2:30 - Ramblin'
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2:30 - Ramblin'

  • 54 minutes ago
  • 3 min read


Barn Finds, Movie Magic, and the $50,000 Babe Ruth Ball: A Journey with Donley Auctions


From "barn finds" in Indiana to the glittering memorabilia of Hollywood, the latest episode of the Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast takes listeners on a high-speed tour of the antiques and collectibles world. Join Randy Donley and his expert team as they traverse the country, uncovering rare historical gems and preparing for some of the most anticipated auctions of the season.


Whether you are a seasoned investor or a casual collector, this episode is packed with expert insights into the thrill of the hunt and the art of preserving history.


Episode Highlights


  • The Indiana Time Capsule: Randy reveals an incredible "true barn find" from Indiana: a 1950 Ford two-door with only 10,248 original miles and zero rust. [00:22]

  • Whizzers and Jukeboxes: Tucked away in that same Indiana barn was a vintage Whizzer motorbike and a jukebox that hadn't been moved in years. [01:38]

  • On the Road to Tennessee: The team heads to Franklin, TN, for the Military Collectors Association show to scout for upcoming military auctions. [02:03]

  • The Beauty of "The Rough": Randy explains why Donley Auctions loves "rusty, beat-up" items that need a little TLC just as much as fully restored pieces. [02:50]

  • Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Auction: Susan reports from a massive movie memorabilia auction in Woodridge, IL, featuring costumes like a Whitney Houston outfit. [04:12]

  • Global Bidding War: Highlighting the reach of modern auctions, Randy notes a bidder joining the Hollywood sale all the way from Seoul, South Korea. [05:18]

  • Pickup Day Chaos: Stories from the field include a buyer trying (and failing) to fit a massive movie poster showcase into a Mini Cooper. [06:00]

  • Treasures Leaving the Building: Real-time footage of buyers claiming a 6-foot Buddha, a classic cinema marquee, and an Ingrid Bergman dress. [06:37]

  • Sentimental Value: A touching story about a buyer securing a Ten Commandments poster as a tribute to her late husband’s favorite catchphrase. [08:26]

  • The French Connection: A 1943 Jeep is loaded for transport to New Jersey before heading back overseas to France, where it originally saw action. [10:09]

  • Bomb Shelter Discoveries: Randy explores a 1950s Indiana bomb shelter, finding vintage supplies meant for a nuclear event. [10:41]

  • Sports Auction Sneak Peek: Ryan showcases over 100 framed autographed jerseys, including Patrick Mahomes, Shohei Ohtani, and a rare "Lion King" Barry Sanders. [11:26]

  • The $50,000 Baseball: A deep dive into a 1928 World Series ball signed by legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—possibly the crown jewel of the April sale. [15:05]

  • Pokemon & Pop Culture: The auction house expands its horizons, moving into high-end Pokemon sets and modern "Stranger Things" collectibles. [16:43]

  • The Philosophy of Preservation: A reflection on the importance of collectors as the "caretakers of history" and the legacy of the Sanfilippo estate. [19:32]

  • MIG Jets and Tanks: Randy and John close the show from the road by discussing their willingness to auction anything—from Russian MIG jets to military tanks. [23:40]


Ready to place your bid? Visit DonleyAuctions.com to view full catalogs and register for upcoming events!


Donley Auction Services

815-923-7000

8512 South Union Road (entrance on Marengo Road)

Union, IL 60180


Donley Auctions is a team of experienced auction professionals dedicated to creating a fun and exciting auction experience. With a rich history connected to the original Union Phonograph Show, the Seven Acres Museum, and Donley’s Wild West Town, Donley Auctions offers a diverse range of items for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Specializing in firearms, militaria, coin-op, phonographs, cars, motorcycles, petroliana, antique advertising, architecture, coins, sports memorabilia, early inventions, and more, we are the place to get top dollar for your high-quality antiques and collectibles. We host live and in-person auctions monthly, complete with complimentary food and beverages, as well as online auctions at DonleyAuctions.com, where you can bid from anywhere in the world. Our friendly atmosphere, combined with our commitment to providing an engaging auction experience and expert shipping, makes us the go-to auction house for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, Donley Auctions is the place to be!

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