AUCTIONS AND ESTATE SALES

The other night Les and I went to an Estate Auction out of town. I have mixed feelings about auctions. First, they are really lots of fun! Usually the auctioneers have a great sense of humor and its relaxed and very informal. That's the part I like. Well, that and all the cool stuff you can buy. Then the part I DON"T like is the fact that you can find something you like and someone ELSE gets it! OR you end up bidding too high on something because you HAVE to have it and you end up with buyer's remorse for paying too much! OK I don't get remorseful very often but still...that IS one of the pitfalls.

This was an auction from an Upscale Estate. And you can bid ahead of time online. So in the bidding in this one, there was usually an online bid that started it out. Which meant that the items ended up starting higher than usual. ; (  I knew that I was going to have to bid high or get nothing!

When we get there, we sign in, get a number, a list of the items to be auctioned off, and assigned seats. Then we go around and find the items we plan on bidding on and circle them on the sheet. Our plan is to only bid on those items we have circled so we don't get into the excitement of it all and end up bidding on something we really don't want. Yes, that happens!

So the night started out with an announcement from one of the auctioneers who said, " Next year at about this time, the Super Bowl will be held in Minnesota ( where we all were ) and it will be the first time that one of the teams in the Super Bowl will be playing in his home town." Meaning, he was making a prediction that our Vikings team would be playing in the Super Bowl. ( not likely ). But the true fact is that the Super Bowl WILL be in Minnesota. Everyone laughed but another auctioneer asked him, "Did you forget to take your medication today?" And then we started the bidding!

This photo is kind of fuzzy but this is where the auctioneer sits with his wife, Sandy! We were in the 6th row but there was a little space in which I could see and they also have two large screens up, showing what is being auctioned off. It was a packed house and we were squeezed in like sardines, sitting in chairs. The two items on the podium started it out. They were a large Shawnee pig pitcher and a large Roseville vase. I didn't bid on those.

Here the items I ended up buying! Some will be for sale at our Hob Nobber Memorial Day Sale and some are already listed in our Etsy shop or on Craigslist:

I fell in love with this Primitive extra long bench! I knew I got a good deal when the guy behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Nice buy!" Look at how the legs are set right into the bench.

I don't always buy sofas ( or settees, as they called this one ) but it was such a good deal and the cushion was filled with down feathers that I felt that I couldn't go wrong with it. It's a Classic French Settee. This is listed on Craigslist right now. If it doesn't sell it will be coming to our Memorial Day Sale.

I bought this 1940's metal "fire hydrant" that was actually made by a fireman to give as an award in his fire dept. It has the information and date written underneath. Very fun! A unique folk art piece for sure! A great gift for a fireman or anyone who likes vintage folk art. Ooooorrrr...a gift for a dog?

I also purchased two small tables, an artists table, and a few other smalls. I haven't been able to get to all of them for photographing as our garage ( heated, so no worries ) is so full of treasures. But shortly I'll get photos of them.

We also went to an amazing Estate Sale in Wisconsin. Les wasn't too excited about traveling that far so early in the morning but when I showed him a picture of the treasures he went along. The owner was a collector of Primitives who was downsizing. My favorite things! Here's what we bought:

We bought TWO of these extra large primitive oak benches.  So, yes, I now have three long benches to sell. I have this one listed right now on Craigslist. They are amazing!

This bench also has the legs inset into the bench. I know there is a name for that but right now I must be having a senior moment because I can't remember what it is. This bench is about 75 inches long if I remember correctly! Could even be used as a coffee table. I would keep one of these for myself but right now my home is filled with furniture. I can't keep everything I find...

And along with the two long benches, I bought this one that has sides and a back. I need to clean this up a bit but it will look amazing when you see it at the sale!

And this cute rustic drop leaf black coffee table. A very interesting piece that opens up on both sides to offer a place to serve a few cups of coffee and dessert in front of your sofa.

And this old wood side table is another fun piece...

Love the wood slats...

And this darling little primitive bench....

Hand made ladders are always fun...

Even though these pieces are rustic primitive, they can fit into many design styles. I have lots more but I'll show them to you in another post. Have to clear out the garage first.

And I just have to share this darling photo of my youngest granddaughter. The photo was taken by a friend of my daughter and son-in-law who is a photographer.