SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Up in the northeastern end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the bidding gets hot and heavy this time of year, and Auctioneer Dave Duncan of Duncan Auctions – as usual – was directly in the midst of it.

More than 150 bidders had turned out on this beautiful day, Sept. 8, at 6 Mile Road, outside Sault Ste. Marie, to get in on the action provided by a 63-year collection from the living estate of Wayne and Jenni Somes.

The Somes were downsizing. Maintaining their 14-acre farm had, during the past few years, become difficult. Their accumulation of life’s necessities, and many treasures, during their 63-year marriage was disbursed at the auction. Family and friends were among those who competitively bid for items.

Wayne had retired from Somes Electric Co., his brother had owned for many years in the Sault, and Jenni had worked for the local company, Bunny Bread Co., for several years.

Two auction rings were run during part of the morning session, with Duncan selling household and collectible items, while long-time Eastern Upper Peninsula Auctioneer Ted Postula of Postula Auctions, ran the tool ring. Also assisting in auctioneer duties was Norma Burton of Portage Creek Auctions from the Curtis, Mich. area.

The top seller of the day was a well-maintained 2003 GMC pick-up truck that sold for $4,750. A nice working Massey Ferguson tractor, with a front loader, sold for $2,750; while an antique tractor – a 1946 Co-op was hammered down for $750.

There were also other handy implements, a nice gasoline-powered golf car sold for $2,100, a bush hog mower sold for $500, and a hay wagon topped out at $275.

Two ladies engaged in a battle for a 1993 fifth-wheel travel trailer. Slow in gaining momentum, the travel trailer got a boost to a final $3,500 bid after the duel between the two ladies concluded.

All quoted prices are hammer bids.

From the tool ring, Postula was soliciting bids in a rapid order. A Craftsman bench-top drill fetched $100, a (like new) generator sold for $175, a NAPA battery charger brought $180 and a set of nice All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) ramps sold for $80.

A Huskey riding lawnmower, with low hours, sold for $575, while a well-maintained utility trailer brought $375.

From the household and antique ring, manned by Duncan, an early Sault Ste. Marie street lamp went for $90. Glassware, Coca Cola collectibles, pottery and Longaberger baskets were plentiful. A Redwing 10-gallon crock topped out at $65, while more than 11 Longaberger baskets were “choiced out” with several bring $35 each.

A secretary cabinet brought $300, while a nicely carved nautical chest sold for $130. An oak table with five chairs sold for $200.

After the sale, the Somes were highly complementary of Duncan and his crew.

Duncan is a licensed auctioneer from Cedarville, Mich., about 30 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge on Lake Huron in the Les Cheneaux Islands.

Duncan Auctions will be selling hunting, fishing and sporting collectibles at the Cedarville Community Center on Sept. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. The auction, a second annual event sponsored by Duncan Auctions and Postula Auction, will feature more than 30 firearms, including both hand guns, long rifles and shotguns.

In addition, the auction will feature collectible knives, sports memorabilia, a bear trap, mounted fish and game, and a large assortment of ammunition.

Contact: (906) 322-8833. www.duncanauctions.com.