Debut Sale For Crossroads Angling In October

BUDD LAKE, N.J. — Collectors of angling memorabilia will soon be able to attend live antique fishing tackle auctions again.

New York bookseller Steve Starrantino has set up Crossroads Angling Auction to fill what he sees as a serious gap in the market. “There hasn’t been a company running live angling sales of quality antique tackle since Lang’s decided to go totally online in 2009,” said Steve. “I’ve talked to a lot of collectors, and they miss the atmosphere, the chance to view items and most of all, the opportunity to bid live,” he said.

His company, which is planning to hold two auctions a year, has already assembled an array of top collectors and experts as consultants and catalogers. They include Bob Corsetti on reels, Joe Stagnitti for lures, Marc Aroner and Per Brandin for rods, Drew Holl for artwork, Bob Mead for flies and Ed Prichard on big-game fishing.

He has also persuaded Europe’s top collector, Roger Still, to act as his consultant for English and other European tackle.

“They have a combined experience of more than 300 years — more than even the long-running British angling auctions,” Starrantino said.

Catalogers will be Starrantino for books, artwork, catalogs and other paper ephemera, Engvard Johnson for lures and miscellaneous tackle and Ed Carbonneau for rods and reels.

“They were all my first choices because of their experience and reputation. I never had to think of a second choice.”

His first sale will be on October 27 at the Holiday Inn in Budd Lake, but he plans to hold the auctions twice yearly starting in 2013.

“I understand why Lang’s took its auctions online only, but I believe there is still a market for people who want to view a printed catalog, meet their friends, have time to examine the lots and be able to bid in a proper auction room.”

Starrantino said that he will offer online bidding but felt that many collectors, especially those willing to pay top money for rods, reels and lures, prefer the opportunity to bid in a traditional way.

“I’ve already had a lot of interest and I’ve already been offered some very rare items for the first auction,” he said. “I won’t be trying to copy Lang’s and offer more than 1,000 lots in a day, either. I’m looking at a smaller but high-quality sale of 500–600 lots.”

All auctions will be live, with a preview day and printed catalogs for each auction. Starrantino plans for these to become reference works as well as listings of the lots.

Early consigners will enjoy publicity with their items advertised and photographed on the website as well as updates on a Facebook page to keep prospective buyers informed.

Starrantino added, “Our buyers can see weeks, even months, ahead what will be offered in the auction. The earlier a consignment comes to us, the longer their items will get the full attention of potential buyers.”

An angling bookseller for almost 25 years, Starrantino said, “No US auction house now offers a live auction for the higher-quality antique fishing tackle, but England enjoys five specialist sales a year, while several other salesrooms there offer occasional fishing tackle sales.

“It’s crazy that we can’t enjoy at least a couple of live auctions, given the wonderful range of old tackle, pictures and books that have been made here for more than 150 years.”

For information or to consign items, 845-598-0888 or www.crossroadsanglingauction.com