Online Only Auction
Bidding Ends: Wednesday , February 19th 2025 at 7:00PM
Please email - [email protected] with Questions
Important Inspection Date/Time:
February 17th 2025 from 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Important Inspection and Pick Up Address: 107 W. Cook St. Springfield, IL 62704
Important Pick Up Date/Time: Friday, February 21st 2025 from 10:00AM - 4:30PM
This pick up will be by appointment only. The reservation link will be released on the invoice and here on the day after the auction.
Message From The Seller
From Europe to Springfield: The Story Behind My Antiques
In the heart of Springfield, Illinois, my journey with antiques began at a charming store named Widow at Windsor. It was more than just a shop; it was a curated blend of history, tradition, and artistry. Traveling to Europe, particularly Belgium and France, I hand-selected exquisite antiques that carried the essence of time. Each piece had a story, a connection to its past, and I felt a deep responsibility to bring these treasures to life in a new home.
When the shop moved to 625 E Monroe Street, I rebranded it as Merchant House Antiques, a name that reflected my vision of displaying timeless trends alongside contemporary traditions. This philosophy of mixing the old with the new guided my trips to High Point, North Carolina, where I carefully sourced modern pieces to complement the antiques. Together, they created a unique shopping experience that bridged history with modern living.
Operating Merchant House Antiques was a labor of love, but like many businesses, it faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the shop’s closure, I transitioned to selling by appointment only, holding onto a vast inventory of carefully curated antiques and new items. Over the years, these pieces have remained as beautiful and valuable as the day I first acquired them, but the direction of my life has since shifted.
Today, I find myself on a new path, one that embraces simplicity and intentional living. I’ve made the decision to minimize my possessions and focus on what truly matters. Parting with these cherished antiques is not about desperation; it’s about honoring the stories behind them and ensuring they find homes where they will continue to be appreciated. This is where Aumann Auction comes into the picture.
Why Aumann Auction?
Aumann Auction has been a trusted partner for years. As a customer, I’ve experienced their professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for preserving the value of every item they handle. Their expertise in antiques and collectibles, coupled with their extensive network of buyers, makes them the ideal choice for this next chapter. They understand the significance of these items and share my commitment to finding the right homes for them.
By entrusting Aumann Auction, I’m confident that each piece will be presented with care and authenticity, highlighting its unique story and value. Their platform allows these treasures to reach a broad audience, ensuring that buyers can fully appreciate the blend of European history and timeless craftsmanship each item represents.
The Collection: A Blend of Trends and Traditions
The inventory includes pieces from Belgium and France, rich in character and history, alongside thoughtfully sourced modern items. From elegant furniture and decorative accents to one-of-a-kind artifacts, this collection tells a story of global travels and a deep appreciation for artistry. Each item has been chosen for its ability to harmonize with modern spaces while celebrating the traditions of the past.
This is a rare opportunity for collectors, decorators, and enthusiasts to acquire pieces with provenance and purpose. Whether you’re looking to enrich your home with a touch of European charm or seeking a statement piece that connects the past with the present, this auction will offer something truly special.
A Message to Buyers
I invite you to explore this curated collection, not just as items for sale but as stories waiting to become part of your own. These antiques have been a meaningful part of my journey, and now they are ready to begin a new chapter in your home. With Aumann Auction’s exceptional service and dedication, I’m confident you’ll find treasures that resonate with you.
Thank you for being part of this exciting transition, I hope these antiques bring as much joy and inspiration to your life as they have to mine.
Thank you for your help Tom!
Karen Conn
President
Conn’s Hospitality Group
625 S 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62704
10% Buyers Premium on Personal Property
DON'T FORGET TO UTILIZE THE "ASK THE AUCTIONEER" BUTTON IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
ONLINE ONLY BIDDING
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW THE TERMS THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO BIDDING
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS PLEASE DO NOT BID
BY BIDDING ON THIS AUCTION, BUYER AGREES TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH AND ENTERS INTO A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE THE ITEM(S) UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1. CATALOG: Aumann Auctions has put forth every effort in preparing the catalog for this auction to provide accurate descriptions of all items. All lots are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with all faults, imperfections and errors of description. Due diligence is the responsibility of the bidder/buyer. Printed statements or descriptions by staff are provided in good faith and are matters of opinion.
2. PAYMENTS: There is a 10% Buyers Premium added to your total purchase. All sales are final. No credit card charge backs will be allowed. All accounts must be settled at the conclusion of the auction. We accept Cash, Checks, Certified Funds, Visa & MasterCard ONLY. If paying by credit card, you will be charged for your purchases, plus buyers premiums, plus a 5% Credit Card Fee and any applicable taxes. NOTHING will be charged to your card until a purchase is made. Only Pickup bidders may pay by check or cash. Note: Checks may be processed the day of the auction; be sure to have adequate funds in your account. Each transaction necessary to collect insufficient funds will have a $25 fee imposed plus the liability of Default of Buyer below.
3. DEFAULT OF BUYER: Successful bidder not paying for items within 3 days of the date of the auction will be considered in default. Such default by the Successful Bidder will result in that Bidders liability to both the Seller and Aumann Auctions, Inc. Seller shall have the right to (a) declare this contractual agreement cancelled and recover full damage for its breach, (b) to elect to affirm this contractual agreement and enforce its specific performance or (c) Seller can resell the items either publicly or privately with Aumann Auctions, Inc. and in such an event, the Buyer shall be liable for payment of any deficiency realized from the second sale plus all costs, including, but not limited to the holding/transporting/storage costs of the items, the expenses of both sales, legal and incidental damages of both the Seller and Aumann Auctions, Inc.
In addition, Aumann Auctions, Inc. also reserves the right to recover any damages separately from the breach of the Buyer. The purchaser agrees to pay all reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred by Aumann Auctions, Inc. in the collection of funds. The purchaser also agrees that a storage/handling fee of 2% per month be added to the balance of any unpaid balance due Aumann Auctions, Inc. and any other costs or losses incurred by the Buyers failure to adhere to these terms. Any debt collection or dispute proceedings will be litigated or arbitrated in Montgomery County, Illinois at the option of both the Seller and Aumann Auctions, Inc.
Both the Successful Bidder and Seller shall indemnify Aumann Auction, Inc. for and hold harmless Aumann Auctions, Inc. from any costs, losses, liabilities, or expenses, including attorney fees resulting from Aumann Auctions, Inc. being named as a party to any legal action resulting from either Bidders or Sellers failure to fulfill any obligations and undertakings as set forth in this contractual agreement.
4. SHIPPING: The auction company can arrange packing and shipping. Packing and shipping costs are the responsibility of the Buyer and may be quoted before shipping. Fragile or large items will be shipped by a professional shipping company and will result in higher shipping costs. All items will be insured for the purchase price. Our first priority is to deliver your new purchase in excellent condition. We will not ship any chemical or hazardous materials.
5. MISSING ITEMS: We document the contents of each package. Please do not discard the original shipping box and packaging if you think something is missing.
6. PICK UP ITEMS: All pickups are scheduled in advance. Please see the pickup time and location in the description of the item. Its the Buyers responsibility to be certain all items are included before removing boxes from the premises. Items not picked up can incur both a moving and/or storage fee.
BIDDING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
BIDDER VERIFICATION: Bidding rights are provisional, and if identity verification is questionable, Aumann Auctions, Inc. has the right to reject the registration, and bidding activity will be terminated. The Seller and Aumann Auctions, Inc. reserve the right to preclude any person from bidding if there is any question as to the person's credentials, mental fitness, etc. Bidders agree to keep their username and password confidential as they are responsible for ANY and ALL activity involving their account. If the registered bidder's user name is offensive to Aumann Auctions, Inc. or in their sole opinion detrimental to Bidding Activity, then Aumann Auctions, Inc. reserves the right to delete the bidder from bidding or unilaterally change the username with notification to the Bidder. When using the web site you must obey any and all local state and federal laws. Violations will result in termination of web site use privileges.
MAXIMUM BID: When you bid your maximum bid, the current bid price does not automatically advance to your maximum bid. Another bidder has to bid to increase the current price and the computer will automatically bid up to your maximum in the increments specified.
AUCTION END TIMES: Aumann Auctions, Inc. online only auctions are timed events and all bidding will close at specified time. However, our auctions also have what is called an 'Auto Extend' feature. Any bid placed within the final 5 minutes of an auction results in the auction automatically extending 5 additional minutes. The bidding will extend in 5 minute increments from the time the last bid is placed until there are no more bids, and the lot sits idle for 5 minutes. Therefore, the auction will not close until all bidding parties are satisfied and no one can be outbid at the last seconds without having another opportunity to bid again.
TECHNICAL ISSUES: In the event there are technical difficulties related to the server, software, internet or any other online auction-related technologies, Aumann Auctions, Inc. reserve the right to extend bidding, continue the bidding, or close the bidding. Neither the company providing the software, nor Aumann Auctions, Inc. shall be held responsible for a missed bid or the failure of the software to function properly for any reason.
CONDUCT OF THE AUCTION: Conduct of the auction and increments of bidding are at the direction and discretion of Aumann Auctions, Inc. Aumann Auctions, Inc. reserves the right to reject any and all bids for any reason and also reserves the right to cancel this auction, or remove any item or lot from this auction prior to the close of bidding. All decisions of Aumann Auctions are final.
Your bid on this auction indicates both an understanding and an acceptance of the terms of this contractual agreement between yourself and both Aumann Auctions, Inc. and the Seller and that you, as the Bidder, are prepared to purchase items under these terms and conditions.