Update from estate auction

12 years ago

Thanks for all your suggestions. They were extremely helpful, and we were extremely successful! It was a LONG day! We got almost everything we wanted except for one small charcoal sketch. But we got the "big stuff", the Drexel Counterpoint two-piece credenza and sofa. These were ordered original when the house was built in the late 50's, and the owner recently passed away at age 96. Total mint condition. The sofa looks blue, but it's really green with some yellow/gold through it. I was about to pull the trigger on a new sofa in chocolate brown when I heard about this sale. Truly what RetroRenovation would call a TimeCapsule home, including a pink and a green tile bathroom.

We also got an old stereo cabinet we're using for a bar, and some wall art including a Van Hoople painting (haven't hung it yet).

There was really only one other couple bidding on the Drexel items. They got the dining room and the side chairs for a steal. Attendance was excellent, but most people were not interested in the MCM furniture. OTOH, had this estate auction been in a more trendy part of the area, we never would have won this stuff.

It's home, and we are loving it. We brought the credenza and the Van Hoople yesterday and went back with a Uhaul cargo van for the sofa and cabinet. We do plan to get the sofa re-upholstered eventually, but there is no hurry since it's in fabulous condition for its age.

Thank you for all your help. I realize we hit a home run on the first bat here, LOL. We could have come up totally empty.

Here is a link that might be useful: Navigating estate auction

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Comments (18)

cindyloo123
12 years ago
OMG I love that couch! Congratulations!
chickadee2_gw
12 years ago
I'm so glad you got what you wanted. The upholstery on the sofa looks in great shape. An upholsterer can fit you up with some new foam cushions and it will look brand new. I can just picture it in Don Draper's office.
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"THUD" Thats the sound of Frank and I smacking ourselves in the head. As of today the text is changed oh boy is it changed however the pics are still not up. In regard to the text...well we took a lot of time to write the text. We read a lot of others listing and asked a lot of friends to critique our ideas. In the end everyone was thrilled with our text-even John called to say he LOVED it. So why did he mess it up?? Its like he peiced together parts of what we wrote interwoven with parts of the original text that he wrote. It just doesn't read well and maked no sense. It looks like a 3rd grader wrote it. Then theres the part about the new windows in the master bedroom....ah, we never put new windows in the master bedroom!! The windows were re-strung a few weeks ago but new?? Nope! The pics are still the same. He's had the pics for a week now so you'd think he would have gotten around to it by now. So at least the price reduction and sellers agent bonus is in there so thats a good thing!! In an effort to try to be proactive I made a flyer. I used my own text as well as all the room measurements and all of the pics. I printed 5 copies to give to anyone coming to see the house. I think they turned out really well and Shanen LOVED it!! So we went looking at houses yesterday...even let Drew skip school to go looking...FIL took a long look at the New Jersey ave house and he really thought it was a good house. I mean he knows it needs a few things but it was certainly a well maintained home. He gave 2 thumbs up. WE also looked at a split level with an in ground pool. It was nice but FIL noticed some cracks that spanned from foundation to ceiling. Plus I took a long look at the older lady who lived there and saw how she pulled herself up the steps and I saw myself in 20-30 years and thought "nope, a rancher would be best LOL". We also looked at a lovely cape cod on a smaller lot. It was 2 guys and this house was adorable. Very clean and well staged but oh so small. The kitchen was TINY!!! It was a cute home for someone maybe who doesn't cook but for me, well I kinda live in the kitchen so it would not be for us...no dining room and 4 small bedrooms. Finally we looked at a foreclosure. The bank is asking $230 for this home. It was a mess!! I think if I were a little younger and had some extra income I would have snatched it up as I could see it was once a terrific house. But with forclosed homes you have to have a lot of cash up front...oh but it was a grand house!! Lastly we had to hurry home to show our own house at 2pm....a girl from Johns office. (I was SO GLAD I didn't add the cabbage to the crockpot as that may not have been the best house smell LOL) So I was able to use my flyer!!! Then just as they left we got another call to show the house at 5 pm!! Again I got to use my flyer so I was so happy I did it!! I did not get to read their expressions as I took a walk when they came thru...I actually went to my neighbors house but both showing the street was super quiet, clean and had lots of parking. I am hoping to get some feedback!! I finally added the cabbage at 6 and had my St Paddys feast while watching idol!! I do feel a little better, even went back to the gym which helps to relieve stress so maybe things are looking up. Cheers! Susie
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Actually, KitchenRedo--your scenario isn't always the case. I'm in the midst of settling my mom's estate. In my state, you just have to file the will with the probate office, then, it's up to the executor to follow the will's instructions. While I did consult my attorney, it was for my peace of mind--he didn't do a thing but tell me I had everything covered. There was no court appearance at all (I only had to go to the county store at the mall to file the will). The will can specify that the executor not be required to file a bond. All in all, I've found it's a very simple procedure. One thing you didn't mention, though--is that the executor/executrix has to file for a federal tax ID #. Now that, I imagine--being a federal requirement--is probably true across the board. As to the question posed by the original poster. Seems to mme, part of the problem is the appointing of 4 executrixes. That's just unweildy, and excessive, IMO. I don't know how you could possibly 'fix' that, if it's how your mom left her will, but I can certainly see that there's probably no real way for you to make effective decisions with 4 cooks stirring the broth. There are 4 of us siblings, too, but mom left me (oldest) as executrix. I made sure I spoke with each of my siblings privately and found out what they wanted most to remember mom--and I made sure the most important things were divided fairly. Actually, all were very cooperative, and really tried to help me, and not be grabby. If your mother didn't want her things auctioned or sold, you really need to honor her wishes. As to how you're going to work out the rest, not knowing you personally, it's hard to really offer too much in the way of advice. I will just add this. I hope you do find a way to work through this. One of the really helpful things, after mom died, was while it was rough having to clear out her apt. in just a couple of weeks, it was so very comforting to get together, and share our memories of mom, as we shared her precious possessions. Precious because of the memories, not because of their monetary value. We did that last Dec. But just this past weekend, one of my nieces came by to go through a few of the things I'd been saving for her--she'd been away at college when we were handling stuff at the apt. And that was another wonderful walk down memory lane. Your mom is right--all those little things she left behind are ribbons tied to memories of her life and love. If at all possible, find a way to share that wonderful legacy. Good luck.
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Thanks guys for sharing in my happiness! :) I'm like an auction junkie. Every weekend we don't have something going on, we find one to go to. It's the best time ever. Fly .. No one bid on that flooring at all, can you believe it? Yes, it does need to be cleaned with a planer, then sanded .. but it was carefully taken up, de-nailed and the tongues are in good shape, so it should go back down just fine. The floor was late in the auction too .. I was freezing my buns off, but was so ramped up on hot coffee ( trying to keep warm ) that I was getting fidgety to bid. I think they made a mistake in calling the lot, hardwood flooring .. so unless someone knew what they were looking at, they didn't have a clue it was heart pine. The guy started off at $200, no bid .. $150, no bids .. at this point I'm trying not to bid, seeing where the money would start .. $100, nothing .. $50 .. crickets chirruping. So the auctioneer finally says who will give me something for it? So I throw my hand up .. $30 .. he's thinking okay we can start the bidding now. I have $30 .. do I hear $40, $40, $40 .. awww .. come on folks, $35 .. nothing. Meanwhile I'm trying not to throw my hand up and bid against myself, because 1) I'm excited and 2) no one should drink that much coffee. :D It plays out and my DH was impressed, but cut me off from the caffeine soon after. Yes, on the clock and the never ending math class :) I love it though and think it will go with a few things I have to place with it.
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User
12 years ago
Fantastic couch!!!! Congratulations!
bird_lover6
12 years ago
Oh, my goodness! That sofa is fabulous! Congratulations.
kristinekr
12 years ago
I really like the couch--and great idea for the stereo cabinet.
gsciencechick
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks! Seriously, I have dreamt about this sofa from when I saw it about two weeks ago.

DH really wanted the credenza. I felt we had no chance of getting it, but I love it, too!
gsciencechick
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes, we need to get rid of the old braided runner! Looking at either chocolate brown or I saw a cool rust colored one from JCP.
jakabedy
12 years ago
You did great! I love your choices.
deeinohio
12 years ago
Fantastic buys! And, because I am a complete sap, I know the owner would have been so happy to have his/her beloved items cared for and cherished by another generation.:)
Dee
jockewing
12 years ago
I dont know if you are aware that dresser is from the Drexel "Counterpoint" collection from Danish designer John von Koert. It is a quite collected set from the mid century period and very high quality. I believe it is mahogany with maybe cherry veneer drawer fronts. That is a definited keeper! I bought a pair of nightstands from this line for $300 total and then found them online at a price 5 times that much.
gsciencechick
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, Jockewing, yes, I remembered your nightstands! I was pretty amazed to see the Counterpoint pieces available at this auction.

Dee, two of the owner's daughters were at the sale, and when we went to pick up the pieces, the estate broker said they are very happy that people clearly really love the stuff bought it. The husband in the couple who bought all the DR pieces was also there to pick up their items. They plan to give it to their son and FDIL as a wedding gift.

Now I must do some work as I did not get as much done over the weekend. :)
leafy02
12 years ago
Beautiful things, and terrific that they can live with someone who appreciates them!
mahatmacat1
12 years ago
So wonderful to see MCM represent! I'll go ahead and pry: would you share how much the sofa went for, and the dresser/credenza? Good onya for giving them an appreciative, *non-seller* new home.
gsciencechick
Original Author
12 years ago
We budgeted $500 for each--were hoping for a little less, but we went to max on each one.

OTOH, the new sofas we were ready to buy were were going to cost $1500.
ttodd
12 years ago
It looks amazing!
lindac
12 years ago
I looooooove estate auctions....or even just downsizing auctions.
kayec28
12 years ago
I love, love, love that sofa! I'm a sucker for all things tufted. Were you allowed to sit on it before you bid or did you just take a chance it would be comfy?

Love the wood piece too. Beautiful wood tone and it looks like you have the perfect spot for it. Great scores all around and without a bidding war. Sweet!

What passes for MCM in my area is laughable at times. Sometimes I want to educate the sellers that just because something was made in the 50s or 60s doesn't make it MCM, but I don't want to encourage them to do any research and start inflating their prices.
gsciencechick
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes, they had several open houses, so I was able to see everything in person to do a thorough check and sit on the sofa. The home was about 5 min from my office. It is a much different feel than our old sleeper sofa. The cushions are a little firmer, but that is an easy fix. Since that one is a little "mashed", I will contact the guy who just did our channel back chair reupholstering and see what he can do.

DH and I are both short, so the size of the sofa is fine.

The funny thing is the new sofas we were considering had pretty much this same look.

Here is a link that might be useful: Younger Furniture sofas

Update from estate auction

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