Brooks LeFeber Auctions
Brooks LeFeber Auctions
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure… Brooks plays the middleman.
You never know what you might find at an auction. Old, rickety items that mean nothing to one may mean the world to another. It takes talent to be able to distinguish gold from garbage, and Brooks LeFeber has it.
A graduate of the Missouri Auction School, LeFeber is part of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America — giving him the accreditation he needs to put value on the items he finds and auctions off. Owner of Brooks LeFeber Auctions, his recent transition to an online auction site will allow him to curate a vast selection of antiques and oddities and sell to anyone in the world.
As one of Ellicottville’s most colorful personalities, we spoke (socially distanced) to find out what makes his business tick.
eNOW: What led you into the auction game?
BROOKS: I always loved going to auctions since I was a kid. In 2016, I attended the Missouri Auction School — the oldest school in the country. Soon after I got my chance to work with a live auction, when Auctioneer Corey Brown got sick. I really went to auction school to get the credentials. I planned on setting up an online auction business, and never really figured I would do much with the live end of it but got a chance to do it and found it to be so much fun. I go to a lot of auctions where I buy things and resell them.
eNOW: How do you establish valuation for resale once you pick stuff up? Other auctions with similar pieces?
BROOKS: As far as establishing a value on an item, that’s where my training as an appraiser comes in. The Certified Appraisers Guild of America. Auctions give a fair market value on what people at that auction are willing to pay — at a live auction, the people are there, while an online auction helps take that item worldwide. To value an item, you look at comparable for sale and sold demand location, condition and many other values.
eNOW: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever picked up at an auction?
BROOKS: I once paid $3 for some electrical equipment and sold it for over $1,100 a year later. In going through estates, I’ve found jars of gold teeth and a safe full of silver and gold. I found an Austin Healey and a Formula V race car hidden in barns buried under piles of junk. I really enjoy when I get to go through an estate and find the treasure. The most expensive thing I’ve ever sold in a live auction was the Ski Tree in Ellicottville at the Christmas in July fundraiser. In an online auction, a violin sold for $4,400 (which was very surprising) … it turns out the extra bow that was with it was from a very rare German bow.
eNOW: Where do you see it going from here?
BROOKS: Soon, I’m going to get my real estate license so I’ll be able to offer the property as well as the contents. I will also probably get my FFL to sell firearms — you’d be amazed at how many guns you find at estates.
eNOW: What are some key things you’ve learned?
BROOKS: 1) There are so many good hiding places for valuables. 2) If you don’t know what it is, research it! 3) Always check to see if the firearm is loaded. 4) Everyone has a stash of … adult entertainment. 5) Never shake a box marked “Dynamite.” 6) Most people don’t know what they have. Just because you don’t think it has value doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t. And finally? 7) Weird sells.
Intrigued? Follow Brooks LeFeber Auctions on Facebook where you can view upcoming auctions, items, and more, or call/email 585-993-0381, brookslefeberauctions@gmail.com.
