Auction Highlights


	May 17, 2008, many showed up to inspect and attempt to purchase this early 1800's Tall Clock, of likely southern United States origin. The clock was dovetailed and nicely inlayed, standing over 7 feet tall with period internal works. At exactly 1.5 hours into our Saturday morning auction, an opening bid of $2,000 was followed by several hands in the air, and a final selling price of $9,500.

	Our August 1, 2007 produced over 600 buyers in attendance, plus several absentee and phone bidders from out of state. In addition to a large collection of Royal Doulton figurines, this 1800's Parlour Display Table garnered considerable attention. Bidding began at $300 and quickly rose to a final bid of $1,500, surprising many in attendance, as well as our clients.

	April 4, 2007's auction offered this 2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali with only 9,900 Miles. This vehicle plus other items from the Estate of Michael J. Guyer Jr. were sold to a crowd of nearly 700 bidders. This vehicle was just as new, except for some minor rear bumper damage. Yet, inquiries came from throughout Ohio and neighboring states. The bidding ended with a final selling price of $31,250

	Considerable interest was expressed about this Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army 45 Cal Pistol (Serial 393971) at our January 31, 2007 auction. One bidder traveled over 200 miles to inspect the gun himself, depsite our offers to send him pictures and allow him to bid remotely. He was not the high bidder, however, much to his surprise, as the competition continued resulting in a final selling price of $1,000.

	100's inquired about the upcoming absolute auction of this 1927 home located 679 South Roosevelt in Bexley, Ohio. The auction on September 24, 2006 produced 17 registered bidders and at least that many estimates of the value of this home. After 10 minutes of bid-calling, Mike asked the crowd to applaud for the new owners, with a final high bid of $187,000.

	All eyes were on this 1970 Buick Skylark GS with only 24,000 Miles at our February 15, 2006 weekly auction. Violet Downs had garaged this car since her husband's death several years ago. It was all original and had very little wear. Bidders inquired from throught Ohio and neighboring states with the final bid reaching $12,000.

	The expansive Civil War Book collection of Dusty Owens was sold at auction January 7 & 8, 2006. Highlights included several books selling over $500 each. Yet, the most interest was in a 4-volume set of Harper's Weekly dated 1861 through 1864. Despite significant on-line bidder participation, a live bidder in attendance took home these volumes for a high bid of $2,100. Bidders from 19 states and 7 foreign countries participated; over $35,000 was raised for this entire collection.

	December 17, 2005 brought buyers from all over Ohio and surrouding states to our auction facility. The remaining vehicles and other personal property belonging to the Estate of Stevie & Linda Zgirbar was to be sold, including this bright red 2002 Ford F-150 Lightening Pickup with only 2,700 miles. At Noon, the bidding for this truck began, ending at $22,000, the same amount the Zgirbar's had purchased this truck for new in 2002.

	The remaining property of the Estate of Sarah Jane Mans was to be sold May 1, 2005 and included this 2004 Buick Regal LS automobile with only 7,100 miles; many commented the car still smelled new. Excitement grew until auction day when a large crowd gathered in attempt to purchase this nearly new automobile. Mike announced sold after some heated bidding for a final selling price of $11,750.00.

	January 8, 2005 was the date of our auction of the Ream Farm located in Champaign County Ohio. This just over 201 acre farm was sold absolute; included in the property was tillable acres, some woods, farm house and various buildings. This was also the first farm to sell in the area with a conservation easement, restricting development or subdivision. Over 150 attended the auction. The final bid price was $462,000.

	For weeks, the attendees at our car auction had been awaiting the sale of this 1975 Mercedes 450 SL. This car had the original build papers still in the glove box; very nice condition even with nearly 125,000 miles. Over 150 people previewed this classic before auction day. After 65 other cars were sold, the crowd of nearly 100 surrounded this final offering. On December 2, 2004, Mike sold this car for $5,000.

	While our staff unboxed some late-arriving items to our regular Wednesday auction, this painting was found. It appeared to be a fine piece of art and gave some indication it may be more valuable than first thought. We held the painting until our next week's auction, October 28, 2004, to allow for some further research and advertising. After some heated bidding, this Julius Adam Oil Painting (1852-1913) sold for $6,400.

	With over 150 in attendance, the late Dr. Essex's 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was the "talk" of the auction; with just over 15,000 miles, this nineteen year old car in very good condition was to be sold. With over 10 bidders expressing significant interest -- from as far away as Pennsylvania and Michigan -- the high bid peaked at $4,300, nearly $2,000 over the Kelley Blue Book Value.

	Much anticipation surrounded the public auction of this 1.39 TCW Ladies Diamond Ring. The ring was comprised of (1) 1.00 Ct Princess Cut Diamond & 19 Other Diamonds; pre-auction estimates ranged from $1,000 to as high as $2,000. The ring was to be sold per Court-Order to "the highest bidder." With inquires from as far away as Indianapolis, Indiana, the ring sold for $2,800* at our weekly auction in Groveport.*

	Only four weeks of advertising resulted in over 200 in attendance at this real estate auction. The Administrator for the Estate of Robert M. Gibsen asked us to sell this historic Upper Arlington, Ohio home at public auction with a minimum bid of $300,000. Local television, newspaper and radio networks attended. May 22, 2004, after only 20 minutes of bid-calling, the auction resulted in a high bid price of $588,500.

	Upon his death, we were asked to sell Robert J. Faas' 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera, with only 15,874 miles. Bidders from 7 different states contented to purchase the car at our auction held February 26, 2002. The final bid was $56,800, which was about $4,000 more than the Kelley Blue Book value suggested as "fair market value."

	Over 575 acres of prime Ohio farm land with 2 homes and farm buildings was to be sold. A local attorney for the Estate procured our services to auction the "Wightman Farm" located in two parcels in Madison County, Ohio. Over 100 bidders attended the auction on February 27, 1999 with the total exceeding $1.8 Million.

	From the Estate of Charles Rochester came this 1993 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Sport Motorcycle with only 12,000 Miles. On March 19, 2003 we sold it to the highest bidder at our auction facility for $11,000. Following the auction, a Harley Davidson dealer in Texas called to see if we could sell his entire inventory in light of what this bike demanded.

	As our staff readied for our weekly auction, our Project Supervisor, Linda Godwin, opened a box a consigner had brought in marked "Kitchen Items." In that box she found this Rookwood Vellum Tile painted by Carl Schmidt. We promptly notified our buyers via our e-mail list totaling, at that time, over 5,000. Almost immediately upon that e-mail going out, our telephone began to ring. Within 15 minutes, we had received calls from as far away as Maryland. Although the tile was significantly crazed, there was equally significant interest. This Schmidt Vellum Tile demanded $3,100* that next night at our auction.*To say our consigner's kitchen items brought much more than they had expected would be an understatement.

	On November 16, 1997 we held one of the largest camera equipment auctions ever held in this part of the country. Over 4,000 lots were sold with many items exceeding our seller's expectations. The inventory attracted attendees from *Ohio, New York, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee.* As well, we had absentee bids from *Alaska, California, Utah and Oregon.* Over 300 people attended this 7.5 hour auction.

	While preparing for an on-site auction, some staff began digging around in a barn. Soon, we came across a sealed wood box which contained this 1821 dated hand-sewn quilt along with other old fabrics and linens. Quickly, we called around to area quilt dealers and collectors. At the auction the following week, December 13, 1997, a crowd of over 500 assembled. This quilt demanded $3,700.

	It was a warm day June 15, 2002 when we held the Tillie E. Coleman Estate Auction. Over 500 people attended and with 3 auction rings, our staff sold for a total of more than 15 hours to a noisy crowd. At about the 2 hour mark in the auction, however, one could hear a pin drop as bidding on Tillie's 1930's Cavalier Walnut Cedar Chest climbed from $100 to ultimately $23,000.

	In 2002, it became unnecessary for the owner of this 1998 Cadillac Eldorado to keep her car. March 5 we sold it the highest bidder at our auction facility. The high bid was $20,300* which exceeded the seller's, and our, expectations.* Inquiries had come as far away as Florida.

	We believe an appraisal is simply an opinion of value. You might also agree with us that an auction can tell of true value. This home located in Columbus, Ohio (German Village) had been appraised and marketed by traditional real estate means for 3 months at $275,000. In that time, no offers were submitted, although many previewed this historic home. One month later, May 27, 2000, we sold this home at auction for $464,500.

	In early 2000, we were contacted by a local attorney regarding the sale of a "large" coin collection. We scheduled a special date to hold this auction and received the coins and began to catalog. The entire collection was high-grade and there were many key dates. The highest valued coin, for which buyers came from 11 different states to see, was this 1836 Gobrecht Dollar. This "special" coin demanded $3,600; the entire auction total exceeded $150,000.

	On November 15, 1997 we were contracted to hold an on-site Estate Auction in Worthington, Ohio. The deceased was of German descent and had many antique German-origin items; one was this magnificent German Bookcase. The attorney for the Estate had expressed the hope we could get $1,000 for it, and also the hope the total auction would produce sufficient proceeds to pay some Estate payables totaling $5,000. The final bid price of the bookcase was $7,500. The total auction demanded over $45,000.

	One late night working to prepare an on-site auction in 1998, we opened a bedroom dresser bottom drawer only to find several jewelry pieces wrapped between some linens. Upon closer inspection, we discovered this ring, a 3.06 Ct Diamond Solitaire. At the conclusion of some heated bidding, the ring sold for $3,900. Later that day, we overheard the attorney for the Estate telling some of the family how "lucky" they were that they hired the right auctioneer.

	On January 14, 2003 the Estate of Ellwood I. Shoemaker was entrusted with us to sell at public auction. One of the highlights of the property being offered was this Yamaha GP Disklavalier Grand Piano. Over 50 interested buyers came to preview the piano prior to the auction. When the bidding ended, Mike said sold for $7,000. The crowd applauded, as if to say the price was fair and the piano was headed to a good home.

	One of the most astonishing examples of the power of auction marketing took place in Etna, Ohio on June 29, 1997. We had been asked to sell a 1997 Toyota Camry from an estate with only 1,600 miles; the sticker price of $22,398 was still in the window. When the bidding ended, Mike had sold the car for $23,900.