Why would they lowball everything? Don't see the advantage in it for them unless if you get more than the estimate you feel better about the final sale price. Auctions are a fast way to sell things quickly if you have no reserve. It is a risk. Consignment would take far longer but you have almost no risk of loosing money. Maybe their lowball prices are just where they think the market is right now. I feel for your frustration in selling your collection and trying not to give them away.
I sold fifty doubles at a no reserve auction site and overall was happy with the final prices for all but a handful. I still made money but would be more careful in selecting which guns to send in the future. Nothing high condition, nothing rare or odd. Just basic doubles sold for a decent price to a little more than expected. Guns in well worn condition did bring that much but I expected that.
