Tracy Luther Antique Auctions

10/17/03

Lots of old junk

by johnnybighit

Luther has been around a long time. He calls it like it is.

I've been to many auction houses and the stuff that comes through this auction house can probably pass a old junk. Even when they have the fine antiques sale, things aren't all that great. Over the years, this place has become popular and finding things cheap is nearly impossible.

The hall is rather small and get over crowded with people standing just about anyplace that is open. There are seats to reserve but they go quickly. There is a 10% sales charge for the house and also if you are an absentee bidder, there is another fee tacked onto your final winning bid price.

The staff is courteous and helpful and know their stuff.

Overall, the items in this auction are usually old junk, and sell for very high prices.

• Pros: Long viewing hours, workers are polite, free parking in lot
• Cons: small auction house, high prices, mostly old junk

11/04/09

Who's getting the bargain?? Who's stuff is it??

by Randall Florie

Someone once said you cant judge a book by its cover, thus is the case I think with Mr. Tracy Luther. On the outside Mr. Luther looks honest, as a matter of fact he is the first one to tell you just how honest he is. (red flag one).

I being a serious auction house junkie (much to my wifes dislike) have visted Tracy Luthers auctions. I found the hall where he holds his auctions to be small cramped & lacking in valueable antiques which I am willing to pay for. What I saw week after week Close-out junk & his own things, that he has either purchased, or bought at a closeout price or typical garage sale junk. I see very few things I can honestly say that came from somones estate, NO grannys attic treasures at this auction hall.

I will say the staff is A+ in everyway, nice helpfull, pleasant to deal with in everyway. I have visted Luthers Auctions 3 times thinking I would see better, not the case. In my opinion he is selling his own stuff, same old same old week after week. Some of the items look to me to be from a local popular warehouse here in St Paul, where you could purchase for far less than at his auction house prices. I will also tell you that there is a pizza place accross from the auction hall, Don's pizza I believe, very great pizza, spend your time there, good pizza is worth your time, Luther auctions are not.

J.M.O. Randall St Paul Mn

• Pros: A very helpfull & polite staff.
• Cons: Seems like most of the auction is Tracy Luthers own things.

06/23/07

Widest variety of antiques and collectibles at auction in the Twin Cities area.

by wisph

Tracy Luther is very knowledgable on a wide variety of items from toys to art glass to primitives. Best of all, I've found him to be honest. He will provide bidders with his honest opinion as to age and condition. The merchandise comes from a wide variety of consignors so most anything is apt to turn up. Prices can be high on items but there are many bargains available. It's been fun to listen to gasps at what the crowd thought were high prices on some items, only to see those same items surface on ebay a short time later and have them bring significantly more. His auctions are online, so bidders can preview them and visit in person to check out any items of interest. Absentee bids can be used with only a $1 charge per won auction lot. Unsuccessful absentee bids cost nothing. The only downside is the 15% buyers fee tacked on to the hammer price. Tracy keeps the auctions moving and about 500 lots will sell in about 4 hours.

• Pros: Great variety, helpful staff, few reserves
• Cons: Buyers' fee.