Mission & History

John Moran founded his company on the idea that people should always come first. This policy starts with hiring, training and retaining the best, most experienced team members and is integral in the way we serve our clients.

Because we are a family owned and operated company, our clients are afforded the benefits of an approachable and personal touch. Our model also makes us more adaptable, allowing us to specifically tailor our services to the needs of each client.

Our collective experience, our belief in the property we offer, and the high standards to which we hold ourselves ensures our clients will receive the highest level of service.

This boutique business model has been proven to yield results; Moran’s regularly sets world auction records, and we are always pushing the envelope when it comes to new and exciting specialty auctions, single-consignor legacy sales, and other specialized services.

Our state-of-the-art facility in Old Town Monrovia was specifically designed with our client’s experience in mind, offering an inviting environment in which to display and store property and host special events.

John Moran Auctioneers is Founded

John Founded John Moran Auctioneers in 1969 after many years as an Antique Dealer In Southern California.

At Home in Pasadena, CA

By 1973, John Moran auctioneers had grown enough to warrant a permanent home in Pasadena, CA. Many loyal customers were born at this space, where john’s fairness and prowess as an auctioneer created the environment synonymous with his company.

Serving A Larger Market

By 1980, John Moran auctioneers success stretched the limits of the Lake Ave venue, and so the headquarters of the business moved North to Altadena, and the auctioning pivoted to the flexibility of the Pasadena Convention Center, where John Moran’s auctions hosted  monthly crowds of 400-600 and cocktails and cappuccinos flowed all day.

Steve McQueen Auction

With more than 20 years of successful auctions, John Moran Auctioneers was selected to sell the estate of Steve McQueen. The possessions of the iconic Hollywood actor would draw thousands of people and be held over several days at the imperial palace hotel in Las Vegas, dazzling goers with a stunning array of vehicles and personal property.

First California and American Fine Art Auction

The homes of many notable California artists lived within walking distance to Moran’s headquarters in the Pasadena Arroyo. It was only natural that John Moran Auctioneers would pioneer the California impressionist market by promoting a bi-annual California & American fine art auction, one of Moran’s longest and proudest traditions.

Jewelry and Timepiece Department is Formed

John Moran Auctioneers added a jewelry specialist to the growing staff in 1998. The jewelry department has grown to a formidable department, auctioning thousands of pieces of jewelry every year, bringing everything from Antique to Modern jewelry, important makers, local artisans, and fine diamonds and colored stones to market.

Record-Breaking California Impressionist Painting

Moran’s was selected to bring an important portrait by Guy Rose, “Early Morning Summertime,” to market and selling it for a record shattering $1.2 million. This record was the first time an auction house sold a California painter over a million dollars and further boosted the prominence of the California school of impressionistic painting into the national dialog.

Moran’s Lists their First Online Catalogue

In partnership with AskArt, a small online fine art database, Moran’s beta tested posting offerings prior to the sale, revolutionizing the way the database could be used to promote future sales, not just past sale records.  Today, Moran’s lists all their auctions online with three of the worlds most notable online marketplaces and their own platform, Moran mobile.

Great Art knows no Geographic Boundaries

With the world-record sale of $805,000 for John Peto’s “Old Time Letter Rack,” Moran’s proves that access to the art market had opened up significantly with the addition of new internet technology, creating a level playing field for regional auction houses.

World Record for a Navajo Textile at Auction

At $1.8 million, this First Phase Navajo wearing blanket, thought to be one of twelve from this time period, set a world record still standing to this day. It currently hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

World Record for an American Art Pottery Vase

Frederick and Agnes Rhead’s masterfully incised and decorated vase from the University City kilns set a record for American art pottery when it sold for $570,000.

All Operations Under One Roof

With the advent of new and reliable technology, the auction industry as a whole has shifted, and more sales than ever have converted to online bids. Moran’s entire operation could now be housed under one roof. Currently, specialists, cataloging, photography, offices, storage, the salesroom, preview space, and private client meeting rooms are all conveniently located just outside downtown Los Angeles to better serve the greater Los Angeles area.