Earlier this month, a highly-anticipated online auction was held featuring the large personal property of a lifelong central Minnesota resident, George Bieniek. With over 700 lots up for bid spanning antiques, vehicles, equipment, tools, and household goods, the January 2024 auction captured the attention of collectors across the region and beyond.
Hundreds registered online to participate in the bidding, which proved competitive on the most unique and well-preserved pieces. Thousands more browsed the catalog digitally leading up to auction day. The vast participation online reflected the stellar collection the seller built at his Holdingford area home over his lifetime in the area.
The standout lot was a 2005 Polaris Ranger 4×4 Side by Side with Enclosed Cab, which sold for $5,250 (Lot 100A). The utility off road vehicle was in good working condition and appealed to several with its recreation and work potential.
Another top online seller was a running 1989 Ford F150 XLT Lariat 4×4 Pickup (Lot 112A), which traded owners digitally at $4,100. This classic truck retained its original patina, catching the eyes of vintage Ford fans browsing the listings before landing in the hands of another 1989 Ford F150 owner creating a fun reunion.
A Singer Treadle Leather Sewing Machine 29-4 (Lot 422) sewed up a winning bid online of $950. The ornate, operational sewing machine appealed to vintage domestic collectors. An eye-catching Gargoyle Mobiloil metal display cabinet (Lot 437) also performed well, ultimately selling for $625 to an area gas and oil antique advertising fan.
Local history proved popular, as seen when a 1947 Stearns County Plat Book (Lot 390) traded hands for $375. The book offered a neat snapshot of rural plots and owners 75+ years ago in the county.
Adding flair to interiors, a Bear Floor Lamp (Lot 268) standing nearly 5 foot tall illuminated its way to a $300 winning bid. And blown mold choir singer yard ornaments (Lot 544) hit the high notes at $190, likely destined to be a part of the next Christmas Light Display champion.
Schultz Auctioneers extends our gratitude to the Bieniek family for trusting us to handle the online bidding and auction of this memorable Central Minnesota personal property collection. It was our honor to catalog and present these well-kept antiques, vehicles, and relics reflecting George’s lifetime in the Holdingford community as a military veteran, farmer, and collector. In addition, we thank the hundreds of registered bidders near and far who turned out online to participate and bid on items of interest. The success of this auction speaks to the reputation and relationships built over decades around Holdingford, and Schultz Auctioneers was proud to be a small part in helping George Bieniek downsize and move into town smoothly through the auction method of marketing. Our team looks forward to serving more Minnesota families, collectors, and communities at upcoming events in the future.