Page 24 - The Hunt - Summer 2020

HOME & GARDEN
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cushions on settees, turning over wooden chairs to make certain the legs are solidly attached. One man even sniffs an intricately patterned Oriental rug for pet stains.
The regulars know the drill: Register for the sale when you arrive, hold up your card or your hand if you want to bid, and be prepared to whisk away whatever you win after the gavel strikes.
Even for regulars, buying at auction requires a time investment. A young Amish woman sips water and munches chips as she waits for a chest of drawers to go on the block. The owner of a boutique in Centreville, Del., looks for pieces with a French country vibe that can be restored and resold.
Charles Adams, an aficionado of petroleana, artifacts that reflect the heritage of the oil industry, has traveled from Maryland in hopes of adding to the collection of vintage gas pumps he displays with his classic cars. “I’ve always been fascinated with the history of gasoline— signage, oil cans, pumps,” he says.
Right now, he’s eyeing a vintage chaise lounge to serve as a bed for his 7-pound Yorkie. “I think it might’ve been a salesman’s sample for someone who sold full-size furniture,” he says.
An experienced bidder, Adams is
careful not to show excitement when he makes a great find. Doing so can alert the competition. He also resists the temptation to overbid. “I set a price that I want to pay,” he says. “Once the bidding gets there, I walk away.”
Hot ... and Not
Jake Secor bags his deer.
22
THE HUNT MAGAZINE summer 2020
BEST SELECTION OF GOURMET FOOD & BEST ONE-STOP SHOP FOR FOOD
A Victrola mounted in a cabinet filled with dozens of albums is brought to the floor, and a record played to demonstrate it’s in working order. Despite its grand nature, on this rainy morning, bids run dry and it sells for a mere $100.
Meanwhile, Mid-Century Modern lamps, Beatles albums, tall case clocks and costume jewelry are fetching top dollar. Once- popular Victoriana has fallen out of fashion, along with the likes of Pez dispensers, stamps and Depression-era glass.
Bidders intent on setting a fine table are finding deals as heirs consign grandmother’s china and crystal. “People are way more casual these days,” Hill says.
Consumers have also grown comfortable with making purchases online, ptompting the trend toward auction houses offering in-person previews of lots, with bidding online. Pook, Briggs and other auctioneers have reduced their live auctions in favor of more online.
Hill, on the other hand, has no plans to invade the web. But he does willingly contend with people who can’t make it to the site and bid by phone.
When the mule deer trophy comes on the block, Secor is ready. In only a few seconds, the prize is his—for just $20. The victor hoists the deer head onto his shoulders, careful to avoid the antlers, beaming as he carries it out. “It’s a beautiful deer, and he’ll look great on my wall,” Secor says. “You never know what you’ll find at the auction. Sometimes, the best things find you.” TH