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sibly contain that many rockers, side chairs, dressers, beds, dining room tables and refrigerators.
Later on, a couple in the crowd who had overheard the discussion told me that I was right to disagree — that this particular auctioneer was suspected of bringing his own and other consignments to some of the auctions he conducted, and they pointed out the auctioneer’s huge moving van off to the side of the field.
These are but a few of the pitfalls of going antiquing, whether in antique shops, at flea markets or auctions. I always tell people who ask that I research what I’m particularly in, I ask LOTS of questions, I use my eyes and ears, and try not to be unduly influenced by pressure tactics.
When attending an auction, always try to have a friend go along with you, and arrive early so you have time to look over the items being auctioned. Sometimes, what one person has observed the other may have overlooked.
If you have questions and you see the auctioneer is there, possibly off to the side or just wandering around, don’t hesitate to approach him and ask questions. I have found that a reliable auctioneer, when questioned about a particular item on display, will either relate truthfully the facts that he knows about that item, or, just as honestly, say that he knows very little about the item. If he hesitates or “hedges” then I proceed cautiously.
One last bit of advice — know your limitations, knowledge-wise and money-wise. If something looks like the real thing, but lacks the proper identification, it most likely is not what it’s presented to be. Set your own limit of how much you are willing to pay — only you can know for sure what amount you can afford to invest in any particular item.
Antiquing and attending auctions can be a lot of fun and a great experience. There’s nothing quite as exciting as finding and acquiring a somewhat nondescript article which no one else seems to have recognized or even been aware of.
Don na Fisher owns and operates Mostly Yesteryear: Antiques and Collectables in Washington, Va.
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