No this is not new mart they have done this for as long as I can remember, they will make exceptions if they find a piece interesting or believe it will sell higher than estimated also some clients have very high dollar pieces and a few lower so they will take all to consign the higher pieces. Even smaller well known auction houses will decline to give an estimate if they feel the piece would fall below their minimum lot level of a set price. Skinner Auction house has a minimum lot level of $500.00. But as I said if they like the piece they will take it at a lower value or if the customer sells many many lots with them they will work to sell things at lower estimates. I think it is their way of weeding out what is of little value for that time. Skinner auction house would also not take any depression glass when I tried to consign with them in 2009. But when they looked at a depression glass black pinched bottle set with tray, glasses, candle holders and silver bottle tags they took it quick!
