Oh what a day. Beau came up, spent the night and I headed to the Auction of all Auctions Saturday. The consolidated warehouses, and the (I think) third and final auction, (first 2 or 3 were on line auctions) of a world famous antique dealer. So famous that he was the source for many a movie set designers who would seek out and comb over his inventory. He was in the Nulu area of Lou and had a gigantic store front in an old warehouse type building, three floors or more of endless "stuff". There was a very cool freight elevator in the building. I went to JL first in the 1980s and you paid a $1 to get in and wander around for as long as you wanted. I can't remember if I bought anything at that time being a very poor single mother going to University in the evenings!
I did purchase a print in the first on line auction, and it sits in my garage, a 5$ investment that is worth 600$ that is if someone is willing to pay the asking price.
Yesterday was cold and windy. I got a parking place fairly close, about a 3minute (if that) walk to the warehouse. It seemed forever because of the wind and because I was not dressed for 30+ degree weather! The initial auction was packed, as you can see from above, I would guess 100+ people since I was assigned #118. The crowd swelled then ebbed. They sold smalls for the first 3 hours, switched to selling all the bookcases, chandelier's, furniture, rugs etc. It took another 3 hours for the auctioneer to make his way back to the smalls.
Naturally, people were bidding high at first and I am adamant at not spending too much on something to resell. I coveted a set of Wm. Rogers very early silver plated cutlery and so did another bidder. I was willing to go to 30$ and he went 35$ and I just let him have it. I did get a box of nice brooches, several display boxes with pins/buttons, and some police photos and early Kentucky post cards. All in all I only spent 107$ when all was said and done. Others were spending crazy money for things like empty tin food cans, posters, etc. etc. etc.
I met some new people. A very nice gentleman from C-don who reminded me of Muncie. A girl (I'm going to be 71 in a matter of days so everyone looks younger to me anymore) who I remember from Hay's who got some kick butt leather puttees from WWI. Which sparked a memory of how well and how much money I made from a lot of WWII items. I need to be more aware of historical items and that they are BIG money and BIG money is my main goal now that I am looking at losing 2000$ in retirement money in a few months, years (who knows). Some regulars from Hays were there. Larry, Joe and his son, Brook, and a lot of others who names I do not know but recognize from their occasional appearance at Hays.
I have not seen Ken for some time and I am worried he may be unwell. He told me he took a tumble in his basement, knocked himself out and came too hours later. He hurt his back and I do not think he really recovered from such a trama.
Next auction Tuesday. I have not spent much this month and have sold close to 2 grand. Of course cut that in half, and I made about a grand.
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