In today’s world of reusing and repurposing, estate auctions have been a longstanding resource for finding unique treasures.

While many auctions take place online, I personally prefer the experience of attending in person and bidding on items right there in the hall.

It’s fascinating to witness the prices people are willing to pay for certain items.

Sometimes, things that appear worn out end up fetching higher prices than newer items. Old wooden benches and stools, for example, have been known to sell for more than $50.

I’ve always had my eye on a cast-iron frying pan at these auctions. But they tend to go for $30 or $40, sometimes even more. I lucked out at one sale and snagged four of them for just $6; it’s all about timing.

I remember one auction where they were selling vintage cardboard cutout Halloween decorations from the 1950s in lots of 10 or 12 items each. Each lot sold for $200 or more, and the folks behind me must have spent more than $1,000 on them.

Then there was the time an auctioneer had a client with a garage full of diecast cars and trucks — Hess trucks, Hot Wheels, Matchboxes, you name it. They decided to spread the collection out over several sales. Every auction for about six months had the toys included in the sales.

I’ve also been on the selling side of things.

A few years back, we decided to sell my dad’s gun collection, hoping to make a few hundred bucks. To our surprise, the first gun sold for more than $200. We ended up making around $2,000, which covered the cost of our new front porch.

Auctions can also bring some odd items to the block.

I’ve seen collections of Nazi photographs, a gun-shaped handheld hair dryer and even a coffin (thankfully unused). One item that seems to pop up at most auctions is the green ceramic Christmas tree that lights up.

All in all, estate auctions are a treasure-trove and a great way to redecorate your home.

That life-size moose head will look great in your dining room!