We hope you enjoy the color photographs in our catalog and website.  We think they help better describe the many fine items we have to offer.  However, a tiny, 2" photo in the catalog cannot tell you everything.  Sometimes the picture looks better than the real thing and sometimes the picture just won't do a piece justice.  With furniture, different light levels can subdue or enhance the beauty of the wood.  We use bright lights to best show off spectacular "flame" and "tiger" woods.

     Do we "touch up" our photos.  Yes, to a point.  We "remove" tags and labels.  If a piece has not yet been cleaned and waxed, we will sometimes darken a scuff mark or veneer chip that will be taken care of during cleaning.  As for mirrors, we often insert a neutral "reflection" to avoid showing distracting clutter in the studio or, worse yet, repeated views of our photographer.  Place your mouse cursor over the mirror below for a "before and after" comparison.  We have recently started including actual reflection shots with most mirrors so you can examine the mirror for age spots and such.  We've figured out how to take a picture of a mirror without being in the picture!

(August 2003 Auction)

     Small details, like fine inlays, makers' marks, or defects are not readily visible in our catalog and portrait shots, so we offer detail shots in our web text listing.  Look closely for signs of loose or missing veneers, lost pulls and similar problems.  Lately, we've had so much interest from internet bidders that we have begun including more shots of any blemishes or defects and have  included a mini-condition report with every listing. While we try to be accurate with our descriptions, we are happy to supply additional specifics about any lot in which you have an interest.  Just ask.  Better yet, join us the week of the sale and see for yourself, the quality of the merchandise we offer!

Page and photographs copyright 2003 by Neal Collier and Flomaton Antique Auction. Feel free to print these pages for personal use. Any commercial use of code or images is forbidden without permission. Hi-resolution images are available for license.