...Wonder if both lots were the real thing.
OWD
they are one of the best auction companies for being on the up&up. They routinely handle Museum deacquisitions, Estates of major collectors/appraisers and such. If anything is in any way questionable they either pull it from the sale or update the listing to reflect the true status. Most major events are advertised well in advance, a bound catalog is distributed (Think of Christies, etc catalogs), made available to the public, Museums and other institutions. Any questions on upcoming items condition will be thoroughly answered including additional photos. I have been there and watched them work with a prospective buyer by phone while taking a dozen photos of specific areas of a a modest decorative item.
check them out yourselves including the descriptions which would also state whatever provenance they might have. It may only state that in brief but printed catalog and pre-sale inquiries may give more extensive information that is available.
