1) Christie's- Christie's commitment to excellence began in the auction house's early years when James Christie conducted his first sale on 5 December 1766. The greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries were conducted at Christie's, including the 1779 sale of the collection of paintings of British prime minister Sir Robert Walpole (1676-1745) to Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, to enhance the Imperial Collection in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Today, Christie's has become one of the world's preeminent auction houses, offering sales in more than 80 categories, including all areas of the fine and applied arts, popular arts, wine, jewelry and classic motor cars. 20 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020

2) Doyle New York- Founded in 1963, Doyle New York today is one of the world's foremost auctioneers and appraisers of fine art, jewelry, furniture, decorations and other specialty categories. Doyle offers 40 auctions each year attracting a broad base of buyers and consignors from around the world. Through the years, Doyle New York has been the focus of international media attention as the gallery that auctioned the estates of such Hollywood legends as Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, James Cagney, Rock Hudson, Rex Harrison and Ruth Gordon. Doyle also auctioned the estates of world-renowned musicians Louis Armstrong and Count Basie, as well as the stage gowns of opera diva Marion Anderson. 175 East 87Th Street New York, NY 10128

3) Sotheby's- Held its first auction in 1744, it is one of the largest auctioneers of art and antiques in the world. Conducting more than 700 auctions worldwide in over 90 collecting categories, including Fine Art, Furniture, Books & Manuscripts, Jewelry, Watches, Wine, Musical Instruments, rock-and-roll Memorabilia, and Animation Art. The role of Sotheby's in the art world also extends to complementary fields including educational studies, appraisals, trust and estate services, museum services, and real estate and financial services. 1334 York Ave., New York, NY 10021

4) Guernsey's- When it comes to the presentation of wildly diverse art and artifacts, they have very few rivals. Guernsey's reputation has been built as an auction house known for the presentation of extraordinary properties. From the $3 million McGwire baseball to the largest auction in history -the contents of the ocean liner SS United States. And who could forget the pre-Castro Cuban cigars. There are the auction featuring famous people like the official Elvis auction featuring items from the Graceland archives to documents and artifacts relating to the life and career of John F. Kennedy and the record setting sales of Jerry Garcia's guitars and items from the family of Mickey Mantle. 108 East 73Rd St. New York, New York 10021

5) Harmer H.R-Founded in 1918, H.R. Harmer is an auction house focused on stamps and stamp collections. The company provides appraisal and advisory services in addition to auction services (which include promotion, transit, and insurance). Auction sales of autographs, rare manuscripts and letters. 3 E. 28th St. New York, NY 10016

6) Phillips, de Pury & Luxembourg- Located in the heart of New York's gallery and arts district, Chelsea. Auction house that specializes in auctioning, Jewelry, Watches, Contemporary Art, German Modern Art, Swiss Art, Photography, 20th and 21st Century design, and American Art. It is widely rumored that Microsoft Billionaire Bill Gates purchased the painting entitled, Room Full of Flowers for $10,000,000 by Impressionist Childe Hassam. This was a painting that was sold at auction less than ten years before, for what was then a record price of $5,500,000. Up to that point the highest price to have been achieved for a Hassam in the public marketplace was $3,200,000. 406 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10011

7) Swann Auction Galleries- Founded in 1941 as an auction house specializing in Rare Books, manuscripts, and other works on paper. Today they are the largest specialists of rare book auctioneers in the world, and their business has expanded to encompass the Visual Arts 104 E. 25th St. New York, NY 10010

8) Robert Siegel Auction Galleries- Has been holding stamp auctions since 1930. British Guiana stamp, sold by the Siegel firm in 1980 for a record $935,000. Also sold in October 1998 a 1-cent Z Grill stamp for $935,000, a world-record price for a single United States stamp. 60 E 56th St. # 4 New York, NY 10022

9) Morrell & Co. Fine Wine Auction- A sleek, modern shop located just off of Rockefeller Center specializing in rare, collectible, and fine wines. They take pride in their impressive selection of French and Italian wine. Auctions off high-end stock (up to $4,000) as well as a big $15-and-under selection, features wines from all over the world. 1 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020

10) Michael Amodeo & CO- Restaurant Content Liquidation & Auctioneer. Provides liquidation and auctions- antiques & collectibles, restaurant equipment, business equipment. 853 Broadway # 801 New York, NY 10003