Lewis & Maese Auction Company

Won an item via LiveAuctioneers, which was described as in «perfect» condition. It arrived to me with a 2″ crack in the glass. Because the vase has heavy iridescence, the crack is not immediately apparent, so it was either not originally seen or occurred in handling, whether it was preview or when the shipper (The UPS Store #1733) picked up.
The piece was double-​boxed and the packaging in perfect condition, with no indication of impact, crush, etc… no dents, dings or even a mark to the box… so I discarded the packing… and then found the damage.
I called the auction house and spoke to Kay, who said the piece wasn’t damaged when it left (mmm hmm) and seemed rather uninterested (if not bothered) in providing any customer service, except to pass the buck to Andy at The UPS Store (The UPS Store #1733).
The claim was denied and neither the auction house nor The UPS Store #1733 (Andy) would offer any effort to make things right… if they split my loss ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ it would’ve been nice. But they didn’t, so I want to warn any potential bidders to the perils of dealing long distance with Lewis & Maese Auction Company as well as Andy/​The UPS Store #1733…(who will get their own review).
My advice: Bid elsewhere… there are plenty of auction houses that are more service oriented and deserving of your hard earned money.
PS: This happened to me one other time with another auction house, who very quickly provided me with a FULL refund, inclusive of my shipping cost. They still get my business.

participated in an online auction with them. The auction part went fine. The problem is shipping. First they did not send any shipping info until i contacted them! It was not in anything i was sent or could find on the online auction service they signed up for. Second, this auction house has relations with only 2 shippers both of which have a $ 75 minimum charge even to ship the smallest items. The shippers know this and act accordingly. I buy from all over the country and this place has the worst. The bottom line, until the auction house steps in to insist on better shipping rates and more shipping choices is:
In person you are probably fine.
Online– stay away unless you are prepared for the seriously inflated shipping quotes you will get from the local UPS store and Novis.

Don’t like to say it, but buyers beware. They are selling ‘Andy Warhols’ and ‘Keith Harings’ with — to my opinion — a very questionable background. First, the Certificates of Auth. are from a company with a horrible reputation (google their address in Europe). Then, the signatures don’t even look much like Warhols late work. Compare it yourself. And ten to twenty of those items… per auction… at low prices? I am an experienced buyer.
My online questions to L-​M on this remained unanswered.
They do have some nice furniture every now and then. But don’t just rely to much on information given, do your own homework.

Great fun… and some amazing deals! This is a great place to find some unique and eclectic pieces for your home… not recommended for anyone that’s ever shopped at Ashley or Rooms to Go! Don’t stay at home… get out and do something different!

David Lewis and Ernest Maese are two of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with. They are experts in their knowledge of antiques and collectibles, and they know how to conduct an enjoyable auction where bargains can be made. I have been going to their auctions for several years, and I always walk away with great stuff at a decent price. Wine and cocktails are complimentary, and they usually have an assortment of snacks (pizza, tacos, etc.) to purchase. The location is very convenient (located on Sawyer St. near to Target Store), and they have valet parking. if you arrive 20 – 30 minutes before the auction begins, you’ll have no problem finding a parking spot on your own.
I am planning on consigning several items with them in the near future.

Hmm… not that great. I think the free wine gets people buying some less than stellar items for high prices. I agree with the other reviewer who said that the auctioneer often misses people in the audience. Also, parking is a beast.

They get great stuff, but the auctioneers miss people who are bidding and sometimes mistakes are made. I was told that my bidder number was the winning number at the price I had bid online, but then at the end of the night, someone else seemed to have bid much higher and got the item. Mistakes get made. I expected David Lewis to apologize, and he did at the next auction. That definitely shows character. I have to admit, I enjoy going there most of the time, sometimes there are bargains, sometimes not. The free drinks are nice, so bring a designated driver.

One of the coolest auction houses in Houston, TX! Long time owners David Lewis & Ernest Maese get fabulous estates. One of kind items: rugs, furniture, art, Asian, English, French furniture, stemware, crystal jewelry, furs! Be sure and preview before you buy.