Collectibles auction-house MastroNet Inc. said its April auction set a new multi-consignment Sports and Americana auction record. At $11.6 million, the MastroNet event exceeded the existing auction record by nearly $1.5 million, and several items set new individual record prices. Some of the highlights of the auction included:

• 1941 Joe DiMaggio Streak Bat: $345,596;
• Unopened 1952 Topps Baseball Five-Cent Wax Box (24 packs): $208,740;
  
• George Washington Three-Page Letter Raising Troops for the First Major Battle of the Revolutionary War: $185,463;
  
• 1903 World Series Program: $58,140;
  
• 1956 Topps Elvis Presley Five-Cent Wax Box (24 packs): $25,775.
  

MastroNet CEO William Mastro points to a number of factors to account for his company’s growth. "This auction had many items that were fresh to the hobby. New and old hobby collectors and consignors alike come to us because they can trust we will handle the material in the best interests of all."

Interesting statistics from the auction include: the average number of bids per item was 17.7; the number of unopened lots in the auction was 1 out of 1,869; and the average selling price was $6,225.

http://www.mastronet.com