WLS Radio Show - 2025-11-23 E20

Donley Auctions
5 days ago
2 min read

Treasures in the Trash? Plus, Razor Blades, Ragtime, and $90k Amps

Fresh off the heels of a record-breaking "Cowboys and Indians" event, the energy in the studio is electric this week! If you think the auction action slows down for the holidays, think again. In this episode of the Donley Auctions Hour, Susan, Mike, and Randy dive into a packed December calendar perfect for unique gift-giving, share incredible stories of "junk" turning into jackpots, and put out a massive call for 2026 consignments. From WWI history to barn-find Mustangs, you won't want to miss these stories.

Show Highlights:

Auction Recap: The team buzzes about the massive turnout for the "Cowboys and Indians" auction, noting that while the collector demographic is aging, the market (and museum interest!) remains incredibly strong.
Dec 4 Auction – Razor Blade Advertising: A preview of a unique 196-lot auction featuring Art Deco displays and barber shop memorabilia.
WWI History Lesson: Randy shares why Gillette sold 3.5 million shaving kits to the army—soldiers had to be clean-shaven for gas masks to seal properly!
Hidden Value: A reminder never to judge a book by its cover—literally. A Michael Jordan rookie card was recently found tucked inside a book of sports cards and is now off for grading.
Global Treasure Hunting: Randy recaps his recent trip to Tampa evaluating a massive music machine collection (Nickelodeons and phonographs) and teases upcoming trips to Indiana, Tennessee, and Colorado.
Dec 11 Auction – "Collector's Dream": The perfect event for holiday shoppers. Features everything from fossils and furniture to toys and advertising.
Star Lot Spotlight: A rare 1905 Wing & Sons 5-pedal upright grand piano. It produces a unique "honky-tonk" sound, has no reserve, and starts at just $100!
Dec 13 Auction – Firearms & Ammo: A discussion on the complexities of Illinois gun laws and how Donley’s FFL license helps families legally and safely liquidate inherited collections.
"Don't Throw It Away!": Two cautionary tales about cleaning house before an appraisal:
- A small oil can found on a staircase destined for the trash sold for $1,500.
- A "cheap" fruit bowl in a kitchen turned out to be rare Teco pottery that sold for $5,000.
Wanted: Movie Memorabilia: Mike is hunting for theater artifacts. He shares a legendary story of a Western Electric amplifier rack found on a porch that the owner almost scrapped—it sold for over $90,000!
Wanted: License Plates: A call for pre-1960 plates, especially porcelain and #1s. Includes a shout-out for rare Tucker automobile manufacturer plates.
Barn Find Legends: The team swaps stories about pulling vehicles from the brink:
- The "Hoarder House" auction where they cut through walls to find a buried ’65 Mustang.
- A 1911 Hupmobile stored since 1938 that tripled the owner's private offer.
- A 1959 Cadillac brought up from Florida that shocked experts by hammering at $110,000.
The "Weird" Wishlist: The show wraps with a call for the obscure, including vintage tanks, cannons, and a specific request for a barn-find biplane!