National Cambridge Collectors, Inc.

A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Annual All-Cambridge Auction - Frequently Asked Questions

The Auction Committee (Squeek & Dorothy Rieker and Lynn Welker) ask that anyone interested in consigning glass to the auction follow the standard procedures used in years past. Here are the procedures in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

The 2008 Annual Auction will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Pritchard-Laughlin Center in Cambridge, Ohio.

When are consignment lists due?
We need to have the lists by October 1st, so mail them in time to reach Cambridge by that date.

Where should the lists be sent?

Member volunteers in Cambridge forward the lists to us.

Will you accept e-mailed or faxed lists?
We do accept E-mailed lists. We are not able to accept faxed lists. The submission deadline is the same either way: Oct. 1st. All lists, whether mailed or E-mailed, must include a mailing address and phone number for the consigner. The E-mail address for submissions is: squeek@compuserve.com Please indicate "NCC Auction" on the subject line.

Is there a limit to the number of things I can consign?
While there is no limit, per se, we ask you to be considerate of others who also which to consign glass. We do use a fairness policy when needed, to insure that all consigners have a roughly equal opportunity to have items accepted for auction. In past years, the maximum lot quantity has been 20 to 30 items per consigner.

Are there quality or condition standards for the consigned glass?
This Auction is intended to raise money for the NCC and to help collectors find new homes for some of their glass. It is not a "scratch and dent" sale. Consigners and the NCC will realize top dollar if consigners submit only first- quality glass. The committee reserves the right to reject any glass that arrives with undisclosed damage, so please inspect your glass carefully.

Should I send my glass in now?
Absolutely not! After the Auction Committee has looked at all the submitted lists, we will let each consigner know what glass to ship to Cambridge. Consigners will be provided with the ship-to address. Glass must be shipped to arrive in Cambridge by November 15th; it may also be brought to the November Quarterly Meeting.

How much does the club keep?
The NCC keeps 20% of the purchase price. Some consigners designate certain lots as "Donations." The entire purchase price of those items goes directly to the NCC. Some lower-value donated pieces may be sold in the Museum's Gift Shop, rather than put in the auction, if the committee feels that will yield a better price. Consigners will be mailed a check for their items a few weeks after the auction.

Why do you need these lists so early?
The timing is largely dictated by our desire to publish the Auction Catalog in the January Crystal Ball. Each and every step of the consignment, inspection, cataloging and selection must be completed by mid-December. In order to accomplish this, we need the consignment lists by early October. Remember, all this work is done by volunteers who also have jobs and families.

What happens if non-Cambridge glass is submitted?
In the event that we accept a piece based on a consignment list, and the actual piece turns out not to be Cambridge Glass, we will hold it for pickup by the consigner. If the consigner prefers, we can dispose of the glass or (in a few cases) offer it for sale through the museum's gift shop.

Can I set a minimum price for my glass?
This auction does not allow the use of "reserves" or minimum prices. The glass sells for whatever is bid.