#Insights #Auction #Sales #January #WorthPoint
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, enjoys watching the items sold at auctions held by our WorthPoint Industry Partners. We thought it would be a great idea for him to select some of his favorite sold items and explain why those sales stood out to him. Gaining insights from Will is an excellent way to learn about buying and selling trends in our industry. We want to empower you to buy and sell with confidence. Take a look at his thoughts on a few of our partners’ recent sales.
It’s Time to Buy
Yesterday, January 7, 2025, WorthPoint added over 250,000 new items to its database, with a total sales value of nearly $15.8 million. This big update is a great way to stay on top of the latest trends and prices in the collectibles market. Whether browsing for new items or keeping track of sales, there’s plenty of fresh data to explore!
If you were hoping to step into the New Year with something truly special, the Auction House of MN had just the ticket: a Rolex GMT-Master II, sold on December 30th for a jaw-dropping $12,765—about 46% off retail. Talk about timing! Just in time to tell everyone you were on the ball for ringing in 2024, this beauty is not only a showstopper but also a practical choice for travelers, with its sleek two-tone Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold design and GMT function. Whether crossing time zones or just crossing the room, this watch says you’ve got style. And with the original box, tags, and warranty card included, it’s a steal in excellent pre-owned condition—ready to shine as you kick off the New Year in true luxury.
Unusual and Fun
The most fun item of the day, hands down, was an autograph book sold by Acreman Auctions for $3,138.61. Compiled by actress Jill Fletcher and her comedian father, Cyril Fletcher, this book was a who’s-who of mid-century stars. We’re talking Buddy Holly and the Crickets (yes, Buddy’s own autograph!), plus legends like Boris Karloff, Cary Grant, and Angela Lansbury. With some autographs cut and others glued in, it was a delightful mix of vintage signatures. A similar Cricket autographed photo alone sold for $6,850 last year at Gotta Have Rock and Roll, and with such a mix of legendary names, this album was a total treasure for collectors!
A military appointment signed by President Abraham Lincoln? Now, that’s a piece of history you can hang on your wall! This 1862 commission, appointing Samuel M. Skinner as an assistant surgeon aboard the USS Hartford (Admiral Farragut’s flagship), just sold for a reasonable $5,900 on eBay. Military appointments like this were one of the best ways to collect presidential autographs, especially once the Civil War kicked into high gear and the military grew. This particular commission is in excellent condition, with a crisp, bold signature, and comes beautifully framed with Low-E glass to preserve it for years to come. It also includes two plaques—one highlighting Lincoln’s life and another detailing the events of January 1862, plus a small map of a battle happening at that time.
To wrap things up, here’s a true testament to the “you never know what you’ll find” nature of our partners’ sales: a 2006 Peterbilt 378 Tractor Truck sold for $25,200 at Alaska Premier Auctions on December 30. Talk about showing up in style! With 277,372 miles on it, this truck is in good working condition, ready to hit the road with its reliable 15L Cummins ISX engine and smooth-shifting 10-speed Eaton transmission. While there are a few minor cosmetic issues, like a damaged tail light bracket and passenger step ladder, it’s ready to roll for long hauls or big jobs. If you need a solid rig, this Peterbilt is a true workhorse, and for that price, it’s a real steal! Now there is a “ride” to show up with for a special occasion!
Will Seippel is the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint. Will has been an avid collector since 1974 and dealer of just about all things antique—with an emphasis on ephemera— since 1984. He is also the creator and founder of HIP, a website devoted to recording the best of the world’s history that has been saved on film.
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