Tim bought a stolen tractor.

[YLee Kioti]

It wasn't a legitimate legal transaction in the first place - the auction house (as agent for the seller) or the seller had no business selling it to Tim. Tim should get his money back when the dust settles.

If Tims eagle eye spotted the serial numbers ground out it begs the question how could a seasoned auctioneer miss it as well.
Was he/she under a time constraint, so many variables to ferret out.
Agree though that the auction house in this case just missed it. It happens in life and the auction house should step up and do what's right
After all a reputation takes a lifetime to build and one awe-shoot can wipe it out.
Either way, will be following to see how it plays out.....
between this and the drain plug drama we have the makings a farmers soap opera....hey it could happen....

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Let me apologize that I came off as callous. Maybe the $14,000 would exceed the charity's yearly operating funds, and they simply don't have the money. Some small clubs operate on much less. Maybe the auctioneers didn't give the goods more than a cursory inspection. After all, it was bitter cold and snowy. Why would they have an auction in the north in January anyway?

 

[John Fitzgerald]

After reading the thread about this (seventeen pages now) in the "green tractor forum" yesterday evening, I saw there is much more to this than explained here. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. It's a very enlightening read, with indirect comments from legal sources.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Frustration abounds.
I have to admit that I do feel some of the "deal is too good to be true" feelings.

But, the auction company and insurance company should help make it right. How much can you try for in small claims court?

Sorry for your loss, I appreciate your patience.