Friday, 27 March 2009

Auction action

Consumption Rebellion and I went to a deceased estate auction on the weekend. We had no idea what to expect, however the dozens and dozens of cars lining the street made us rather optimistic.

The elderly lady who had lived in the house had been a hoarder, (it was billed as a hoarder's auction), and her house (and 2 sheds) were filled with all manner of items. There were no fewer than 6 big stripey bags and 5 big plastic containers of fabric, as well as bags and bags of yarn, boxes of craft items, and years of accumulated stuff. An entire shelf of a bookcase was devoted to craft books and sewing patterns, all allocated lot numbers we dilligently recorded.

We got there to view the house and contents, registered as bidders, and sat in the rear yard. What a crowd there was, many of whom obviously were very well-versed in the auction company's procedures. Already we have a list for the next one - chairs, pens, clip-boards, drinks, proper coffee, picnic rug, reading material. The local Scouts were there with sausage sizzle, egg and bacon sandwiches, soft drinks etc. It's quite a business! From start to finish the whole event can take from 9am to 2pm - little did we know...

We bid both successfully and unsuccessfully on a number of lots, split some lots, took some to the Salvos, and have plans for the rest. I am thrilled at the chance of finishing some of her UFOs, and cherishing some of her treasures.

Funny old leather coin purse that was inside a bag of linen I bought. The linen was actually a chenille bedspread, and 6 aprons as well as other items. Quite a lucky dip as it turned out.

More of the linen - perfectly starched napkins -mint condition with fabulous roosters.

One of the aprons - aqua seer-sucker with Holly Hobbie-esque design. Rather perfect actually!


An enormous Bushells Tea tin with Australiana on the tin in my favourite blue and while. The pen is on the top to show scale. It needs a good clean but is rather good!


The other view of the Bushells Tea tin.

More tins! Vintage Quality Streets and a rectangular canister labelled 'prunes'. Also the green teapot which pours rather well.

Folky coin purse which I actually bought with the next photo's napkins and placemats from a lady who outbid me. She wanted other items in the lot. Lovely. I adore these Austrian images, and have now a little collection of my own!


The next on-site auction is in Hughes on April 5th and promises a similar outcome! Unfortunately Mr BB will be away so I may have to take the fan club...

3 comments:

Ali said...

Wow Jess! What fabulous finds - all lovely stuff - the tins especially remind me a lot of my grandma's stuff. I love that funny little purse, the Quality Street tin, and the little Austrian figures. just lovely :)

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

You know I'm having tin envy right now don't you. I've never been to an auction like that. It would be an interesting experience.

Denise said...

I've never been to an auction, but have a couple of friends who swear by them as great entertainment as well as a source of all sorts of great deals and treasures - thanks for showing what you discovered! Love those old tins!

Sounds like you may be a little hooked :)