AUCTION PROFILE Red Baron’s Antiques: From Furniture To Flying Cars By Sharon Verbeten “G ive the customer what they want.” Seems like a pretty legitimate goal for any business—and it’s one Red Baron’s Antiques in Atlanta, Ga., has been pursuing for more than 30 years. But for owners Bob and Linda Brown, that mission prompted them to change the entire focus of their original business. In the mid-1970s, the Browns opened a dress shop and, according to Chrissy Will, advertising director for Red Baron’s Antiques, Bob began buying antiques to stage the items in the shop. “People started coming in and they loved the things he brought in,” Will said. “They bought the staging props before they bought the dresses. Bob had quite an eye for this, so they shifted their focus to antiques.” The Browns erected a tent in the side yard, filled it with antiques and, instead of opening an antiques shop, held their very first auction. Turns out that was a fortuitous move. Now more than three decades later, Red Baron’s specializes in selling high-end antiques—ranging from more traditional pieces of furniture to the truly unusual—such as the first documented flying car that will highlight its upcoming sale March 13-14. Luxe reigns “Big” is a word that best describes Red Baron’s; nothing they do is small—from the size of their facility to the pre-auction parties it throws. The company, which holds three major sales each year, hosts much-anticipated parties for registered bidders the night before a sale. And, according to Will, no expense is spared. A girl suspended from a chandelier pours champagne steak and shrimp are on the menu, live music sets the mood. “They’re huge deals,” said Will, noting that several hundred bidders usually attend. “We set up the entire auction house [and] create little vignettes to show off the merchandise. Clients like the whole experience. It’s a little taste of the finer things.” Finer things—and some most unusual ones as well—will be a hallmark of Red Baron’s March sale, which will include about 2,500 lots, focusing on the unusual, and, according to Will, “All kinds of strange things.” Hundreds of registered bidders gather the night before Red Baron’s auctions for a larger-than-life preview party. As they view the merchandise, attendees can enjoy appetizers, as well as champagne poured by a hostess suspended upside down from a chandelier, shown here at center. Among those is the first documented flying car, made around 1935 by engineer Frank Skroback in Syracuse, N.Y. The inventor patented about 80 tools just to build the car. The car, which came from a collector and carries a great deal of provenance/patents, will take up one entire page in the auction catalog. In fact, it’s expected to be a highlight of the sale, although Red Baron’s does not use presale estimates (nor do they publicize prices realized). Other items sure to pique bidders’ interest include: A working 1849 gun disguised within a walking cane A 1955 Seeburg Selectomatic jukebox and other game room items (Red Baron’s is known to specialize in extremely large and elaborate bars) A pair of walnut pool cue racks Stained-glass church windows - huge and absolutely exquisite The atmosphere at a Red Baron’s sale is electric, creating more of an all-around experience, rather than just a buying GREAT EASTERN U.S. SPRING Antique Advertising, Book & Paper Show Including POP CULTURE, MEMORABILIA AND PAPER COLLECTIBLES Saturday April 24 9-5 Sunday April 25 10-3 Agricultural Hall, 17th & Chew Streets Allentown Fairgrounds 7th Annual A CROSS RIVER WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM 60 N. Salem Rd. (Route 121 N) CROSS RIVER, NY Allentown, PA TWO DAY EVENT! Gary Sohmers, an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow will be there giving appraisals for charity. Bring in any item made of paper and Gary will help you discover its history and value. All donations will go to finding a Cure for Cancer. Attendees can also choose to sell their items to specialized vendors at the show. There will be two full rooms with over 170 dealers! MARCH 7 JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL Route 684 exit 6, east 4.5 miles on Route 35, left onto Route 121 North Verbal Appraisals 11am-3pm $5 per item (3 items per turn) by William J. Jenack Appraisers & Auctioneers Admission $7 (Under 13 Free) to benefit John Jay High School PTO G E Admission $7 With this ad only $6 For info Contact Joyce Heilman (610) 706-0214 G.E. Productions P.O. Box 806, Trexlertown, PA 18087 www.allentownpapershow.com allentownpapershow@gmail.com cordshows.com 914-273-4667 www.northeastantiques.com Page 12, Northeast Antiques, March 2010