At consignment-type auctions, whose authority allows the auctioneer to sell the firearms?

In the context of consignment-type auctions, the authority that allows the auctioneer to sell the firearms comes from the firearm's original owner. This is because in a consignment auction, the owner of the item (in this case, the firearm) entrusts the auctioneer to sell the item on their behalf. The agreement is established through a consignment contract that outlines the terms of the sale, the responsibilities of each party, and any applicable laws governing the sale of firearms.

It's crucial to have the original owner's consent because legal ownership and permission to transfer that ownership are essential components of any legitimate auction transaction. In the case of firearms, this is particularly important due to strict regulations surrounding their sale, ensuring that they are handled and transferred according to local, state, and federal laws.

The other options suggest various forms of authority that do not apply in this specific context. The government sets regulations but does not grant individual auctioneers permission to sell specific items like firearms. The auctioneer's discretion is limited to selling items they have explicit permission to sell and does not supersede the owner's rights. The estate’s executor may have authority over items from an estate but does not apply in a straightforward consignment scenario where the original owner is directly involved.