I am not the most patient person when it comes to shopping, so auctions are always a bit uncomfortable for me. Especially when my items of interest are scheduled for the end of the day. Last weekend my sister insisted we check out an auction in Citra, Florida. Karla and I ran over to the property early (around noon) to check out the items going up for auction and decided we better sign in and grab chairs. Glad we did!
Two black University Windsor chairs were on my items of interest list. The auctioneer referred to them as Harvard chairs. There were a few other things on my list and I was hoping to put something in the back of the truck at the end of the day. 
It was probably 95 plus degrees and extremely humid. Uncomfortable, but as my sis says, it helps to weed out the weak at heart early. She was buying for her Etsy site, so had an eagle eye for items that were non-breakable and easily shipped.
Her first purchase, a metal cooler. 
These were a few of the items on my list, but went a little higher than I was willing to pay considering I would have to ship back to LA.
Similar items to the ones above will be in the fall issue of Flea Market Style. Wait till you see what we did with them!
It was a great day....only wish I had worn shorts! My one purchase was the 2 chairs, mint condition with original cushions for twenty bucks each.Did some research when I got home to find they were selling on eBay for over $200 each without the cushions. Seems they were made by the oldest furniture manufacturer name in the Country, Nichols and Stone.
Karla and I went to another auction last night and they happened to have one of my same chairs, 'cept not as good of condition. I thought maybe I would buy if I could get a good deal to add to my collection. Guess what it sold for? Over $350. Yep! Not sure what I will do with my chairs, but I feel better knowing I can probably get my 40 bucks out of the pair if I decide to sell! I did however come home with a giant metal chandelier in my lap. Can't wait to share pics. Not sure what I will do with that either...I really need a store!
What is the best deal you have gotten at an auction, flea or yard sale??
Cheers,
Ki
Years ago, pre-internet, I bought a Heywood Wakefield living room set (sofa, chairs, coffee & side tables) for $100 at a yard sale. No idea what it was other than I liked the look. I called a local antique dealer to ask for more info and he offered me $1,000 over the phone for just the sofa. *sigh* I thought those days were long gone until I read about your chairs! woo-hoo!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a long hot day at the auction, but you were very patient and in the end we both got some great deals on some great stuff. Thanks for the good time and making another great memory that we can share:) Karla
ReplyDeleteHeat and rain are great for weeding out people who are not serious. Sales go cheeper too I find. I have just started auctioning again and my best sale was my 1st this season and I have sold several items I didn't even want on my Etsy store that were in a box lot of linens I did want to re~pursose! I look at those sales as pure profit. Happy junking!
ReplyDeleteGot several boxes containing about 25 pieces of vintage milk glass (vases, bowls, compotes, dishes) for $30 at an auction. The auctioneer shook his head, looked at the crowd and said, "Do you all realize this girl just robbed you all blind?!?" It was a great feeling :)
ReplyDeleteDid you have fun? I wish we had something like that here in Vancouver...... my husband just evicted my junk into a storage locker. I'm excited to be finally selling my salvaged goods at a flea market in September. Yay
ReplyDeleteOh I do love an auction. I have come away with lots of fun stuff over the years. I always tend to buy the stuff others might turn their back on. Once bought a darling green pie safe (which now lives on my porch)for a very reasonable price. Heard two men talking about it later, "wonder who bought this piece of junk?" Oh well -- could have sold it off my porch multiple times!
ReplyDeleteKari
My best deal has been a pair of Catherine Holm enamel bowls for $5 at an estate sale, that I've seen on eBay for $75.
ReplyDeleteI've been running estate sales for over five years. What I hate is when I sell something at what I think is a reasonable price only to find out later that I didn't quite understand what I was selling. I'm learning, though. The more knowledge I get, the less great deals you buyers will find at my sales. There will still be good deals, just not as many items I will sell for $1 that are really worth $70.
ReplyDeleteKi -
ReplyDeletehad to chuckle - my bro-in-law bought that same chair up here in NH this weekend! He knew what it was immediately since Nicols & Stone used to be customers of his before they sold out (forgot who he said bought them). He only paid $36 but seat had a crack in it - think you got the better deal!
Wanda in NH
Love your play by play of your time at the auction....and that Hershey's metal tin/cooler is awesome! We would love to sell it around here...we are near Hershey territory.
ReplyDeleteFun stuff!
I do love an auction. I just recently went to a box lots auction, got 2 van loads for under $500, including a U-Haul size box of linens for only $5. My best recent find though has to be the Steuben owl I bought for $65. I found one just like it on eBay for $1200! Go me!
ReplyDelete