Looking for Input on Auctioneers

So, I'm considering liquidation of about half of my collection, and I'm looking for feedback on who you folks consider the auction/consignment services that best combine reputability with 'bang for the buck.' Not to be indiscreet, but I know this is probably relevant when making a recommendation, so: My 'guestimate' on approximate overall value is in the $25-$30K range. The cards are almost entirely 1950-1960, and largely composed of entire sets, but I'm also considering moving my nearly 200 T206's via lots. Also, I'm in Maryland, so I'm looking for someone I can deal with in a reasonably convenient manner (i.e., doesn't just do West Coast and/or I don't have to bring my stuff to them).

Here are some possible suitors I've identified through past experience and internet research:
- REA (don't know if I 'rate' their attention)
- Goodwin (ditto)
- Huggins & Scott (I've heard some negative things on this board about them)
- Memory Lane
- House of Cards (they're VERY local to me, and I've purchased from them before with satisfaction)
- SCP
- Mile High (probably too non-regional?)

I'm open to all input and any other suggestions. Many thanks!

Hi Lucas,
I'd be inclined to go with REA first and Goodwin second, if my items "rated their attention." Goodwin does not charge a seller's commission, whereas some of the other auction houses do.

My next choice, if I wanted an auction house that does glossy catalogs, would be Huggins & Scott. FYI, Huggins & Scott is essentially the same as House of Cards, inasmuch as Bill Huggins is the key principal of both. I've known and dealt with Bill Huggins since the mid-1980s, and I used to attend the local auctions he held in Silver Spring back in the 1990s (FYI, I live in the DC suburb of Centreville, VA). I believe Bill Huggins to be compeltely reliable, and at the very least, using H & S will save you the cost of shipping your items to a distant auction house.

Also, there are a some reputable online-only auction houses that have sprung up in the last few years. FYI, for what few items I have sold via auction houses over the years, I have used Goodwin, H & S, and Brockelman & Luckey (online-only), and I have been fully satisfied with each of them. Actually, I have sold far more cards via eBay than via these auction houses, but this requires time and effort as well as paying commissions to eBay/PayPal.

Good luck whichever way you decide to go.
Val

For the low-grade T206's, I would recommend Sterling Auctions. I have never met Lee personally but he is a very good guy to deal with and cards like that tend to sell well there.

I have never done business with Bill Huggins but those post-war sets seem like the type of thing that are commonly sold in his auctions. He also has a very low Buyer's Premium, so that means more money in your pocket.

if the 50-60 topps are high grade i'd consider memory lane, seems like they do alot of that stuff.

the t206s will sell anywhere, but i wouldn't put them in the high-tiered houses like REA because they will be overlooked.

Recently consigned my first items to Sterling Sports Auctions and am VERY pleased with both the "action" and Lee's customer service. Highly recommend them.

Thank you, gentlemen, for the feedback. Lots of good guidance!