Enormous tool auction coming up

[alfadan]

I don't know if this is allowed, so if not, please delete.

Josh Topper from Topper Machine is helping out with an enormous auction for Russell Garens up near Minneapolis. I thought I'd post about in case anybody needs some tooling or machines.

Topper Machine video:

Auction site:

The Estate of Russell Garens #1

A truly one of a kind collection which includes machining, horology, jewelry making, metallurgy, blacksmithing, woodworking, an extensive library and much more!

www.premiermachineryauctions.com

 

[Caa311]

I watched the video last night! All I can say is WOW!

 

[dutchgray]

The place is absolutely rammed with really nice smaller sized machinery / watch/ clock maker stuff.

You can also see that it went from being a really nice set up to almost buried under the machine tool hoard.

They seem to be going about the sale properly though, small lots, finding the right tooling out to go with machines etc, rather than that heap there, that pile there, that tool chest and contents etc, get it all sold in one day that these auctions often are.

 

[alfadan]

I can't imagine how much work is going into the sale. They're going to have an auction a month for at least a year.

 

[FlaGman]

I’m going to show this to my wife, makes me look pretty good!

 

[zendriver]

You can also see that it went from being a really nice set up to almost buried under the machine tool hoard.

The now deceased owner, probably hit past dead owner's (or businesses closing) and loaded up, when the stuff sold reasonably priced. Used to be pretty common here.

They seem to be going about the sale properly though, small lots, finding the right tooling out to go with machines etc, rather than that heap there, that pile there, that tool chest and contents etc, get it all sold in one day that these auctions often are.

This is a week-long, online only auction. Live auctions are pretty much dead for good here.

 

[dutchgray]

The now deceased owner, probably hit past dead owner's (or businesses closing) and loaded up, when the stuff sold reasonably priced. Used to be pretty common here.

This is a week-long, online only auction. Live auctions are pretty much dead for good here.

As they are here, don't think I have seen a live machinery auction for close to a decade, they make more money with less costs doing it online, they'd be stupid to still do them live.
It don't mean they build the lots in a sensible fashion however, normally they just bung all the tooling of a similar type into a lot and sell it.
Drill chucks, lot of 20 of them, lathe tools, get all of them off a dozen manual lathes and lot them as one, micrometers from small to 2' one lot, machines, pull all the accessories and lot those separately etc

 

[zendriver]

As they are here, don't think I have seen a live machinery auction for close to a decade, they make more money with less costs doing it online, they'd be stupid to still do them live.
It don't mean they build the lots in a sensible fashion however, normally they just bung all the tooling of a similar type into a lot and sell it.
Drill chucks, lot of 20 of them, lathe tools, get all of them off a dozen manual lathes and lot them as one, micrometers from small to 2' one lot, machines, pull all the accessories and lot those separately etc

I don't know what that stuff is worth, but they probably do.

Maybe 20 drill chucks are not worth selling individually. Maybe they'll all sell for the price of one new one.

 

[alfadan]

I guess the guy would get a machine and get every accessory made for it. Even people knowledgeable about machinery would have a very hard time associating the TONS of parts with everything it belongs to there.

 

[zendriver]

I guess the guy would get a machine and get every accessory made for it. Even people knowledgeable about machinery would have a very hard time associating the TONS of parts with everything it belongs to there.

That what stinks about online auctions.

In order to know what you are buying, have to go there in person to check it out, leave, bid online, then if the winner, go to pick it up (or pay for shipping).

 

[MOS3522]

That auction makes me sad in a way. When I am gone I don't want to saddle my kids with the burden of taking care of my things.

 

[dr_clyde]

This is one of those “once in a lifetime” auctions. That’s just an incredible collection of amazing tools and machines.

If I was closer I’d be there for sure.

That being said, auctions like these are sad and make me very aware that someone someday will have to liquidate my collection of assets and I hope I don’t leave my loved ones with a mess.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

Every old tool has a story, maybe several owners. What a collection!

 

[GTO]

I'm sure Lot #46 will have some spirited bidding.

 

[3baygarage]

Two words: He Wins!

J/K: Super Collector!, was my first thought. I love seeing super collections

The biggest private machining and tooling collection I've seen, and I've been to a lot of estate sales. I think I saw "a wrench" somewhere in there.

I love what the auctioneer said about the man, something like : "I try to think of what was going through his mind as he bought each of these things, and all I can think is he just said 'I want this.'".

 

[Ultradog MN]

I don't know if this is allowed, so if not, please delete.

Josh Topper from Topper Machine is helping out with an enormous auction for Russell Garens up near Minneapolis. I thought I'd post about in case anybody needs some tooling or machines.

Topper Machine video:

Auction site:

The Estate of Russell Garens #1

A truly one of a kind collection which includes machining, horology, jewelry making, metallurgy, blacksmithing, woodworking, an extensive library and much more!

www.premiermachineryauctions.com

I have low ball bids on 5 items there.
I don't expect to get anything but I operate on the principle of "even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then".

 

[cvairwerks]

This is a week-long, online only auction. Live auctions are pretty much dead for good here.

The auction company said it was going to take them well over a year to complete the series of auctions on this estate.

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

I won a couple items that I bid on. Picked them up yesterday. Got there early and they gave me the "quick" half hour tour. I was amazed that the house was able to support all of the weight.

 

[username2]

That auction makes me sad in a way. When I am gone I don't want to saddle my kids with the burden of taking care of my things.

Not so hard. I've seen it happen a few times in the last couple of years.

The heirs simply bring in somebody who makes an offer on the whole kit 'n kaboodle. They haul off everything including the vacuum to clean up afterwards. Maybe run a big yard sale before the final haul.

I suspect what people really want is to get every last nickel out of their stuff after they're dead. That's a different matter.

 

[Zewnten]

Met a woman dealing with this exact situation today. Husband has quiet the hoard and she's having to call in help to deal with. Even with the full time help of some of his friends it's overwhelming to her and them.

 

[The Cobbler]

This was an amazing collection , especially for someone only early 60's . wow, just wow. sad in a way but in another way it's amazing.
too bad this fellow didn't live another 20 yrs. but, he was running out of room. Imagine the patience his wife has for all of his antics.
I hope it brings good prices for her .
I don't really know what to say ... RIP Mr Garens, you had an amazing collection

 

[Dave455]

That auction makes me sad in a way. When I am gone I don't want to saddle my kids with the burden of taking care of my things.

It’s no burden! It’s a privilege.

When my Grandfather died, my Dad realised his parents had been going through their things and disposing of some items. Their thinking was that they didn’t want to be a burden, but some of their thinking didn’t apply.

They had always lived in small houses and space had been a premium, so my Grandmother sold HALF of a set of cups and saucers. But we lived in a huge house, and Mum would have loved the whole set.

Thankfully, Grandfathers tools were untouched. He would probably have disposed of things like lathe tools and big drill bits, thinking he would never use those again.

But 40 years after his passing I’m the proud owner of many machine tools, and am incredibly grateful for those high quality tools and drill bits that would cost a small fortune to replace to the same standard! Thankfully, my Dad and I were able to choose what to retain, and that was most of it!

 

[MOS3522]

It’s no burden! It’s a privilege.
. . .

But 40 years after his passing I’m the proud owner of many machine tools, and am incredibly grateful for those high quality tools and drill bits that would cost a small fortune to replace to the same standard! Thankfully, my Dad and I were able to choose what to retain, and that was most of it!

That's great, but the exception. Most of the younger generation has no interest in the things that the older generations liked. Tools, stamps, coins, model trains, classic cars, China, beanie babies, whatever it is. The only exception I can think of is the younger generation wants money and to inherit houses.

 

[2oolhound]

No disrespect for Russell Garins but this collection reminds me of someone I know.... only he doesn't have as deep of pockets. He wants everything I buy and has a greater need for it than I do too (ie: I should really sell it to him and for less than I paid). He wants most of what else he sees also and when he gets it he studies it via google etc until he's seen all there is to see and then sets out on a quest to buy anything related to it. Once that is done it gets squirreled away but he remains a leading authority on it (even though he's never actually used one).

This fellow I know always reminds me of when I was 5 or 6 and someone would come over with their baby who always hysterically grabbed out for a toy or something shiny that was receiving some attention, screaming "GIMMIE GIMMIE" and wouldn't shut up until they got it. Some people never grow out of the need to possess everything.
....then there are the minimalists

Boy-O-boy, I could sure fill my truck at one of these auctions

 

[seber]

I don't know what that stuff is worth, but they probably do.

Maybe 20 drill chucks are not worth selling individually. Maybe they'll all sell for the price of one new one.

It happened here a while back. I bought 12 Jacobs 5/8 Jacobs Superchucks for $20. They may make more online but I wouldn't bet on it. The labor to sell that way is pretty extensive.

 

[The Cobbler]

there is a follow up video , and it explains that things got bad after covid hit, as well as his cancer recurred .
that all contributed to the unorganization I guess

 

[RTUmark]

i found this video fascinating. Any estimate on overall value of the stuff he has? Millions?

 

[driftpin]

It matters what are the industries where you are, and the current economic situation there. My friend who worked and retired from GM at the Tech Center, said that machines and tooling was sold for very little, and sometimes would just be scrapped.

 

[dr_clyde]

i found this video fascinating. Any estimate on overall value of the stuff he has? Millions?

I suspect they'll struggle to break a few hundred grand, if that.

A lot of the stuff is indeed valuable, but incredibly niche.

Auctions are very good at liquidating stuff, but only mediocre at truly bringing market value, as they only see a few hundred/thousand potential buyers.