DUBLIN, Va. (WDBJ) – Every auction tells a story and, in the case of the estate sale in Dublin, Virginia’s Pulaski County, the tale is very special. In fact, it brings over 250 years of history into the modern day with items like household goods as well as highly collectible antiques. With household goods all the way to priceless collectibles, this is quite an historical treasure-trove of changing hands.
A Historic Home
Historic Items Up for Auction in Online Sale: At the heart of this incredible auction is the Withrow House, a history-steeped residence. Built around 1915, this home has been a repository for family heirlooms and historic artifacts, many of which date back before the house itself was built. To Jim Bell, the current owner, this house is more than just a piece of structure-it’s a vessel of family heritage.
“My grandfather was the great historian who collected a great deal of this stuff,” Bell shared. Having lived in the Withrow House from age 10 through high school and returning later in life after purchasing the property in 1998, Bell is now preparing for a new chapter as he moves to Florida.
“Somebody wise once said to me, do you own your possessions, or do your possessions own you?” Bell reflected. “That’s kind of where this is, because there’s so much stuff.”
Unveiling the Collection
The Bell Estate is being managed by Farmer Auctions, with Jarrod Hines, the owner, describing the process as uncovering a time capsule.
“The neat thing about this collection is it’s multi-generational,” Hines said. “This family made a concerted effort to hold onto important heirlooms throughout their history.”
Senior cataloger Tony Williams spearheaded the discovery process, painstakingly going through each room to pinpoint the treasures. “I would consider it average as far as lot size, but the quality and rarity of the lots make this auction special,” he said.
Unique Finds
The collection houses both the traditional estate sale products and the rare gems. Some other notable items included:
- A Confederate print of The Life of Stonewall Jackson (published in Richmond, 1863)
- An autographed picture of Robert E. Lee with a date listed as 1863, before his Battle of Chancellorsville
- A class ring from VMI, dated to 1860
- A bowl made from sugar from a coconut and coin silver
Consultant appraiser Larry Clevinger was particularly in awe of the sugar bowl.
“I think this is the most interesting object in the house, and the most interesting object that I’ve seen in quite a while,” he said. The bowl, engraved with the inscription “Sampson and George Matthews Staunton January 27, 1773,” is intricately carved and likely a significant gift from the time.
Local and National Interest
The auction, which recently went live online, has already attracted significant interest from local bidders and collectors across the country. Farmer Auctions expects a good turnout, considering the historical significance and rarity of many items in the collection.
For Jim Bell, finding new owners who will cherish these items is the ultimate goal.
“And I hope they’re very happy with them too,” he said.
Table of Highlights
| Item | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Life of Stonewall Jackson | Confederate imprint printed in Richmond, 1863 | Rare Civil War artifact |
| Robert E. Lee Photograph | Signed photo taken in 1863 before Chancellorsville | Historical Civil War memorabilia |
| VMI Class Ring | Class ring from 1860 | Symbol of early military education |
| Coconut Sugar Bowl | Engraved bowl made of coconut and coin silver (1773) | Unique and intricately designed historical object |