Date: Fri 24-Jul-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Withington-Auction-Sidebar

Full Text:

Withington Witticisms/sidebar

Dick Withington began the sale by announcing: "The rains have relented. I have

calluses on both knees. I've been praying for several days."

When a runner held up a scatter rug, Withington apologized. "This was a 9 by

12, but it shrank."

With the staff struggling to hold up an Oriental carpet, Withington taunted,

"What size is this rug?" Young Dick shot back, "Didn't measure it. It's

next-to-the-large size."

When an active Oriental dealer, engrossed in conversation, ignored a Chinese

garden seat, Withington hollered, "McGrath, look up here!" It worked for both

of them when McGrath won the seat for $1,000 plus premium.

Rubbing his hand across the seat of a cast-iron garden chair, Withington

observed, "These make a wonderful impression on you."

When asked, "Who wants that chair for $55?" the audience was momentarily

paralyzed with surprise. Withington then added, "Oh, that was the old days.

Who wants a chair for $500?"

After a dealer won an intense, rapid bidding battle, Withington commented, "I

gotta tell ya - you were the only bidder."

After chiding his staff to exhibit a 10-by-12-foot rug by holding it off the

ground, Withington mused, "We need a taller staff."

Rather than using conventional language, such as "extensively repaired,"

Withington announced, "Looks old in places."

Mimicking other auctioneers he boldly asked, "Do you know how much they get

for this in a shop?" Then, in a meek voice, Withington added, "I don't know. I

never look at these."

When a runner held up a dismal item, Withington confided, "Twenty-five dollars

will start it, and I think it will also end it."