How it all started
We embarked on our journey fueled by a shared passion for all things unique, historic, and beautifully crafted by the hands of history’s masters. What began as an ardent admiration for the treasures of the past evolved into a cherished locally owned enterprise, where our days are spent surrounded by an array of extraordinary and valuable items.”
Our story
The tale of CEA may surprise you; it began humbly, nestled in a modest second-floor office and a garage. Our esteemed President and Auctioneer, Mark Bastian, is a true son of Charleston, with roots tracing back generations. His formative years in downtown Charleston ignited a profound appreciation for antiques, fine art, jewelry, and furniture.
During his time at the College of Charleston, Mark embarked on the entrepreneurial journey, founding E. S. Griffith, a comprehensive Appraisal Firm. Subsequently, he co-founded Charleston Estate Auctions, obtaining his Auctioneer license in 2014.
Enter the garage and office: Mark tended to his grandfather, Joe Griffith, Sr., utilizing the open office space from Mr. Griffith’s Charleston Real Estate Firm to run E. S. Griffith and Charleston Estate Auctions. For the initial years, Mark and his team of appraisers diligently operated from this makeshift headquarters, even utilizing Mr. Griffith’s garage.
But as fate would have it, our journey led us to a commercial space in Lansing Plaza, where we now boast three storefronts. Here, we are steadfast in our mission to provide unparalleled service to consignors and curate the most exceptional auctions for our ever-expanding clientele.
We take immense pride in having an auctioneer deeply rooted in the local community, driven by an unwavering passion for his craft, and dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each and every client.
Our approach
At Charleston Estate Auctions, we uphold traditional values, integrity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction in every interaction. Our personalized service mirrors the attention to detail expected from a local auction house, yet our results often surpass those of larger national firms.
We take pride in offering fair, professional, and practical assistance to clients seeking appraisal services or wishing to consign their collections to our auctions.
With our remarkable growth over the years, Charleston Estate Auctions now provides a diverse range of sale options. Each item undergoes meticulous research to ensure accurate descriptions, complemented by detailed digital photography for online sales and promotions.
Through our access to top auction platforms, we guarantee exposure to the largest possible worldwide audience, facilitating competitive bidding on auction items.
As we continually strive for excellence, we remain dedicated to enhancing and expanding our services to better cater to the evolving needs of our esteemed clients.
“They made the process flawless, I would only work with Mark and his team”
— Mary L