34) Go to an auction

There are lots of programmes on TV where people buy tut and try and sell it at an auction, get tut out of their attic and try and sell it at auction, or people take their tut to be valued in the hope it's worth a billion and sell it at auction.

For some reason I thought actually going to an auction was shrouded in some sort of mystery; that you needed to know someone to get in or have a red or blue fleece like in Bargain Hunt (actually I have a red fleece why did it take me so long?) 

There is an auction house in the nearest town to us, so with a little research, mainly trying to work out what to do, I was ready to try my hand.

I rocked up early on the Sat morn to have a look at what was available. The middle room was the first room to get kicking at Tring Market Auctions and one where, judging by the catalogue, I was likely to be able to get some things without breaking the bank.

With my number at the ready!

As advised, I watched some of the more regular bidders get in the first bids, before I took the plunge. I had spotted only once viewing had stopped some Arsenal prints, so I dived in but having not viewed them up close I wasn't sure how much they would be worth so didn't push it. A lesson to look up next time!

There were some real random things there and it was a bit like people had really brought out their junk. Seriously pretty much most things sell. To the extent I may well have a good clear out!!! I had thought about the novelty duck decanter but even I have sense to pull out when it goes for £18! It wasn't the prettiest thing in the world!

I bid a few more times but pulled out when I thought things were getting pricey. But in the end I did get some goods! Admittedly all my goods were ones uncontested - the desperation of the auctioneer - does anyone want this for £8? Actually, yes I thought, I like that picture which I hadn't noticed before! And I'm a proud owner of a print of the Solent which actually when I collected is much bigger than I thought, but also much nicer and one which actually could look nice in our room. I also got a dish for a fiver - that really was a steal and then a random box of Italian pottery. I don't know what I was thinking - but I think I may well be gifting or reselling at a boot sale sometime soon! 

My fabulous wins!

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the morning - a great way to spend a couple of hours and who knows what you could end up with. And if I can sneak out again I'm definitely going!