They might mean whoever has the bag (wherever in the world) will auction it off. I assume if BA can find it to auction it off, they would be able to return to you. In the US, I seem to recall all eternally lost bags going to go two warehouse-style shops (I think one in Atlanta) where the entire contents are sold at rock bottom prices. One item found was an engagement ring that arraised to $20,000 approxiamately (what kind of idiot would check a diamond ring??!!).

Maybe bargain shoppers will be buying all your stuff in a few weeks time...