BEHIND THE BLOCK: Auctions are not…
As an auctioneer, I often encounter individuals who are either misinformed or who have come to erroneous conclusions as to what live auctions actually are. Before I explain their true purpose, let me elaborate on what auctions are not… Auctions are not yard sales. Auctions are not for used baby clothes or under-inflated basketballs. They […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Reading the forgotten letters of ordinary people
The personal correspondence of America’s legendary figures has been exhibited in museums, published in books, and sold at auction to eager collectors. Such letters not only give us intimate insights into those who shaped our nation and culture, they also prove that even the legendary were ordinary people. As an auctioneer, I often find the […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Collectible vs. marketable
As an auctioneer, I take issue with the term collectible, especially when I reject an item for auction and the object’s owner retorts, “But it’s a collectible!” As imparted on Dictionary.com, collectible has two definitions: The first definition of collectible is the most accurate. So long as one has the desire and the means to […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: The Top 10 auction restroom faux pas
When attending an auction, it’s important to treat the facility’s lavatory with respect and not use it in any absurd or weird manner. The following are 10 things that you should avoid doing in an auction gallery’s restroom:
Auction includes rare photos of NEPA 100 years ago and historical portraits, books, and letters
Pieces of history will be auctioned off on Saturday, Jan. 3 in Archbald
As everyone looks forward to 2015, a collection of old photos that is about to be sold at auction takes a leap back almost 100 years and gives the public a chance to see a very different and largely undeveloped Northeastern Pennsylvania once again. The photos at Savo Auctioneers in Archbald, which were allegedly picked […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Why condensed books are worthless, both monetarily and in principle
Imagine that you’re a wedding planner and that a lovely young couple with a very large check book appointed you their event coordinator over a year ago. Month upon month, you spent artistically designing every moment of what you’re sure will be the season’s most splendid nuptial. You’ve exhausted every ounce of your creativity and […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Canned goods at auction
Had I been standing in a grocery store talking with its owner, and had that owner called me in because he was closing shop and was inquiring as to whether or not I could liquidate his stock, I wouldn’t have been taken aback by the question: “Do you sell canned goods?” As it was, I […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Pitches for auction-themed movies
Oddly enough, there is a lack of auction-themed motion pictures in the vast library of cinema. Sure, there are plenty of movies in which auctions occur, but there aren’t any feature films that concentrate on auctions and/or auctioneers. Perhaps Hollywood producers don’t think that the auction world is intriguing or sexy enough for the silver […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Poe’s time machine and other ‘collectible’ silliness
I was working a charity appraisal fair when a woman ran up to my table clutching a small book in a sandwich bag. “I was told you’re the man to see about old books,” she beamed. I nodded. “Then you’re going to love this! It’s a book of poems and short stories by Edgar Allan […]
BEHIND THE BLOCK: Overt bidding techniques
As discussed in this column’s inaugural article, certain auction-goers feel the need to employ stealthy bidding techniques so as not to be shadowed by rookies or be bid against out of spite. Conversely, there are certain auction-goers that use overt bidding techniques designed to intimidate their competition. As an auctioneer, I have witnessed inexperienced bidders […]
