Mastro News

[softball66]

Rumors have been going around about Mastro/FBI probe for months. Doesn't affect our hobby that directly as maybe the game used segment. But
not good news for the general hobby.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/2009/ ... _mail.html

[mjkm90]

Actually Joe, as a consigner and buyer I am very pleased to see the crack down. If an example is made of a major player, other possible violators will think twice before engaging in bad practices. I say make an example of them for the good of all.

[vintagebrett]

FWIW, this was in my inbox this morning:

Legendary Auctions Acquires Assets of Mastro Auctions
New Sports and Americana collectibles source to provide enhanced personalized customer service to the hobby

Lansing, IL – March 2, 2009 - Legendary Auctions, a newly formed Sports and Americana auction house has announced today it has taken possession of Mastro Auctions assets. Legendary Auctions will preside over a customer base that has been responsible for the sale of over a quarter of a billion in sales of the finest memorabilia since 1996. All current registered bidders in Mastro Auctions will be automatically transferred to Legendary Auctions and the current catalog subscriptions will be honored. The completion of all outstanding Mastro Auctions business will be seamlessly facilitated, processed and completed through Legendary Auctions.

While Legendary Auctions presents an exciting new industry collectibles source for high quality Sports and Americana items, its leadership possesses over 100 years of collecting experience. Well- known and respected hobby veterans, Doug Allen, Mark Theotikos and Ron Oser will head the new auction house at its corporate headquarters in Lansing, IL, as well as its East Coast consignment presence in the Philadelphia area.

Legendary Auctions will hit the ground running and launch its first auction event in April 2009. The sale will include a wide selection of high-end Sports and Americana. According to Doug Allen, CEO of Legendary Auctions, the new firm will focus on mainstream, important Sports and Americana material, and will be built on a foundation of personalized, one-on-one customer service.

"In moving forward, we recognize the need to take stock of what has been so successful in the past," says Allen. "At its core, this has always a relationship driven business. Legendary Auctions will be a customer-centric operation at every level."

Legendary Auctions will ensure that the auction process is pure by guaranteeing that there will be no in-house bidding in their event. "The principals employed by Legendary Auctions will put their own collecting interests aside and concentrate solely on providing opportunities for our customers," said Allen. "There will be no mixing of business and pleasure at Legendary Auctions in terms of our own collecting pursuits. This will really be all about our customers."

Initially, Legendary Auctions plans to conduct five auctions annually. There will be four phone/internet events and one live event during the summer. Bidding in the April 2009 auction will begin on Monday, April 20th and conclude on Wednesday and Thursday April 29th and 30th.

Bill Mastro, who for the past decade has led Mastro Auctions will not be part of Legendary Auctions. The hobby pioneer has acknowledged that for a time he will step away from the hobby. "Circumstances make it clear to me that the business needs to move in a different direction at this time and Legendary Auctions is a positive step that allows everyone to be taken care of, especially our customers who have been so loyal," said Mastro. "I am looking forward to taking some time off for now, and wish Legendary Auctions only the best as they move forward."

Legendary Auctions is still currently accepting high quality consignment material for their April Premier Auction event.

For more information on Legendary Auctions, a schedule of auction events or to consign an item in future auctions, call 708-889-9380 or go to www.legendaryauctions.com.