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What items are you currently looking to purchase or consign?
Our main focus is autographs. We are actively pursing vintage baseball signatures, mostly Hall of Fame members, dating from the 19th century – mid 20th century. Players including, but not limited to, the likes of : Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, Jimmie Foxx, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Jackie Robinson, Honus Wagner, Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, Roger Maris, Mel Ott, Roberto Clemente, Thurman Munson, Satchel Paige, Dizzy Dean, Grover Alexander, Mickey Mantle, Frank Baker, Chief Bender, Tris Speaker, Frank Chance, Joe Tinker, Eddie Collins, Ki Ki Cuyler, Hugh Duffy, Hughie Jennings, Eddie Plank, Johnny Evers, Josh Gibson, Hank Greenberg, Tony Lazzeri, Napoleon “Larry” Lajoie, Kid Nichols, Al Simmons, Cy Young, and many more – there are too many to list! Please feel free to contact us with whatever you have.
We are also interested in acquiring turn of the century photographs; team composites and solo portraits, cabinet cards, etc.
Pre-war trading cards are also in high demand including candy, bakery, and tobacco cards.
Do you purchase items outright, or take consignments?
Both! We are one of the top buyers on the internet for vintage baseball signatures. Our preference in most cases is to purchase, but we do handle consignments. There are many advantages to consigning with Imperial Sports Auctions compared to larger multi-million dollar auction houses. Please see the chart below as an example.
Below is a featured chart of the advantages to consigning with Imperial Sports Auctions versus a large multi-million dollar auction firm:
Babe Ruth autographed baseball (sample)
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Major Auction House |
Imperial Sports Auctions |
| Consignment Rate |
10-15% |
15% |
| Selling Price |
$5,000 |
$5,000 - $6,000 |
Buyers Premium  |
20% |
0% |
| Total Purchase Price |
$6,000 |
$5,000 - 6,000 (or more) |
| Net to Consignor |
$4,250 - 4,500 |
$4,250 - 5,100 (or more) |
| Time to Receive Payment |
4-6 months |
5–6 weeks |
There are two keys when looking at the chart above:
Don’t leave money on the table – The inflated buyers premium which is charged to the winning bidder takes money out of the consignor's pocket. Out of the $6,000 in the above example, you only realize $4,250-$4,500. With Imperial Sports Auctions, you have the potential to gain more, in a much shorter time frame. Without the buyers premium, you will capture more profit off the total selling price as seen above.
Time is Money – Your time and money is what Imperial Sports Auctions is looking to save you.
As seen from the chart above, most auction houses require the item(s) be in their possession 45-60 days (or longer) prior to the sale. After the sale, you will need to wait an additional 45-90 days for payment. With us, we know your time is more important. Most consignment checks will be sent within 5-6 weeks from the time we have it in our possession, or less, if your item is already authenticated. |
Imperial Sports Auctions strives to maximize your gain by providing your item(s) with the largest audience on the internet for millions to see. Our presentation standards are exceptional. We take professional quality images of your item to ensure the absolute best is seen for potential bidders to view. A full description of your item, with detailed and captivating verbiage to entice bidders is also incorporated into your listing. When you sell or consign your piece with Imperial Sports Auctions, you will know that your item is receiving the attention it deserves, with the best possible opportunity to achieve the greatest payoff.
We care for your item as if it were our only consignment, not just another item in a two thousand lot auction.
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Authentication….what is that? Do you only sell items with Letters of Authenticity?
Nearly every item we sell will have a LOA (Letter of Authenticity) from one of the two major authenticators: JSA James Spence Authentication or PSA/DNA. Few exceptions apply, and when made, are generally on lower valued items ($500 and below). We do this to insure our customers, both consignors and potential bidders, that their item is genuine. An LOA from one of these major authenticators gives complete satisfaction to our clients, and will deter any potential problems in the future with our items based on authenticity.
My item has not been authenticated, can you get that done for me? If so, who pays for the service?
Yes, we are an authorized dealer with JSA  and would prefer to have your item authenticated through them. They are very efficient and responsive to our business needs and will accommodate us in a very timely fashion. Because of our business relationship with them, we are given special rates to pass along to our customers. Depending upon the item that is to be sold, we will offer advice as to whether it would be more prudent to have it authenticated by PSA/DNA.
The potential consignor is obligated to pay for the authentication fees in most cases, possible exceptions could be made for higher end material. Fees generally range from $20-$150 based on the item and which company authenticates it.
After an agreement is met, we will be more than happy to assist you with the authentication and handle it through the entire process after it is in our possession.
OK, this is starting to sound good, but what if my item gets lost or damaged while in your possession?
A natural question!
All our items are fully insured through the Collectibles Insurance Agency. Once your item is in our possession, it is fully covered by the top rated collectibles insurance company in the United States.
I am interested in selling or consigning with Imperial Sports Auctions and would like further information.
Great!
Please fill out the form at the top of the page and we will respond immediately. |
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