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The swift-tongued auctioneer rattled off continuous gibberish, with numbers thrown in. I was a little afraid to raise my bidding card. Would I accidentally spend a whole lot more money than I meant to?
Finally, reluctantly ....I raised up #54 and one of the floor auctioneers YIPPED in my direction. I jumped. I was the high-bidder for about 12 seconds. The price rifled upwards and out of sight.
I had thrown my hat into the ring but the antique bench went to the highest bidder ...today that wasn't me. The Burley Auction, located in New Braunfels, is a fast-paced, professional auction. Auctioneers and floor auctioneers strut across the front of the room parading the wares for the eager buyers. The item is also shown on a large, flat-panel LCD screen at the front of the room.
Crisp, white, long-sleeved shirts and cowboy hats
let you know who is in charge
Quilts and antique desks go flying across the stage with bidders trying to act noncommittal about each piece.
The auctioneer went through 119 items while I sat there for just over an hour. Before the end of the day, another 371 items would be rattled off and sold. Things were going for bargain-basement prices on this particular day. The auctioneers were shaking their heads as a civil war chest left the stage for only $125.
I had a sense that the mood of the room and personalities of the day dictated the speed and the fury of the auction. Today the air conditioner was piping in cold air and perhaps it was a little too chilly for people to warm up to the relics in the room.
The Burley Auction group requires you to fill out a one page form, sign it and produce your driver's license before they'll issue you a bidder's number. Several rows up front (6 or more) are reserved for their regulars so find a seat in the middle or near the back. You'll find a catalog of the day's wares on an empty chair. Come early for the preview if you want to get up close and personal with the items before you bid.
Visit their website to add yourself to their mailing list. You'll be notified of upcoming auctions.
I highly recommend this activity for teenage kids and adults. Younger kids will likely get bored after 15 minutes.
| Burley Auction Group 134 Deborah Dr. New Braunfels, TX 830-237-3440 |
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