CLAYTON, Mich. — The elderly bachelor had lived in the family home since 1935 and the house and outbuildings were packed with antiques, primitives, useful items and collectibles. The sheer volume of items to cross the block was a strong indication that little, if anything, had ever been thrown away.

There were three trailers in the field loaded with small pieces of farm equipment, tools, miscellaneous primitives – plus one loaded with items that had never been removed from their boxes. Most of these were small appliances and other useful items around the house.

Lyn Liechty was the auctioneer who worked the 5 1/2-hour event. Liechty said he “literally sold hundreds of strange-looking contraptions, all farm-related, and had no idea what they were. The bidders were very helpful out in the field identifying items I was not familiar with.”

All of the small iron items sold well.

Among the larger items in the field was a Centaur tractor, in need of restoration, which sold for $150; a “Doodlebug” tractor, also in need of restoration, earned $70; and a Jet Ski on a trailer crossed the block for $775.

The largest item, a Barber Greene Model 772/773 Wheel Ditcher tile machine, circa 1960, did not sell during the auction but attracted enough interest in one of the attendees and was sold shortly after the close of the auction for $2,500.

Other examples of the large pieces of equipment included an antique sickle mower that sold for $55; antique plows that crossed the block for $30-$50; and a railroad vise from the 1800s that earned $110.

A primitive blanket chest that had been brought to America from Europe in 1846 caught the eye of several primitive collectors. When this item was declared “sold” at $30, the winning bidder was delighted and gave the auctioneer a bear hug.

Other furniture items included: a one-door blind-door wardrobe that sold for $70; a five-shelf open bookcase that earned $150; and a wood chair in old green paint that crossed the block for $47.

Brass beds included a full-size one that sold for $80 and a more desirable twin bed that saw $140. A full-size iron bed sold for $50.

A secretary/desk marked Larkin sold for $150; a two-door wardrobe earned $225; and an old Hoosier cabinet earned $170.

There always seems to be parties interested in the old pie safes. The one at this auction sold for $225. A small drop-front oak desk saw $100; an old three-board harvest table saw $55; and a two-drawer chest with a mirror and hatbox crossed the block for $105.

As might be expected in an estate auction of a person who kept most everything there was a great variety of items appealing to many.

A large 10-gallon crock which took a couple of people to move sold for $100; and an antique child’s wagon with steel wheels and in rough shape sold for $35.

Musical instruments included: a Fidardo accordion from the 1890s, in good condition, sold for $100; a banjo/uke earned $50; a Marine harmonica saw $25; and an old bugle earned $35.

Among the other items of interest was an antique wheelchair that sold for $60; an old bayonet that saw $325; and a boat lift that earned $150. For the person who likes to make their own juice, a juice press sold for $100.

From the past, there was an old fold-down high chair that converted to a stroller. This item sold for $80.

Several gold rings stirred interest and sold for $280; a rotary-dial phone earned $80; and a handmade quilt in blue and white (tiny stitches) sold for $55.

Contact Liechty at 517-266-2542 or by e-mail at lynliechtyauctions@hotmail.com for more information. Visit his website at www.arealauction.com