Tallahassee Magazine: March 2007 The Mystery of the Goodwill Tapestry How I Turned $50 into $1,600 in 6.5 Minutes By Beth Dees I confess. I like to go to Goodwill and shop, not just drop off donated items. You never know when you might spot something unusual there . . . like the huge, dark green velvet tapestry I saw hanging in the window when I walked in the door of the Apalachee Parkway store six months ago. I fell in love with the awesome piece. It had a large gold crown emblazoned in the center along with Roman numerals, Italian words and roses, pomegranates and Medusa heads replete with snakes hand-stitched in the wide border. I was sure I had seen something like it in a movie: The king and queen were carrying on a conversation in bed and just such a tapestry hung on the wall behind them. Then again, maybe I had seen something like it in a museum. It looked not only beautiful, but important. I had to have it and attempted to morph into two people – one to grab a salesclerk and the other to grab onto my object of desire, knowing possession is nine-tenths of the law. Within minutes, I was standing by the tapestry with the manager. “We just finished hanging that a few minutes ago,” he said, looking at the tapestry with apparent distaste. “It’s priced at $60.” Thinking it was going to cost at least several hundred dollars, I stuttered wordlessly. “OK, I can drop it to $50,” he said, looking somewhat worried that I wasn’t going to buy it and he was going to be stuck with a monstrosity for months – or maybe years. I was so excited, “Sold!” was all I could get out. About then, another woman walked in the door, saw the tapestry and hurried over. I practically bared my teeth at her, but managed to politely inform her that I now owned it. She smiled an envious smile and walked off. Then a problem presented itself: I didn’t live in a castle. And that’s what one needed for proper display of this prize. I simply couldn’t bear the thought of it becoming closet fodder. Oh well, I’d figure something out, I thought to myself as I folded the heavy cloth and headed home. It fit my queen-sized bed perfectly, but smelled musty. In addition, I grew worried the cat might throw up on it or the dog would jump on it and put a paw through what I discovered was very fragile fabric. It seemed to be quite old. I Googled the Roman numerals and words and quickly became bamboozled by the list of related Web sites in Italian. Though I have been to Florence, sadly, the extent of my repertoire of words from that beautiful language consists of “ciao” and “grazie.” I showed my mother my “find,” as I called it. Having practiced her skill many years and traveled the United States and to Canada taking classes in fine stitchery, she confirmed that it must have taken someone or a group many hours to hand-stitch the fine silk threads into the delicate designs. When I said I wasn’t sure what to do with it, she offered me twice what I paid for it. Normally I love my mother and would give her anything, but suddenly I felt selfish and suspicious. “No,” I said, in what sounded like a 10-year-old’s voice. She just sighed, rolled her eyes and mumbled something about ungrateful children. A month or so ago, I was pondering my problem over a café latte at a favorite haunt – Bada Bean, a neat coffee shop in the Parkway Square Plaza, which has free wireless hook-up, a large-screen TV, cool pictures of a young Frank Sinatra on the wall, and “in” magazines such as Tallahassee Magazine (of course), Condé Nast Traveler, Cigar Aficionado and Yachting. Suddenly, through the front window, I spied the sign on the window of Affiliated Auctions and Realty at the other end of the plaza. Just for fun, I walked over and soon found myself talking to Morena, a lovely Italian woman. She turned out to be a much better Googler than I, because within minutes of typing in “Gerace Ventimiglia,” she found enough information to indicate that the tapestry might be from a noble Italian family. I exulted in the information. After I brought the tapestry to the shop and she looked it over, she asked if I would be interested in putting it in one of their auctions. She explained that the commission they received went toward detailed research on the item; putting it on eBay and taking sealed bids; sending news releases to Sotheby’s, museums and fine art dealers; and, of course, holding the live auction, in which bidders could participate in person, by sealed bid, by phone or online. After telling my mother no, how could I tell Morena yes? How could I part with my find, my treasure, my mysterious prize? Up until now, all I knew of auctions was the importance of sitting on one’s hands while attending one. It had nothing to do with money. OK, with a starting bid of $1,000, I admit the dough did matter a little. But I took into account not owning a castle and my husband’s take on the tapestry (which was similar to that of the manager at Goodwill). Also, I believe in sharing. What’s the point in keeping something of historical significance and artistic beauty as closet clutter? I signed the contract to sell it. Finally, the evening came. It was like going to church. The chairs were set up in rows with a center aisle, and at the front was the auctioneer, John Whitworth, in a pulpit. He even reminded me of preachers from my Southern Baptist days, going into his sing-song cadence for hours until each of the hundreds of items sold. At one point a silver plate with coins was passed around, but you weren’t supposed to make an offering – just look and decide if you wanted to buy the whole bunch. I know now why some people prefer to shop at the mall. Auctions take patience, focus and fast reflexes. I had registered to be a bidder, but the beautiful antique, copper-covered blanket chest I liked was sold before I even unfolded my hands in my lap. And for a mere $50. Surely it was worth hundreds. The attendees mostly wore jeans and T-shirts, a few had on ball caps, but everyone there had hundreds of dollars or more to bid on some gold coin, antique gun or pair of Chinese foo foo dogs. At last, my tapestry was held up. I tensed excitedly. When it started low at $200, my belly flopped, but the prices rose and the bidding war was on. “Twelve hundred to bid, thirteen to buy, now give me thirteen and a half,” Whitworth chanted. The price climbed to $1,600. He paused. “Last call . . . sold.” Someone from New York bought the royal tapestry. I hoped it was going to a good home or castle. On the way home, I decided I would drop in on future auctions. After all, you never know when you might spot something unusual there.

Affiliated Auctions & Realty hammered the Holy Comforter Episcopal School Charity Auction to a record - $125,000+ on 1/20/2007 at the Moon in Tallahassee. The auction was held in conjunction with the yearly school Gala. A terrific time was had by all in attendance. The monies will go towards construction of the new student center, teacher endowments and tuition assitance. Please contact Affiliated Auctions if you would like to incorporate a live auction in to your next charity event. Auctions are a great way to add excitement and fun, while raising money for the charity.

 The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) reports extensive growth for the auction industry in 2006 with a 7.1 percent increase over 2005 in gross revenue, translating into $257.2 billion in total revenue generated.

The most significant growth was seen in residential real estate, which grew by 12.5 percent in 2006, generating $17.2 billion. Last year, residential real estate auctions generated $14.2 billion. Residential real estate auctions are the fastest growing sector of the industry and are increasingly being accepted as mainstream with the general public.

Charity auctions also saw a significant growth for 2006 generating $16.1 billion, which is a 6.6 percent increase over 2005.

“These statistics show the auction industry has seen a progressive increase in the number of auctions and dollars generated in 2006 over previous years. Buyers and sellers are increasingly seeing the advantages the auction method brings to the sale and we are excited to be a part of this shift in public perception,” said NAA President William Sheridan, CAI, AARE, GPPA.

Other sectors of the auction industry that experienced significant growth in 2006 are: art and antiques grew 9 percent over 2005 and automobiles saw a 6.5 percent increase, generating $87.2 billion.

Funded by the National Auctioneers Foundation, the findings were gathered by the global market research firm MORPACE International. The study is commissioned by the NAA to document the growth of the live auction industry.

Originally published May 17, 2007 Tallahassee Democrat Thousands of WWII 'recognition models' on auction Saturday, 5/19 A large collection of World War II "recognition models" is on display in Tallahassee and will hit the auction block this weekend. Recognition models are small handmade models of aircraft, ships, submarines and tanks that were used to train military personnel during World War II. Knowing the difference between enemy craft and our own was essential training. About 325 lots, including the first stage of the regognition model collection will be auctioned this Saturday. The auction starts at 2PM. Featuring 325+ lots of militaria from colonial to modern day, including Civil War sabers and carbines, 8mm training films, medals, pictures, uniforms, patches, posters, and more will be available for purchase through Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC, 2500 Apalachee Parkway. The live auction begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, with realtime simultaneous Internet bidding. Affiliated Auctions & Realty specializes in estates, business liquidations, coins, currency, militaria, firearms, antiques, jewelry, historical documents, autographs and ephemera. Contact Affiliated at 850-656-5486 or www.affiliatedauctions.com for more information.

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Paul Barattini Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC 2500 Apalachee Parkway Tallahaeess, Fl. 32301 (850) 656 5486 (850) 656 8948 Paulb@affiliatedauctions.com affiliatedauctions.com LOCAL TALLAHASSEE COMPANY TO AUCTION SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY Tallahassee Fl., July 18th 6:30 pm – a significant portion of the Rare Book Law Library of the Florida Supreme Court is commissioned to be sold at Public Auction. Affiliated Auctions of Tallahassee Florida recently reached an agreement with the Florida Supreme Court to handle the liquidation of Rare Law books dating back as far as the early 1800’s. Complete sets of case reports from many states (excluding Florida) will be available for lot viewing at the Supreme Court by appointment and sold on Wednesday Night July 18th at the live auction at the Affiliated Auction Gallery. Internet bidding via ebay, ebay Live, and the affiliated electronic catalog will accommodate those who simply can’t attend. The sale is slated to make room for the expansion of the rare book collection and other important artifacts that pertain specifically to Florida. Billie Blane, Chief Librarian for the supreme court expressed mixed emotions about seeing the books go but is optimistic of the new plan to expand in the areas of local interest. For additional information on The Supreme Court Library Auction, contact Paul Barattini or visit www.affiliatedauctions.com. Samplings of the collection will be available for viewing at the Affiliated Gallery weekdays between 9am & 5 pm. Affiliated Auctions is a Tallahassee local favorite spot among the history collecting crowd as well as a “Platinum Power Seller” of items around the world . John Whitworth, the owner enjoys the local feel of the historical artifact auctions as well as the thrill his “hands on” treasure hunts and travels in more than a hundred countries. Affiliated is a member of the U.A.C.C. and the Manuscript Society. - END -

We have posted auction results from our 7/28 Militaria & Firearm Auction, 7/29 Fine Antique Auction - visit our "Past Auctions" link on the left side of this page. Thank you to all customers and consignors. We are now accepting consignments and buying for our September Militaria and Antique auctions.

On Saturday, November 10th, the Affiliated Team was at it again, this time auctioning the Historic Hinson Plantation Home in Havana Florida. Sitting on Hwy 27 and situated on 4 acres, this historic property caught the attention of many. Bidding was brisk from the start as the high bids went back and forth between Live Internet and Floor bidders. The floor finally won out and the house went under contract at $156,000 to a new owner who plans to fix the home up and reside in it. The real estate auction was followed by an estate auction for the contents of the home. Real Estate Auctions ~ A Seller's First Choice -> Learn Why - Call Us Today! 850-294-7121

Affiliated Auctions & Realty has expanded to include a full-service gold and silver bullion trading department. The new department serves to facilitate market trading of precious metals and compliments existing departments within the organization. Handling trades in bullion bars of gold, silver and platinum, jewelry, coins, silver and scrap gold. Contact Affiliated today for more information or to execute a trade ~ 850.656.5486.

The December 2008 Military & Firearm catalog will feature the Gramberg collection, consisting of very rare and highly sought after WWII memorabilia. Including Uniforms, Edged Weapons, Medals, Archives, Ephemera, Firearms and Allach Porcelains. Now is the time to order your catalog and make plans to attend.