Roland Auctions

«Caveat Emptor». These words were said to me by one of the owners of Roland Auctions NY when I talked to him about a painting that I had bought a few months ago that turned out to be a deception. First, shortly after picking up the painting the frame and the canvas parted company with each other. The canvas had been wedged into the frame with none of the traditional ways of securing it (i.e. offset clips, nails or staples). Not any one of these options was possible because the frame was too small. In other words it was not the original frame. A loose canvas and frame in close proximity to each other could result in damage to the canvas and although this did not happen, it would have been helpful to have been forewarned. I did fix that problem with a block plane and a chisel. Second, although I’m not an expert it seemed to me that the color of the back of the canvas, which was the same color as the frame, looked way too dark for the period in which it was painted. At this point I was still ok with the painting. Later I took the painting to a restorer for cleaning and he pointed out a number of things. He indicated, by lifting an edge of the canvas, that it was new. Also the stretcher bar was new and worst of all the painting was done over a reproduction. Therefore it was meant to deceive.
Not only did the company absolve itself from any responsibility with this painting but I was accused of being disappointed that it was not a $ 10,000 painting by an artist I had never heard of. Perhaps I should be flattered that the auction owner thought that I was that knowledgeable.
In between the time that I bought the painting and my experiences as described above I received an email from Roland Auctions requesting my feedback concerning my recent encounters with them. I did reply and mentioned information about the size of the frame and also that a very inexpensive painting that I had bought around the same time turned out to be a reproduction rather than the pastel that it was advertised to be. I did expect a reply, however, none was forthcoming.
If you decide to do business with Roland Auctions NY the only advice I can give you is «Caveat Emptor».

I used to live literally around the corner from Roland. One Saturday I wandered over during an auction. I was hooked. It was so entertaining – you can sit there for hours. All of the people who work there are nice, from the guys and gals who manage the showcases to the fellows who schlep the objects to and fro, but the two brothers, Bill and Rob are special. Bill is something of a personality, having been on TV, he has a large personality that shines during auctions. Very good natured and amusing. Rob is more low key but very professional. I’ve won things there, I’ve lost things there, I’ve made mistakes, they’ve made mistakes – but it’s a family-​run business and everything straightens out in the end.
I think it’s a great place for beginners, because the room is small and everyone is low-​key and helpful. The items for sale run the gamut from low end vintage to some antiques and fine art, but out-​of-​reach first quality objects are the exception rather than the rule. Think estate sale. Very often things are packaged into interesting lots with stuff you want along with stuff you never even knew existed but may end up owning (does anyone need a riding crop? I now have one from Roland, and I don’t ride).
For the full Roland’s treatment, check their website for the auction schedule. Then visit during the preview a few days before the auction to handle, fondle, examine, touch and sniff the stuff that interests you. It’s like wandering around someone’s overstocked attic. Register for the auction, come back during the sale, and raise your hand (or nod, or waive your number – they catch it all) and the item or items might end up yours. You can do all of this online, but is it as much fun? No way.
Win or lose it’s enjoyable, it’s entertaining, and as New York continues to over-​gentrify into the stratosphere, small family-​run businesses like this deserve our support.

A great source for unexpected antiques. They have an eclectic array of things and a very accommodating staff. Definitely worth the time and easy to shop online.