Auctions pirces and locations

[House of Charm Antiques Southinc]

HI all, just a discussion about auction sales in various places in the US. We're all aware that antiques prices are in the toilet for 5-10 years. I'm stunned that some things are selling for less than the sales tax used to be on the same item 10-20 years ago. Subsequently, I've been buying at auction, locally within 100 miles usually, to cost average my old wholesale prices from 10+ years ago. And now, the shop is almost impassable.

I'm considering of thinning out some lovely duds at auction but likely will get !what I paid as of late(and then pay the auction commission).

My q is that I've noticed some bigger city auctioneers estimating and some even realizing, the 'old days' pricing or very close on higher end furniture(our specialty). So my real q is, does it makes sense to ship to those auctioneers if they think they can realize a price that's a 3-10 time multiple of local auctions?

One example is in the DC area-a nice lawyers bookcase, 4 stack, bringing 400-1000. Another is a French Baccarat chandelier already at 2500 pre-sale. He also has a couple hi-end bronze mounted French pieces at 20k and one at 42k with pre-sale bids. I know even in Miami, these would bring 80% less....

signed,

Overloaded in FL

Thanks!