Auction Kings

I just saw another thread about a show on Discovery channel and thought I would post up my experience today.

So, my stepmother and I went to that Gallery 63 place that is the resale/auction place on that show Auction Kings on Discovery Channel since my stepmother wants to sell some stuff and we live in Atlanta.

The items we brought down were:

A 1970 Rolex watch
Her wedding ring from my late father
An authenticated Norman Rockwell painting
A Gone With the Wind 1st edition book

I have seen the commercials and maybe watched half a show on TV. It just really didn't interest me. I am also not one to get star-struck or anything after working in a night club in Atlanta for a few years. But it was kinda interesting the interaction we had with them.

My step mother started explaining to the manager lady what we had. As soon as the words "Gone With the Wind, first edition" came out, the guy that runs the place came out of the office and had to have a look. I am going to be honest, I know very little of art or literature nor do I typically care if it is not automotive related( ). He verified it was indeed a 1st Edition because it was a June 1936. He was impressed that the binding was in such good shape. He also had interest in the Rolex although the band was kinda crappy and also the diamond ring because apparently it is a "B-1" grade (I also know nothing of diamonds). He had very little interest in the Norman Rockwell, but said he would take it because we had other good stuff and we were nice people. The manager lady started putting the ring on her finger to compare it to hers, it was kinda funny.

We walked around the shop just to see the cool things they had and the film crew were hanging out in the corners and stuff not really filming anything. I really didn't care about being on TV so I was just trying to stay out of their way.

They had some cool stuff outside. A '65(I think) Ford Thunderbird, a 7 ton military truck, a couple of small speed boats.

I was kinda shocked at how nice they were, even with people coming in and wanting to take pictures with them. Really nice people. It was pretty cool. I may actually try and watch their show sometime.

Well did they buy the stuff from your step mother?

They basically are going to auction it at the next auction this weekend and they get a cut of the money.

Where is Gallery 63? I thought it was the place of Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs, but thats not it

DukeOfUndersteer wrote: Where is Gallery 63? I thought it was the place of Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs, but thats not it

That is exactly where it is

Oh, I know where that is now! I was thinking of Red Baron Auction House that is more north on Roswell Rd, down the street from Lambo

I like the show, because it seems to actually be real. If it isn't, don't tell.

Thing I like is that they try to get the sellers as much as they can get. Not like the pawn shop guys that beat everybody down.

Yep, that show seems more legit than the pawn shop shows.

cwh wrote: Thing I like is that they try to get the sellers as much as they can get. Not like the pawn shop guys that beat everybody down.

That's because they get paid on commission.

I watch it, on occasion. I like that they're real and not scumbags like pawn whatever. I guess the pawn shop idiots aren't even there most of the time.

mndsm wrote: I watch it, on occasion. I like that they're real and not scumbags like pawn whatever. I guess the pawn shop idiots aren't even there most of the time.

You mean this guy

Woody wrote:

cwh wrote: Thing I like is that they try to get the sellers as much as they can get. Not like the pawn shop guys that beat everybody down.

That's because they get paid on commission.

Yep. It gives them the incentive to fluff it up and make it better. I have a feeling he has a handful of people that he knows buys old books and jewelry that he will be calling to have come to the auction to get a bidding war going. His pay check depends on it as much as ours.

Like I said, stand up people that run the place. I doubt I would have the same warm and fuzzy feeling from the Pawn Stars people. They seem kinda arrogant.

From what I've seen, the Pawn Shop in Vegas is just a tourist trap selling t-shirts now. The guys don't even show up. The "buys" are all staged, I guess. I suppose they made enough money on the show and their website that the actual store is now just a soundstage.

Basil Exposition wrote: From what I've seen, the Pawn Shop in Vegas is just a tourist trap selling t-shirts now. The guys don't even show up. The "buys" are all staged, I guess. I suppose they made enough money on the show and their website that the actual store is now just a soundstage.

Yeah, that doesn't surprise me.

There wasn't some cave these people were hiding in or anything. They basically talk to everyone that comes in. Still had the feel of a mom and pop type shop. I didn't even notice the camera crew until I was walking out. They were all polite as hell too.