In every box you'd find some sort of treasure, like an old tool. It's a tie-in to history. Among the 300 items inside were a sterling piece, a number that were silver-plated, and complete sets of iced tea spoons and cocktail forks. Art and antiques dealers make up the biggest category of auction goers. They think of auctions as their territory, and don't look too kindly on private bidders.
Some people are dead serious.
They have their own bidding strategies. If you've never been to an auction but would like to go, keep in mind a few basic ground rules. We sell not antiques, but secondhand furniture, as well as rugs, silver, lamps, china, glassware, and automobiles. Every Sunday, the Globe's classified section lists upcoming auctions for that week. Many are held on the fly at Holiday Inns and VFW halls, where auctioneers sell off accumulated lots from a variety of estates.