Abell moves to online-only format for April 16 auction

LOS ANGELES – Abell Auction Co., Los Angeles’ original and 104-year-old auction house, announces its transition to a live online-only auction format in April 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is temporarily closing its gallery doors to in-person buyers and utilizing online bidding platforms to honor its commitment to keeping every employee on payroll during California’s stay-at-home order. Prior to their April 16 weekly auction, buyers may view an online catalog or request a virtual preview of featured items via a private video conference with an Abell auctioneer. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Prior to the current health crisis, Abell was distinguished as one of the only remaining auction houses in the nation to host live weekly auctions – drawing up to 300 in-person buyers to its gallery every Thursday. Having survived the Spanish flu epidemic, World Wars I and II, and even the Great Depression, it was forced to close only once before in company history.

After being destroyed by fire during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Abell ceased operations and reopened for business just three weeks later at its current location in Commerce, east of downtown Los Angeles. The auction house currently employs 27 staff, ranging from warehouse workers and office personnel to appraisers and translators.

“Abell is transitioning its business model during this unprecedented crisis to save jobs, offer consumers online luxury shopping options and fulfill our commitments to consignors,” said company CEO Don Schireson. “Our key staff is handling essential business operations remotely and will be accepting absentee bids via telephone, as well as utilizing the LiveAuctioneers.com bidding platforms for internet sales. During this difficult time, Abell is pleased to offer the community a way to purchase a stunning array of vintage and designer goods from the safety and comfort of home.”

Abell will host its next general auction on Thursday, April 16, at 9 a.m. Pacific time utilizing the new live online-only auction format. Auction highlights include vintage and designer fashion, jewelry, collectibles, furnishings and fine art. Estimated values range from $100 to $3,000.

In 1916, company founder A.N. Abell established Abell Auction Co. as Los Angeles’ first permanent auction house that would serve generations of loyal clients to come. Abell has been entrusted with fine estates and collections for over a century, handling the treasured belongings of many high-profile clients and legendary figures in Hollywood. Now in its fourth generation of continuous family operation, Abell’s weekly and quarterly sales attract an international audience of buyers. For more information contact Abell Auction Co. at 323-724-8102.