My very earliest auction memories revolve around my maternal grandparents. I remember something about box lots of dishes, but those memories are a little fuzzy. Much more clear are memories of auctions I attended with my Granddaddy. Cattle auctions. (Some smells you just can’t forget — no matter how hard you try!) Actually, I loved my time with him as we both guessed the weight of a calf before it walked across the scale. Which of us would be closer to its actual weight? (Did I really “win” sometimes … or did he just let his little pal think she did?) I really didn’t understand much about auctions back then, but I knew that the man Granddaddy called the auctioneer talked reeeaaaaalllly fast — and I knew I was supposed to keep my hand down!
It wasn’t until many years later, in my late 20s (as I told you HERE), that Renaissance Man introduced me to the wonderful excitement of antique auctions. I’ve been hooked ever since. And to bring things full circle … one of the very last times I saw my Granddaddy before he died, we went to a cattle auction. So many years had passed, but there was something both fun and heartwarming about sitting next to him and talking in auction lingo while listening to the “cattle rattle” of the auctioneer…
Early auctions with my own once-young daughters usually included bidding on furniture. Sadly, my girls never caught the “auction bug” — but it’s not because I didn’t try — and I do have proof that I tried!
This is one of my furniture pieces BEFORE I owned it. These pics were taken at the auction preview where I examined it, and measured it … and hoped to win it! It’s a piece out of a Pennsylvania estate. (Sorry … these pics are pre- good camera and blog days! Some of you know exactly what I mean!)
Here it is AFTER I won it at auction (yea!) and moved it into my shop where it worked hard — year-round — and was a wonderful piece for displaying vintage linens.
The piece still works hard today, but my shop is now online — My Place to Yours at Etsy — and the furniture is in my dining room…
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| Click to see tablescape |
… holding part of my personal linen collection.
Have YOU ever been to an auction? If so, what did you think? Was it fun … nerve-racking? Did you win anything? What’s your favorite auction memory? Leave a comment and tell me!
I hope you’ll stop back by later this week. Tablescape Thursday is a How To: Auctions tutorial<
with lots of pointers … lots of pics … and lots of “auction finds” tablescapes! See you then!
Today, I’m linking to Metamorphosis Mondayat Between Naps on the Porch.
I enjoy auctions, Susan. I like the fast pace and the excitement, and I have won several things including pieces of furniture. I’ve also enjoyed encouraging friends have bought wonderful treasures, too.
That piece certainly made the transition well, and it is perfect for storing linens. What a great idea!
And I, too, went to cattle auctions with my father when I was young as he owned large herds of breeder cattle at that time. I actually loved going, but I prefer antique auctions more.
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Funny you should post this today…my husband and I were at an auction today and we bought box lots of books (some very OLD, 1915 and up from a school) and pictures from an estate (made me sad that someone had just abandoned them) that were also very old – I wanted the frames. I refrained from going too high on other things I wanted because people were really bidding today. Interesting how some auctions run high, some low. Anyway, they’re fantastically fun!!
Love auctions….auction houses are nice but give me a good old farm auction where everything goes. I like primatives and unusual pieces farm auctions are just the place to find ’em. Your linen cupboard is beautiful and it looks like it has served you well!
I dearly loved the story of you attending auctions with your granddaddy. Memories like that are so precious. Thank you for sharing.
I do have many good experiences attending auctions. I have purchased furniture, glassware etc.. Great fun and excitement.
thanks for sharing this touching post. Hugs, Ginger
I can’t wait I would love to go to an auction, but I am so intimidated, maybe you can make it less scary! I would love to have a linen storage closet like that!
Carol
I totally love auctions! I’ve bought a lot of treasures in auctions. Haven’t been in years. I’ve moved around quite a bit over the past few years and kind of got out of the groove. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh, I sure could use a piece like that! What a find! I’ve never been to an auction, but maybe should start thinking about getting my feet wet! I though will have to learn on my own. I don’t know anyone who can teach me the ropes!
I’m going to visit your Etsy shop soon after catching up more.
Sheila
Oh Susan, I just finished reading your post on Between the Naps. You did an awesome job. I haven’t been to an auction in years and am so ready to go after reading your post – now I just have to find one. Your post was so informative and fun to read. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
– The Tablescaper
Susan, Read your auction tips at Naps Between the Porch and you were right on with your description and tips! I haven’t been to an auction in a long time but now I have the urge to get to one especially if there are lots of dishes, glassware etc. Love what you got at your auctions!
Susan, Loved your guest post for BNOTPH – I learned a lot and saw a great deal of beautiful dinnerware. Nicely done!
Blessings and hugs, Beth