Help!!!!Stolen Items

A group that is easier to conclusively identify than gay couples

This is very much a regional thing.

I went to several auctions in Southern California where a $100 refundable deposit was required to get a bidding number; one of those had a cash only (no checks, no cards) policy for end-of-auction payment as well.

That sort of thing is unheard of in these parts. For that matter, I've never had an auctioneer in Wisconsin turn down an in-state check with ID, even when their ad says otherwise. And, as I recall, some of the auctioneers down in Oklahoma even took my out-of-state checks.

On Dec. 17, a couple in their mid-20s with 2 small boys and a baby attended an auction in Columbia, Missouri. They 'bought' 14 items. Among them were a Little Red Riding Hood Cracker Jar, a maroon colored Schucco Komando 200 wind up car with key, a Shawnee Corn teapot, a walnut Mantle Clock with pendulum and key, 2 Barbie dolls, and a cast iron dog bank. They registered under the name 'Michelle Taylor', with an East St. Louis address, and a 618 area code phone number, and a Social Security # of 322-70-9126. It is now believed that all of these are false. The cookie jar can easily be identified having 2 small indentations under the glaze on the front of the inside rim of the bottom piece. If you have any information on these people or these items, please e-mail me or call the Ice Chalet Antique Mall at 573-442-6893 or fax the mall at 573-449-9434. Thanks for any help you can give us!

Gee - this sounds like The International Signal for 'Watch Out.'

The ONLY category of folks I've ever found who don't buy anything at antique shows are those couples with little kids and pushing baby strollers.

I'm also kinda surprised that an auctioneer doesn't request a bank letter of credit (we've had to do that when we're new to an auctioneer) and/or a credit card deposit (easily done!)

I almost said that myself

Gillam, my experience with auctioneers has been:

Local: I have to register with them, and they put me in their 'book.' I show my driver's license...and they make sure my checks 'match'

Out of state, one of these has always applied:

1 - Use my credit card AND pay a 4% premium for the privilege

2 - Bring letter of credit from my bank

For the original poster: I bought lots of stuff in OKC and Muskogee - never had to do more than show a drivers' license with an instate check.

(Ever been to Danny's on NW 23rd (by the Fairgrounds) in OKC? Wild place on antique night. )

Hi, Nancy - I have friends in OKC and they've told me about Danny's.

Actually, they told me about two auctioneers in OKC. Which is the one who doesn't know proper 'auctioneer-speak' and mumbles 'yadayada' stuff to pretend?

I'm in Massachusetts & I take out of state checks with proper ID also. I also require 2 forms of ID & a signed bidders contract, & to top it all off I video record all the registrations. The FBI likes pictures. Haven't had a problem yet, I think I have been very lucky ! It's only a matter of time before anyone with any expousure to the public gets burned. It's only a matter of severity. Good Luck ! David

David R. Ayers / New England Auctions of Brookfield Vist our web site at http://members.aol.com/oxshuneer/index.html Auctioneer, Appraiser, Dealer / wholesale & retail. Auctions, shows, tag sales, retail & wholesale shops.

Why the remark about gay couples? Was it necessary?

You haven't been following the other, earlier, thread and fallout from it. He's just making light of the ensuing mini-furor from that earlier thread (note the ).

Jeez! Now, we'll hear from all the antiguers who push baby strollers. Actually, those are the folk I sell cute little child's chairs to.

Michael, it's a reference to a previous thread....and, in the context it was posted, it did add to the conversation.