Can We Eat Now?

Step into the world of high-end antiques with us at Donley Auctions! This episode is a whirlwind tour of the exciting, and sometimes strange, happenings as we prepare for our upcoming auctions. We're unloading a fresh trailer of treasures, saying a heartfelt goodbye to a dear team member, and unearthing some of the most unique items you'll ever see. From rock and roll history to Civil War relics, there's something for every collector.

Here are some of the highlights from this episode:

• New Arrivals: We start the show by unloading a trailer brimming with fantastic new items for our upcoming decorative arts auction. You won’t want to miss the treasures we have in store! [00:43]

• A New Chapter: We bid a fond farewell to our colleague Justin, who is leaving us to start a new career in the medical field. We wish him all the best on his new adventure! [02:11]

• Call for Consignments: We are actively seeking high-quality consignments for our decorative arts auction. If you have unique statuary, bronzes, pottery, oil paintings, or Tiffany lamps, we would love to hear from you. [03:59]

• Grateful Dead Treasures: We have some truly remarkable Grateful Dead memorabilia up for grabs, including a rare, hand-colored poster by Stanley Mouse, a 1956 Chevy used by the band, and even Jerry Garcia’s personal Colt pistol. [05:30]

• Unpacking History: Among the newly unpacked items are a stunning hollow tin eagle from the 1870s, a dynamic oil painting of a race car, and a beautifully restored neon sign. [07:47]

• On the Road: Come and see us at the Schaumburg Renaissance Center for two consecutive weekends! We’ll be at the Pinball Expo and the Coin Op show. [10:13]

• Carousel Wonders: We showcase two incredibly rare, hand-carved chariot sides from an antique carousel, featuring intricate designs of a winged lion and a sea serpent. [12:50]

• A Piece of the Past: We're working on restoring an antique hardware store parts bin from the late 1800s, a nostalgic reminder of a time when you could buy a single screw for two cents. [14:27]

• Lodge Mysteries: We have a mysterious pair of ceremonial poles from an old lodge. We're on a mission to uncover the history and symbolism behind these intriguing artifacts. [17:05]

• From War to Furniture: One of the most unique pieces we have is a table made from an authentic Civil War drum – a true conversation starter! [19:31]

• The Changing World of Toys: We take a look at the toys in our upcoming October auction and discuss the shifting trends in toy collecting, from classic tin toys to modern collectibles. The highlight of the toy auction is a rare Superman puppet store display. [21:20]

• Join Our Team: We are growing and looking for new people to join our team! If you have a passion for antiques, we have openings in our descriptions and shipping departments. [25:21]

• The Golden Reveal: We finally reveal what Ryan has been up to – extracting gold fillings from teeth, a collection valued at an astonishing $4,000! [26:40]