WLS Radio Show - 2025-09-28 E12 - War Booty

Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! Here, the thrill of the hunt meets the excitement of the auction block. In this episode, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley take us on a captivating journey through the world of antiques, military relics, and unique collectibles. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of promoting upcoming auctions to incredible tales of rare finds, this episode is a must-listen for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the auction scene.

Highlights from the Show

Here are some highlights from the show:

• Promoting Upcoming Auctions [04:50]: Mike shares insights from attending the MAC military relic show, one of the biggest in the country. He highlights the extensive efforts Donley Auctions makes to promote collections globally. John, their military expert, was at another show in Illinois, while Susan will be at the Indy Ad show promoting their October event.

  
  

• Military Collectibles Market [02:37]: Mike reports that the military collectibles market is stronger than ever. There is high interest and demand. World War II items, including German, Japanese, American, and British souvenirs and uniforms, remain the strongest. Vietnam-era items have a following, while Civil War and World War I collectibles are seeing a slowdown.

  
  

• The "War Booty Act" [08:53]: Randy delves into the fascinating history of the "War Booty Act" of 1941. He explains how the US government encouraged GIs to send home war souvenirs as trophies, which fueled the collection of military relics. He also discusses the importance of "capture papers" for authenticating these items.

  
  

• Rare Firearms Auction Success [09:37]: The team discusses a successful weekend auction where World War I and World War II firearms, including a Springfield 1911 pistol and a Colt US Army pistol, sold exceptionally well. They emphasize that the "best of the best" always commands top prices, regardless of the item.

  
  

• The Auction Process Explained [11:31]: Randy provides a comprehensive overview of how Donley Auctions helps turn items into cash. This process includes initial contact, expert evaluation, marketing, photography, and worldwide online reach.

  
  

• The Banister and Photograph Collections [13:28]: Randy recounts the story of acquiring the Banister military collection from Oregon and a massive antique photograph collection from New York. He emphasizes Donley Auctions' willingness to travel across the country for significant consignments.

  
  

• An Unforgettable Uber Ride [15:51]: Mike shares a humorous anecdote about a memorable (and dusty) Uber ride in New York after a long day of packing a collection. This proves that even behind-the-scenes work at an auction house can lead to unexpected celebrity sightings (or lack thereof).

  
  

• October's "Annual Fall Classic" Auction [18:26]: Susan details the upcoming October 23rd-25th "Annual Fall Classic." This eclectic auction features rare and interesting items, held in conjunction with the Chicagoland Slot Machine and Jukebox Convention. This event attracts buyers from around the world looking to fill shipping containers with unique finds.

  
  

• Desired Consignments [20:00]: Donley Auctions is actively seeking sports memorabilia for a dedicated sports day on October 25th. They are also looking for coin-operated machines, barber shop and general store antiques, petroleiana, and even antique architecture like large bars and back bars.

  
  

• The Gene Autry Bar and Al Capone Bar [23:24]: Randy shares captivating stories about two legendary bars: the Gene Autry bar, which traveled across the country before being sold by Donley Auctions, and a documented Al Capone bar from Cicero, Illinois, now located at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles.

  
  

• The Value of License Plates [29:00]: Mike reveals the surprising value of rare license plates. Particularly low-digit and "run" plates can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

  
  

• Avoiding Garage Sales and Maximizing Auction Value [31:36]: The hosts stress that auctions are the best way to get top dollar for antiques. They cite the competitive bidding environment and worldwide reach of online platforms, contrasting it with the negotiation-downward trend of garage sales.

  
  

• Automobilia and Mascots [34:44]: Discussion turns to automobilia, including unrestored cars, motorcycles, and especially hood ornaments, also known as mascots. These can be highly valuable collectibles.

  
  

• A Buyer's Market for Collectors [36:23]: Randy highlights the current unique opportunity for collectors. Many collections are coming onto the market due to aging owners. This leads to a softening of prices, about half of what they were 15 years ago, and increased availability.

  
  

• Architectural Salvage and Stained Glass [38:14]: Susan and Randy discuss the inclusion of architectural elements like stained glass windows and doors in the October auction. This includes a magnificent 9.5-foot-tall, 7-foot-wide stained and leaded glass landing window from the turn of the century depicting Romeo and Juliet.

  
  

• Coin and Sports Memorabilia Experts [40:57]: Ryan Bole, their expert in coins, currency, and sports memorabilia, is actively seeking large collections and unique items for the October auction's dedicated sports day.

  
  

• The Power of Provenance [41:56]: Mike and Randy emphasize that "provenance," or the story and documentation behind an item, can significantly increase its value. This includes old photos of a sign on a building or a soldier with a military relic.

  
  

• Amusement Park Rides and Carousel Animals [43:46]: The team discusses exciting amusement park items in the upcoming auction. This includes carousel horses from the famous Barn of Barrington restaurant and a historic train that operated at Brookfield Zoo. They are always looking for more amusement park treasures.

  
  

• Jewelry and Watches [47:20]: Ryan is also handling jewelry and watches for the October auction. This includes gold pocket watches. They remind listeners that even broken gold jewelry or watches have significant "scrap value" that can exceed their value as a finished piece.

  
  

• Preserving Collectibles [49:27]: A crucial tip: never clean old coins or items like Indian Head pennies. Tarnishing or "patina" can add to their value. Similarly, unrestored vehicles can still command good prices.

  
  

• The Grateful Dead's 1956 Chevy [50:25]: A fascinating story of a 1956 Chevy once owned by the Grateful Dead is highlighted. This project car has significant history and will be featured in the October auction.

  
  

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Donley Auctions Hour offers a wealth of information for collectors and enthusiasts alike. From the latest trends in military collectibles to the intricacies of the auction process, there is something for everyone. Don't miss the upcoming "Annual Fall Classic" auction, where unique treasures await. Tune in to learn more and join the excitement of the auction world!

https://youtu.be/nLrk0TZHdtY