Field notes: a Saturday at auction

Much of what you see on the floor starts its second life at a local auction. Here is roughly how one of those days goes.

Before the bidding

The preview is where the real work happens: opening drawers, checking joints, turning lamps over to look at the wiring and making notes on what is worth a bid.

What we look for

• Solid construction that will last another few decades.

• Pieces with character that are hard to find new.

• Things that can be cleaned up rather than rebuilt.

The bidding

Box lots are the fun part. A box of mismatched kitchenware can hide one perfect pitcher. Furniture is where you set a limit and stick to it.

The best finds are usually at the bottom of the box.

After

Everything gets loaded, brought back, cleaned, checked and priced before it goes out. Some pieces are on the floor the next week. Others need a little more time.

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