October 8, 2012

W.A. Smith Thanksgiving Antiques Auction

Plainfield, NH — October 7, 2012 — This season’s annual W.A. Smith Thanksgiving Holiday Auction will feature 500 lots, highlighting fine American and European antique furniture, decorative accessories, a variety of art including beautiful equestrian and sporting paintings, a collection of White Mountain 19th century work, and a wonderful selection of estate jewelry and silver from a leading New York family.
 
This year’s Preview will be held on Black Friday, November 23, from Noon to 6 PM where wine and cheese will be served as guests survey the items up for auction. On Saturday, November 24, the bidding will commence at 10 AM.  Throughout the day guests will have the opportunity to bid on the hundreds and hundreds of truly unique items that will be up for sale this year.  Each has its own history and promise to make a personal, original gift at (what is sure to be) a fraction of the cost of the prices in most antique stores.
All but 6 of the 500 lots are unreserved, which promises to make for an exciting, and rewarding event for all who attend.  If you cannot make the auction, bidding can be done online or by phone.  Admission is free, and the auction is catered.  For seat reservations contact W.A. Smith’s at 603-675-2549.
 
Photos and press materials available upon request. Please call or email with requests.  Examples of paintings attached.
 
WHEN: Preview: Friday, November 23, 2012 - Noon to 6 PM
   Auction:  Saturday, November 24, 2012 - 10 AM to 6 PM
 
WHERE: W.A. Smith, Inc. 1064 Route 12A, Plainfield, NH 03781
 
PHONE: (603) 675-2549 EMAIL: info@wsmithauction.com
 
ABOUT W.A. SMITH, INC. - For over 40 years W.A. Smith's has conducted hundreds of antique and art auctions, offering everything from American and European furniture, decorative arts, Oriental rugs, silver and porcelains to toys, paintings and prints, military and antique firearms.
 
In the spring of 1962, Bill Smith and his wife Merilyn of Hillsboro N.H.  held their first auction: the Estate of Silas Row.  The business grew over the years and in 1971 Bill held what was proclaimed as the "auction of the century": The Estate of James Cambell Lewis, which set records and gave the William Smith firm national recognition.
 
Today the William Smith auction firm conducts on the average of 45 auctions per year, including five major annual auctions for Labor Day, Memorial Day, a Thanksgiving holiday sale, a New Years holiday sale, and a mid winter sale.
 
All of the auctions allow for preview times when buyers are encouraged to examine the items in the auction. If a buyer cannot attend the knowledgeable staff will offer assistance over the phone and via email photos.
 
Live Bidding - The most exciting way to participate at auction is the traditional method of bidding live in the salesroom with an auction paddle. Clients intending to bid in person must register for that auction with a photo ID, and a bidder number will be assigned at that time.  Once the sale begins, the auctioneer will announce each “lot” and then open the bidding, which progresses in sequentially higher increments. To place a bid, participants merely raise their paddle for the auctioneer to recognize the bid. If no one tops the bid, the auctioneer will state that the item is sold, then announce the hammer price and the winning paddle number.
 
Absentee Bidding - With written permission, W.A. Smith’s staff can act as the bidder’s representative and purchase an item for them at the lowest possible price.  Participants must simply complete an Absentee Bid Form or basket, giving the price limit for any specific lot (the maximum hammer price that bidder is prepared to pay). If successful, Smiths will contact the participant by phone and mailed invoice following the auction.
 
Telephone Bidding - Clients unable to attend the sale may still participate live at the auction by bidding on the telephone with a trained staff member.
 
BIDDING General Increments
·       0-100 by $10
·       100-500 by $25
·       500-1,000 by $50
·       1,000-2,000 by $100
·       2,000-1,0000 by $250
·       10,000-20,000 by $500
·       Above 20,000 by $1,000
 
DIRECTIONS: Exit 20 off I-89, proceed south on Rte. 12-A from the West Lebanon Plaza for 7 miles. From I-91, take the Ascutney-Windsor, VT Exit 8, cross the Connecticut River and take Rte. 12-A north for approx. 10 miles. Across from the Plainfield Historical Society.  www.wsmithauction.com