Valuing Antiques

One of the reasons that shows like Auction Hunters and Pawn Stars are so popular is that they connect viewers to periods in history. Antiques build a bridge between the past and modern times, which is one reason why they have so much value as collectors items. Although you probably won’t find rare antiques in…

Rare Lute Found in Storage Auction Sells for $3,100

A storage auction in New Zealand recently uncovered a rare musical instrument worth thousands of dollars hidden amongst a pile of otherwise worthless junk. The instrument in question is a 36-string lute made in 1926. Lutes are relatively obscure instruments resembling mandolins, and they have not been in favor since ancient times. This one, however,…

Storage Wars: Mouth Urinal

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 17: “Total Wine Domination.” Barry brought Adam, his accountant, who advised “The Collector” to get out of the auction business. Oy, vey! Earl, Johan Graham’s father, got lost on his way to Mission Viejo. Oy, vey! Mark Harris stated to Matt it was official,  today they would buy a locker….

How to Tell which Comic Books are Valuable

A storage hunter at a storage auction in the San Fernando Valley bought a locker and found movie star Nicolas Cage’s stolen comic book worth a million dollars! Action Comics No. 1, published in June 1938, in which Superman first appeared in a comic book. Present day, that issue is still regarded as one of…

Why are Storage Unit Auctions so Popular?

Why are storage units that are up for auction so popular today? Storage Wars. Until I saw the reality television series on A&E channel, I had no clue of this type of investment enterprise. People however have been earning a living through this unique venture for decades. However, once Storage Wars made its debut in…

Storage Wars: Camping & Smack Talking

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 18: “The Storage Buyer in You.” Barry drove to the auction in his Jetsons space automobile with matching camper. The Collector camped for the night, grilled dinner, read a book… you had to be there. Ivy smack talked how he would dominate and cause pain. Darrell smack talked how he…

Dave Hester – Auctioneer?

Dave Hester’s legal battle with Storage Wars is still on-going, and it doesn’t seem to have dampened the popularity of the show any. Dave’s moved on, though, to a simpler career: Returning to his roots as an auctioneer. Although Hester was a bidder on the show, his experience is primarily on the other side of…

Storage Wars: Barry drove a TANK to the Auction!

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 16: “There’s No Place Like Homeland.” Dan and Laura Dotson got lost on their way to the city of Homeland. Laura said they needed to turn back around. Dan did what ever guy does, a quick illegal U-turn. Dan: If you do an illegal U-turn, and there’s no cops around,…

Storage Wars: The HOLY GRAIL

Storage Wars: Season 4, Episode 15: “This Lamp’s for You.” Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante cut the ribbon to officially open their second thrift store. Darrell quipped to Brandon that his strategy today was to serve Jarrod a can of “whoop ass” simply because the auction was held near one of Jarrod’s thrift stores. I’ll…