The TAC Factor

New TAC Partnership with Canadian Auction Company Yields Million-Dollar Auctions

Canadian auction house Miller and Miller Auctions, in partnership with The Authentication Company, completed the first-ever authenticated auctions in Canada, according to Miller and Miller Auctions co-owner Justin Miller.

The two-day auction in September 2024 featured Petrolina advertising and soda and general store advertising. More than 700 items were auctioned, with about 600 items authenticated by Matthews TAC, says Justin Miller. The auctions grossed more than $1.1 million Canadian ($800,000 US).

“That auction’s sales were as successful as we’ve ever had,” Miller says.

While Justin admits it’s hard to attribute the impressive sales to the TAC factor, “There’s no question that the relationship of Miller and Miller auction with TAC will increase bidders’ confidence.”

“There’s no question that the relationship of Miller and Miller auction with TAC will increase bidders’ confidence.”

Justin Miller

“Working together makes sense,” he continues, noting that Miller & Miller auctions has always guaranteed everything they sell. “Our values match TAC’s; we both want to ensure that buyers are buying exactly what they think are buying.” The partnership strengthened by Dan Matthew’s stellar reputation as a leader in the antiques authentication industry adds an extra layer of reassurance that the items they are auctioning are authentic.

And the buyers appreciate the TAC sticker, too, Justin says. “People are excited that what they’re buying has the sticker. As people are picking up items they purchased at the auction, they are smiling when they see the TAC sticker. They know it will help them if they ever decide to sell the signs.”

High-selling TAC’d items include a Red Indian Motor Oil Sign that sold for nearly $55,000 (TAC # 031229 ) and a White Rose Dealer sign with bracket that sold for $25,000. (TAC #031247)

How the TAC Sticker Helps

The TAC stickers will help auctioneers and other sellers earn the trust of their buyers, especially newcomers who aren’t knowledgeable about reproductions. “The TAC sticker lowers the barriers to entry and makes it easier for a potential buyer to jump in. Those new to the market don’t want to necessarily climb the ladders of learning,” Justin says. “If they see that sticker, they can confirm its authenticity instantly. And they like that the next generation will know the sign is not a reproduction.”

The TAC factor helps both new and experienced buyers. “Even a seasoned collector may have a slight question of authenticity. He adds that rare items are hard to authentic, and common items may have many reproductions in the marketplace, so they may be difficult to tell the difference. Savvy buyers know to look for the TAC sticker.

Justin and his brother, Ethan, are looking forward to working with TAC. “The partnership It’s going to be a good relationship no question.”

Watch the auction highlight video that includes several TAC’d items. https://youtu.be/I1dQmx06PyQ