LEBANON, Ohio — The old saying “there’s strength in numbers” is true even when it comes to auctions. The more inventory there is, the more people have to look at; and that often means more people in attendance.

“A lot of times people call me, and they may not have enough on hand to have an auction alone. So we put several families together and have a nice auction,” said veteran auctioneer Stephen South.

Such was the case earlier this month when five rural families combined their treasures to form one large auction at the Warren County Fairgrounds. This auction was formed for various reasons.

“Many times we deal with an estate auction where someone has died, and the articles go to auction,” South said. “Often it’s a matter of downsizing when someone is moving to a smaller place. And all too often we see people resort to garage sales, not knowing what items they have are worth.

“Nine times out of 10 people hold on to what they have nearest and dearest to them yet they’re not going to bring what they’re worth. They expect too much. Then again, there’s a lot of things in the kitchen junk drawer that may have a label from a defunct business or a gadget they know nothing about; and it may be worth a lot of money.”

According to South, one can find bargains and overpriced items in garage sales simply because the seller has no clue what an antique should sell for.

“Garage sale people often price items either too high or too cheaply, they simply don’t know the value of the item they’re selling,” South said.

In South’s many years as an auctioneer he’s seen the gamut of people attending these gatherings.

“First, you have the antique dealers who are looking for items to put in their store,” South said. “Then, there’s the collectors who have a particular item of interest they’re wanting, and they go after that piece or two. Next you have those flea market people, ones hoping to buy something for $2 and sell it for $5. Finally, there are the e-Bay folk, ones who know what’s hot on e-Bay and look for those items here.”

South said there were dealers, collectors, flea market enthusiasts and e-Bay folk in the crowd at this five-family auction.

One hundred-degree temperatures didn’t deter 124 bidders from attending this multi-farm family auction with six consignors relinquishing items for various reasons, such as downsizing, moving out of state, anticipating a move or entering a nursing home.

Vehicles, guns and knives took a back seat to items found at this auction. Household items dominated this scene.

Top selling item was a pair of silver sterling candelabras, which went for $215. An emerald and diamond 10K woman’s ring fetched $195 and a Honda lawn mower went for $185.

Three pair of Sterling silver candle stick holders went for $170 and a slot machine sold for $150. A three-piece bedroom suite (double bed) sold for $130 and a Danbury Mint 1975 Cincinnati Reds starting lineup figurine item sold for $85.

Expected to be sold at a high price was an early Singer peddle sewing machine, but they’ve become common at such sales.

“The first sewing machines were built in the late 1700s but didn’t really become practical until Singer came along,” said Perry Mann, a collector from Maysville, Kentucky who specializes in early appliances. “Soon after Singer got the business going numerous brands appeared, often sporting fancy painted designs and logos. Collectors look for these machines with the fancy painting and decals. The first practical one being made by Singer appeared in 1899. A buyer has to look for the condition and functionality of non-Singer machines.”