Thats how I read your post Puppy.
I always revealed the reserve when asked, it worked out really well when I sold a Harley Davidson. A guy asked what the reserve was, offered $2,000 more and came and got the bike. I had previously listed the bike twice and it didnt go anywhere near the reserve.
I didnt end the auction though, as he had to fly over and have a look and I was worried he might turn out to be a dud. The day the auction ended (for $4k less than reserve), he arrived, paid and rode the bike home. All good in my books