My interest in auctioning goes back to my youth in the mid 1950's when, as a child, I attended cattle auctions with my father. I was one to be fascinated by the auctioneers "lingo" and the banging of the gavel. Although I never did figure out how dad "voted" on the cattle, as he put it. He managed to load a few in the trailer.
I also am treasured with an auction flyer from my great grandfather's sale back in 1897, which I proudly have displayed in my auction facility. It's worth a trip just to read the terms of an auction over 100 years ago.
In the mid 1970's, my auction interest continued as I searched for furniture that was in need of stripping, refinishing and repair. I bought and sold in an effort to feed a growing family. I started auctioning, when, after I took a load of furniture to an auction to sell, the auctioneer made more money than I did and didn't have near the work.
I began as an associate auctioneer in 1982, working with a well respected and established auctioneer. Although he didn't teach me the "lingo", I learned that there is a lot more to the profession than just talk. In 1983, I went out on my own as my partner retired. (As a side note, he re-entered the profession a short time later and we were competitors until his final retirement a short time later.) He still occasionally works for me as the need arises.
I built the auction barn in 1992. We have held monthly sales since that time. We specialize in smaller consignments up to entire estates, antiques, collectables, household, garage and shop. We run very large and diverse sales.
James Pierce
Owner of Pierce Auction Service