The Music of an Auction

Auction Room, Christie’s, 1808, by Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832). Microcosm of London, Plate 006. Wikimedia Commons

by Sandra Smith

I am a long-time fan of Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers, and the Lovejoy mystery books and television show. I only wish I hadn’t waited until I moved to Washington state to attend my first auction.

Driving through winding roads lined with pine, fir, and deciduous trees set the mood. I never saw so many shades of green, from the palest to the deepest. One could think that nothing but green might be less than exciting, but the contrast and beauty was breathtaking.

I chose an estate sale, partly because it’s fun to visit different houses and look around, partly because of the variety of items for sale. Merchandise included a violin and clarinet; some antiques; furniture; pictures; kitchen items; and other miscellaneous goodies.

After walking down a street lined with cars, I sat down next to a woman named Caroline. It turned out that she knew the San Francisco Bay Area where I was from.  When I explained it was my first auction and I was nervous, she told me not to worry, she would help. She explained that I needed to go to the trailer to get my bidding tag and — most important — not to start bidding until the price came down. It was an education sitting next to the generous Caroline.

Waiting for the auctioneer is something like being present at a stage musical while the orchestra warms up. My stomach was a little fluttery. Would I understand? How fast would he talk? What if I scratched my nose and he thought I was bidding?