How To Bid (and Win!) At A Live Auction
For those who have never participated in a live auction, it can seem a bit overwhelming at first.
The fast-paced bidding, the auctioneer's chant, and the excitement of the competition might feel intimidating.
But fear not!
With a little preparation and understanding, you can confidently step into the world of live auctions and even walk away with some incredible finds.
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The Surprising Power of a ‘Plus One’ in Absentee Bidding—And Why It’s a Game Changer
Auctions are a thrilling way to buy unique, one-of-a-kind items, but if you’re new to bidding, they can also feel a bit mysterious. One of the best ways to participate if you can't attend in person is called absentee bidding. And here’s where a powerful option comes into play: a “Plus One” feature that can make all the difference when there’s stiff competition for an item. Let’s break down what absentee bidding and “Plus One” are, why they’re helpful, and how they work in a real-life example.
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Downsizing Simplified: Expert Tips for Decluttering, Appraisals, and Auctions
Downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're decluttering for a fresh start, transitioning to a smaller home, or managing an estate, our step-by-step guide simplifies the process. From professional appraisals to communicating with loved ones and organizing your belongings into categories—retain, gift, or sell—you’ll find practical advice to make downsizing stress-free and rewarding. Let Thomaston Place Auction Galleries help you navigate this journey with expert appraisals and auction services to maximize the value of your treasures.
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Learn To Bid By Phone And Never Bid Online Again
Participating in live auctions is an exhilarating experience. Attending in person isn't always feasible. Phone bidding is a convenient alternative, allowing you to engage in the excitement from anywhere. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of phone bidding, ensuring you're well-prepared to participate confidently.
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Bidding Smart: Auction Text Notifications at Thomaston Place
Stay in the Loop with Thomaston Place Auction’s New Text Notification Program
Keeping track of auction dates and updates is easier than ever with Thomaston Place Auction’s text notification program! Being the first to know about dates, inventory, and event reminders can be a game-changer if you’re passionate about art, antiques, and rare finds. Text "JOIN" to 833-603-0991. Learn more about how text alerts can help you bid and win.
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New England Attic Find: Rare Portrait after Rembrandt Sells for $1.4 million
A remarkable New England attic discovery recently set the auction world abuzz, as a rare portrait after Rembrandt sold for an astonishing $1.4 million. The painting’s significance came to light during a routine house visit, leading to fierce bidding and a final sale price far exceeding initial estimates. This exceptional find highlights the enduring allure of Rembrandt’s influence and the treasures that can still emerge from forgotten corners.
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Maine Masterpieces & Moxie Memorabilia at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries on August 23-25
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries is set to host its 2024 Summer Grandeur auction. The auction will be held August 23 to August 25, 2024. This highly anticipated event features an impressive array of Maine art, rare Moxie collectibles, sport and heavy equipment vehicles, and an unique decorative items. This year’s live summer auction promises to deliver a remarkable blend of antique, vintage, and modern pieces. It's an event you won't want to miss.
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SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: Dahlov Ipcar
For our August auction, we will have a very special selection of art from none other than Dahlov Ipcar, including a gorgeous piece entitled “Lion of Darkness, Lamb of Light; Lamb of Midnight, Lion of Morn,” an oil painting depicting the duality of Light and Darkness.
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What is Light Academia?
In today’s media and vocabulary, aesthetics are compiled by individuals who mix together a specific color theory, fabric prints, textures, fashion styles, music, and even philosophies to create their new image, or ‘aesthetic.’ These aesthetics often derive from self-expression, which is hard to find in today’s global market. Clothing departments aren’t always quick enough to catch onto the rapidly changing aesthetics of today’s generation, and certainly not furniture stores, antique emporiums or auction houses.
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Japanese Collectibles Everyone Should Know
Far Eastern countries have always had the most recognizable, memorable and long-lasting art forms in human history. It’s no wonder that in today’s modern world, China, Japan and South Korea are the most prominent countries represented in the arts, media, fashion and cosmetic industry.
In regards to the auction houses and antique stores, Japanese arts and historical collectibles aren’t often in the forefront, especially with the insurmountable popularity that China has. But Japanese artists and enthusiasts do have an edge in the auction game, and that is in regards to their smaller ornamental pieces.
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Reduce your carbon footprint with antique & vintage furniture
In an age where we are concerned with the amount of fast fashion waste ending up in landfills, as well with our own personal carbon footprint, it comes as no surprise that furniture companies also have a hand in worldwide pollution issues.
Costs alone for brand new furniture can be intimidating for homeowners, renters, and commercial businesses alike. Based on data from theworldcounts.com, global furniture production is worth around $575 billion dollars. Of the furniture making up this total, you can imagine the vast amounts of plastics, various synthetics… and trees.
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Time for Spring Cleaning
It’s that time of the year once more! The birds are singing, the snow is – mostly – melting, the air is warming, and all those dust bunnies are coming out of your living room burrows.
Maybe that’s too literal, but it is time for spring cleaning! While you begin the process of spring cleaning, dusting the shelves, reorganizing the kitchen, and beating the rugs, you may find that perhaps you have far too many silver items to clean, or that your collection of miniature paintings are becoming a bit much in your study. But what to do with these items?
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What Makes an Item Valuable?
Many believe that age is the primary contributor to an object’s value. However, we often see contradictions to this idea in the sales results for items sold at auction every day. Some contemporary works of art and designer furniture are achieving world-record prices, while many antiquities and examples of early American furniture are bringing weaker than expected results.
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Discovery at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Maine’s maritime and artistic traditions have made it a vast repository of fine art and treasures accumulated over hundreds of years, and Thomaston Place Auction Galleries has been perfectly situated to present many of these items to the world marketplace.
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Our Heritage: 45 Years of Auction Innovation
For over four decades, Kaja Veilleux has been a dynamic force in the Maine antiques and fine art marketplace. Starting his career in Skowhegan, Kaja later moved to Newcastle, where he introduced the innovative Free Appraisal Day. In 1995, he founded Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, offering a variety of auctions and expanding into real estate. With a strategic focus on fewer, high-quality auctions and the introduction of live internet bidding, TPAG has achieved continuous growth and world record sales. Today, TPAG continues to lead the market with its engaging, inclusive auction
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Giving Back: Thomaston Place in the Community
At Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, we are deeply committed to giving back to the vibrant communities of Maine. Our involvement spans a variety of events and initiatives that foster growth, celebrate local culture, and provide support where it’s needed most. From charity auctions to community gatherings, discover how we’re making a positive impact and strengthening the bonds within our beloved state.
Read more about our community events and see how we’re dedicated to creating lasting change.
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Demystifying Auction Consignment: A Step-by-Step Guide to How It Works at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Curious about how auction consignment works at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries? Our step-by-step guide simplifies the process, from initial evaluation to final sale. Discover how we assess, market, and sell your valuable items with expertise and transparency. Learn the benefits of auction consignment, including expert evaluations, competitive bidding, and wide exposure to potential buyers.
Read more about the auction consignment process and find out if it’s the right choice for you.
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