What I don't get is why collectors use unknown auction houses to sell their gear.
may not actually be the collector T
It could be a collector's heir as is very common in this type of situation
It could also be they have spoken to Christie's, Sotheby's and others and decided against using them.
They may have gotten a sweetheart deal from the selling auction.
The selling auction could be a friend of the owner.
also, as said in the other thread about UK-US consignments, the cost burden was onerous so the merch didn't come to the US
the seller may not have time for ebay
there are lots of reasons...