 THE FIRST AUCTIONS:Records handed down from ancient Greek scribes document Auctions occurring as far back as 500 B.C. At that time, women were Auctioned off as wives. And, in fact it was considered illegal to allow a daughter to be "SOLD" outside the Auction method.
In Rome, Italy, around the time of Christ, Auctions were popular for family estates and to sell war plunder. Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius sold family furniture at Auctions, for months, to satisfy debts.
Roman soldiers sold war plunder at Auction. The licensed auctioneer, called "Magister Auctionarium," drove a spear into the ground to start the Auction. Today we use an Auction gavel.
Auctions come to America:
American Auctions date back to the Pilgrims' arrival on America's Eastern Shores in the 1600s and continued in popularity during colonization with the sale of crops, imports, clapboard, livestock, tools, tobacco, slaves and even entire farms. Selling at Auction was the fastest and most efficient means to convert assets into cash. Fur was especially big during this time.
Civil War Era:
Have you ever heard an auctioneer referred to as "Colonel"? It's a fairly common practice, especially at Auction schools across the country. This came about during the Civil War era, a time when Auctions were beginning to flourish. History has it that the art of auctioneering was a common practice for Civil War Colonels who regularly auctioned off the spoils of war and surplus. However, only officers of the Colonel rank could conduct them, spawning the use of the term "Colonel" by many auctioneers still today.
Other names for Auctioneers:
Colonel is only one name that auctioneers have been identified with over the years. Other names include "Knight of the Hammer" and "Brothers." The tools of these auctioneers include the Colonel style hat, a cane, bell, hammer or gavel, and a red flag. The flag often boasting advertising, was placed above where the auctioneer would sell on the day of the Auction.
Then and Now:
From horse and wagon to cyberspace, today many auctioneers offer both live and online Auctions to meet the needs of customers near and far.
Over the years auctioneering has progressed and changed, and today it remains more popular than ever. Most everything thinkable has been sold by the Auction method of marketing: antiques, household items, automobiles, land, livestock, homes, designer dresses, business equipment, and more.
Auctions have been around since the beginning of time because they are a highly efficient and effective business tool - and they meet the needs of the public. Also, they are fun, entertaining and theatrical. Most people who attend an Auction keep wanting to go back again and again.
If you have never been to an Auction, join in and become part of history.
"The Colonel" |
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