In the movie Silverado, there is a wonderful scene between a saloonkeeper and a cowboy where they talk about how they love the smell and feel of a real saloon. Its a funny and poetic moment for sure in the film. Well, for those of us who have lived and worked in the antiques trade, one can say the same about auction houses. They are the place where dreams are made and lost. They are many things, exciting and also boring places. I have seen people bidding while asking others around them if what they are bidding on is real! And I have seen people buy things sight unseen only to throw them back physically at the auctioneer after they look at it! My most vivid memory is two sisters fighting over a pan in front of the entire auction because they both wanted moms roasting pan. I have sat in auctions where objects brought six figures and those where table lots sold for ten dollars. From the antiques side of it all, the auction world is also where dealers buy to resell, collectors buy to acquire, and family members go to see their ancestral treasures sold. Its a lot of drama packed into a space. I know that some will say that the new world of virtual auctions eliminates some of this real-world drama, but I would disagree. I have gotten into bidding wars online with the same intensity that I have in the room only to have my wife clutch my clicker finger and tell me to stop bidding! The one challenge today for consigners is understanding the nature of how auctions work. In the old days, one called up an auction company, and they came in and took everything. You would have a single-owner sale either on-site or back at the auction facility, and you got a check. You would be amazed at what grannies rocker brought and devastated that your Atari brought next to nothing. Today, with prices devalued on the secondary market in nearly every category, its very rare to have a house that will take everything without question. Oh, sure, there are some, and they do a great job. But the bigger and more sophisticated ones will only want to come in and take the best stuff. And the definition of best stuff ends up being the problem. The coke bottle collection from Uncle Joe or the shelf of Hummels may end up being on the list of items to take to Goodwill. The guns, coins, and jewelry are all solid items at sales. Its a far more particular world as auctions cost money to run. All in all, I still love auctions and auctioneers are some of my favorite folks (Dave, Erika, Phil, Jeff, Tim, Tom, Brent, and Ted). Born to collect should be the motto of Peter Seiberts family. Raised in Central Pennsylvania, Seibert has been collecting and writing about antiques for more than three decades. By day, he is a museum director and has worked in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and New Mexico. In addition, he advises and consults with auction houses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly about American furniture and decorative arts. Seiberts writings include books on photography, American fraternal societies and paintings. He and his family are restoring a 1905 arts and crafts house filled with years worth of antique treasures found in shops, co-ops and at auctions.