P2-35 - Lit!

2-40 Annabelle - Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast

Inside the Vault: Rare Phonographs, Historical Wonders, and Edison's 'Little Monster' In this episode of the Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast, the team takes you behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the spectacular antique collections currently heading to the auction block. From upcoming doubleheaders to rare artifacts that changed how humanity experienced sound, this episode is packed with historical treasures and insights for high-end antiquities collectors. Show Highlights: * 00:00:38 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D38] – Upcoming Auction Doubleheader: Get details on the upcoming online-only auctions, including the incredible Larry Prosken Vintage Toys & Trains Collection on Thursday and the breathtaking Relics of the American West (1850-1920) on Friday. * 00:02:37 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D157] – Showroom Expansion: Learn about the conversion of the old Wild West town museum into a massive new auction hall, adding 12,000 square feet of beautiful showroom space. * 00:03:01 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D181] – The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection: Introduction to the highly anticipated July auction featuring the legendary collection of the ultimate phonograph guru, professor, and author, Allen Koenigsberg. * 00:04:40 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D280] – History Class Flashback: The team shares a humorous look at an original Greek history midterm exam professor Koenigsberg gave his students back on July 7, 1980. * 00:05:05 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D305] – The Koenigsberg Library: A sneak peek at the extensive research library up for bidding on Day 1, filled with original literature, advertising pamphlets, and books covering the origins of Edison and Columbia phonographs. * 00:08:10 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D490] – High Demand for Consignments: Discover why Donley Auctions remains the absolute premier destination for antique phonographs, with a dedicated global audience and continuous premium consignments pouring in for the fall. * 00:08:58 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D538] – 2026 Midwest Music Expo: Mark your calendars for this three-day music expo happening at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, starting July 31. * 00:09:47 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D587] – Rare Phonograph Parts: An insider look at the rare horn rails, reproducing elements, and recording tubes that have passionate collectors ecstatically celebrating. * 00:11:06 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D666] – The Evolution of Home Audio: A fascinating deep dive into how Thomas Edison was actually too far ahead of his time, forcing him to transition from complex electric/battery machines backward to spring-motor technology so regular households could use them. * 00:16:49 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D1009] – Hidden 1878 Matthew Brady Portrait: See a stunning, ultra-rare portrait of Thomas Edison, Charles Kruesi, and Edward Painter taken by famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady in Washington, D.C. * 00:18:08 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D1088] – Edison's Talking Doll ("Annabelle"): The star of the show! Learn the history of this rare 1889 doll that contains an internal cylinder phonograph. Hear why it cost a full week's salary, why only 2,000 were ever sold, and why Edison himself lovingly referred to them as his "little monsters." Want to see these magnificent pieces for yourself and find out how the team tries out the 130-year-old recording technology live? Watch the full episode on YouTube here! [https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI]

Ghosted 2:39

Podcast Breakdown: Ghosted – Donley Auctions Unfiltered The energy was off the charts at the recent Top 300 Auction! In this unfiltered episode, Susan and Randy recap jaw-dropping bidding wars, massive record-breakers, and items that went for many times their starting prices. They also dive into the upcoming lineup for June and drop some serious truth bombs about what happens when winning bidders try to "ghost" their legally binding contracts. * Behind the Scenes Personal Updates [[01:48 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=108]] – Randy shares some personal banter regarding listener emails about his weight loss journey and his brand-new, ultra-short haircut inspired by Shark Tank. * A New Industry Record Shattered [[04:30 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=270]] – The crew celebrates breaking an industry auction record with a Valley Reliance Dice Game slot machine that hammered down at an incredible $22,000. * The Unbelievable Trunk Find [[06:40 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=400]]– Proving that new collectors and amazing attic finds are still out there, an unrestored Valley Reliance machine brought in by a consignor in the trunk of their car climbed from a $500 starting bid all the way to $9,000. * The Top Sleeper Items & Multipliers [[07:57 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=477]] – A countdown of the top five items that absolutely crushed their initial bids, featuring a 1902 John Gun Brewing sign, a stained glass lamp, an early fan motor, and a Wolf's Head motor oil sign that went for 27 times its starting price. * No Reserves Mean Real Deals [[10:13 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=613]]– A look at a stock ticker that jumped from $2,500 to $9,500, illustrating how Donley's 80% unreserved auctions create massive opportunities for both buyers and sellers. * Something for Every Wallet [[12:33 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=753]]– Susan explains the strategy behind including lower-end items alongside high-ticket lots so that anyone can participate, whether their budget is $50 or $150,000. * "Be Like Mark" & Post-Auction Reality [[13:43 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=823]] – A shoutout to the ultimate model buyer ("Mark") and an inside look at the monumental logistics, packing, and shipping work that begins after the hammer falls. * Saying Goodbye to a Piece of History [[16:02 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=962]] – The emotional departure of the Wild West Town carousel, a staple at the amusement park since the late 1980s, which is officially packed up and heading to its new home in Texas. * Don't Be a Ghost: The Legality of Bidding [[17:47 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=1067]]– A serious heart-to-heart regarding buyer's remorse. Susan and Randy explain why a bid is a legally binding contract, how ghosting hurts consignors, and how banned accounts pave the way for "Ghosted Goods" auctions. * The Stacked June Online Lineup [[19:25 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=1165]] – Previewing three upcoming online-only auctions: the Ghosted Goods event (luxury Rolex watches), Vintage Toys & Trains, and Relics of the American Old West (featuring authentic Battle of the Little Bighorn dug relics). Want to browse the catalogs, catch the next big bidding war, or learn how to consign your own treasures? Head over to Donley Auctions [https://www.donleyauctions.com] and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an unfiltered episode!

Eeyore 2:38

The Best of the Best & Behind the Scenes! Are you ready to discover some of the most extraordinary antiques to ever hit the auction block? In this exciting episode of the Donley Auctions Unfiltered podcast, Susan and Randy Donley give us an exclusive, behind-the-scenes walkthrough of their incredible showroom right before the massive Spring Classic Auction. From exceedingly rare coin-operated machines and classic cars to authentic Wild West relics, this episode is a treasure hunter's dream! Whether you're looking for the ultimate Father's Day gift or simply love diving into the rich history of American manufacturing, you won't want to miss these highlights. Grab your paddle and check out the best moments from the show: * [01:12 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=72]] Welcome & Auction Overview – Susan and Randy introduce the highly anticipated Friday Night Spring Classic Auction (Part 2: The Best of the Best), showcasing a completely transformed room packed with top-tier collectibles. * [02:00 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=120]] Antique Bicycle Trade Stimulator – Get an up-close look at an incredibly rare 5-cent Sun Manufacturing bicycle trade stimulator (Lot #47). It’s an early slot machine where players drop a nickel to spin the bicycle wheels! * [03:40 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=220]] Father's Day Gift Ideas – Why wander the Art Institute when you can buy a piece of history? The team jokes about why these masculine antiques make the ultimate Father's Day presents. * [05:15 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=315]] Unique Advertising Antiques – A showcase of incredible display items, including a Grape Coca-Cola dispenser, an antique tobacco cutter, and a vintage stick chewing gum machine. * [05:55 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=355]] Original Western Union Stock Ticker – Randy highlights the very first item up for bid (Lot #1!): an authentic Western Union stock ticker, complete with its original glass dome and actual rolls of vintage ticker tape. * [10:00 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=600]] Behind the Scenes Room Setup – Watch Michelle and the auction crew work their magic as they physically transform the gallery, line up the antique slot machines, and navigate the "stage mess" of auction-day snacks. * [11:41 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=701]] Chris's Questionable Carpentry – A hilarious and unfiltered team moment as Randy critiques a "god-awful" wooden frame built by Chris for the antique saloon doors. * [13:28 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=808]] Classic Cars & Racers – Rev your engines for a walk-around of some show-stopping vehicles, including a beautiful 1937 Cadillac Convertible, a vintage race car, and a sleek Camaro pace car. * [14:56 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=896]] Teasing Upcoming Summer Auctions – Mark your calendars! The duo announces their upcoming "Vintage Toys & Trains Auction" and the highly anticipated "Relics of the American West" event. * [15:39 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=939]] Relics of the American West – A sneak peek at some jaw-dropping western lots, featuring original Native American clothing from the 101 Ranch Wild West Show, a gorgeous Winchester Gunsmith sign, and a rotating antique gun cabinet. * [16:31 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=991]] Bidding Online & Ice Cream Promises – Randy shares how easy it is to bid online for the 15,000+ digital attendees, while Susan promises Häagen-Dazs ice cream for the lucky in-person bidders! * [17:45 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPjgnrjBhOY&t=1065]] The Chicagoland Show – Wrapping up with a shoutout to the upcoming Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine, and Jukebox Show. Watch the full walkthrough and start planning your bids here: https://youtu.be/JPjgnrjBhOY [https://youtu.be/JPjgnrjBhOY]

P2:37 Jamoke

The Best of the Best: Inside the Spring Classic Part 2 The dust has barely settled on a massive weekend of bidding, but there is no time to rest. Randy and Susan are back in the auction hall to recap the highlights of the recent coin, jewelry, and Rider Collection sales, while looking ahead to the absolute showcase of the season: The Spring Classic Part 2. Whether you are a collector of vintage coin-op, antique firearms, or pristine classic cars, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the museum-quality pieces coming to the block. * 00:43 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D43] Spring Classic Part 1 Recap: A big thank you to everyone who attended! The multi-day event saw fantastic crowd turnouts, sending unique pieces from the Rider Collection to their next homes. * 02:09 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D129] The Top 300 Looming: Part 2 features a tightly curated lineup of 300 premium items, to serve as evening entertainment for the premier Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine, and Jukebox Show. * 03:40 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D220] Your Friday Night Entertainment: The auction kicks off right after the first day of the Chicagoland show wraps up in Schaumburg. Bidders can look forward to a catered dinner, beer, wine, and a lively showroom atmosphere. * 03:54 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D234] A Special Delivery from Wisconsin: Special guest Pat Kachur arrives with a pair of highly collectible, virtually unridden vintage cruiser bicycles. * 04:32 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D272] A Closer Look at the Schwinn Phantom: Pat shares the history behind her husband's limited-edition Black Phantom reissue, an impeccable piece that even includes the original factory tire stubs. * 05:48 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D348] The 75th Anniversary Columbia: A beautiful green-and-cream cruiser that has spent nearly four decades preserved inside three different homes without ever touching the pavement. * 07:44 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D464] Cigar Night at Goebbert's Farm: Randy and Susan reminisce about sponsoring the AM 560 Cigar Night event in Pingree Grove, connecting with listeners and showcasing exceptional auction items. * 09:14 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D554] Firearms Spotlight with Chris Zielinski: Expert analysis of the seven elite firearms making a rare appearance in the 300 catalog. * 09:37 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D577] The Smith & Wesson Russian Model 3: A historical deep dive into an intricately engraved, museum-grade revolver featuring groundbreaking automatic shell ejection designed for the Russian Imperial Army. * 12:08 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D728] Cannons & Collectibles: Beyond coin-op, preview a pair of exceptional Winchester model signal cannons hitting the block. * 13:44 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D824] Classic Cars Showcase: Take a sneak peek at a stunning 1936 Cadillac convertible alongside an incredible four-pack of vintage Buicks spanning 1926 to 1932. * 14:04 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D844] The Minnesota Mystery Jeep: The team shares a hilarious story from a recent haul where a pristine, parade-ready Korean War-era military Jeep unexpectedly joined the inventory. * 16:39 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D999] The "Invisible" Corvair: Susan gets a playful win over Randy by tracking down a beautiful Chevy Corvair convertible hiding under lot 157. * 18:02 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/2GuCPhKDJwg%3Ft%3D1082] A Hidden Treasure Dilemma: Randy presents a fun showdown for Susan: will she be driving home a new '67 Camaro convertible, or wearing a massive diamond engagement ring? The action starts sharp at 6:00 PM CT on Friday, May 29. Admission to the showroom is completely free with a valid driver's license. Can't make it to Union? Secure your bidding card online at DonleyAuctions.com [http://DonleyAuctions.com] or call 815-923-7000 to set up an absentee or phone bid with the staff. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history! Episode HighlightsReady to Place Your Bids?

P2-36 Comic Relief

Donley Auctions Unfiltered: A Classic Comic Relief! Join us for this week's episode of Donley Auctions Unfiltered, where we get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the Spring Classic Auction. From unexpected pranks to historical deep dives, this episode is packed with excitement and antique treasures you won't want to miss! Show Highlights: * A "Smashing" Prank: See the hilarious prank pulled on Chris, our firearms specialist, involving an AI-generated image of a shattered TV screen. 00:00:21 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/vvuby4OcZbg%3Ft%3D21] * The Spring Classic Kick-Off: Join Susan and Randy as they discuss the upcoming Spring Classic Auction, featuring four unique events spanning two weekends. 00:01:18 * Friday's Online Event: Get the scoop on Friday's online-only auction, featuring over 500 lots of coins, currency, jewelry, and clocks. 00:01:45 * The Frank Rider Collection: Discover the phenomenal Frank Rider Collection, a treasure trove of antique music, advertising, and unique collectibles. 00:02:24 * Sunday's General Antiques: Explore the diverse range of items in Sunday's auction, from lamps and slot machines to tobacco and petroleum-themed collectibles. 00:03:50 * Karin's Catalog Highlights: Join Karin as she showcases some of the most stunning items from the catalog, including a 14k gold hunter-case pocket watch and a collection of Benjamin Franklin silver half-dollars. 00:05:24 * A Rolex with a Story: Take a closer look at a 1940 14k gold Rolex Explorer with a unique blue second hand. 00:07:39 * The Cloisonné Orb Clock: Admire the intricate details of a late 19th-century cloisonné orb clock, featuring a cast-bronze winged griffin base. 00:08:07 * Mechanical Marvels of the Rider Collection: Discover the massive Stinson Model 61 concert organ and the interactive metal typer machine. 00:09:12 * The Seeburg Coin Piano with a Past: Learn about the fascinating history of a 1927 Seeburg coin piano rescued from an Ohio house of ill repute. 00:10:10 * Sunday's High-Gear Highlights: Take a spin with a 1957 BSA Gold Star motorcycle with only 16 original miles and a musical rotating Christmas tree stand from Germany. 00:11:04 * The Lionel Naval Binnacle: See a rare piece of maritime history from World War II, a Lionel-made naval binnacle that once helped a Victory ship find its way home. 00:11:58 * The Best of the Best: Get ready for the grand finale on May 29th, featuring the absolute best items from the collection, including the rare Mills Violano Virtuoso and the Caile Brothers triple upright slot machine. 00:12:34 Don't miss a single moment of the action! Tune in to the full episode of Donley Auctions Unfiltered and start planning your bids for the Spring Classic Auction today!