Auction Treasures

16 years ago

I've been bitten by the auction bug...and loving the results. The other night I took dh along as well..as a veteran of many a farm sale, he had fun being the beginning or low, low (how low can you go?) bidder. lol

I've found some fun treasures...

In August, I found chairs I love...

four of them for $15 each. Very sturdy and comfy. I'm moving toward a cottage style so these are a good start. Someday I'll recover the seats....

Last week, (with dh) I snagged these...

A teak cabinet...really unique wood bevelling. To me, it also looks like it could be mesquite wood--that's a plus to me. I liked that it was interesting...eventually, this is going in my office to hold the sport memorabilia dh and I collect.

And this little black beauty, plus the old print on top...

Then, the impulse buy of the night...the rug...mildewy and rumpled. We gave it a good scrubbing bath out on the driveway and hung it to dry in the sun. Looks (and smells!) much better. $25 bucks. ;0)

I've had a blast finding some unique and interesting pieces for my home. Most of these came from England or Scotland. My only disappointment is this auction house is not going to be doing 'container' auctions any more. :0(

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Comments (10)

maddielee
16 years ago
you did good. Great actually.

ML
fillagirl
16 years ago
You did well, you must be pleased! Love the detailing on the black corner cabinet!

Just be careful with the rug & seats on the chairs - make sure you "heat" them or "cold" them really well...to get rid on any possibility of dreaded bedbugs!!
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nanny2a
16 years ago
I love container auctions, and DH and I purchased several pieces of furniture through them at fantastic prices. I got my antique mahogany sideboard/buffet cabinet and mahogany chippendale dining chairs, several tables, and a gorgeous Duncan Phyfe dining table and chairs that we gifted to our daughter at the local auctions and are thrilled with these antiques. Sometimes I even daydream about the families that owned these treasures before us, wishing I knew more about their history.

You did good at the auction! Those are some lovely pieces that you should have years of enjoyment from.
happyintexas
Original Author
16 years ago
Oh, nanny2a, I'm a writer and dreaming about the people who've touched, loved, or created these pieces keeps me smiling. Maybe I should include some of these in my current projects....

Bedbugs...ugh. Didn't even consider those. The rug has definitely scrubbed--it would more likely have a spider or two on it from hanging outside for a few days. lol

I can't believe it took me so long to find stuff like this. It's pieces like this that give a home that cozy feel I'm craving.

Thanks for sharing my fun.
haley_comet
16 years ago
OMG I am beyond jealous. I have always wanted to go to auctions but they seem so intimidating!

To me there is nothing better then a quality piece of future or accessory with a history )albeit small in some cases) but I love it. I am coming to hate buying things in stores now that are poorly made, over priced and every 'joe blow' owns one too!

Fab finds! OMG at that rug for $25~ WOW.
newdawn1895
16 years ago
You found some great things. Is there anything more fun than an antique auction, I think not.
franksmom_2010
16 years ago
I want to know where the auction is! I'm south of the Metroplex.

Those are great finds! I especially like the chairs and rug. I bought a rug at a garage sale recently, and after a good shampooing in the driveway, it looks great! I love a bargain!
cooperbailey
16 years ago
Great finds! But what is a container auction?sounds interesting
vampiressrn
16 years ago
Wow...how fun...I've never bid at an auction. You did great!!!
happyintexas
Original Author
16 years ago
franksmom, the auction house is in Haltom City, but as I mentioned, they are not going to be doing container auctions any more. Going in another direction. Bummer because I was having a lot of fun.

A container auction is where the local house gets a sea container full of stuff gathered in England or Scotland or France or Indonesia, or etc.... The local house doesn't always know what's in there until it's unloaded (from what I gather.)

Don't be intimidated by auctions. Everyone was a newbie at one time. Find one (google is your friend) and go WATCH. You can register and get a bidding number, but just watching is a lot of fun, too.

I'm fortunately that I'd been to farm sales with dh and I used to work at a satellite cattle auction before the days of the internet. The hardest part of the auction is getting the cadence of the auctioneer. Some are easier than others to understand, but most will help you know when you have the bid or more likely, when you do not.

The other hard part is picking a top price you wont' go over. On the teak cabinet above, I went over by $35 dollars-- :0) so I don't always follow my own advice.

Go early and examine the pieces before the auction. Write down the lot numbers you are interested in and have fun. I'm not buying for clients or for a store (yet! lol) but for my own enjoyment. I have a que sera sera attitude about it......most of time. Just don't get between me and my chairs.