Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Gears Up for Spectacular Winter Antiques, Fine Art and Jewelry Auction

February 25, 2010 at 2:19 am | Posted in antique armour, Antiques, auctions, Economy, estate jewelry, sterling silver | 2 Comments
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Has G.F. Co Logo Molded into Tin Side Panels

Made exclusively for General Foods Company

Khula Khud Battle Helmet Late 18th to Early 19th Century

PRESS RELEASE

PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS & LIQUIDATORS, LLC

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BUSINESS CONTACT:

Charles Fudge, Auctioneer

811 SE US Highway 19

Crystal River, FL 34429

Tel: 352-795-2061

http://www.charliefudge.com // Email: webuyit@tampabay.rr.com

Professional Appraisers & Liquidators’ Auction Gears Up for Huge Winter Auction

Rare items including a 19th Century Indo-Persian Battle Helmet, a Punched Tin Pie Safe made exclusively for General Mills, a Sterling Silver Veilleuse-Theiere Teapot will cross the auction block in Crystal River this Saturday. These items as well as many other fine Antiques, Art, & Collectibles will be up for auction at Professional Appraisers and Liquidator’s first sale of the year.

Crystal River, FL February 23, 2010 – A Fabulous Winter Season Antique Auction will be conducted by Charles Fudge of Professional Appraisers & Liquidators in Crystal River, Florida on Saturday February 27th at the firm’s US Highway 19 Gallery. Highlights of the auction will be over 75 lots of 19th and 20th Century American and European Art, as well as over 100 lots of Antique Furniture to include Victorian, Period, Primitive, with a sprinkling of Mid Century Modern. As always, Estate Jewelry will also be a main feature, with over 100 Lots of Estate Gold and Diamond Jewelry for offer, including many fine Art Deco pieces. Other items of interest are an Early 19th Century Sampler, Lamps including hanging oil lamps; and table lamps by Sale Brothers and Bradley and Hubbard,

 

Furniture highlights include a Federal Period 2-Part Corner Cupboard believed to be of Pennsylvanian origin. Also attributed to Pennsylvania is the Butternut Jelly Cupboard with locking doors and drawers. Of Southern origin is a Walnut Sugar Chest from the Early 1800s with a Fishtail Hinged Lid and Dove-Tailed case and a 19th Century Pegged Leg Oak Harvest Table with Bread Board ends, and a Step-Back Cupboard. Not to exclude the Mid Century Modern Era, the auction will feature chairs designed by Ray and Charles Eames, manufactured by Herman Miller and a complete dining room suite by Bernhardt. Auctioneer Fudge says, “Of all the furniture, the piece I am most excited about is the, possibly one-of-a-kind, Punched Tin Pie Safe made exclusively for General Foods Company, with the corporation’s logo of G.F. Co molded into the tin panels on each side.

 

Another item one might call rare the an Indo-Persian Battle Helmet dating to Pre-1850, which has its gorgeous damescene or gold inlay decorations still very much intact. Helmets like this are hard to find, especially with the gold still intact. Fudge says “This is near museum quality, and since there has been an increase in collectors of Indo-Persian battle armour, we expect strong bidding on this item.

 

Featured Fine Art includes Paintings, Etchings, Prints and Statues. Paintings by American Listed Artists include “Arrival of Spring” by Andrew Thomas Schwartz, a Landscape by Ernest Parton, a Coastal Landscape entitled “Turn of the Tide” by Charles Bridgeman Vickery, an Oil on Canvas entitled “Ancient Quarter” by Frank A. Brown, a Landscape by Peter Edward Rudell and an Alaskan Scene by Leonard Moore Davis, noted Landscape painter, muralist and illustrator with a specialty in Alaskan scenes dating back to the 19th Century. European Art enthusiasts will enjoy a 19th Century painting depicting boats on a lake at sunset by British Listed Artist, James Francis Danby, a watercolor entitled “Floral Arrangement” by Russian artist, Boris Vassiloff, and two 19th Century Oil on Panel paintings by Italian, Gaetano Mormile, whose works were included in Sotheby’s Old Master and 19th Century European Art Auction. Also of note, is the Oil on Canvas painting, “Standing Nude” by Hungarian American portrait artist, Pal Fried. Fried is noted for having painted celebrities such as Will Rogers, Marilyn Monroe, and the Gabor Sisters. In addition to bronze statues by Listed Artists, Madeline LeFabre and 19th Century,Eugene Antoine Aizelin, both French, are Cold Painted Austrian Vienna Bronzes by famous sculptor, Franz Bergman, which include Lizards and an outstanding Cobra. Ivory statues include a Polychromed Ivory Woodsman and Oriental Lady and ivory Netsukes include everything from a meerkat to erotica.

 

Among the American Art Pottery will be Roseville Art Pottery including a hard to find Pink Snowberry Vase. From across the pond, L. Hjorth’s pottery from the Island of Bornholm in Denmark, will be represented. However, the highlight of the pottery category is sure to be the Weller Jardiniere and Pedestal in the Baldin (Apple) Pattern, an item can be quite difficult to find.

Spectacular Sterling Silver will cross the block as well, coming from famous Silversmiths such as 18th Century George Schofield in the form of a Georgian gadrooned sauce boat bearing a 1789 date mark, and 19th Century Holland Aldwinkle and Slater’s glorious Repousse 2-handled Centerpiece bowl, which is one of the finest the firm has seen. Other makers of Sterling Silver for auction are Tiffany, Gorham, Reed and Barton. Certainly most unique is the Gustave Keller 950 Fine French Silver Arts and Crafts version of a Veilleuse-Theiere, complete with tea strainer in the spout of the individual teapot. The word “veilleuse-theire: loosely translates to a nightlight teapot. According to “An Illustrated Dictionary of Silverware–Harold Newman-1987” they were originally made to be used at the bedside to keep food warm for a invalid or an infant, the veileuse was similarly used in the bedroom for keeping warm a beverage for one person.

Collectibles include Hummel, Goebel, Lladro, Royal Doulton and Swarovski Figurines. Art Glass, Brilliant Period Cut Glass, Porcelain, Clocks, Rugs and many other interesting antiques will also be represented in Saturday’s sale. Says Auctioneer Fudge, “We expect a nice in-house crowd, coupled with internet bidders. When you have outstanding, fresh-to-market antiques and collectibles, people will buy no matter what the economy. If the economy is weak, people look harder for a good buy, and let’s face it, we have some very unique items in this auction that collectors may never see again. They’ll want to cease the moment.”

Previews for Saturday’s Auction are as follows: Friday, February 26th from 10am to 5pm and Saturday morning from 8am until auction announcements begin at approximately 8:45 am. Other hours are available by appointment. The auction starts promptly at 10 o’clock. Potential bidders are encouraged to preview either live or via the photos for each item, which can be found on the auction gallery’s website. Internet bidding is available via http://liveauctioneers.com/catalog/20458 or http://proxibid.com/charliefudge. Absentee and telephone bidding are also welcome. For further information on this auction, or to speak to Professional Appraisers and Liquidators about consignments, please see http://www.charliefudge.com or call 800-542-3877.

###

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFO:

Diane Fudge,Public Relations (352) 382-2120 cfudge@tampabay.rr.com

www.charliefudge.com

FLORIDA ANTIQUE AUCTIONEER, CHARLES FUDGE, KEEPS UP WITH ECONOMY, BY ADDING WEEKLY ESTATE AUCTIONS TO HIS SCHEDULE

October 10, 2009 at 7:13 pm | Posted in Antiques, auctions, Economy, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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Tiffany Lamp

Tiffany Lamp

Crystal River, FL October 9, 2009 – Professional Appraisers & Liquidators Auction Gallery in Crystal River is making adjustments due to our declining economy. Charles Fudge, owner, and auctioneer for nearly 4 decades, knows the antiques and estate auction industry very well. He’s been observing market changes over the last 40 years, and has ridden the waves of the economy as it fluctuates. His business has primarily been known for buying and auctioning the creme de la creme of antiques and art. Items typically found at his antique auctions range from Tiffany Lamps and Sterling Silver, 18th & 19th Century Paintings by listed artists, Gold & Diamond Jewelry, Gold Coins, Art Glass & Crystal by famous makers — to collectible figurines by Lladro, Royal Doulton & Hummel. He knows its time to add estate auctions to his schedule.

 

In the past, when he purchased the complete contents of an estate, he kept the antiques and old paintings for his high-end antique auctions, and sent everything else off to other auctions. But times are changing. People are more budget concious. So, although there is still a very good market for antiques, art and collectibles, he also knows that in a declining economy there is also increased demand for for gently used, name brand furniture, appliances, housewares, and the like.

He has begun to hold weekly estate auctions to accomodate that market. Fudge will continue to hold his high-end antique auctions, which are attended by locals as well as buyers from all over the U.S. Auction-goers are loyal folks, and word travels quickly. People are already travelling 100 miles to attend his weekly auctions. The audience is mixed — used furnitre dealers, flea market vendors and individuals wanting to furnish a new home, or redecorate their existing residence. Last week a beautiful knotty pine set of bunk beds withcowboy design like-new mattresses sold for just $75.

Fudge knows that with unemployment on the rise, and a questionable economy, diversity is key. Expanding his business by adding estate auctions will increase profit margins while enabling him to offer a wider selection of merchandise to a broader audience. He predicts that in this economy more and more people will head to the nearest estate auction, to affordably replace a broken appliance, or redecorate their home. His auctions will be held every Monday night beginning at 6:30pm, and Williston auctioneer Joel Kulcsar will be there to help.

For those not familiar with an estate auction, Fudge explained, “Imagine everything in your mother’s or grandmother’s house — everything from their Antique Furniture and Sterling Silver to their blender. Now add your aunt’s home and your neighbor’s. Picture the contents of all of them being sold in 3 or 4 hours. That paints a pretty good picture of an estate auction.” The suprises in an estate auction are endless. Automobiles, boats, and even airplanes may be found at an estate auction. There are no limits as to what you might find. On July 27, 2009 at the estate auction of legendary psychic, Jeanne Dixon, her crystal ball sold for $11,950.

In these tough economic times, more and more “newbies” are attending estate auctions, rather than heading to the nearest big box retailer — in an effort to get more bang for their buck. Auction newcomers quickly become hooked when they see quality merchandise sell for pennies on the dollar. Even better, estate auctions usually have a lot solid wood furniture, instead of the composite and flakeboard being sold these days.

Auctions are exciting because prices are driven by demand. Retail value has little to do with the actual prices realized. The final price is determined by how many people bid on an item, and how badly they want it. What are the other differences between High-End Antique Auctions and Estate Auctions? Typically, Estate Auctions are not catalogued. Without a catalog, an Auctioneer can determine the order of items sold, according to audience interest. This speeds up the auction, the less time an auctioneer takes to describe the items, the more quickly the auction goes.

If you’ve never been to an auction, why not give it a try? Professional Appraisers and Liquidators offers free copies of an paper they wrote just for first-time auction go-ers. It is very informative and will prove most helpful in making your first auction experience a pleasant one. If you’d like a copy, send an email to webuyit@tampabay.rr.com.

For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators, LLC at (352-795-2061) or visit their website at www.charliefudge.com. Their newly added Estate Auctions will take place each Monday beginning at 6:30 pm and preview will begin at noon on auction day.  

BUSINESS CONTACT: Charles Fudge, Auctioneer 811 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34429 Tel: 352-795-2061 //Cell Phone: 727-385-6109 // http://www.charliefudge.com // Email: webuyit@tampabay.rr.com

 

 

Auction & Estate Sales Companies vs Senior Moving or Relocation Companies

October 7, 2009 at 5:52 am | Posted in Antiques, auctions, Economy, Senior Transition Moving | 1 Comment
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Auction & Estate Sales Companies vs Senior Moving or Relocation Companies

Senior moving companies are on the rise. During the past few years, they have popped up all over the map. One can pay just under $1500 for a 3-day course to be certified as a Senior Transition Specialist. Is this really new, or have they rebranded an age old concept of helping our elders? These companies are charging for services that Auction Businesses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been providing to their older clients for years, but they were doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They didn’t know that helping seniors make the transition to assisted living or a relative’s home could mean dollar signs. Instead they helped because it was the neighborly thing to do.

Do a google search and the names are endless. Senior Transitions, Caring Transitions, Gentle Transitions, and Mature Movers are just a few. They even have an association: The National Association of Senior Move Managers, a 501-C-3 Not-for-Profit organization.

Why have these companies become necessary? Isn’t there anyone who cares about the elderly enough to help them with their move to assisted living or back home to be near their children without being paid for it? Are family members too busy to help them? Don’t neighbors help each other anymore? What happened to “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Well, there actually are two types of businesses that have been around for ever and a day that have been helping seniors prepare for moving day and most likely they didn’t charge them extra. Those businesses are Estate Sale and Auction Companies. Although they may not have specifically advertised this service, for years Auction Houses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been the liaison between clients and their out of town family members to help this transition go smoothly. These businesses have helped sort items, made necessary arrangements, and taken it upon themselves to see that their clients were ready for moving day. Most have left the home void of debris, “broom clean” and ready for a realtor. Many carried unsold items to a local charity.

The liquidators didn’t charge for the little extras. The auctioneer or estate sale companies made their profit on the liquidation of the items in the home that were not going to be moved, and not for helping the senior with all the other details.  These “details” can become overwhelming to a client, but are matter-of-fact for liquidators, who move seniors day in and day out. A huge smile or a warm hug from the senior were compensation enough for their assistance. Years later the companies were still reaping additional rewards in the form of word-of-mouth referrals from family, friends, and neighbors who were impressed at the kindness displayed by the liquidators.

The good news is that estate sale companies and auction houses still offer these services, but evidently they haven’t been doing a good job of advertising the extras they offer. If they were properly advertising the many ways in which they help their clients, there would have been no room for an industry based solely on helping seniors move. The senior transiton companies are NOT moving companies. Instead they help the senior with the details involved in moving. If an estate sale or auction house is worth their salt, then they are providing the same services, without the extra cost.

Most auctioneers in states such as Florida, with a large population of older residents, will tell you that at least 50 percent of their business involves assisting an elderly widow or widower with their “back up north” or to Assisted Living. They call the estate sale company or auction business because they need to downsize or liquidate their estate. In more than half of those cases, the person who makes the first contact is a relative living in another state. When the out of state relative calls to make arrangements to liquidate their loved ones home, an auction house will give them options. They can either sell the items outright, put them on consignment for an upcoming Antique or Estate Auction, or conduct an estate sale with said items – either at the client’s home or in the business’ own facility. Whichever method of liquidation is chosen, at this point, the auction business acts as an extension of the out of town family, and does everything they can to put the senior’s mind at ease regarding the move. Typically, they go above and beyond what they are contracted to do. Most auctioneers will tell you that if they are hired to liquidate, the sorting and packing of items that will be moved, debris removal and cleaning the home once its vacant, is done for FREE.

Citrus County Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, of Crystal River, Florida says, “Our staff has over 100 years of combined experience in liquidating estates, and seniors have made up a good majority of our clientelle. We treat everyone like family. Anyone who calls upon our business will receive help and support from us, and they shouldn’t need a moving specialist. We can have a senior packed, unpacked, and settled in assisted living in about 24 hours. The sooner we can get them settled in their new home, the better. We want them to feel “at home” in their new residence right away, and this happens when the things they love surround them. They need to have their medicine in a place they can easily reach. They want the photo of their deceased spouse on their nightstand, and their grandchildren’s photo hanging on the wall. We make sure they have the necessities in their refrigerator and their clothes hanging in their closet. If they have a pet, they need to know the new location for keeping the pet food. These little things make a big difference in how quickly they adapt to their new surroundings and we make it happen.” He goes on to say, “We treat each move as if the client was our own grandmother, and we keep open lines of communication with the out of town family members. Once the house is emptied, our cleaning crew goes in and gets the house prepared for the realtor or buyer. We’ve done such a great job over the years that at least 20 percent of our business comes from realtors or word of mouth advertising via friends, relatives, or neighbors of people we’ve moved. ”

Employee Amy Stalker says, “He does this all for FREE because he is a very kind man, with a special place in his heart for the elderly” He has moved more people into assisted living (from start to finish) than she can count, and the only money he makes is the commission on items they sell or profit on items he buys for resale.” (His auction business does not charge extra for those needing extra assistance with their liquidation and move.) “He’s even personally coordinated a client’s move to upstate New York after downsizing the former home, then flew up north to help the gentleman settle into his new residence”, adds Amy.

In summary, the services provided by these senior movers is not new, or unique. They’ve just found a new way to brand an old tradition. It is wonderful that they are providing a service for the elderly, but auctioneers and estate liquidators have been doing the same for decades. Auctioneers and estate sale companies have helped their clients out of kindness, and the specialized senior movers saw a nitch in the market and turned it into a business. Before hiring a specialized company to move your loved one back “home” or to assisted living, find out what “extras” your local auction house or estate sale companies provide when you contract with them to liquidate the contents of the home. You may find that the added expense of a senior moving specialist is not necessary.

For additional information, contact Antique Auctions by Professional Appraisers & Liquidators at 811 US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL. Their website is http://www.charliefudge.com/ or you can reach them by telephone toll free at 800-542-3877. To find an auctioneer near you visit: http://www.auctioneers.org/

AUCTIONS AND THE ECONOMY – FLORIDA AUCTIONEER C. FUDGE SAYS IT’S A BUYER’S MARKET

October 5, 2009 at 9:37 pm | Posted in Antiques, auctions, Economy | 1 Comment
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Crystal River Auctioneer, Charles Fudge of Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique and Estate Auctions has seen prices fluctuate for 40 years. He reports that prices couldn’t be better for buyers and more and more people are attending auctions to get a bargain. Particularly low are prices for name brand furniture — which often sells for less than the auction house’s representative has paid.

 

Crystal River, FL October 5, 2009 – Charles Fudge is an auction veteran. He began dabbling in the antique market at the age of 10, following in his mother’s footsteps. Right after he turned 21 he attended auction school, got his auction license, and used his savings and severance pay to go into the auction business. 4 decades later, and you’ll still find him working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week buying, selling and auctioning antiques and estate items. His first hand observations regarding the market as it pertains to auctions show that Internet auctions were the first venue to deflate auction prices realized, and the current economy has caused prices to continue to decline.

 

According to Fudge, “The first time we saw a big drop in auction prices, was at the turn of the 20th and 21st century when buyers started turning to eBay. Because the entire world was invited to participate in Internet auctions, items that were once “rare” in a buyer’s local market, were now found in abundance at the on-line auction.” Internet auctions drastically affected the law of supply and demand for antiques and collectibles. Any antique dealer will tell you that these values have never recovered from the big drop that took place with the inception of on-line auctions.

 

More recently, auctioneers have seen another significant drop in prices, which they are attributing to an uncertain economy. Many people, particularly retirees have lost most of their savings due to drops in the stock market. Others have lost their jobs or are worried about what the future holds. All of these factors affect their spending habits. Market trends for retail sales are shaky at best, and auction prices are no exception.

 

Where there is rain, there is a rainbow. The up-side to this downward trend in prices realized at auction is that as prices drop to all time lows, it becomes a Buyer’s Market. Says Fudge, “Solid wood and name brand furniture is going for less than ten percent of retail. I’ve seen $1000 dining room sets sell at local auctions for as little as $60.” He also notes, “Its very hard to find solid wood furniture anymore. Not many manufacturers are making it anymore. Whether you’re shopping at box retailers such as Rooms to Go or high-end stores such as Ethan Allen, all you will find is furniture made of flakeboard, or as they call it, “composite”. However, can still find good quality, solid wood furniture in abundance at any auction, and the good news is that you’ll pay pennies on the dollar for it”. He’s talked to other auctioneers around the country, and they are all experiencing the same phenomenon. Many people used to be afraid to buy at auction, because the process was unfamiliar to them. But, with the economy the way it is, he expects to see more first-timers buying at auction whether to furnish their new home or redecorate their current residence. He doesn’t think it will be very long before this well kept “secret” gets out. Whether you need a new dining room set or you want to add a piece to your collection of pottery, why not try shopping at your local auction?

 

For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique Auction Gallery at 352-795-2061 or view their website at http://www.charliefudge.com. Charles Fudge, owner is a 40 year veteran of the auction business and specializes in Antiques, Collectibles and Estate Liquidation due to downsizing, moving or probate. To find the auction nearest you, Auction Zip is an excellent service that lists auction dates and times all over the U.S. Their website is http://www.auctionzip.com.

We’re auctioning a haunted Victorian home & former antique shop’s contents!

October 2, 2009 at 7:06 am | Posted in Antiques, auctions, Haunted | 2 Comments
No one can explain why the hauntings begin when this painting is moved.

No one can explain why the hauntings begin when this painting is moved.

7 Bedroom Victorian Mansion to be auctioned in Ocala, FL on 10/3 at Noon.
7 Bedroom Victorian Mansion to be auctioned in Ocala, FL on 10/3 at Noon.

Here is our story about the upcoming antique auction this weekend at an old Victorian Home in Ocala Florida’s Historic district.  Both the Haunted (?) Building and in excess of $200,000 in Antiques from the former Upstairs Downstairs Antique Galleria will be auctioned.  Read on, and then take a look at the photos.  The photo of the gentleman that seems to create paranormal mischief sure does creep me out.

HAUNTED HISTORICAL OCALA MANSION & ITS ANTIQUE CONTENTS TO BE AUCTIONED SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD AT 10AM

Florida Auctioneers Charles Fudge of Professional Appraisers and Liquidators of Crystal River & Kale Albritton of Lakeland Will Liquidate the Contents of Upstairs Downstairs Antique Gallery on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 10am Along With the Late 1890’s Victorian House, Which is Rumored to be Haunted.

Ocala, FL, October 1 2009 – This Saturday, will be an important day for Antique Collectors, Dealers, curiosity seekers, and ghost hunters alike when a Crystal River auction firm liquidates the contents of Upstairs, Downstairs Antique Galleria at 725 E. Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala Florida beginning at 10am. Besides over $200,000 worth of antiques that will cross the auction block, the 1885 Victorian Mansion zoned for commercial use, which is rumored to be haunted, will also be auctioned. This is the second “haunted” historical building in the Fort King district to be auctioned in the last year.

The Historic District of Ocala is an important spot on the map for those interested in all things paranormal. Sci-Fi Channel’s Television Show “TAPS Ghost Hunters” featured The Seven Sisters Inn on an episode last year. Ocala Ghost Walks, a local firm offerning walking and carriage tours of the district, features several historical buildings in the Fort King area including Seven Sisters and the Ritz Historic Inn. The ghost tour owner, Catherine Wendell said, “The hauntings throughout the area seem to be in clusters of 2 or 3 houses near each other, with no rhyme or reason”. The former Upstairs Downstairs Antique shop building is an important stop on their tour.

When Professional Appraisers & Liquidators was hired to liquidate both the contents and Victorian building at 725 E Silver Springs Blvd, they were told that the painting of a gentleman, circa 1840s, that was hanging in the shop was NOT for sale. The owner stipulated that it “went with the house” and would be given to the person who purchases the Victorian seven-bedroom mansion. Why? Because it seems that strange occurances seem to happen whenever that painting is moved.

Auctioneer Charles Fudge stated, “The comment about the painting sparked our interest as to the history of the building”. His firm’s research led them to an Ocala firm that had investigated the mysterious occurances in June, 2009 and posted audio and video of their overnight surveillance of the Victorian home on their website. According to a spokesman for American Paranormal Project Inc, the not for profit volunteer based organization, made up of citizens, each with unique backgrounds who have an interest in the paranormal, “It is truly one of the most haunted places I’ve seen”. Besides their findings of EVPs and ENPs, they heard footsteps upstairs while the entire team was “locked down” on the first floor. He also told them that “something” besides their team turned a light on during their overnight investigation.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of owning a Victorian Home, commercially zoned in a high traffic area, or you’d just like to own a building that has been “verified” as haunted, now is your chance. The building will be auctioned at noon to the highest bidder (with owner approval). If a haunted house is out of your price range, then you still might want to take home some of the fine antiques that will be auctioned from 10am until about 5pm. Who knows? Maybe one of the antiques you purchase will bring a spirit with it. And you’ll have it just in time for Halloween.

For further information regarding the auction of Upstairs Downstairs Antique Gallery’s contents and the historical Victorian mansion, contact Professional Appraisers & Liquidators Antique Auctions at 800-542-3877 or visit their website at http://www.charliefudge.com. The website for Ocala Ghost Walks is http://www.ocalaghostwalks.com and video footage of the ghost hunt conducted by American Paranormal Project Inc can be viewed at http://www.americanparanormalprojectinc.com/id6.html

Mark your calendars, We have a cure for your Auction Fever!

September 23, 2009 at 12:13 am | Posted in auctions | Leave a comment

Mark these dates folks…. We have more auctions in the next 6 weeks than we’ve done in such a few short weeks during the last 354 years.  I’ll get more info up soon, but in the meantime, I thought I’d give the heads up… 

Take a look at these, and you can see why all our heads are spinning!

September 28th at 6:30pm Estate Auction,, 811 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL

October 3rd at 10am – On-Site Antique Gallery Liquidation Auction Upstairs Downstairs Antiques (including the Victorian Building) Silver Springs, Blvd. Ocala, FL

October 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th at 6:30pm – Estate Auctions, 811 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL

October 31st at 10am Antiques, Fine Art & Collectibles Auction, 811 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL

November 2nd , 9th, 16th at 6:30pm – Estate Auctions, 811 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL

 Previews: Monday Night Auction Previews start at Noon on the day of the auction. Saturday Antique Auction Previews are from 11-5 the day prior and 8-10am on auction day. The same is true for the on-site auction in Ocala.

PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS

& LIQUIDATORS, LLC AB 1131

WE BUY, SELL, AUCTION, ACCEPT QUALITY CONSIGNMENTS & PURCHASE ESTATES

811 SE US HWY 19,   CRYSTAL RIVER, FL

Phone: 352-795-2061  //  Website:  http://www.charliefudge.com

 Charles Fudge AU 1593  //  Joel Kulcsar AU 1437

 TERMS: MC/Visa/Cash/Approved Check. 13% Buyer’s Premium with a 3% Discount for Cash or Approved Check. 6% Sales Tax w/o Resale Certificate. Please bring your own boxes and packing materials! PARTIAL LISTING FOR SEPTEMBER 7th AUCTION

I’m trying to get the most of blogs and free advertising on the web

September 19, 2009 at 1:07 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

In trying to make the most of all the different sources available on the web to promote our business, I came across Technorati.  They told us to post the following test in a blog so they could pick up the blog.  Here it goes.  I’m going to give it a try: 

256zminrdy

Florida Antiques and Fine Arts Auction Gallery

September 15, 2009 at 6:04 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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We will keep you up-to-date regarding our Antiques, Fine Art, and Estate Auctions in Citrus County, Central Florida

Press Release for our Estate Auctions

September 1, 2009 at 9:26 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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I’m so excited that we’re going to be holding 2 auctions a month on Monday nights in addition to our antique auctions!!!   I wrote a press release and am in the process of sending it to everyone that I can think of.  Advertising is always so expensive, so it is wise to use a press release whenever possible.  Free publicity is better than anything else to get people to find out about a new product you’re offering.  Here is my press release.  What do you think?

photo tag line: Charles Fudge welcomes Joel Kulcsar to Crystal River. Joel will bring fantastic Estate Auctions to the Crystal River Auction Gallery.

PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS & LIQUIDATORS, LLC

 

 

BUSINESS CONTACT:

Charles Fudge, Auctioneer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

811 SE US Highway 19

Crystal River, FL 34429

Tel: 352-795-2061 //Cell Phone: 727-385-6109

http://www.charliefudge.com // Email: cfudge@tampabay.rr.com

 

Williston Auctioneer Receives a Warm Welcome from Crystal River firm: Professional Appraisers & Liquidators, LLC

 

17 Year Auction Veteran Col Joel Kulcsar of Williston brings a new twist to Charles Fudge’s Antique Auction Gallery in Crystal River. Fudge’s Auction Gallery, Professional Appraisers & Liquidators, LLC, is enthusiastic about the alliance with Kulscar which will bring Bi-Monthly Monday Night Estate Auctions to the Fine Art and High-End Antique Gallery’s repertoire.

 

Crystal River, FL September 1, 2009 – Professional Appraisers & Liquidators Auction Gallery in Crystal River is mixing it up a bit this fall. Charles Fudge, owner, and auctioneer for nearly 4 decades, the majority of which have been in Citrus County, Florida, has always been recognized for auctioning the creme de la creme. Items typically found at his antique auctions range from Tiffany Lamps and Sterling Silver, 18th & 19th Century Paintings by listed artists, Gold & Diamond Jewelry, Gold Coins, Art Glass & Crystal by famous makers to collectible figurines by Lladro, Royal Doulton & Hummel. Joel Kulcsar of Williston, has been conducting Estate Auctions for over 17 years. Those attending an auction conducted by Joel have been likely to find a smorgasbord ranging from quality antiques to appliances, kitchenware or children’s toys. The two auctioneers have recently formed a strategic relationship in order to bring a greater variety of merchandise across the auction block in Crystal River. This will enable each of the auctioneers to reach a broader audience.

Starting September 7th, the two auctioneers will meld their unique styles, on the first and third Mondays of each month, offering a wide variety of merchandise to auction enthusiasts from near and far. Many people may assume that auctions are attended by folks living in the vicinity of the auction gallery. The truth is that auction-goers will travel over 100 miles to attend an auction, and high-end antique auctions typically have bidders from all over the country in attendance and most likely have international clients placing bids on the telephone or via the internet.

Estate Auctions typically offer a variety of items — everything found in a home that the firm has liquidated. Antique items and designer furniture are auctioned individually while items such as pots and pans are combined into groupings known as “box lots”. There are few limitations as to what is sold in an estate auction. Says owner, Charles Fudge, “The best way to explain an estate auction is this: Imagine everything in your grandmother’s house — everything from her Antique Furniture and Sterling Silver to her blender. Now add your aunt’s home, and your next door neighbor’s, who is moving back Up North. Picture the contents of those 3 homes all offered for sale over the course of 4 or 5 hours, and that paints a pretty good picture of an estate auction.”

The suprises in an estate auction are endless. Items that have found their way into estate auctions include automobiles, boats, and airplanes. There are no boundaries as to what can be included in an “estate auction”. On July 27, 2009 at the estate auction of legendary psychic, Jeanne Dixon, her crystal ball sold for $11,950.

Clientele expected to attend the Monday night estate auctions will be as varied as the items themselves. Antique enthusiasts will come, looking for that special piece to add to their collection. Antique Dealers will be looking for a bargain that will turn a profit for them in these hard times. Flea Market Vendors will have their eye out for merchandise to resell. But, what will make these auctions unique, is that the general public will also appear, en masse, hunting for a new washer & dryer, living room suite or even a set of dishes. In these economic times, more and more auction “newbies” decide to attend an estate auction rather than heading to the nearest big box retailer in an effort to get more bang for their buck. Auction newcomers quickly become hooked when they learn that there is no better place to find quality merchandise for pennies on the dollar. Where else can one get a signed Ethan Allen bedroom suite for $200 to $400 in pristine condition? Speaking of quality furniture, auction-goers will tell you that solid wood furniture is in abudance at an estate auction, whereas even the top of the line brands of furniture have begun using pressed wood and composites. If you care whether your furniture is solid wood or flakeboard, then you might want to do your shopping at an estate auction.

What makes the estate auction so appealing is that the prices are driven by demand. Retail value has little to do with the actual prices realized. The final price is determined by how many people bid on an item, and how badly they want it. Dealers halt their bidding when their profit margin becomes too thin, but the general public’s bids are driven by their emotions, and a bidding frenzy can cause an item’s price to exceed its retail value. You may ask what is the appeal of purchasing at auction if the prices can exceed retail? The answer is because that scenario is a rare exception. With average attendence of approximately 200 bidders, and number of items for auction exceeding 400 or 500, the amount of merchandise tends to exceed the number of bidders by far. Therein lies the answer of how one can find a real bargain. Supply typically exceeds demand. After all, how many dining room sets does one bidder need?

What other differences are there between High-End Antique Auctions and Estate Auctions? Typically, Estate Auctions are not catalogued. An Antique Auction will have an itemized listing, complete with description and condition of each item. Estate Auctions typically do not have such a listing. Without being bound to a pre-determined order of sale, the Estate Auctioneer can determine the order of items brought up for auction, according to audience interest. Another difference is speed. An auctioneer at an Antique Auction will take their time describing items as they come up for sale, whereas most items in an estate auction need little explanation. Less talking by the auctioneer makes the estate auction move along quickly, which means that more items can be auctioned in less time.

The addition of estate auctions to the auction gallery formerly known solely for the niche market of high-end antiques is predicted to be a win-win situation for the auction house and customers alike. Auctioneers Fudge and Kulcsar agree that with unemployment on the rise, and a questionable economy, diversity is key. Expanding their markets with this newly founded affiliation will bring in additional customers, increase profit margins and enable them to offer a more diverse selection of merchandise. They predict that in this economy more and more people will head to the nearest estate auction, whether to replace a broken appliance, or to redecorate their home. Treasure hunters who formerly scouted garage sales and classified listings are also expected to quickly join the ranks of seasoned auction goers in the latest trend in stretching their hard earned dollars — the estate auction.

For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators, LLC at (352-795-2061) or visit their website at http://www.charliefudge.com. Their newly added Estate Auctions will take place the first and third Mondays of each month at 7pm and preview will begin at noon on each auction day. If you are an auction “newbie”, contact us at cfudge@tampabay.rr.com for a copy of an article we wrote for first time auction-goers. It is very informative and will prove most helpful in making your first auction experience a pleasant one.

AUTHOR CONTACT:

Diane Fudge, Public Relations, Professional Appraisers & Liquidators, LLC

(352) 382-2120, cfudge@tampabay.rr.com

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