Our Stories and Videos
Meet Megan Cook, whose The Sacred Shoppe is the newest addition to The Auction Barn’s Canberra Antiques Centre Estimated Reading Time: 25 minutes • Updated: 12.4.24Have you visited the ‘new’ Canberra Antiques Centre yet? It’s right here, at The Auction Barn. We have been thrilled to welcome so many new stallholders to our space at 10 Wiluna Street Fyshwick, where we are op...
Like many Canberrans, we were surprised to read yesterday’s news about the closure of The Green Shed on 31 May 2024Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes • Updated: 14.3.24 • By, The Auction BarnHowever, those headlines are a little misleading because the waste management services are not exactly disappearing with their incumbent operator - which is great news for Canberra’s co...
Deep Dives: A Selection from the Estate of Allan J. Campbell AM, OBE, OMRI (b.1904 - d.2001)
DEEP DIVES: A SELECTION FROM THE ESTATE OF ALLAN J. CAMPBELL AM, OBE, OMRI (B.1904 - D.2001)Sometimes at the Auction Barn we are presented with such a compelling collection of pieces from an estate that we’re forced to delve deeper. In this case, it was into the archives of the National Library, into the history of WWII in Brisbane, into esoteric knight orders and into the American Embassy in Toky...
Identifying, Researching, and Valuing Silver & Silver PlateIdentifying, Researching, and Valuing Silver & Silver PlateEstimated Reading Time: 15 minutesBlog by MoogSilver, one of the most iconic and important precious metals, has enjoyed an illustrious history. Naturally malleable and workable, with a lovely glossy colour and sheen, silver can be found in many forms - coins, cutlery, ...
A Brief Guide to: Crystal Tableware
A BRIEF GUIDE TO: CRYSTAL TABLEWAREWhat precisely is crystal? It’s simple: to be crystal, glass must have at least 24% lead content. But why is it so much better than glass? Again, it’s simple: Crystal is much stronger than standard glass, which means crystal wine and water glasses are much thinner than standard glasses. And it’s true, a thin crystal rim feels so much better to use. Better “m...
Auction Barn Finds: A Wealth of Coin Purses
Auction Barn Finds: A Wealth of Coin PursesItems come to the barn in multiple ways - storage unit emptying, estate clearances, or op-shop (and tip!) finds. We rarely know what’s coming unless there’s a handy inventory provided, and sometimes opening up a box filled with treats is like Christmas morning! We’d like to show you the results of one of these such finds: a charming antique timber bo...
Why are Single Vendor Auctions So Successful?
WHY ARE SINGLE VENDOR AUCTIONS SO SUCCESSFUL?Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes • Last updated: 10/05/2023Blog by, ZaneWhat fun it is to search the archives! A retrospective deep dive! Single-vendor auctions have emerged as one of the most popular ways to sell unique collections in recent times. Such sales offer a targeted audience of collectors and enthusiasts, providing a...
Double Letter License Plate 'XX' Up For Auction
Double Letter License Plate 'XX' Up For AuctionEstimated Reading Time: 3 minutes • Last updated: 05/05/2023Blog by ZaneLicense plates are not just a functional requirement for vehicle registration, but also cultural artifacts that reflect the identity and history of different regions and nations. Collecting license plates can provide a unique opportunity to explore and learn about t...
Maximizing Your Museum and Back Vintage Wine Experience
MAXIMIZING YOUR MUSEUM AND BACK VINTAGE WINE EXPERIENCEEstimated Reading Time: 3 minutes • Last updated: 29/03/2023Blog by ZaneFor those unfamiliar with museum and back vintage wines, drinking them can be a unique and exciting experience. To ensure you get the most out of your wine, we have put together some advice.When opening an older bottle of wine, it is essential to be gentle. ...
Guess the Object #6: A Japanese Clockwork Flycatcher
GUESS THE OBJECT #6: A JAPANESE CLOCKWORK FLYCATCHERLet's start off the year with our first Guess the Object game courtesy of our lovely vendors here at The Auction Barn!Dropped off as part of a collection of clocks, this object shares a few things in common with your typical timber-cased clock, but for a very different and innovative purpose.[To Right: A mysterious box!]Consisting of a timber box...