You're Fired!
- Donley Auctions
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
"You're Fired!" - Inside the Studio & On the Road for Antiques
Welcome to the Donley Auctions unfiltered podcast! This week, Susan and Randy give us a peek behind the curtain, starting right inside the studio where they broadcast their weekly WLS 890 AM radio show [00:31]. After a quick debate about Randy's beard (which Susan likes, so it’s staying [00:06]), the two get down to business, sharing a flurry of upcoming auctions and incredible finds.
This episode is all about the "chase"—the constant travel and consignment trips that bring world-class antiques to the auction block. Here are the highlights of what’s in the pipeline:
On the Road Again: Randy and Mike have been crisscrossing the states. Randy mentions a "fabulous collection" in Indiana that's a done deal [03:40] and a major movie memorabilia collection that's so big it will likely be its own separate auction [04:52].
Travel & Consignments: The team is heading out again! Randy mentions upcoming trips to Florida, Tennessee, New York, and Denver [07:07]. They're putting the call out: if you live in those areas and have items to consign, let them know!
Upcoming Auctions: Get your calendars ready!
The Crown Jewel: Edison Tinfoil Phonograph: Randy gives us another look at the museum-quality Edison Tinfoil Phonograph from 1877. He reminds us that before this machine, pre-recorded sound did not exist [09:26]. It’s the invention that made everything from radio to cell phones possible, and it’s coming up for auction in 2026 [10:07].
Razor Blade Displays: Susan shows off some of the stunning, mint-condition razor blade advertising displays from the December 4 auction. These aren't just for blade collectors; they are incredible, scarce advertising pieces, many with their original boxes [11:12].
Native American Auction Preview: Mike Donley joins the tour to give a detailed preview of the November 22 auction. It features three major collections, including the Lance Lone lifetime collection of Mission and Arts & Crafts furniture [15:33] and the Barry Powell collection of baskets, pottery, and weavings [15:53].
Wild West Town Collection: This auction also features Part 1 of the Donley Wild West Town collection. Items that were on display for over 40 years, like the saloon's saddle bar stools and an American Express strongbox, are finally available [17:16].
Soda Fountain & Coin-Op Gems: Randy shows off some incredible new consignments, including a rare Orange Crush dispenser [18:51] and an ornate, porcelain 3-tap dispenser for cream, ice water, and milk, made by the Albert Pick company in Chicago [20:20].
The Holy Grail of Sports Cards: Ryan (#1) from the Donley team shares an unbelievable find: a client who didn't know what they had, invited him over, and he walked into a complete 1986 Fleer NBA set, including the Michael Jordan rookie card [21:57]. The set is now off to the grader.
101 Ranch & Prison History: The tour concludes with a look at a real-deal Native American outfit used in the 101 Ranch Wild West Show [22:45] and an authentic prison uniform from the museum, which leads to a hilarious story about a state boiler inspector and a borrowed prisoner cap [23:21].
To see all these amazing pieces and hear the full stories, check out the episode here: https://youtu.be/fPAs6Tqlxws
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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