Auctioneer Chants - Are You As Confused As I Am?

SeaBreeze

SeaBreeze

Endlessly Groovin'
Location
USA
I've only been to a couple of auctions in my time, and I didn't participate. In one car auction my husband bid on an old Suburban to fix up and resell. I have no idea what the auctioneers are saying at all, and can't keep up with what's going on. Am I alone, how about you?

Even when my hubby's in the other room watching a classic car auction on cable TV, just the sound of the auctioneer tends to rack on my nerves. Have you ever been an auctioneer, or know one personally? Do you find it easy to follow what they're saying? :saywhat:

 

Back in the 60s, stationed in Maryland, one of our group ad a neighbor who was an auctioneer. We were all quite fascinated, and once when we were asking him about it, he slowed down his auction call so we could understand the words. Quite interesting -- I would get all tongue tied if I tried to go that fast.
 
I have been to the Meekum Auctions (car auctions), which are a lot of fun, not to mention having a chance to see many, many fine automobiles. I have a friend that I graduated high school with who went to school to learn how to be an auctioneer. He lives on a big farm, which he no longer farms, but has more stuff, or as I call it, junk, than any other person that I know. I did buy a Wurlitzer jukebox from him some years ago and had it restored to the tune of $12,000.00. That included new electronics, which are still done like it was originally and also the cabinet was restored as well. I kept it for about 7 or 8 years and then sold it for $21,000.00. It was a beautiful piece of Americana. BTW, the price that I sold it for was a real deal. I was told that it was worth closer to $30,000.00.
 
I enjoy auctions and the auctioneer's chant. Especially as they escalate in their tones as the the bidding increases.
Growing up, when we were at the summer house, Saturday night country auctions were our entertainment. My father a great part of it. Bidding on boxes and suitcases .... surprise items.
The auctioneers would then ask him to come up and open the items he won. He made a great show out of the contents....with a joke about each. Especially remember when one box contained a chamber pot...he totally embarrassed my aunt...by holding it up and telling her that it was something she needed and even though it had a crack....was still usable. Strangely, I do not remember him ever bringing the items home though.
Auctions and auctioneers evoke wonderful memories.
 
Guitarist said:
No idea. I prefer this kind of auctioneer:
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Nothing personal, but I would fall asleep at an auction like that - with my luck, probably with my bid hand in the air. :(

oldman said:
Here, learn how to be an auctioneer:
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Excellent - thank you!

oldman said:
... I did buy a Wurlitzer jukebox from him some years ago and had it restored to the tune of $12,000.00. That included new electronics, which are still done like it was originally and also the cabinet was restored as well. I kept it for about 7 or 8 years and then sold it for $21,000.00. It was a beautiful piece of Americana. BTW, the price that I sold it for was a real deal. I was told that it was worth closer to $30,000.00.
Click to expand...

When I lived in my NYC loft I had the room and desire (and money) to "collect" old pinball machines - loved them. I'd restore them as best I could on my own, with the help and parts list of a local dealer, then we'd have Saturday night parties where we'd all play pinball until the wee hours.

Great times!
 

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