Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast

Donley Auctions
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

Unveiling the Auction World: Behind the Scenes at Donley Auctions Get ready for a front-row seat to the thrilling world of auctions! Join Susan, Randy, and the entire Donley Auctions crew as they pull back the curtain and show you what really happens behind the scenes.

  1. 5d ago

    Girdles - Unfiltered Podcast 3-3

    Unfiltered & Behind the Scenes: Magic Illusions, Classic Wheels, and Rare Vintage Treasures Take a wild behind-the-scenes road trip with Randy and Susan Donley on this episode of Donley Auctions Unfiltered! From private tours of historic magic workshops and world-class coin-op collections across Southern California to auction house consignment drops, this jam-packed episode is an antique lover’s dream. Whether you are obsessed with mechanical marvels, vintage automobiles, or mid-century pop culture, here is what went down: 00:03 – Kicking Off the COCA Gathering: Randy and Susan share highlights from the Coin Operated Collectors Association event in California—covering miles of driving, dozens of collectors, and unforgettable hospitality. 00:41 – Inside John Gaughn’s Magic Museum: Step into the private workshop of legendary illusion builder John Gaughn. Watch an astounding live demonstration of the classic "sawing a woman in half" sword box illusion! 04:05 – The Mechanical Chess Player & Houdini Automaton: Discover John Gaughn's recreation of the infamous 1769 automaton chess player (The Turk) built for Empress Maria Theresa, plus an automaton signing Harry Houdini’s signature. 05:27 – A Quick Pitstop in Canyon Country: Susan recaps lunch at the Urban Café (featuring their famous warm chocolate chip cookies) before heading off to the next private collection. 06:25 – 20,000-Sq-Ft Hangar in Acton: Explore an incredible private collection packed with vintage automobiles, retro neon signs, mechanical advertising displays, and Barranger motion window units. 07:05 – The Nethercutt Collection & Museum: Marvel at breathtaking antique vehicles in Sylmar, California, including Susan's favorite 1957 Chevy Roadster and an ultra-luxurious, wood-trimmed vintage travel trailer. 08:18 – The Victorian Saloon & Cigar Store Indian Paradise: Tour a stunning Victorian estate featuring antique saloon bars, restored upright slot machines, antique gaming wheels, and classic western relics. 10:20 – Donley Auctions on the Move in PA: Randy recaps the team’s nationwide hustle—from a military show in Pennsylvania (with giant calzones at Rocky’s Pizza) to a Civil War memorabilia event. 11:59 – Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys: Soak in retro Hollywood nostalgia featuring vintage neon, retro pedal cars, pop culture advertising, and Spicoli’s iconic checkered van from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. 12:48 – Sandy Lechtick’s 2,500-Sq-Ft Penny Arcade: Step inside a vintage arcade lover's paradise filled with fortune tellers, fortune drop games, and dozens of rare animated Barranger jewelry store motion displays. 14:10 – California Trip Wrap-Up: Susan and Randy tally up the journey: 6 private home tours, 2 museums, 2 antique shops, 28 new collector connections, and an evening at The Magic Castle and Laugh Factory. 18:15 – Rare Consignments: Predicta TVs & The Kuba Komet: Back at the auction house, Randy and Susan showcase working Philco and Telstar Predicta TVs and the centerpiece—an ultra-rare mid-century Kuba Komet entertainment cabinet! 19:23 – Special Guest Wally Nekyha (Four Seasons Amusements): Longtime amusement specialist Wally drops off consigned treasures for the upcoming Fall Classic—including a coveted "Grandmother Predictions" arcade fortune teller, vintage carnival games, a roulette table, and historical pop culture buttons.

    Girdles - Unfiltered Podcast 3-3

  2. Sep 21

    Uber Joe - Unfiltered Podcast 3-2

    Road Trips, Rare Finds, and Hollywood History From early computing breakthroughs to silent film treasures and premier collector conventions, the antiques auction trail moves fast. In this episode of the Unfiltered Podcast (Season 3, Episode 2: "Uber Joe"), hosts Susan and Randy Donley give listeners an energetic, behind-the-scenes look at where the team travels, what rare consignments are landing in the gallery, and how historic collections make their way to the auction block. Whether scouting coin-op machines in Los Angeles or showcasing silent film history on live television, here is everything covered in this week’s action-packed episode: 00:00:29 – Heading to California & Meeting "Uber Joe" Randy and Susan kick off their journey to the airport, complete with "Uber Joe" in the back seat, bracing for brisk airplane cabins and an action-packed week ahead. 00:01:12 – The COCA Convention in Los Angeles A preview of the Coin Operated Collectors Association (COCA) gathering, highlighting why membership is vital for serious coin-op collectors and the rare community connections it offers. 00:01:57 – Highlights from Vintage Computer Festival Midwest Ryan, Mike, and John recap their booth at the Schaumburg Convention Center, exploring classic Macintosh 512K setups, antique telephone demonstrations, and a surge of retro tech interest. 00:03:46 – Scouting Fresh Consignments: Detroit to San Francisco Randy and Susan touch on coast-to-coast scouting trips, contract protocols, and teasing incredible collections waiting in the wings before going public. 00:05:11 – On the Road: The Wheaton Civil War Show A quick check-in from Ryan on the floor of the Wheaton Civil War Show as dealer booths open and militaria collectors gather. 00:05:40 – Heading East: The MAX Show in York, Pennsylvania Mike and John pack up rare military artifacts and hit the road to York, Pennsylvania, for the premier MAX Military Show. 00:06:20 – Television Spotlight: Lubin Studios & Early Cinema Archives on Good Day PA Mike appears on Good Day PA to unveil historic silent movie treasures, including photographic archives of film pioneer Siegmund Lubin and screen-used Western memorabilia from actor Harry May. 00:08:21 – White-Glove Delivery & A Magic Castle Teaser The team wraps up with rare phonograph deliveries in Pennsylvania, plus a sneak preview of their upcoming visit to Hollywood's famous Magic Castle. Want to catch every story and see the artifacts in action? Watch the full episode on YouTube.

    Uber Joe - Unfiltered Podcast 3-2

  3. Sep 14

    Buffalo Gals - Unfiltered Podcast 3-1

    Step onto the auction house floor with the Donley Auctions crew in the Season 3 premiere of the Unfiltered podcast! In this lively behind-the-scenes walkthrough, Randy, Susan, Mike, and the team preview the catalog for the Inventions & Technology Auction. From 19th-century medical oddities and pioneering visual novelties to massive mechanical music machines, this episode is packed with fascinating history and rare finds. 00:00:37 – Vintage Uniforms & The Auction Rush: Randy kicks off the episode showcasing 1960s gas station attendant workwear, previewing upcoming military relics, and showing the fast-paced hustle keeping the preview floor moving. 00:02:04 – Entering the Inventions & Technology Room: After finding the gallery locked down, the crew catches up with Mike, who has spent weeks curating an extraordinary museum-grade preview floor. 00:03:09 – Architectural Salvage & Illuminated Signs: A massive theater return-air vent grate catches Susan's eye, alongside an original double-sided, reverse-silkscreened Atlas Lamp sign and early collector-grade incandescent light bulbs. 00:04:30 – Lincoln’s Death Mask & Oddities: The team inspects an authentic Abraham Lincoln death mask, a vintage head clamp photographer's pose stand, and a heavy industrial balance scale. 00:05:18 – Pioneering Photography & Early Quack Medicine: Mike walks through early photographic processes—from daguerreotypes to ambrotypes and tintypes—as well as vintage electric foot therapy plates, an optometrist lens testing case, and an antique multi-chamber glass nebulizer. 00:06:51 – Orthopedics & Historical Cartography: A look at rare historical medical artifacts, including cervical traction halos and early pediatric leg braces/crutches, juxtaposed against a mid-19th-century map outlining the Louisiana and Oregon Territories. 00:08:13 – Zoetropes & Magic Lanterns: Mike explains the "persistence of vision" phenomenon that paved the way for motion pictures, demonstrating 19th-century slotted zoetropes and kerosene-lit magic lanterns. 00:10:01 – Guest Collector Dylan Hallman & The Weber Maesto: Dylan Hallman joins the floor to demonstrate the crown jewel of mechanical music: a Weber Maesto orchestrion capable of replicating a 20-piece orchestra. 00:12:03 – The World of Antique Mechanical Music: Dylan shares insights into his personal 24-machine collection, his musical room at Wayne Lensing’s Historic Auto Attractions museum, and the story behind his signature hat.

    Buffalo Gals - Unfiltered Podcast 3-1

  4. Sep 7

    Bears & Cubs - Unfiltered Podcast 2-52

    Get ready for another exciting episode of Donley Auctions Unfiltered! In this episode, Randy and Susan dive into a fantastic lineup of upcoming events, fresh consignments, and unique historical treasures arriving at the auction house. [01:05] Lake Geneva Lamp Collection: Randy shares details from his recent trip picking up hundreds of beautifully restored lamps and gorgeous sconces from a stunning Lake Geneva estate. [02:23] 1800s Velocipedes: Randy explores a pair of post-Civil War velocipedes made in Chicago, discussing their direct-drive mechanics, lack of brakes, and historical nicknames like "bone shakers." [03:19] High-Wheeler Bikes & Upcoming Technology Auction: A look at high-wheeled bicycles and a reminder about the upcoming Inventions and Technology live and online auction scheduled for Saturday, September 26. [04:27] Military Preview: A comprehensive walkthrough of the upcoming October 4 military auction, featuring 17th-to-20th-century artifacts. [05:12] Trench Art & Historical Uniforms: Highlights from the military collection include a World War I tank inkwell, 39-star flags circa 1889, flare guns, Polish headgear, and Soviet uniform pieces. [06:09] Military Documentation & Samurai Swords: Discussion on how veteran paperwork elevates firearm values, alongside a showcase of Japanese samurai swords, practice bombs, and Eastern Bloc medals. [07:12] World War II German Rangefinders: The story behind an ultra-rare pair of World War II German rangefinders discovered in a local consignor's garage alongside car consignments. [08:53] Diverse Consignments & How to Sell: A wrap-up highlighting newly arrived music boxes, antique horn phonographs, a model boat and motor collection, and instructions on how to submit items for consignment.

    Bears & Cubs - Unfiltered Podcast 2-52

  5. Aug 31

    Marmon - Unfiltered Podcast 2:51

    Welcome to the latest behind-the-scenes look at Donley Auctions Unfiltered! Randy and the crew are unboxing an astonishing wave of new arrivals on the gallery floor. Whether it's early 20th-century music machines or legendary vintage pedal cars, there is an incredible piece of history here for every collector. Remember, we pick up consignments nationwide and ship purchases worldwide, so no matter where you are tuning in from, you can get in on the action. Skim the timeline below to see what just rolled through the doors, but be sure to watch the full episode to catch all the auction floor banter, expert restoration history, and close-ups of these rare finds! Episode Highlights: [00:12] Mike unboxes early Zonophone and Xonophone machines, sparking a fascinating history lesson on the cutthroat early 1900s patent wars against Victor (RCA). [02:43] Randy showcases a top-of-the-line Victor 6 phonograph paired with its matching, ultra-rare base cabinet—a setup originally built only for the mega-wealthy! [04:00] Get a close look at a stunning 1930s Scott radio showing off its signature, gorgeous exposed chrome-plated electronic mechanism. [04:30] A triple threat: Three highly coveted Edison cylinder 1A phonographs are revealed in gorgeous mahogany, gunmetal, and oak finishes. [05:43] An incredible all-original Columbia N under-glass spring-wound phonograph steals the spotlight. [06:20] Discover the exquisite "lion's head" Regina phone—a highly desirable music box and phonograph combination unit! [07:08] A serpentine Columbia disc cabinet wraps up the music machine previews, teasing huge lots for the upcoming music auction. [08:21] A sneak peek into the September 10 Carnival Glass auction features a fascinating, translucent marigold antique automotive bud vase. [09:43] John and Denny arrive with a massive haul of pedal cars! John shares incredible stories from his 70 years of collecting, and Denny talks about restoring ultra-rare Chrysler Town & Country "barrelback" woody wagons. [14:15] Take a look at a quirky, adorable vintage German amusement park ride car that was built exclusively to go in circles. [15:46] The team hits Spizzico after Shaunfest for some much-needed eggplant parmesan, giving a massive shoutout to the restaurant's spotless facilities and fantastic service. [18:37] Susan and Randy wrap things up back at the gallery with a functional "dump body" pedal car, complete with Tucker the dog wishing for a ride! Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2nu9bsc3mtE Be sure to tune into the full episode to catch all the behind-the-scenes fun and preview these incredible auction items!

    Marmon - Unfiltered Podcast 2:51

  6. Aug 24

    Snake Oil - Unfiltered Podcast 2:50

    When wooden crates take over the dance floor at Donley Auctions, you know something extraordinary has arrived! In this lively episode of Donley Auctions Unfiltered, Randy, Mike, and Susan dive headfirst into unpacking the massive Trenga Collection. From authentic early 1900s amusement park relics to the bizarre origins of 19th-century "snake oil," join the crew for a behind-the-scenes look at high-end antiques, local history, and the treasures hitting the auction block this fall. Watch the full episode on YouTube: Snake Oil - Unfiltered Podcast 00:00:00 – Susan’s Missing Dance Floor: The auction hall is completely overrun with giant wooden packing crates, sacrificing Susan’s dance floor space for incredible antique inventory. 00:00:38 – Rare Derby Racer Carousel Horses: Mike reveals the history behind large, two-seater carved wooden horses with original park paint, likely originating from Riverview Park’s famous "Derby Racer" ride. 00:03:43 – Riverview Park & McHenry County Memories: The team looks back at Chicago’s iconic amusement park history and shares classic stories from the Donley banquet hall days. 00:05:35 – Valuing Unrestored Relics (No Reserve!): Randy discusses why the derby racers are selling at absolute auction without reserve and explains why original, untouched park paint is so coveted by collectors. 00:07:18 – Antique Horse Barber Chair & Family Memories: Randy and Mike showcase a vintage Theo A. Kochs child’s barber chair with a carved horse head, sparking nostalgic memories of childhood haircuts in Berwyn and Wauconda, Illinois. 00:08:03 – Upcoming Fall Classic Auction Dates: Important details on the Fall Classic Auction slated for late October alongside the Chicagoland Antique Advertising Show. 00:10:05 – Unboxing the Trenga Crates: Susan, Mike, and Randy begin opening mystery crates packed full of architectural eagles, grandfather clocks, and lanterns. 00:12:23 – The Iconic Motion Hula Lamp: The team unboxes and tests a vintage hula girl lamp complete with moving hips, a classic shade, and plenty of laughs. 00:15:08 – Quirky Antiques & Lock Oddities: The team explores vintage piano lamps, giant store-display fishing lures, duck decoys, and a rare Chicago-made "Grip Tumbler" tire lock. 00:16:54 – Spark-Gap Cigar Lighters & The Truth About Snake Oil: Mike demonstrates an Eldred spark-gap cigar lighter before breaking down the fascinating, deceptive history of Clark Stanley’s 1893 "Snake Oil Liniment." 00:22:42 – Susan’s Top Hat & Packing Treasures: Susan models a multi-tier top hat and a colorful sweater uncovered from the packing materials. 00:23:38 – Cataloging the Collection & Western Branding Irons: The crew wraps up the unboxing marathon, discusses grouping upcoming specialty auctions (lamps, pottery, coin-op), and jokes about antique branding irons.

    Snake Oil - Unfiltered Podcast 2:50

  7. Aug 17

    Quack Device - 2:49

    Welcome back to another deep dive with the Unfiltered Podcast! In this action-packed episode, Randy, Susan, Mike, and the crew pull back the curtain for an exclusive behind-the-scenes walkthrough of our massive auction gallery and the legendary "dungeon." From jaw-dropping 19th-century optical tech and bizarre Victorian hat-measuring devices to towering Orchestrions, this episode proves there is never a dull moment on the auction floor. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love uncovering rare history, you'll want to catch the full video to see these museum-quality treasures in action. Check out the highlights below! Episode Highlights: [00:27] - Watch Here Epic Elk Mounts: Randy shows off an incredibly detailed hand-carved wooden elk and a magnificent full-size, hand-hammered copper elk head dating back to the 1860s. [01:43] - Watch Here Vintage Neon Signs: The crew unloads massive vintage neon signs for the October auction, including a beautiful double-sided piece from the famous Rathskeller Restaurant in Rockford, Illinois. [02:54] - Watch Here Calling All Gas Pumps: We're on the hunt! We put out an open call for restored and unrestored gas pumps for the upcoming October Petroliana auction. [04:39] - Watch Here The Milan Hart Militaria Collection: John and Ryan showcase the incredible first display of the massive Milan Hart collection, heading to the MAX Military Show this September. [06:48] - Watch Here Fascinating Optical Inventions: Mike takes us through a phenomenal array of antique tech, including stereoscope viewers, zoetropes, and an early Lumiere motion unit. [08:12] - Watch Here Edison-Era Vacuum Pump: Discover a rare physics demonstration vacuum pump—the exact type of equipment Thomas Edison used to evacuate air while inventing the first sustainable light bulb! [11:07] - Watch Here Sparks Fly: Watch Randy test out an antique Wimshurst static electricity generator that still packs a surprisingly loud, high-pitched spark! [12:56] - Watch Here A Torture Device or Top Hat Sizer?: The team investigates a creepy wax mannequin head wearing a medieval-looking metal contraption. Spoiler: It's actually a rare "Conformateur" used to perfectly measure and size top hats! [14:10] - Watch Here Antique Dental Cabinet: A look at one of the finest tambour roll-top wooden dental cabinets you will ever see, complete with intricate swing-out partition drawers. [14:52] - Watch Here Building the Orchestrions: It takes incredible heavy lifting and heavy-duty chain hoists to assemble these massive, multi-piece Orchestrion music machines. See what it takes to prep them for the floor! [21:27] - Watch Here World-Class Stained Glass Lamps: Randy & Mike chat with collector Oleh Cherednyk to preview a breathtaking 20-year collection of pristine antique lamps. Feast your eyes on rare 1920s floral designs, a unique Galle cameo glass piano lamp, and stunning pieces from Wilkinson, Handel, and Tiffany.

    Quack Device - 2:49

  8. Aug 10

    Paddle - Unfiltered Podcast 2:48

    Welcome to another exciting behind-the-scenes look at Donley Auctions Unfiltered! Join Randy and Susan as they unbox rare treasures from a massive single-home Ohio collection, give a sneak peek at upcoming sports memorabilia auctions, and share plenty of laughs around the auction floor. Here are the chronological highlights from this episode: 00:05 – Introduction & The Trenga Ohio Collection Preview: Randy and Susan kick off the show surrounded by stunning stained-glass lamps, introducing the massive "Trenga" collection arriving from Ohio.01:00 – Handel Arts & Crafts Lamp Unboxing: Randy inspects a rare Handel Arts & Crafts lamp featuring a painted Dutch windmill shade and a hand-hammered copper base with acorn pulls.01:54 – Unwrapping the First Mystery Box: Susan unboxes a mystery item wrapped in a vintage quilt, revealing a hand-carved white animal figure with detachable antlers.03:09 – Monk Figurines & Piggy Banks: A look at playful novelty collectibles from the estate, including vintage monk figurines and a colorful array of antique ceramic piggy banks.03:23 – Unwrapping Item #2 & Packing Advice: Susan unboxes a second large parcel—sharing a friendly plea to consignors to skip the packing peanuts and excessive tape!04:02 – Carved Irish Setter Hunting Dog: The second parcel reveals a detailed hand-carved sculpture of an Irish Setter hunting dog retrieving a pheasant.04:22 – Mystery Wooden Object Discovered: Susan holds up an unusual, paddle-shaped wooden object bearing an M.C. Lilley & Co. brass nameplate from Columbus, Ohio.04:56 – Revealing the Secret Society "Trick Paddle": Research reveals the mystery object is a turn-of-the-century fraternal initiation "trick paddle" designed to trigger a loud paper cap bang on impact!05:48 – Story of the Ohio Estate: Randy shares how the Ohio collection came from an impeccably kept, non-cluttered home where fine antiques were artfully lived with and cherished.07:22 – Diverse Collections On Display: Susan tours the showroom floor, pointing out antique sculptures, military items, fishing lures, pipe collections, and butter churns.07:48 – Rare Russian Icons: Randy displays two exquisite Russian icons in gold-leaf frames, complete with original early-1900s New York gallery tags.08:22 – Hires Root Beer Mug & Carnival Glass: A highlight of vintage advertising glassware, featuring an antique "Drink Hires Root Beer" mug alongside colorful carnival glass pieces.08:50 – Black Forest Carvings & Novelty Items: Exploring hand-carved Black Forest wooden decor, antique telephones, a cat-shaped novelty radio, and an 1800s cast-iron G.A.R. canteen.11:35 – Boss Tweed Mechanical Still Bank: Susan demonstrates a rare "Boss Tweed" Tammany mechanical bank that nods its head when a penny is placed in its hand.12:22 – Sports Auctions Overview with Ryan: Ryan previews two upcoming sports sales, featuring over 700 lots of autographed baseballs, graded cards, and 2016 World Series Cubs jerseys.14:58 – Rare Boxing & Movie Relics: Ryan showcases the controversial 1974 "From Slaveship to Championship" Foreman vs. Ali poster, authentic Rudy movie props, and a set of Hall of Fame bronze busts.19:02 – Playful Cataloging Banter & Wrap-up: Susan practices her auction item cataloging skills by "describing" Randy, leading to a fun closing back-and-forth about coffee mugs and radio show sponsors.Be sure to tune into the full episode to catch all the behind-the-scenes fun and preview these incredible auction items!

    Paddle - Unfiltered Podcast 2:48
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Unveiling the Auction World: Behind the Scenes at Donley Auctions Get ready for a front-row seat to the thrilling world of auctions! Join Susan, Randy, and the entire Donley Auctions crew as they pull back the curtain and show you what really happens behind the scenes.

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