The consignor was very insistent that the auctioneer, while locking up her valuables the night before the auction, include the old, well-used, wooden butcher knife among the items going under lock and key. “This knife is very valuable,” the little old lady said. Without argument, the auctioneer safely secured the knife, despite having sold numerous identical knives for $20 and less. It had been a long day, and the auctioneer was not keen on taking on another potentially disappointed seller. Not now, anyway. The next day, as the auction was heating up, he pulled the knife out of the “high value box.” He remembered the consignor’s words and thought … ’what the hey?’ Thrusting the knife into the air, where all could see, he exclaimed, “Do I hear $300 for this fine old butcher knife.” “Four hundred,” was the answer from a darkened corner of the gallery. “Five hundred,” immediately followed another shout from a woman directly in front of the auction block. The auctioneer was dumbfounded; but, ever the professional, he kept on taking bids. The knife sold for $2,000. Whatever it was, I wish I had a few more knives like that,” the auctioneer thought. A few days later, the auctioneer was settling up with the little old lady. Curiously, he asked about the knife. “Oh, that’s the knife grandma used every Sunday morning to cut up sausage and bacon for breakfast. She used that knife ever since any of us can remember.” Apparently, one side of the family wanted the knife … or they didn’t want the other side to have it. That’s an example of an instructive story that illustrates the foibles of mankind, and the crazy world of auctioneering. And, it’s not a story without a kicker. A few days later, the auctioneer was in his office when another sweet old lady approached his desk. Reaching into her handbag, she pulls out an old, more than adequately used, wooden-handled butcher knife. “I saw you sell one of these for $2,000 last weekend. I was wondering if you could sell mine?” That’s the kind of stories auctioneer, writer and public speaker Tammy A. Miller is seeking for her upcoming book, Stories from the Auction Block. The book is scheduled to be released July 2018, so Miller needs submissions from the public before April 1. All of the proceeds from the book will benefit St. Jude’s Children Hospital and the National Auctioneers Foundation for educational scholarships. She is looking for stories from auctioneers or their crew, those who attend auctions, buyers, sellers … anyone involved in any way with the auction industry. She is looking for stories which bring a historical perspective to auctioneering, auction stories to warm your heart, funny auction stories, hidden treasures found at auctions … “these are just examples,” she said. “I am just looking for good material. I know a lot of people say they don’t have the time. I’m not looking for anything complete … maybe just sit down and record something, or take general notes, and send it to me. If you need assistance with the typing/telling of your story, please let me know and someone will assist you.” Miller has written three books, including a similar collection of stories about women and men whose lives have been affected by breast cancer in the book, Pink Ribbon Stories, A Celebration of Life. The Pennsylvania auctioneer wants to write the book as an entertaining, inspirational and historical-anecdotal book on one of the oldest professions in the world. Stories should be a maximum of 800 words in length. Contributors will be credited with stories; however, they will not be paid. Stories may be directly emailed to Miller or submitted in Word format to her website. Contact: (814) 360-4031 www.tammymillerauctions.com |