take a virtual tour of our website.”
Rick finds auctions through auctionzip. com, a site that lets buyers check out auctions within a 24 – 500 mile radius. He specializes in clocks and phonographs.“ I like to put them back in working order and enjoy bringing them back to life.” He attends shows as far away as Chicago and New Jersey, and has attended some in California, where he used to live. The results of his ventures are evident in his home, furnished with 1800s period furniture.“ I am always looking for American Federalist painted furniture and pottery,” and he is drawn to tools made by early settlers. Another auctionzip. com user, Greg Clark from Washington, Va., knows“ what people are looking for, and I buy and sell. I also restore some old furniture pieces.” After stopping in Waynesboro, he was on to Altoona, Pa., for another auction.
Regular auction attendees should obtain a permanent number.“ Auctioneers are amazing, and they remember your number,” says Donna. And regulars also know to browse before a sale and list what they are interested in— and what time certain things are sold.“ We traditionally start with tools and box lots, and at noon do furniture, and then finish up with the rest,” says Tom.“ We don’ t want to start with the best things first because people will leave.”
Cochran has sold some big-ticket items, such as a John Reynolds of Hagerstown clock from the Bast estate, which went for more than $ 100,000, and a German wardrobe from a Lebanon County plantation, which brought $ 80,000. They’ ve had their share of celebrity buyers as well, including the wife of Fred Gwynn of“ The Munsters” fame.“ His widow bought a tractor for the farm she maintains in Westminster,” says Tom.
Auction regulars also know to stay through the end of an auction— no leaving early! One customer stuck around and found a beautiful solid wood dresser for $ 10. Anything not sold is gathered up and taken to the transfer station. On one occasion, Bob and his crew were packing up leftover items when“ a neighbor arrived too late for the sale but she looked through the boxes and took everything. That’ s an auctioneers clean-up dream”— and a great way to find a bargain. §
RETIREMENT PLAN AT WORK.
Our Investment & Trust Services team is committed to building a smart, personalized solution today, so you can be confidently ready for tomorrow. Call 888-264-6116 now and request your
FREE PRE-RETIREMENT CASH FLOW ANALYSIS.
f m t r u s t o n l i n e. co m
AT THE WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Jim Brickman in Concert
Friday, April 26, 2013 � 8:00 PM
For tickets and a full listing of events visit WeinbergCenter. org
Box Office 301-600-2828 20 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond March / April 2013 59