A question on a lot, a bid, a parcel, a pickup — write it below. A real person reads every message off the wire and answers within a day, usually on the same watch.
Real people, real answersReplies within a dayFree dock pickup
Writing about a piece? Start typing its lot number or name under “Which piece?” and the form will fetch it from the hold — so we know exactly which one you mean, down to the barnacle.
Soundings & answers
How do I get my piece home?
Two roads. Meet us at the loading dock in the South Loop — free, and the exact berth comes with your order — or we quote shipping per piece and add it before you pay. No mystery fees surfacing in the night.
How does the bidding work?
Like the old houses. Every lot opens at $10, the clock runs seven days from the first bid, and a bid in the last five minutes stretches the clock so nobody snipes you at the bell. Set your true maximum and the ship bids for you, a notch at a time, never more than it must. The full Articles are on the auction rules page.
What is a reserve?
A quiet minimum, same as the grand auction houses keep. If the clock runs out beneath it, the piece does not sell — though the top bidder usually gets a note from us to talk it over.
Can I see a lot up close before I bid?
Send word below with the lot number. We will shoot more photos or a short film, measure what you need measured, or set a time at the dock so you can look the thing in the eye.
Where does all this come from?
Estate sales, garage sales, flea markets, and alleys with good luck — Chicago and the towns around it. Every piece is one of one. When it is gone, it is gone.
Is it authenticated? And what is the Deckhand’s estimate?
We describe only what we can see and read — a signature, a label, a maker’s stamp — and we say so plainly when we cannot. The Deckhand’s soundings are estimates drawn from the photos and the Captain’s notes, not an appraisal and not the reserve. Everything is sold as found.
Do you ship far?
We do. Quoted per piece before you pay, and packed like it is going twenty thousand leagues.
Something arrive wrong?
Write us within a few days of landfall, photos attached. We are a small crew with a long memory for doing right by people — we will sort it with you, straight.
Will you sell something for me?
Soon. We are building consignment — you would keep 80–85% of the sale. See how selling works and leave your name to be told the moment it opens.
