LANSING, Mich. — Consignment auctions are always an adventure, as several sources contribute to the sale. Auctioneer Mel White recently hosted a consignment auction that consisted of items from 12 households. Their stories were as varied as the merchandise presented. One grouping represented the household of a minister and his wife who were moving from Michigan to California. Another cluster was from the apartment of an LCC student who had completed his college career. Some items were the result of a later life marriage where the new couple was eliminating furniture and other household goods that they now had in duplicate.

In these difficult economic times, more folks are consigning their belongings to auction as an efficient way to raise some much needed funds.

Vehicles always draw great interest in an auction setting. Regretfully, the 1990 Mercedes that was promised to Mel White was pulled the day before the auction. Many people were interested in that car, and White offered his apologies for a situation beyond his control. He explained this was the hazard of having to advertise an auction before all items were in his possession. The 1996 Dodge Town and Country van with 206,000 miles on it did find a new owner for $300.

Household items dominated this auction, with several couches, tables, chairs, bookshelves, and appliances being offered. A beautiful dining room table with five chairs and an extension leaf sold for $60, and an unusual round glass top table with four metal upholstered chairs topped out at $150. Everyone agreed it was a beautiful set. A glass-top Frigidaire electric range in very nice condition closed at $65 and a like-new oak oval table with four chairs from the same household drew a high bid of $45. A like-new bedroom chest and nightstand closed for $22 for the set, while a corner curio cabinet with interior lighting closed at $35. There were several tables and boxes with small appliances, kitchen accessories, and gardening tools. Many sold for $2-10, or were combined with other items to sell in larger lots.

Perhaps the chilly November weather influenced the prices on the outdoor gear. A Coleman stove, new in box, left for $15, the accompanying stove stand for $8, a Gander Mountain tent for $3, and a larger Greatland tent for $5. A box of life vests closed at $6, a box of arrows for $3, and a small anchor in excellent condition for $5. A very nice Char Broil gas grill with extra gas tank was purchased for $20, in anticipation of next year’s barbecue season.

A wide variety of tools, from antique to new in box, was featured throughout the auction. Some very unusually shaped railroad wrenches were picked up for a final bid of $5. A roll-around machinist chest closed at $15, while numerous toolboxes, some with tools, drew bids of $5-12. Mixed boxes of electrical supplies, nails, small tools, wrenches, and drill bits sold for varying amounts from $2-10 per box. This was a great opportunity to stock up the home or business shop with supplies, parts, and tools.

Useful items purchased this day also included a 12-inch DeWalt table saw blade, still new in its original package for $7, a motorized hedge trimmer for $7, a power washer that was missing the wand for $45, and a Sears Craftsman table saw on a home made wooden base for $10. A Jet motorized wheelchair that was in very nice, clean condition but needed a new battery sold for $45, while two walker carts closed at $35 each. Perhaps useful, or more decorative, a 4 gallon crock in excellent condition was purchased for $25, and a shiny new metal milk can drew a $20 high bid.

Many Christmas decorations were sold from the various households. There were also many knickknacks and collectibles of various vintages. Three Breyer horses, the Proud Arabian mare, the walking Shire, and the Clydesdale foal in a Breyer horse blanket left for a bid of $31 for the trio. A small, green glass Fenton bud vase sold for $12, three Hull teapots for $15 each, a nice arrangement of thee Fenton Glass hobnail epergne for $22, and some elegant blown-glass large vases for $6 each. There were some unusual, but modern, cookie jars that included Barney Rubble of the Flintstones for $17, and a Nestles Toll-House Cookie jar that closed at $6.

A World Series of Basketball 6th anniversary program featuring the Harlem Globe Trotters vs. the College All-Americans from 1955 was pulled from a box of other paper goods and closed for a high bid of $7. A set of three mesh purses, two labeled Whiting Davis, were in a glass display case. They sold individually for $10, $15, and $25. A very large Regulator clock drew interest and closed for $70. Two women were locked in a bidding dual for a box of lace items and doilies and the triumphant high bidder won the prize for $30.

Prices do not reflect the 10 percent buyer’s premium which was charged.

Contact:

(517) 394-3006,

www.melwhite

auctioneer.com