Pook and Pook Auctioneers and Appraisers DOWNINGTOWN - Hours, Reviews & Deals

FACT: I have been buying antiques at auction nationally and internationally for over 50 years. FACT: There are a lot of bad auctions houses in today’s world. FACT: I live in America were free speech is my Constitutional right. FACT: I posted the details of my last bad experience with Pook and Pook auctions as a review on Google. FACT: After which I received a demanding letter threatening legal action from Deirdre Pook Magrelli, who is president of Pook and Pook stating partly in bold letters: “We demand that you immediately cease and desist any activity meant to defame the character of our business.  Specifically, upon receipt of this letter, immediately remove any derogatory online comments and refrain from publishing or making any statements that are malicious and/or that may be libelous/slanderous in nature. We reserve the right to take action against negative and/or untrue publication/comments made by you to others, but would prefer to resolve this issue without involving formal legal action.” FACT: I was threatened and intimidated by Pook and Pook. They even ruined my Bidsquare account. FACT: So I removed the negative review I had posted, but I can't help but wonder; how many customers have Pook and Pook threatened with legal actions this way and how many more negative reviews should Pook and Pook really have? CONCLUSION: In my opinion Pook and Pook is the worst auction house I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with and should be closed for the good of all. They need to know that they cannot bully people in such ways and force them to relinquish their Constitutional rights. SHAME ON POOK AND POOK!

1/18/2026 Update / Clarification (in response to Pook & Pook’s public reply): I am adding this update solely to correct factual inaccuracies in the response posted by Pook & Pook. I was not offered a phone call or collaborative discussion to review the evidence I submitted. Communication consisted of written responses declining further engagement and instructing me to cease contact. No review of the documentation or explanation addressing the catalog inconsistency was provided. My concern was not a misunderstanding of terminology. I purchased two separate lots from the same auction. One lot clearly disclosed that an item was described as “spurious,” which I acknowledge and accept responsibility for. The issue involves a second lot from the same sale that contained a similar item without any such disclosure. That internal inconsistency is the basis of my complaint and has never been substantively addressed. References to external complaints being “dismissed” lack context. Those matters were closed on procedural or jurisdictional grounds, not based on findings regarding the accuracy or consistency of the catalog descriptions. This update is provided to clarify my experience and correct the record. I am not seeking further engagement. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I had a very concerning experience with Pook & Pook involving the accuracy and transparency of their item listings. In the same auction, one lot included a clear disclaimer that an item was “spurious,” while another lot with a similar type of item had no such disclosure. After receiving my purchase, I noticed major inconsistencies and reached out with photos and documentation requesting a review. Despite the obvious discrepancy in how similar items were described, Pook & Pook refused to investigate my concerns or even engage in a meaningful discussion. They declined to look into the inconsistency, review the evidence, or offer any explanation. As someone who has bought and collected for years, I rely on auction houses to be transparent, consistent, and willing to address legitimate authenticity questions. That did not happen here. The lack of consistency in cataloging and the unwillingness to work with a buyer raising valid concerns were extremely disappointing. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend bidding with Pook & Pook. Collectors depend on accuracy and integrity, and my situation did not reflect either.