AUCTION

from Fancyclopedia 2

One of the chief sources of money for fan gatherings is an auction of collector's items, usually contributed by pro editors and fans. All conventions, most major conferences, and some large meetings of local groups are scenes of auctioneering; at conventions, the auction is usually not completed in a single session. Most popular auction pieces are original illos. Back issues of the prozines and some fanzines are sold (frequently in sets in the case of famous serials) and a few books, original manuscripts, and odd items appear. Prices paid vary according to supply and demand - also according to the time of night, falling as money runs low, auctioneers get hoarse, and most of the best items vanish. The highest price recorded is $70 by Harry Moore for a Finlay cover (for Theodora DuBois' The Devil's Spoon, from FFM); and some items have gone at three for 1¢.