can tell you pretty we'll beforehand what piece is likely to fetch in theil nothing of it's value elsewhere-ant thus enable you to regulate your bid
 For a matter of one shilling in eacf pound sterling of your outlay you car purchase the service as bidder care taker and giude of this locally import ant person. Some of these men ar, worth more and like more.
 with others it is we'll to arrange !; sort of sliding scale of commission which has for basis the principle tha the lower the sum for which he obtain the object the higher the commission These are matters of personal arrange. nent. which will be found to work t the collectors advantage"