Hundreds Attend as Auction Prevails on Long Standing Grosse Ile Estate

GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN – After being listed on the conventional market for nearly ten years without a single offer, the home of Hank and Barbara Potrukus was sold at auction in a matter of minutes. In addition, just prior to the real estate a four hour personal property auction the lifelong accumulation of personal effects was successfully sold at auction.

Despite the frigid 20 degree temperatures this past Saturday, over 350 enthusiastic bidders arrived at the residence located at 20521 Meridian bright and early to have the opportunity to bid on several hundred various lots in the auction that spanned just four hours. The items which include but not limited to; were a classic Pontiac Firebird, Harley Davidson motorcycle, a collection of precious antique pocket watches, high end industrial machinery and implements along with sporting firearms and other personal belongings from the Potrykus estate.

“We really could not have asked for a better turn out with attendance and prices realized. Over the course of the last few months, the owner (Mrs. Potrukus) has been on an emotional roller coaster with Hank’s rapidly declining health and passing. Seeing that great big smile on her face when the last bid was called was a great start to a new beginning. She was pleased.” Said personal property auction manger, Ken Lindsay of American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company in Livonia, Michigan.

Immediately following the personal property auction, the attention turned to Bill Sheridan, President of Sheridan Realty and Auction of Mason, Michigan who began the opening announcements of the real estate. With 11 registered bidders, the auction began with an opening price of $200,000. In a matter of minutes, the largest parcel of real estate on Grosse Ile, Michigan was declared sold for $410,000 with a 3% Buyers Premium which followed with a round of applause from those in attendance including the Potrykus family. The auction method of marketing real estate brings the market to the real estate instead of waiting for offers and creative terms. Real estate auctions force buyers to react on a given date under a strict set of terms and conditions designed to protect the seller. The seller determines the rules and the buyer determines the price. The property will close within 30 days after the auction date with no contingencies. A real estate auction works best when the sellers are ready to sell.

Additional information pertaining to the auction is available by contacting American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company at (248) 473-1547 (http://www.aeauctions.com/). or Sheridan Realty & Auction Company at (517) 676-9800 (www.sheridanauctionservice.com)

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Auction Highlights

Gustav Stickley Plate Rack Tops Castner's Auction

December 10 Branchville, NJ

Castner Auction & Appraisal Service, LLC of Branchville, NJ conducted an Auction at their gallery located on 6 Wantage Avenue. Over 100 hopeful attendees were registered to bid.

The highlight of the auction was a Gustav Stickley plate rack which sold for $3,800.00 to the highest bidder. Also offered was a L & JG Stickley Mission Oak Dining Table with 4 leaves which sold for $2,600, an Oak Mission Style Sideboard for $2,400 and a set of 4 L & JG Stickley Chairs which sold for $2,000 to an out of state bidder. All items were sold without reserve.Castner's is a New Jersey based company featuring gallery, on site, and Internet Auctions. They have regular auctions of antiques, residential contents, collectibles, jewelry, tools, and more.

For more information on Castner Auction & Appraisal Service, LLC visit www.castners.com or contact them at the information below:
Hulda Fischer
Castner Auction & Appraisal Service, LLC6
Wantage AvenuePO Box 920Branchville, NJ 07826
Phone: (973) 948-3868
Email: info@castners.com

Jay Ruby Earns the Title of 2006 Maryland State Bid Calling Champion

Jay Ruby of Frederick, Maryland was named the 2006 Maryland State Bid Calling Champion during the Auctioneers Association of Maryland’s annual fundraising event. The bid calling contest was held at Phil & Roy Gregory’s auction facility at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Friendship, Maryland in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish fundraising auction. Rachel Troppman of Woodbine was the first runner-up and Doug Hornberger of North East was the second runner-up. Jay was selected out of seven other contestants from across the state who participated in the event. The three judges in this event included Ernie Rogers – 2004 VA Bid Calling Champion, Jeanie Crowl – Executive Director for the PA Auctioneers Assoc., and Brian Hash – 2005 VA Bid Calling Champion.

Ruby has been in the field of auctioneering since 1988 when he was hired as a part-time ringman working for Wolfe Auctions where his brother, Randy, was also employed. After graduating high school in 1990, he attended and graduated from Missouri Auction School in August 1990. Since that time, he has become licensed in many states including PA, VA, WVA, GA, and FL to name a few. As a member of the National Auctioneers Association, he has completed two sessions of GPPA and is working to complete that designation. Ruby will also be attending his first year of CAI in March of 2006.

In January, 2005, Jay became Vice President and Partner of Wolfe Auctions where he, and his brother, Randy specialize in construction equipment, trucks, industrial plant machinery, and commercial real estate. They also perform appraisals from New York to California. Their facility is currently located in Frederick, Maryland, but they own property in York Springs, PA and plan to move their operations to York Springs where they will operate a permanent drive through facility.

An active member of the Auctioneers Association of Maryland, serving on a committee, Jay plans to run for the Board of Directors for the term, 2006-2008. To find more out about the Maryland Auctioneers Association and on upcoming auctions throughout the state go to www.mdauctioneers.org.

$5 bill from Lyons NY Bank fetches $800

December 10 - Lyons, NY

Sentimental value for a piece of hometown nostalgia may have set a record for the sale of a five dollar bill issued in 1929 by the Lyons National Bank.

The winning bid came in at $800. The Pittsford buyer was a 'stand-in bidder' for his brother in California, who had inspected the paper money earlier that week. The buyer won the bid against stiff local competition. The back-up buyer, who had sentimental ties to the note, was from Lyons and had worked for one of the men whose signature appeared on the National Currency bank note.

Auctioneer Greg LeGrand of the Great American Auction House, Route 31 in Lyons, commented on how an item starts off as a desirable for sentimental reasons, then becomes a collectible because of age. 'Then at auction, the free enterprise system kicks in and turns it into a rare collector's piece,' he said, 'insuring the seller realized fair market value, which proves once again, the auction method works for both seller and buyer alike.' This was the first of what will be an annual numismatics auction Thanksgiving weekend. 'We will still have Christmas items, antiques, and consignments,' LeGrand said, 'making sure there is something for everyone at the auctions.'