March 29, 2024

Talking Crows Auctions open for business

A new auction house is open in Newton, and it’s only a couple of blocks from downtown. Talking Crow Auctions is open at 114 E. Second St. S. and is a separate entity from Longeshott Ventures, which also occupies the building.

“I worked here part time and I have a booth here. I came in one day and (the owner) said ‘I’m giving you the auction room,’” owner Debbie Knapp said.

Knapp along with several associates have been working for the past three weeks to get the room ready for their first auction, which was held Thursday. The room is located toward the back of the building and is full of a variety of items to pique anyone’s interest.

“The main things we are trying to get in here are antiques and vintage items,” associate Shirley Treanor said. “We go to different tag sales and have consignors that come in.”

With something for everyone, items include art, baskets, kitchen items, cabin decorations, comic books, tools, political buttons, home decor, jewelry, stamps, tins and much more. There is also a large Native American-themed collection and vintage fishing lures that highlight what will be seen during the auctions.

The items in the auction come from a variety of places, including tag sales, other sales and consignors that already have booths in the building. Knapp is open to taking items from those interested in selling in the auction but would like to take a look at them first. If accepted, the items will be placed in the auction and a 25 percent commission is taken off the purchase price.

Items can be held on a reserve price, which is the lowest price the item can be sold. If it does not sell for that price it can be entered into the following auction. If it does not sell for the reserve price, it then can either go back to the owner or be sold for the highest bid.

It is free to attend the auctions and items will be available to view two days prior to the sale.

An added bonus at the auctions is a concession stand, which features sandwiches, chips, pop, water and pies and cookies from Simply Homemade by Ellen. Knapp hopes to have different items at each auctions, and to use out a popcorn machine she recently purchased.

Knapp said that it is important that the items be purchased so they do not end up in the landfill.

“I would like it to be passed down and passed down. It is history, and if you don’t save it, it will be gone,” Knapp said. “Somebody wants it somewhere.”

One unique thing that occurs while shopping, Treanor said, was the marrying of items. She might find a teapot at one sale, but it does not have any cups. Then, later, while searching another auctions she might find the matching cups, and she is able to put the set together, making it more likely to sell.

Talking Crow does not have a set schedule but Knapp is researching local activities for the best time to hold one. To find out about the next auction, how to sell at the auction or for any additional information, Knapp can be reached at talkingcrowauction@gmail.com or on their Facebook page.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson
at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com