Kaminski Auctions

About Kaminski Auctions

Kaminski Auctions is one of the most dynamic and versatile auction houses in New England, a firm led by the energetic and media-savvy Frank Kaminski that has built a national reputation through a combination of serious antiques expertise, a remarkably broad range of specialist departments, and an uncanny ability to land high-profile consignments that generate headlines far beyond the auction world. Based in Beverly, Massachusetts, on Boston's picturesque North Shore, Kaminski has specialized in the appraisal and auction of fine antiques, art, jewelry and estate pieces for over four decades.

History

The firm's trajectory reflects Frank Kaminski's entrepreneurial spirit and deep knowledge of the antiques trade. In the early 1990s, an 1855 barn and colonial home on Cabot Street in Beverly became the company's headquarters. As the business grew, a new purpose-built auction gallery and office complex was constructed in 2009 at 117 Elliott Street in Beverly, providing the modern facilities needed to handle the firm's increasing volume and the logistical demands of its most ambitious sales.

Kaminski Auctions holds approximately twenty-five auctions per year, a robust calendar that includes monthly general estate auctions, four dedicated Asian Art sales, two vintage couture and clothing auctions, and various specialty events. This frequency and diversity set Kaminski apart from many regional competitors, ensuring a constant supply of fresh material and giving collectors multiple opportunities to bid throughout the year.

Specialist departments

The firm's specialist departments are unusually numerous for a regional auction house, covering over twenty categories, including:

• Twentieth-Century Modern Design and Contemporary Art
• Antique and Classic Cars
• Antique Furniture, Porcelain and Ceramics
• Asian Art and Antiques
• Autographs, Books, Ephemera and Photography
• Decorative Arts and Fine Art
• Glass and Lighting
• Jewelry and Coins
• Luxury Handbags, Accessories and Vintage Couture
• Militaria, Oriental Rugs and Silver
• Tribal Arts and Wine and Spirits

This breadth allows Kaminski to handle virtually any type of estate without needing to parcel categories out to other firms. The Asian Art department deserves special mention: with four dedicated auctions a year, Kaminski has built a loyal following among collectors of Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian art and antiques, supported by the Beverly location's proximity to Boston's established Asian American community and the region's strong network of collectors and dealers.

Notable consignments

What has truly elevated Kaminski's national profile is its track record of securing extraordinary, headline-making consignments. The firm served as auctioneer for the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel when the legendary New York landmark was being renovated. That massive undertaking required eight days of continuous selling, with fifteen thousand lots displayed across a one-million-square-foot vacant shopping mall — one of the most ambitious auction logistics operations in American history. The sale grossed millions and attracted worldwide media attention, and over $1.5 million from the auction was donated to St. Bartholomew's Church, the hotel's neighbor, for restoration work.

Kaminski has also conducted multiple auctions for Martha Stewart, including The Great American Tag Sale at her Katonah estate — a spectacle that drew thousands of attendees and extensive press coverage. The firm handled the Oprah Winfrey Collection and the estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II, among other high-profile consignments, establishing Kaminski as the go-to firm for celebrity and institutional estates that require both logistical expertise and the ability to generate maximum public interest.

Selling and buying with Kaminski

For consignors, Kaminski offers complimentary evaluations and a full range of appraisal services for estate, insurance and tax purposes. The firm's specialists travel extensively to evaluate collections in person, and the company handles the complete logistics of consignment from pickup through sale and settlement, with seller commissions negotiated on a per-consignment basis. Buyers pay a buyer's premium on top of the hammer price, typically in the range of 25 percent for in-house bidders, with a higher rate for bidders using third-party online platforms. Online bidding is available through Kaminski's proprietary KaminskiLIVE platform, available as a mobile app on iOS and Android, as well as through third-party services including LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable, with absentee and telephone bidding accepted for all sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kaminski Auctions sell?

Kaminski sells antiques, fine art, Asian art, jewelry, couture, cars, rugs, silver, wine and much more across more than twenty specialist departments.

What is Kaminski's best-known consignment?

The firm was auctioneer for the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, selling fifteen thousand lots over eight days across a one-million-square-foot mall, with more than $1.5 million donated to St. Bartholomew's Church for restoration.

How can I bid with Kaminski?

Bidding is available through the proprietary KaminskiLIVE app on iOS and Android, as well as through LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable, plus absentee and telephone bidding.