A World War II Japanese officers Samurai sword and a box of 1960s Barbie and Ken doll clothing and accessories in the same auction? Sure, bidders love variety, and it was plentiful at the Oct. 19 Mead & Son Auctioneers Autumn Spectacular sale held at the Early Owego Antique Center in Owego, N.Y. Militaria, Barbie, early electric lighting and porcelain all excited bidders at the varied sale. The Samurai sword realized $1,300, and the vintage Barbie and Ken material was $120, going to a buyer in Europe. An Enoch Wood and Sons Staffordshire platter sold for $420, Art Deco slip shade ceiling fixtures ranged from $180 to $240, a Bell System flange sign was $130, and a fine McClellan saddle rode out at $190. A 1930s Tydol oilman license topper slid home for $105, while antique music boxes ranged from $50 to $700. All prices are exclusive of buyers premium. The vast majority of the offerings sold to in-house buyers, although phone bidding was spirited on a number of items. Prices were generally steady but reflective of changing trends. Furniture continues to mostly lag behind. A number of young couples attended the auction with discerning eyes and an appreciation for true antiques. The current marketplace has lowered the bar of entry. You do not have to be well off with loads of disposable income to decorate and live with quality antiques. Houses can be finely decorated at very modest prices today. Mead & Sons next auction will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the gallery in Owego, N.Y. A preview will be held at 4 p.m., with the first fall of the hammer starting at 5 p.m. for old-time auction fun. Absentee and phone bids are always graciously accommodated. For more information, call Jim Mead at 607-725-6833 or email jim@earlyowego.com.