Fall Antiques, Fine Art & Collectibles Auction in Crystal River, Florida on October 27, 2012 - with On-Line Bidding options

ANTIQUES & FINE ART FROM FLORIDA AND NY ESTATES LEAD THE ANNUAL FALL AUCTION AT PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS & LIQUIDATORS 27 OCTOBER 2012.




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Charles Fudge
webuyit@tampabay.rr.com
352.795.2061

Crystal River, FL – October 1, 2012.

On October 27, 2012 beginning at 10am, Antique Auctions by Professional Appraisers and Liquidators (www.charliefudgecom) will present their annual Fall Antiques, Fine Art & Collectibles Auction, featuring over 500 lots of Nineteenth to Mid Twentieth Century Treasures, at 811 S Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL. Real time bidding will also be available on-line via www.proxibid.com and www.liveauctioneers.com.



19th Century Hand Painted Textile Panel

 “October always brings our best auction”, says Charles Fudge,owner and 40 year veteran auctioneer. “We spend the Spring and Summer scouring the East Coast --from Maine to Florida, looking for estates, collections, and special pieces to present in our Fall Antiques, Fine Art & Collectibles Auction, which is held on the last Saturday of October each year. We can present the cream of the crop because we've had so much time between auctions to hand select the best of the best. October is also the time of year when we welcome the “Snowbirds” back to Florida. It is the beginning of our “season”. “In addition to the locals and snowbirds”, continues Fudge, “the Fall auction, draws the year's best attendance for on-line bidders on Proxibid.com and LiveAuctioneers.com due to the quality of the merchandise offered.”

This year's auction will feature important art, antiques and collectibles from the estates of very prominent people, whose heirs have asked us to keep their identity anonymous. Highlights will include a variety of Bronze Statues (including Japanese, and listed artist signed and/or numbered); a wide variety of Sterling Silver including a coffee pot (Estimate: $2000-4000) a milk pitcher (Estimate: $1000-2000) and a flatware set in the Empire pattern (Estimate $3500-4500).by famous Italian Silversmith, Buccellati (a.k.a. the “Tiffany” of Europe) and a plethera of other sterling silver by makers Tiffany and Co, Kirk & Sons, L.H. Vaughan, Webster, William Adams, Lunt, Gorham, Theodore & Starr, R.W. Wallace, Roger Williams, Reed & Barton; Alvin; Gorham, Eugen Ferner and Comyns & Sons; as well as a Copper & Sterling Silver Tea Kettle by Joseph Heinrich (Estimate $100-200). Also to cross the auction block is an assortment of Victorian Art Glass and other glassware and crystal, pottery and porcelain, a nice selection of Orientalia, Mid-Century and Danish Modern Furniture, Estate Jewelry (Solid Gold, Silver, Diamond & Gemstones), Antique Furniture, Lamps, Clocks, Investment Grade Art, Antique Carved Ivory, Antique Guns, 19th Century Quilts and Samplers, and many other treasures.

The auction will open with a variety of collectibles, including figurines by Hummel, Lladro, Kaiser, Dresden and Royal Doulton, as well as Baccarat, Swarovski and Lalique crystal collectibles and animals. Dispersed throughout the sale will be the gold, diamond and gemstone jewelry from various estates.



Rare Pairpoint Reverse Painted Bubble

 Throughout the auction will be many investment grade paintings with “listed artists” abounding. The most impressive is the Oil on Board Painting of a Clipper Ship, signed by Antonio Jacobsen (1850-1921), and dated 1918 (Estimate: $3,000-5000). Another painting of note is the large, oval-shaped, 19th Century Oil on Canvas in the Manner of Pieter III Casteels depicting Chicks, Rooster, Birds & a White Pheasant (Estimate: $2000-4000). Other paintings by listed artists include a Francis K. Buell watercolor of Sailboats, an Oil on Canvas by Jean-Claude Brulere XX, entitled "Paysage De Neige" (Snow Landscape), a Still Life by Argentenian Impressionist Segunda Huertas-Aguiar, and a watercolor by Warren W. Baumgartner (Estimate: $400-600). Parisian Steet Scenes are depicted in a pair of Oil on Canvas paintings by Andre Gisson (Each estimated at $1800-2500), as well as a watercolor by Antonio DeVity, and an Oil on Canvas by Maurille Prevost (1922). Oriental art includes Japanese Wood Block Prints and a Japanese Watercolor on Paper by Ryuko Tsutaya (1868-1933) as well as bronzes and a Signed Japanese Meiji Intricately Carved Wood Samurai (Estimate: $1500-2500).

Also of note are Aquatints, Serigraphs and Lithographs by listed artists including LeRoy Nieman, Salvador Dali and Marc Chagall, a Serio-Lithograph by Itzchak Tarkay (1935), and original Lithographs by Joan Miro. The Dali is a signed and numbered limited edition, and the Nieman is an Artist Proof of 300 editions. The Chagall and Miro's come with Certificates of Authenticity and original Merrill Chase Galleries Labels.

 

Mario Bellini Cab 413 Leather Arm Chairs produced by Cassina for Atelier International Ltd

Mid-Century Modern selections include 4 Danish Modern Chairs by Dyrlund (Estimate: $400-600) and a double-pedestal dining table by Rasmus (Estimate: $400-600), which pair nicely together. Also from Mid-Century Denmark is a Cube-shaped Inlaid Sofa Table signed Tranekaer, Gorm Christiansen Design Rolf Middleboe (Estimate: $400-600) . Also from the Mid-Century are two Mario Bellini Cab 413 Leather Arm Chairs produced by Cassina for Atelier International Ltd (Estimate: $400-600 each); an iconic aluminum chair by Emeco (Estimate: $200-400) and three Singer Featherweight sewing machines with original cases.

The glass category is extensive and includes Waterford and Rosenthal Studio Line Crystal and Stemware, American Brilliant Period Cut Glass, Victorian Art Glass by famous makers such as Webb, Stevens & Williams, Moser, C.F. Monroe, Steuben, Hobbs, Northwood, Nakara, Peloton and more, as well as an impressive collection of Victorian Hand Painted Chatelaine Perfume or Scent Bottles. The highlight of the glass is sure to be the 2 Pairpoint Reverse Painted Bubble Stems, which are rare book pieces found in John Schuman's Book "American Art Glass" (Estimates: $500-700 each).

Shark Vertebrae Cane

Crossing the block later in the sale will be ephemera to include letters and signatures from the likes of John F Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, J Edgar Hoover and correspondance regarding the Attorney General and the Department of Justice; In addition, a fabulous collection of very fine canes and walking sticks will be offered. Among the canes and walking sticks are 2 Captain's Canes comprised of Marine Animal or SharkVertebrae (Estimates: $100-200), canes with ivory and horn handles, a cane with a carved ivory handle in the form of a dog with jeweled eyes and a sterling silver band (Estimate: $100-200), and a fabulous Tiffany & Co cane with an Art Nouveau decorated silver handle dated Christmas, 1891 (Estimate: $200-300) – to name a few.

Jarvie-Style Canclesticks

Additonal highlights include a 19th Century Coin-Operated Symphonion Disc Music Box (Estimate: $600-800), A pair of 30” 19th Century hand carved and gilded wooden Whippet dogs (Estimate: $600-800), a 19th Century Textile Panel (Estimate: $500-800), 19th Century Antique Guns including an Allen & Thurber Pepperbox Pistol 1845 (Estimate: $600-800), and a Remington Rolling Block Circa 1880s (Estimate: $600-800). Other items of importance are Jarvie-Style Beta Form Brass Candlesticks(Estimate: $600-800), Art Deco Onyx & Bronze Desk Items; 19c Inuit Whaling Items incl Lance, Harpoon, & Knife (Estimate: $600-800) ; Japanese Samurai Swords and Daggers including a WWII Japanese Wakizashi Sword (Estimate $1000-1500), and an A.G. Kaufman Gas Lamp with Slag Glass Shade (Estimate: $300-500).

Charles Fudge, owner and auctioneer at Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique Auctions, is a 40-year auction veteran. He specializes in Fine Art and high-end antiques.Yor more information, you can view their website at http://www.charliefudge.com, or contact him at 352-795-2061 or at webuyit@tampabay.rr.com.

Antiques, Fine Art, Pre-Columbian, Antique Armor & More at June 2010 Auction

ANTIQUES, FINE ART and COLLECTIBLES AUCTION

The Estate of The Late Harry Renker of Geneva, IL - Airline Pilot and International Purveyor of Fine Antiques -- With select additions

Saturday, June 26 at 10am EST

Previews: Friday 10-5 & Saturday 8-10 am

PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS & LIQUIDATORS, LLC

811 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL

800-542-3877 * 352-795-2061 * http://www.charliefudge.com/

Charles Fudge, Auctioneer - AB1131/AU1593

UPDATED PARTIAL LISTING

ART - Includes Paintings on Ivory, Miniature Paintings and Portrait Paintings on Porcelain Plaques including KPM and Berlin Porcelain by Famous Listed Artists including Wagner. 19th Century Paintings include a nice variety of Watercolor, Oil on Canvas and Oil on Board Paintings -- Many by Listed Artists - Subjects include Women, Sailing Ships, Prussian Soldiers, Hanging Game, Dogs and More. Bronze & Marble Statues and Sculptures - including Listed Artists, a Bronze and Ivory Statue of Oriental Man, a Bronze Statue of a Knight on a Horse, Gold Dore' Bronze Stag, a 20.5" Gold Dore' Statue of a Man in Loin Cloth with Dog, a Pair of Spelter Bronze Gladiators, a Matched Pair of Bronze Elephants with Ivory Tusks, Miniature Victorian Bronze Nudes, Artist Signed Rooster, a Pair of Bronze Chinoiserie Vases, a Russian Bronze of Monkeys, a Pheasant, a Samurai, and more. A great selection of Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Figures to include 2 Pheasants (one is signed Bergman) a Signed Franz Bergman Feather Shaped Pen Holder with Owl, as well as Miniature Austrian Bronze Dogs, Bear, Cat and a Crow Pin Cushion with Key in his Mouth. Exquisite Carved Ivory includes an intricately carved Pagoda with Dragon Handles (approximately 2 feet in height), an Ivory carved Figurine of a Beggar with his Dog, a fabulous Pair of Artist Signed 13.5" Ivory Phoenix Birds, a Set of Three Carved Ivory Horses, and an Inuit Carving of Polar Bears.

CLOCKS: An outstanding selection of very fine Antique Clocks including: 22" Tiffany & Co Gold Dore' Bronze Clock with Cherub holding a Sun Dial, 19c Louis XVI French Marble and Bronze Figural Clock: "Pendule A L'Etude Et La Philosophie” with Works by Samuel Marti, Tiffany Carriage Clock, 19c Ornately Carved Oak Case Mantle Clock by Webster, Exquisite 19th Century Carved English Oak Mantle Clock w/ Westminster Chimes, Vienna Regulator, Black Forest Cuckoo and many more.

FURNITURE: Includes a Fabulous Turn of the Century Marquetry Inlaid & Marble Top Bedroom Suite (bed converted to king size), with Intricately Carved and Inlaid Washstand and Vanity, an English Carved Oak Bible Stand dated 1661, 16th Century Walnut Coffer with Celtic Design on Paneled Front, a 17th Century Cromwellian Oak Arm chair, Victorian Walnut Étagère, Victorian Carved Oak Dining Room Suite, Heavily Carved 18th Century Chest, Jacobean Chair with Needlepoint Seat (circa 1660), 17th Century William and Mary Arm Chair with Coat of Arms Crest, Louis VI Country Provincial Cabinet, William & Mary Carved Oak Hall Settle w/ Caned Back and Seats, 19th Century French Curio Cabinet w/ Marquetry Inlay, 19th Century Table with Open Barley Twist Legs in the Style of Merklin Bros & Hunzinger. Victorian Oval Carved Oak Fire Screen (with original glass), Cast Iron Bed, Cast Iron Chairs, and much more.

POTTERY, PORCELAIN & GLASS: Large Dresden Lace Grouping of a Victorian Chess Match, Royal Doulton Vase (circa 1850), Sevres, Prussian Enameled Art Glass Regimental Stein (lid is engraved with names of the troops), American Belleek, Set of Wedgwood China, Jasperware, German Porcelain Plaque in High Relief attributed to Schafer & Vater "Volkstedt", Murano Art Glass attributed to Pollio Perelda of Toso Fratelli Co., Waterford Crystal to include Floor Lamp, Pair of Boudoir Lamps, Hurricane Lamp, Pair of Table Lamps, and more. 19th Century Oil and Whale Oil Lamps, and much, much more.

MISCELLANEOUS and UNIQUE & RARE ITEMS include 3 Pairs of Miniature Cobbler's Shoe Samples, Brass Dolphin Cigar Cutter, Silver Repousse Handled Walking Stick, Early Victorian Gilded Mother of Pearl Tussie-Mussie / Posie Holder / Nosegay - complete with ring and pin, 18th Century English Copper Toddy Warmer, Chinese Bronze Snuff Box, Verfel Russian Bronze of Monkeys in a Bat, Brass Regency Ink Stand with a Winged Griffin and 2 Cut Glass Ink Bottles, Pair of 18th Bardin Century Globes (Celestial and Terrestrial), Very Large 19th Century Cast Bronze Shield with Battle Scenes,

Antique Bronze Tazza with Griffin Supports, Inuit Carving of Polar Bears by Inupiat Whaling Captain & Artist: Simeon Patkotak, 18th Century Pewter Tankards, Chargers and Ink Wells, Antique Bibles & 17th Century Josephus book, 19th Century Embossed Copper Box with Colorful Scenes, Victorian Beveled Glass Display Boxes, and many more items too numerous to list.

ARMOUR & MILITARY ITEMS: Ranging from the 16th to 19th Century: Half Pike Espontoon Carried by English Color Sergeants, 2 Full Suits of Armour (mid 19th Century versions of 16th Century Armour, Polearms, Hilt Rapiers (circa 1600), Musket Balls, Bronze Age Persian Arrow Heads and many more items.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN ANTIQUITIES & ARTIFACTS: Classic Mayan Cylinder Vase from the El Tikal Ruins, (circa: 235-700AD), An American Indian Pre-Columbian 13 inch Red Ware Bowl attributed to Gila - Higley, Arizona, White Mountain, Circa 900AD, Vessels from White river, Yellow County, Chihuahua, Cliff Dwellers and and other areas and tribes. Pottery with Frieze Decoration, Polychrome, Black on Red and more. Also: Arrowheads and Beads. (None of the above are from Federal Land)

ORIENTALIA: Includes Outstanding Japanese Bronze Vases & Urns including a pair of 19th Century Bronze Vases with inlaid Gold, Silver and Copper, Signed Oriental Vases, Chinese Bronze Sculpture, 19th Century Champleve Urn, Large Carved Ivory Pagoda, Pair of Phoenix Birds, Buddha collection includes Bronze, Siam, 18th Century Large Carved Wooden Buddha, a Japanese Dore Bronze Vase, Ivory and Cloisonné statue of Quan Yin, and much more.

JEWELRY & COINS: Fine Estate Gold, Diamond, & Gemstone Jewelry & Watches including Victorian and Art Deco. Loose Gems including Tanzanite, Rubies, Diamonds, Emeralds and More, US Gold & Silver Coins including Silver Dollars, Mint Sets, Proof Sets. A nice variety of Gold Coins, and much more.

TERMS

Terms Summary: Cash, U.S. Credit cards: Master Card, VISA, Discover, and Approved Check. 13% Buyers Premium (Less 3% Discount for Cash on Day of Auction). Complete Terms, Policies and Conditions can be found on our website.

All information was derived from sources believed to be correct but is not guaranteed. All announcements at sale take precedence over any printed matter. Professional Appraisers and Liquidators, LLC Auction Gallery strongly encourages in person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by our auctioneers regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Professional Appraisers and Liquidators. All lots offered are sold "As Is".

We are currently buying and accepting quality consignments of Antiques, Art, Jewelry, Coins, Gold and Collectibles. Get your items in early to take advantage of National and International Advertising and On-Line Auction Exposure!

See our Website for Info, Catalog & Photos: http://www.charliefudge.com/

Auctioneer's Note: Folks, We are very excited to offer this fabulous assortment of Fine Antiques, Art, and Collectibles to you this month. We believe it is one of the finest in our 40 year history. As we write this note, we continue to buy and take consignments, so there will be many fabulous items that are not listed in the Partial Listing. Don't forget to view our website for the complete catalog, photos, and updates. This is certainly an auction you cannot afford to miss! Call Delilah for Seat Reservations (352-795-2061). For those of you who are unable to attend, on-line bidding is provided as a convenience. Details can be found on our website: www.charliefudge.com. See you at the auction! Charles Fudge

Mid Century Modern Murano Art Glass

Here is a great article on Mid Century Modern Murano Art Glass:
The magic of Murano glass;Collecting - Times Online

Don't forget to check out the 20th Century Mid Century Modern Murano Art Glass among many fabulous other Antiques, Fine Art and Collectibles in our June 26th Antique and Fine Art Auction! Details at http://www.charliefudge.com/

AVIATOR'S ANTIQUES FROM HERE & ABROAD AT AUCTION

811 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429

352-795-2061 // 800-542-3877

http://www.charliefudge.com/

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AVIATOR'S ANTIQUES FROM HERE AND ABROAD AT AUCTION

The Estate of World War II Veteran, Retired Delta Airlines Pilot and International Purveyor of Fine Antiques, Harry Renker, to be Auctioned at Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique Auction on Saturday, June 26th in Crystal River, Florida.

Just a FEW of the Fabulous Antiques in the June 26th Auction!

Crystal River, FL May 10, 2010 -- Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique Auctions will be the venue for the Estate of Harry Renker, Retired Delta Pilot and International Purveyor of Fine Antiques. The auction is to take place on June 26, 2010 beginning at 10am. Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, a 40 year veteran auctioneer of antiques, fine art and collectibles says this collection is one of the finest he's seen.

The late Captain Harry Renker's career in aviation began in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the South Pacific, where he logged over 200 combat missions and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, and 3 Air Medals. After returning to the states, he served as personal Pilot and Liaison to Generals Truesdale and Candee at The Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth Kansas. Renker was hired by Delta in 1946 and was one of the oldest living retired Delta Airline pilots. In addition to flying commercial and military planes, he flew ultra-lites until he was 87 years old.

Aviation was not Renker's only passion. In addition to flying, Renker and his wife Gayle loved fine art and antiques, and traveled the world to add to their ever-growing personal collection. Captain Renker and his wife began their journey in retail sales when they opened Valley Coin Shop in Aurora, Illinois. They later opened "Valley Coin and Antiques" in Geneva, IL. Geneva is a quaint little city 40 miles west of Chicago. Its history began with habitation by the Illinois and Prairie Pottawatomie Tribes during the 17th and 18th Centuries. The year 1836 brought a group of Settlers from Massachusetts called the Boston Colony to Geneva. The Renkers chose this historic city as the location for their shop, because of its history and character. Geneva was noted for charming shops including approximately 15 antique stores.

Gayle Renker ran the antique shop on a daily basis, and Captain Renker worked there on his days off. They both studied and researched many types of antiques, but their primary areas of expertise were European Antiques and Antique Jewelry. They also studied and collected Antique Weaponry and took an interest in American Indian Artifacts, probably due to the early history of Geneva, Il.

Being a Delta Airlines Pilot with discounted flights and cargo fees had its advantages. Harry would often go on antique shopping expeditions while on layovers in various cities. But, perhaps the biggest benefit for a commercial pilot in the antiques business was the affordibility of traveling to Europe and shipping their newly found treasures home. Captain and Mrs. Renker often traveled to Europe to scout antique shops in the city and traverse off-the-beaten-path shops in England and Scotland's countryside. They were usually guided by an Englishman they'd befriended who knew many out of the way places to find antiques that were unknown to the tourist trade. While on these buying sprees, they bought antiques for their shop, as well as their personal collection.

For many years, a big event at their antique store in Geneva, Illinois, was the arrival of the Renker's container of antiquities they'd purchased during their buying excursions throughout Europe. Clients would arrive at the shop in excited anticipation of the unveiling of the treasures they'd found. It is with that same anticipation that Professional Appraisers and Liquidator's Antique Auction Gallery will offer the Renker's personal collection at auction on June 26, 2010, beginning at 10am. The collection will be available for preview on Friday, June 25th from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday from 8am until the auction begins.

The Harry Renker Estate Auction (with select additions) will feature Fine Art, including Antique Oil Paintings - Many by Listed Artists, Ivory Carvings, Bronze and Marble Statues, Austrian Cold Painted Bronzes and Miniatures including Bergman, and Paintings on Ivory and Porcelain, to include KPM. Other European items from the Renker's personal collection include Antique Furniture ranging from the 17th Century to Victorian Era and Antique Armor and Weaponry. Oriental art is included in the form of several Buddha Statues from various eras. North America antiques include American Indian Pottery and clocks by makers such as Tiffany & Co. Unique items such as a Victorian Gilded Mother of Pearl Posey Holder or Tussie Mussie, a Russian Bronze Snuff Box, a signed Bergman Pen Holder in the form of an Owl on a Feather and other Austrian Cold Painted Bronze items and Miniatures to name a few. To view photos and a partial listing, go to www.charliefudge.com. The complete catalog for the Estate of Captain Harry Renker (with additions), along with photographs of each item, will be available on the firm's website by June 1st. Floor bidding, absentee and telephone bidding is offered. Real-time bidding through Internet portals www.proxibid.com and www.liveauctioneers.com is also available for your convenience. You can contact the auction gallery directly at 352-795-2061 or 800-542-3877 for further information or to request a brochure.

Professional Appraisers and Liquidators LLC

Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, of Professional Appraisers & Liquidator's Antique Auctions has been bringing the finest Antiques, Fine Art and Collectibles to dealers and collectors alike for over 40 years. Their 7500 square foot climate controlled antique gallery in Crystal River, Florida, has easy access via major highways and airports. The firm purchases estates and collections outright or will accept them on consignment.

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Note to Press: If you'd like an interview with Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, or more information about the Renker Estate or the Antique Auction, please contact Delilah or Amy at 352-795-2061

SUMMARY: Professional Appraisers & Liquidator's Antique Auction is pleased to offer The Estate of The Late Harry Renker of Geneva, IL - Airline Pilot and International Purveyor of Fine Antiques -- with select additions -- at their gallery in Crystal River, FL, on Saturday, June 26th at 10am. Items of interest include KPM, Signed Wagner and other Paintings on Porcelain and Ivory. Other antique items include, Bronze, Marble & Ivory Figurines and Statues, 19th Century Paintings by Listed Artists, Antique Clocks (including Tiffany), Antique Furniture ranging from the 17th Century to the Victorian Era, Antique Armor and Weaponry & Native American Indian Pottery. Unique items such as a Victorian Gilded Mother of Pearl Posey Holder or Tussie Mussie, a Russian Bronze Snuff Box, a signed Bergman Pen Holder in the form of an Owl on a Feather and other Austrian Cold Painted Bronze items and Miniatures to name a few. In addition to Floor Bidding, Real-time Internet and Absentee Bidding is available. Information, catalog and photos can be found on their website: www.charliefudge.com or by calling 352-795-2061 or 800-542-3877.

IMPORTANT ANTIQUE AUCTON COMING SOON.

FOLKS, the June auction is going to be FAN-TABULOUS! I'm finishing up the PR, the brochure and we start cataloging in 2 weeks! If you have QUALITY Antiques or Collectibles to sell or consign, get them to us YESTERDAY. We need them A.S.A.P if you are going to be included in our advertising. The auction will, of course, have live bidding in our auction gallery, it will have on-line internet bidding, and we accept absentee and telephone bidding.


Photos are coming soon as is more info, but in the meantime, check http://www.charliefudge.com for further info


By the way, the clock in the photo is TIFFANY & CO of New York from an estate in the Chicago suburbs. There are too many items to even start to list them! I suggest you just check out the website for now!

CITRUS COUNTY ANTIQUE AUCTIONS AND LIVE AUCTIONEERS - HERE WE COME

In an effort to bring in more internet bidders to our Citrus County Antique Auctions, we are bringing in LiveAuctioneers.com for our October 31st Auction. We've been using Proxibid for over a year now - maybe two, but we still felt like we weren't reaching as many internet bidders as we wanted for our Antique, Art, and Collectibles auction. So, this October 31st we are bringing Liveauctioneers.com on board. LiveAuctioneers used to be the official company for eBay Live, which is no more. But, I believe that they brought most of the serious Antique, Fine Art & Collectible buyers with them when they split from ebay. In today's economy, we need to do everything we possibly can as a high end antique auction to reach as many bidders as we can when we have our auctions. We are not dropping proxibid, but rather we are just adding yet one more avenue for on-line bidders at our live auction. I'm very curious to see how it will all work out. We'd love to see your comments as to which on-line bidding venue you prefer. Eventually, we might choose one or the other, but for now we'll have a live audience and BOTH online bidding options.

Auctions & Estate Companies vs Sr. Moving Companies

Senior moving companies are on the rise. During the past few years, they have popped up all over the map. One can pay just under $1500 for a 3-day course to be certified as a Senior Transition Specialist. Is this really new, or have they rebranded an age old concept of helping our elders? These companies are charging for services that Auction Businesses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been providing to their older clients for years, but they were doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They didn't know that helping seniors make the transition to assisted living or a relative's home could mean dollar signs. Instead they helped because it was the neighborly thing to do.

Do a google search and the names are endless. Senior Transitions, Caring Transitions, Gentle Transitions, and Mature Movers are just a few. They even have an association: The National Association of Senior Move Managers, a 501-C-3 Not-for-Profit organization.

Why have these companies become necessary? Isn't there anyone who cares about the elderly enough to help them with their move to assisted living or back home to be near their children without being paid for it? Are family members too busy to help them? Don't neighbors help each other anymore? What happened to "Love your neighbor as yourself". Well, there actually are two types of businesses that have been around for ever and a day that have been helping seniors prepare for moving day and most likely they didn't charge them extra. Those businesses are Estate Sale and Auction Companies. Although they may not have specifically advertised this service, for years Auction Houses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been the liaison between clients and their out of town family members to help this transition go smoothly. These businesses have helped sort items, made necessary arrangements, and taken it upon themselves to see that their clients were ready for moving day. Most have left the home void of debris, "broom clean" and ready for a realtor. Many carried unsold items to a local charity.

The liquidators didn't charge for the little extras. The auctioneer or estate sale companies made their profit on the liquidation of the items in the home that were not going to be moved, and not for helping the senior with all the other details.
These "details" can become overwhelming to a client, but are matter-of-fact for liquidators, who move seniors day in and day out. A huge smile or a warm hug from the senior were compensation enough for their assistance. Years later the companies were still reaping additional rewards in the form of word-of-mouth referrals from family, friends, and neighbors who were impressed at the kindness displayed by the liquidators.

The good news is that estate sale companies and auction houses still offer these services, but evidently they haven't been doing a good job of advertising the extras they offer. If they were properly advertising the many ways in which they help their clients, there would have been no room for an industry based solely on helping seniors move. The senior transiton companies are NOT moving companies. Instead they help the senior with the details involved in moving. If an estate sale or auction house is worth their salt, then they are providing the same services, without the extra cost.

Most auctioneers in states such as Florida, with a large population of older residents, will tell you that at least 50 percent of their business involves assisting an elderly widow or widower with their "back up north" or to Assisted Living. They call the estate sale company or auction business because they need to downsize or liquidate their estate. In more than half of those cases, the person who makes the first contact is a relative living in another state. When the out of state relative calls to make arrangements to liquidate their loved ones home, an auction house will give them options. They can either sell the items outright, put them on consignment for an upcoming Antique or Estate Auction, or conduct an estate sale with said items - either at the client's home or in the business' own facility. Whichever method of liquidation is chosen, at this point, the auction business acts as an extension of the out of town family, and does everything they can to put the senior's mind at ease regarding the move. Typically, they go above and beyond what they are contracted to do. Most auctioneers will tell you that if they are hired to liquidate, the sorting and packing of items that will be moved, debris removal and cleaning the home once its vacant, is done for FREE.

Citrus County Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, says, "Our staff has over 100 years of combined experience in liquidating estates, and seniors have made up a good majority of our clientelle. We treat everyone like family. Anyone who calls upon our business will receive help and support from us, and they shouldn't need a moving specialist. We can have a senior packed, unpacked, and settled in assisted living in about 24 hours. The sooner we can get them settled in their new home, the better. We want them to feel "at home" in their new residence right away, and this happens when the things they love surround them. They need to have their medicine in a place they can easily reach. They want the photo of their deceased spouse on their nightstand, and their grandchildren's photo hanging on the wall. We make sure they have the necessities in their refrigerator and their clothes hanging in their closet. If they have a pet, they need to know the new location for keeping the pet food. These little things make a big difference in how quickly they adapt to their new surroundings and we make it happen." He goes on to say, "We treat each move as if the client was our own grandmother, and we keep open lines of communication with the out of town family members. Once the house is emptied, our cleaning crew goes in and gets the house prepared for the realtor or buyer. We've done such a great job over the years that at least 20 percent of our business comes from realtors or word of mouth advertising via friends, relatives, or neighbors of people we've moved. "


Employee Amy Stalker says, "He does this all for FREE because he is a very kind man, with a special place in his heart for the elderly" He has moved more people into assisted living (from start to finish) than she can count, and the only money he makes is the commission on items they sell or profit on items he buys for resale." (His auction business does not charge extra for those needing extra assistance with their liquidation and move.) "He's even personally coordinated a client's move to upstate New York after downsizing the former home, then flew up north to help the gentleman settle into his new residence", adds Amy.

In summary, the services provided by these senior movers is not new, or unique. They've just found a new way to brand an old tradition. It is wonderful that they are providing a service for the elderly, but auctioneers and estate liquidators have been doing the same for decades. Auctioneers and estate sale companies have helped their clients out of kindness, and the specialized senior movers saw a nitch in the market and turned it into a business. Before hiring a specialized company to move your loved one back "home" or to assisted living, find out what "extras" your local auction house or estate sale companies provide when you contract with them to liquidate the contents of the home. You may find that the added expense of a senior moving specialist is not necessary.

For additional information, contact Antique Auctions by Professional Appraisers & Liquidators at 811 US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL. Their website is http://www.charliefudge.com/ or you can reach them by telephone toll free at 800-542-3877. To find an auctioneer near you visit: www.auctioneers.org/