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News Article  
Stingray revs up bids at Montrie Auction
By Nancy Kelly

IDA, Mich. — John and Linda Stiegel lived in their Ida home since 1976. He worked as an accountant and filled his leisure time with numerous household and outdoor activities.

His wife recalls him saying “Linda, I need another project.” The property was a showcase of the many woodworking, landscaping, and building projects he very capably tackled. When he died, his wife decided to liquidate the massive stock of tools he had accumulated, so Montrie Auction & Estate Service LLC was hired for the task.

Auctioneer Jade Montrie commented that “This is the cleanest tool auction I have ever had the privilege to do.” The yard implements were spotless, the woodworking tools were clean, and some folks at the auction commented that most items looked brand new, complete with their owner’s manuals. Montrie’s long-time associate Jason Babcock said even the tractor tires were treated with Armor All. The crowd responded well to the quality of the inventory and bidding was fast and high. Prices do not include the buyer’s premium.

As folks entered the yard, they walked past the two immaculately clean and well-maintained vehicles. The 2016 Corvette Stingray with 2,400 miles drew the highest bid of the day. The eye-catching red convertible left for a new home with a final bid of $42,000. Parked next to it, a 2017 GMC gray Canyon truck with 11,462 miles was claimed with a winning bid of $27,000. A 2015 John Deere X530 tractor showing 90 hours was offered with two weights and was claimed with a high bid of $4,850 while a companion John Deere X500 lawn tractor showing 512 hours with two weights finished at $1,750. A blade for the John Deer tractor was claimed with a bid of $125.

Stiegel had a passion for diecast model cars, and one segment of the crowd was in attendance specifically for these. Most were produced by Franklin Mint and the detail on each was exceptional. The highest selling model cars were the Corvettes, including a red Corvette and some convertibles that were claimed by one dedicated high bidder for $40 each. Other cars that left individually included a tow truck, a police car, a jeep, pickup trucks and various other models for $20-25 each. The rest were grouped and sold for $50-80 per flat. There was a larger scale very detailed metal hook and ladder fire truck with no manufacturer markings on it that proved popular, earning a high bid of $95.

A limited amount of furniture was offered. Two handsome mirror-back china cabinets had been the home of the diecast car collection. They drew final bids of $180 and $175. A clean and very comfortable padded patio set consisting of 4 chairs, a glass-top table, and a glider were much in demand, closing with a final bid of $475. The accompanying plastic storage bench finished at $80. A stately Howard Miller Grandfather clock dominated the living room before leaving with a high bid of $75. Other furniture items were also claimed throughout the house.

It was evident that the homeowner was an avid Michigan State University fan. The couple’s two sons attended the university, and the family’s Spartan Spirit was on display. An impressive bronze-like statue of an MSU quarterback preparing to throw the ball stood about 26-inches tall. He wore a cloth uniform, and some in the crowd joked that one could purchase the figure and change his uniform to maize and blue, since the east side of the state is generally more loyal to the University of Michigan. This heavy table-top icon was claimed with a high bid of $250. An MSU end table was rehomed with a high bid of $30, a Spartan padded folding chair left for $50, and a delicate block S glass shade small table lamp finished at $55.

The two acre property was well maintained and spotless, even in this early spring weather. The many implements that assisted in that process were being offered for sale. The Brush Master model CH4 15hp wood chipper/shredder by DEK that was housed in a shed constructed by the homeowner was eagerly claimed with a high bid of $600. A Honda 13hp power washer found a new job with a high bid of $400, a DeWalt chop saw closed at $240, and a Fimco pull-behind sprayer with trailer finished at $350.

There had been a light dusting of snow overnight prior to this early April sale, and Montrie joked that the massive Husqvarna Snow Blower had been used that morning to clean up the yard. The snow actually melted in the morning sun, and this imposing machine was claimed with a final bid of $525. The Honda GSV 190 TK vacuum, useful for cleaning up patio, lawn, driveway, and sidewalk surfaces, found a new home with a $400 high bid. The reliable brand name Stihl proved popular at this event, with the MS271 chain saw with extra bar and chains closing at $275, the BR420 backpack blower leaving at $225, and the hedge trimmer finishing at $185. There were numerous other yard and garden tools, with brand names including McLane, Toro, and Agri Fab that were all in clean condition and drew excellent bids.

Life in the country can lead to lengthy power outages, but this homeowner was prepared. His robust Generac XP8000E electric generator would be capable of reliable service. This popular item drew a bidding volley before settling with a final bid of $1,000.

The woodworking tools and accessories were also in like-new condition, well maintained and fully operational. Many items had their original owner’s manuals as well. The Craftsman 6.5hp 33-gallon air compressor proved to be a desirable lot, finishing with a bid of $210. The 2-piece multi-drawer red Craftsman roll-around tool box closed at $200, a Porter Cable sander and stand drew a final bid of $110, and the Craftsman drill press finished at $110. Numerous powered hand tools, many in their original plastic cases, were also sold. They included drills, sanders, grinders, and nailers. There were also tables full of quality sets of wrenches, screwdrivers, saws, and most anything else useful for woodworking or household projects.

Home entertainment items were also offered, with a LG 65-inch flat screen television featuring Harman Kardon sound drawing the highest bid at $600. Other LGs, as well as Sony, flat screen televisions sold for $160 to $180. Bose sound equipment was also offered and well received, with speakers finishing at up to $100. There were DVD players, blue ray systems, audio receivers, and more equipment. As with the other items at this sale, everything was clean, operational, and ready for new homes.

In addition to offering on-site auctions, Montrie conducts sales every Tuesday evening at their Toledo, Ohio, facility. Jade and Jennifer Montrie, co-owners of Montrie Auction & Estate Service L.L.C., can be reached at (419) 283-6966 or via their website: http://toledoauctioneer.com/

4/23/2018