What it is is what it is
- Donley Auctions
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 24
Get ready, collectors! Randy and Susan Donley are back with a preview of the massive October Fall Classic auction, and it’s a three-day event you simply can’t miss. The showroom is packed to the gills, and in this episode, we get a whirlwind tour of the absolute treasures hitting the block. From museum-worthy artifacts to nostalgic advertising and full-size cars, this sale truly has something for everyone.
As Randy says, "what it is is what it is," and what it is... is spectacular. Get your bidder numbers ready as we dive into the highlights from this incredible podcast episode.
Highlights from the Show:
A Grand Welcome [00:41] The tour kicks off outside with impressive yard art, including a pair of stately entry lions, a charming bronze seesaw, and a full-size horse ready for a new stable.
A Story of Fortunes [02:55] Randy spots a classic ticker tape machine, sparking a fascinating story about his father buying one from a Chicago scrapyard for just $25. Today, these same machines command $10,000-$15,000!
The Crown Jewels [04:56] We get a peek at some of the auction's top-tier items, including a stunning, dual-signed Tiffany lamp and an ultra-rare set of 1-of-49 precision metal Tucker car models from Retro 123.
History Comes Alive [07:24] See the impressive collection of historical busts—including two of Abraham Lincoln (with and without a beard)—rescued from a Minnesota high school, dating back to the class of 1914.
The Rarest of the Rare [09:42] The highlights keep coming with a breathtaking leaded window reportedly from the Astor estate (circa 1905) and the "holy grail" of pool tables: a fully-restored "Monarch" table with intricate lion's heads.
From Carousel to Kitsch [12:19] The episode covers a whimsical collection of carousel animals, featuring not just horses but an extremely rare rooster and a giraffe in original park paint, alongside a colorful array of Christmas collectibles.
A Car Enthusiast’s Dream [17:05] Randy showcases a fascinating 1950s German driver's training vehicle, built to teach students the inner workings of a car before they could get a license.
The McDonald's Connection [18:29] A vintage "Multimixer" (the kind Ray Kroc sold) leads to the story of how the machine’s popularity at one small California restaurant led to the discovery of the McDonald brothers and the birth of a fast-food empire.
Grateful Dead & Jerry’s Pistol [20:38] One of the most eclectic collections in the sale features rare Grateful Dead posters signed by Stanley Mouse, the "Grateful Dead automobile," and even a pistol registered to Jerry Garcia himself.
Architectural Marvels [22:00] Don't miss the massive, ornate newel post salvaged from a spectacular Chicago building and an original, untouched Schwinn Stingray bicycle found in a local garage [19:55].
For the Man Cave [24:09] An entire "row" of 84 slot machines is on display, including an exceptionally rare Halloween-themed machine, plus gas station memorabilia, railroad items, and mascots (hood ornaments!).
The "Secret Sauce" [25:41] Randy reveals a true piece of history: an 1877 Thomas Edison Tinfoil Phonograph, the very first type of phonograph invented.
The Back Room Gems [25:58] The tour concludes in the backroom with the biggest items: a 1931 Cadillac convertible, a stagecoach, and a stunning 1959 Thunderbird—a true "time capsule" car with suicide doors and a mountain of original paperwork [26:15].
Saturday’s Sneak Peek with Ryan [27:30] Ryan joins the show to highlight Saturday’s lots, including gold pocket watches, a Rolex Air King, and a mind-blowing football from 1977 signed by Muhammad Ali, O.J. Simpson, and Walter Payton (twice!).
This is just a fraction of what’s available. To see everything for yourself, head to Donley Auctions for the October Fall Classic!
Watch the full episode here: What it is is what it is - 2025-10-22 P2-07
Welcome to the Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast, where history meets the highest bidder. Randy Donley and the rest of the Donley Auctions team are here to bring you the thrill of the auction, the behind-the-scenes scoop, and everything in between. We've got amazing stories behind the treasures, even some crazy stories you wouldn't believe. Insider tips for both buyers and consigners and maybe even a cameo or two from Tucker, the auction dog. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes in, get ready for a wild ride through the world of auctions.
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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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