I worked an antique auction yesterday. And it was a pleasant one, too! No junk. Inside. Clean bathrooms. Nice stuff. The estate was from a collector and he had lots of vintage metal advertising signs and some railway collectibles.
This huge lantern was neat. There's Steve with the red hat. Remember him?
I watched this man all day. I had a great view of him from the cashier's table. This first metal whiskey advertisement was nice. It went for almost $300.
Every time I looked over at him, he had added to his pile.
The butter churn was cool and so was the pretzel tin!
So was the copper tea kettle!
I placed a bid with the auctioneer for a few of the railroad items. That way he could bid for me while I was busy working. I put a bid in for a switch lantern but they went for close to $200 each.
I didn't bid high enough for a conductor's hat either.
They went for well over $100.
And this railroad crossing sign went for $100!
This sign would have looked cool in the boys' train themed bedroom, but itwent for almost $300.
I was about to give up winning anything when this sign finally went on the auction block.
There's my yellow bid number in his hand. Then I had a customer wanting to pay, so I had to put my camera down and take care of her. But guess what? He walked that big sign right back to me! Can't believe I won it! The best part was this....
Walking into their room with it! Spencer immediately said 'yes' when I asked "Do you want a present?" His eyes about popped out and he looked at the walls for a spot! He knew exactly what to do with it. So fun to get them something they really love! They were all excited even though the photo doesn't show it. They all get that pained look on their face when they see the camera! ha.
I also got the winning bid on this print!
I was about to give up winning anything when this sign finally went on the auction block.
There's my yellow bid number in his hand. Then I had a customer wanting to pay, so I had to put my camera down and take care of her. But guess what? He walked that big sign right back to me! Can't believe I won it! The best part was this....
Walking into their room with it! Spencer immediately said 'yes' when I asked "Do you want a present?" His eyes about popped out and he looked at the walls for a spot! He knew exactly what to do with it. So fun to get them something they really love! They were all excited even though the photo doesn't show it. They all get that pained look on their face when they see the camera! ha.
I also got the winning bid on this print! Tomorrow I'll have to get out my girlie hammer, nails and stud finder and do some hanging. That sign is weathered and filthy. And heavy!
I spent my whole paycheck today, but it was so worth it!
I spent my whole paycheck today, but it was so worth it!♥
Before I'd even read to the bottom of the post I knew you (and your boys) be a lucky winner today!
ReplyDeleteBoth items are TOO cool! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOh my! Those are so perfect! I love the boys holding the sign. Great job!
ReplyDeleteSilver ~ they are cool! I've always thought a read railroad sign would be cool in their bedroom.
ReplyDeleteWow you would love it here Betsy LOL.We have train tracks everywhere.We have all of the above you purchased actually my husband had railroad ties and conductor hats etc.We even have a railroaders museum.
ReplyDeleteMy husband worked on the railroad for 30 yrs.
Happy weekend to you!
I have to laugh at the boys when you get the camera LOL.There not to happy with it ha!
Becky ~ oh, that is very cool! You don't live anywhere Altoona, do you? We took the boys there for a long weekend probably 8 years ago. Horseshoe Curve? Very fun.
ReplyDeleteOh yes Betsy I live real close to there.lol.Oh my,awesome!Lower down the mountain.
ReplyDeleteBecky ~ oh how fun. Well, keep all of your hubs things...as I know you will....they are worth a snall fortune. But priceless to you, I'm guessing! :)
ReplyDeleteYes they are still here.I actually forgot about them til I read your blog LOL.He even has a railroad spike how silly but oh well he was a fantatic.ha Everyones father and down to the son worked at the railroad.
ReplyDeletethat was fanatic lol
ReplyDeleteOh, a spike would be cool! No bag of ballast? ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful here I could never leave this area.Ive been here all my life.
ReplyDeleteAwesome buy!! My boys would love one of those in their bedroom--even tho they don't have a train theme!!
ReplyDeleteyay! you are the best mom! just verbalizing what they are thinking for you there....smiles. cool auction...that switch lantern is really cool....
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Brian. I hope they think that! :)
ReplyDeleteWow some of those went for higher than I'd ever guess
ReplyDeleteGuess my psychic vibe wore off, I'll confess..haha
Yes they don't look very happy there at all
But I'm sure when the camera was away the bugged you to hang it on the wall
Cool that you could find something they really liked there
Did the man notice you were taking pictures of him as he added to his pile of train wear?..haha
Pat ~
ReplyDeletepsychic for a day
you said it right yesterday!
but that's better than not at all
if I recall
yes, too bad they went too high
but at least I didn't spend more money on the guys.
Don't think that man saw
as he would have grown paranoid and all
he was busy counting his loot
to even give me a toot.
lol...
One of my grandfather's worked for the railroads. He was a cook on the passenger trains. Can you just imagine trying to cook on a train? It is hard enough to try and eat on a train.
ReplyDeleteIn Panama when you take the train from one side to the other, there are places where the tracks are traveling over what I guess would be a lake. When you are traveling over these parts you cannot see the land that the train is traveling over and so you get the feeling that you are floating or flying across water. The first time it is kinda scary but then you get used to it and you just enjoy the sensation.
Have you ever taken the boys on a train trip? The girls still remember their train trip and running all over the train. It was about 25 years ago and so I am still amazed that they talk about it. Today I would not feel safe in letting them run loose on a train. So sad how times have changed.
God bless.
Mrs. U ~ we've gone on a few short train trips. I'd love to take them cross country or something like that!
ReplyDeletewhat a cool present. what a cool mom you are.
ReplyDelete:)
What a wonderful day for everyone. Your boys remind me so much of my son when it comes to excitement. They are adorable. God bless you. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWell, thanks, Vickie! I'm glad you stopped by!
ReplyDeleteSo now the man is famous on your blog
ReplyDeleteAnd he's still in the fog..hahaha
Perfect! My boys would be crazy for those presents, especially the big yellow sign.
ReplyDeleteYou win, "MOM OF THE YEAR" !!
ReplyDeletehaha, oh, if only that title were obtained by a couple of presents! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL! I have a feeing that if I worked an auction they'd be getting my whole paycheck, too. Love the railroad crossing sign. Perfect! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteLooks like this auction had a ton of cool stuff and you got some goodies too! :-)
ReplyDeletetanna ~ I usually don't even look at the stuff too much...and this is the first time I've bid. Yes, it would be way too easy to spend it all...but it would be fun too!...too much fun! ha.
ReplyDeleteSo nice that the boys' happiness brings you such happiness. It's a two-fer. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting all those objects from past...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day Betsy !
Regards from France,
Pierre
http://pierre-boyer.blogspot.com/
Betsy hi,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog from retired and loving it and I am so glad I did!I am your newest follower:)
Your boys look so cool with their gifts! It must be very interesting working for an antique auction!
So enjoyed reading this.:) Glad you got that sign, it was simply meant to go home with you.;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend - a big hug to you and your men.;)
xoxo
Hi Maria! I'm so glad you found me! :)
ReplyDeleteFUN BETSY! I have never won anything at our auctions and always want to....YOU SCORED BIG for the guys!!!
ReplyDeleteAll those signs are just SO cool!
Auctions are awesome. Some of the best stuff in the world can be found at auctions! We have one here every Wednesday that always has a wide variety of antiques. I always end up spending twice as much as planned.
ReplyDeleteNeat Rail Road stuff, I would have like to of been at that auction for sure!
I love auctions and you got some wonderful items.
ReplyDeleteLove that sign.
Hugs
SueAnn
What a cool thing you did for your boys! They must be very happy with their new railroad sign and beautiful print!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day at the auction! Clean bathrooms...much better than the porta johns : )
ReplyDeleteThe sign and picture are perfect for the boys' room. And that is a great photo of them : )
What a Win~Win Day, Betsy. The boys are smiling, and I know you are too.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a precious mom. Love you tons.
Off to the Gym, and then Lunch for Aunt Trula......gotta run.
What a cool post. I am glad you got the R and R. They had some neat things in the collection. I had seen a light like that before but didn't know it's use until now. Fun!
ReplyDeleteScore! What fun to be able to give those we love something they love!
ReplyDeleteYour posts are luring me - I'm thinking about trying one of those auctions. :)
Mary Lynn
Mary Lynn ~ you should come! There is a huge one the end of next week. Just check out their site.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you could have bought better gifts for the boys than these two things. I know they are thrilled. Their camera faces are a hoot! You did good mom!
ReplyDeleteps...love those conductors hats.
Betsy I just love you and your family. That is all I have to say. Blessings. BTW I envy your job at the auctions. LOL
ReplyDeleteQMM
QMM ~ you always say the sweetest things. Thanks, dear. :)
ReplyDeleteI almost missed this post and it was a great one! I think I'd like to work at auctions, but then again I'd probably spend all my paycheck every week. ;)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you hit the jackpot with those. The boys' expressions are so lovely. You might have put in a bid for the muscular hunk in the top picture - for me!!
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you were able to get the boys something so unique that they really love. You are an awesome mom!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yuji! You're a pretty awesome parent youself! :)
ReplyDeleteThis post really made me smile. The guys are going to love that sign.
ReplyDelete. . . "so worth it" indeed!
ReplyDelete