172 



Early History of American Auctions 



Total 5070 334.1 123.0 457-1 



These figures understate the auction sales in as much as various 

 devices existed for evading duties and not reporting sales cor- 

 rectly.^'^ Practically all auction sales in the State occurred in New 

 York City.^^ Taking the year 1817 for illustration, the auction 



