Going once, going twice, sold!

by chuckofish

I went to an auction yesterday — the first one I’ve been to in ages and ages. The auctioneer had collected items from three local estates. It was a fascinating experience and I learned a lot. Namely, people like what they like whether it’s modern trash or a handcrafted antique, and if they want it they will bid on it. I could discern no rhyme nor reason to the prices that items fetched. For example, this antique ogee clock went for under $50 and the nice shaker rockers for about $25 apiece.

By contrast, these rustic wooden carrier boxes inspired fierce competition and eventually brought in over $100 each. After a similar contest, someone bought the tiny milking stool on the upper right for something like $75. Go figure.

I did not intend to bid on anything, but when NO ONE wanted this pair of lamps I couldn’t help myself. I won them for $10. I’ve always wanted one of those blue and white porcelain lamps. The other one is a very heavy art deco style brass desk lamp that is growing on me. Btw, someone got that nice cane-bottom rocker for about $20. I guess no one wants rocking chairs anymore.

With so much stuff to get through the auction was going to last until at least 10pm, and I did not intend to stay. Having bought my lamps, I prepared to leave, but when NO ONE wanted these two lovely cane-bottom maple chairs, I bid again and won them for — you guessed it — $10! Okay, so the seat on one of them is broken, but the other one is in perfect shape.

At that point I thought it best to leave while I was ahead. So, having spent a whopping $20, I loaded up Hobbes (the new car) and drove home. Not a bad way to spend a Friday evening.

Then I welcomed the new items into the home. I put the porcelain lamp and chair in the family room (at least for now).

But I haven’t decided on a location for the other lamp yet. Here’s what it looks like up close.

Finally and belatedly, here’s a photo of the chest I bought in Louisville in April. The fox lamp belongs to son #1, and you will remember that I bought the Edwin Booth print in St. Louis last summer. I still need to hang it on the wall!

The house is coming along! Stay tuned for updates on the kitchen renovation project. In the meantime, please read the transcript of this wonderful speech by biographer and historian David McCullough and have a wonderful weekend!

Note: auction photos borrowed from the auction web site.