ONLINE AUCTION — STEELE FAMILY COLLECTION
Lots Begin Closing Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00 PM
A remarkable lifetime collection is being offered in Dunkirk, Ohio! More than 500 lots feature several large specialty collections assembled over many years, led by Hall Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf china, vintage and collectible portable lanterns, HO-scale trains and railroad accessories, Planters Mr. Peanut advertising collectibles, and a substantial collection of vintage comic books.
Hall Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf Collection: More than 200 pieces of Hall Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf and related collector china, ranging from vintage Hall pieces to National Autumn Leaf Collectors Club and China Specialties limited editions. The collection includes teapots in numerous forms, coffee pots, covered dishes, pitchers, bowls, serving pieces, shakers, commemorative pieces and specialty forms including Nautilus, Aladdin, Donut, Bellevue, Grape and others.
Portable Lantern Collection: More than 250 lanterns representing a wide variety of manufacturers, models, eras and styles. Coleman is heavily represented, along with KampLite, AGM/American Gas Machine, Sears/J.C. Higgins, Thermos, Bernz-O-Matic, Preway, Clayton & Lambert, Adams and others. The collection includes early pressure lanterns, military lanterns, propane lanterns, mica-globe examples, unusual models, accessories and numerous dated or otherwise marked examples.
HO-Scale Trains & Railroad Collection: More than 300 pieces of HO-scale trains and accessories, including boxed train sets, locomotives, passenger cars, rolling stock, track, buildings, scenery and accessories. Manufacturers and railroad names represented include Bachmann, Athearn, Genesis, Model Power, John Deere, Amtrak, Norfolk & Western, Pennsylvania, Chessie System, Southern Pacific, Baltimore & Ohio and others. Highlights include numerous John Deere collector train sets, locomotives and rolling stock, along with a large detailed model railroad layout.
Planters Mr. Peanut Collection: A large assortment of Planters advertising and Mr. Peanut collectibles including figural banks, tins, jars, advertising pieces, mugs, promotional items, plush figures, die-cast vehicles, serving pieces and other memorabilia.
Vintage Comic Books: A substantial collection of vintage comic books offered in large groups, with numerous publishers, characters, titles and issue numbers represented. Condition varies considerably, with many books showing age, handling wear and other condition issues, but the collection includes a wide assortment worthy of close inspection by comic collectors.
The auction also includes vintage Tonka, Buddy L, Structo, Nylint and other toys; BB and pellet guns; shooting and firearm-related accessories and memorabilia; ammunition; vintage advertising; firefighting memorabilia; crocks and stoneware; glassware; clocks; mid-century lamps; vintage kitchenware; postcards and ephemera; books and records; tools; lawn and garden equipment; furniture; a Hoosier-style kitchen cabinet; vintage Frigidaire range; Cub Cadet riding mower; Craftsman lawn sweeper; household items and much more.
This is the type of auction where the depth of the individual collections matters as much as the variety. Please review the entire catalog and all photographs carefully — there are interesting pieces scattered throughout more than 500 lots.
🔹 Basic Terms of Auction
👀 Preview: No public preview for this auction.
📦 Shipping & Pickup: Shipping is available on select lots only and at additional expense. Bidders must review each individual lot before bidding to determine whether shipping is specifically noted as available. If a lot does not state that shipping is available, bidders should assume local pickup is required.
Pickup will be Friday, September 4th from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Saturday, September 5th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the Dunkirk, Ohio area. The exact address will be printed on winning bidder invoices.
Please do not bid on pickup-only lots unless you or someone on your behalf can pick up your purchases during the designated times. Buyers are responsible for bringing their own boxes, labor and equipment needed to safely remove their purchases. Items not picked up during the scheduled pickup times will be considered abandoned and no refunds will be issued.
💳 Registration Required to Bid: To bid, click the "Register for Auction" button on any lot, review and accept the auction Terms & Conditions, place a credit card on file and submit your registration for approval. Please register at least 24 hours before the auction ends. Late registrations may not be approved.
💲 Important Buyer Information: A 10% buyer’s premium is added to all purchases. Purchases of $500 and above require cash or wire transfer unless otherwise approved by the auctioneer. Purchases under $500 may be paid with Visa, Mastercard, cash or wire transfer. No checks accepted. All items are sold As-Is, with no warranties or guarantees. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
🕖 Auction Closing Format: This auction features Staggered/Group/Dynamic Closing. If a bid is placed in the final 5 minutes on any lot, bidding on that lot will extend by 5 minutes. This process will continue until no additional bids are placed on that lot for a full 5 minutes.
📞 Questions? Contact Auctioneer Michael Hoffman at (614) 314-0298 or [email protected].
1. AUCTION CLOSING DATE, TIME & CLOSING METHOD:
The auction will begin closing at 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026. This auction uses Staggered/Group/Dynamic Closing. The closing time of a lot or group of lots will automatically extend an additional 5 minutes whenever a bid is placed within the final 5 minutes of that lot’s closing time. This process will continue until the timer expires with no additional bids.
2. BUYER’S PREMIUM:
All successful bid prices, or “hammer prices,” are subject to a 10% buyer’s premium payable by the purchaser. The buyer’s premium is added to the successful bid amount to determine the total purchase price. For example, a successful bid of $100 will result in a purchase price of $110 before any applicable taxes, shipping or other charges.
3. METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Invoices of $500 or more require payment by cash or wire transfer ONLY, unless otherwise approved by the Auctioneer. Invoices under $500 may be paid by cash, Visa, Mastercard or wire transfer. No checks are accepted.
Eligible credit-card invoices under $500 may be charged to the card on file at the end of the auction or the following day. A 10% buyer’s premium applies to all purchases. All items are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS without guarantees or warranties. All sales are final and refunds will not be issued. Bidder agrees not to initiate or attempt to cancel any authorized wire transfer, credit card payment or other form of payment.
4. PREVIEW / INSPECTION:
No public or private property preview will be provided for this auction. All items are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS based upon the catalog descriptions and photographs provided.
Prospective bidders are responsible for reviewing all available photographs and descriptions and determining their own satisfaction before bidding. If additional information or photographs are needed, bidders may contact the Auctioneer prior to bidding and we will attempt to provide additional information or photographs when reasonably possible. Requests made close to the auction closing may not be able to be accommodated.
By placing a bid, the bidder acknowledges and agrees that the item is being purchased AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with all faults. No property preview is being offered for this auction. Bidders are responsible for reviewing all available descriptions and photographs and for requesting any additional information they believe is necessary before bidding. By bidding, the bidder accepts the item in its present condition and assumes all risk regarding condition, completeness, authenticity, functionality and suitability. All sales are final, and no refunds, returns, exchanges or price adjustments will be made.
If a bidder requires absolute certainty regarding authenticity, condition, completeness, age, value or any other factor, the bidder should not bid unless satisfied with the information available.
5. SHIPPING:
Shipping is available on select lots only and at additional expense. Bidders must review each individual lot before bidding to determine whether shipping is specifically noted as available. If a lot does not state that shipping is available, bidders should assume local pickup is required.
For lots specifically designated as eligible for shipping, shipping and insurance charges will be billed separately. The shipping fee includes a $10 handling charge plus actual shipping costs through USPS and/or UPS, depending upon the size and weight of the item and insurance required. We do not ship items without insurance.
Once an item has been packed and shipping charges calculated, the buyer’s card on file may be charged for the shipping-related expenses. Tracking information will be provided when available.
Shipping time will vary depending upon the volume and nature of items requiring shipment. Buyers should not assume immediate shipment following the auction.
6. PICKUP / LOAD OUT:
Pickup will be:
Friday, September 4th from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 5th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pickup will be in the Dunkirk, Ohio area. The exact pickup address will be printed on winning bidder invoices.
There is no storage available. Buyers are responsible for bringing their own boxes, packing materials, moving personnel, tools and equipment necessary to safely remove their purchases. Auction personnel are not responsible for loading purchases.
Please do not bid on pickup-only lots unless you or someone on your behalf can remove your purchases during the designated pickup period.
7. ABANDONED LOTS:
Unless prior arrangements have been approved by Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer, any pickup-only item remaining after the scheduled pickup period will be considered abandoned and forfeited. No refund will be issued.
Once an item is considered abandoned, it may be disposed of, resold, donated or otherwise handled in any manner deemed appropriate by Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer. Disposal or handling fees may be assessed when appropriate.
8. BIDDING METHODS / TELEPHONE BIDDING:
This is an online-only auction.
Telephone bidding is not offered for this auction.
Online bidding is provided as a convenience to bidders. The Auctioneer reserves the right to reject or accept bids, establish bidding increments, resolve bidding disputes and determine the successful bidder in accordance with the auction platform and these terms.
9. RESERVES:
Some lots may be offered subject to a reserve, which is a minimum price below which the Auctioneer is not obligated to sell the lot. Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer may, at his discretion, disclose the amount of the reserve and may advance bids on behalf of the seller on reserve items as permitted by law.
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
10. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE:
The following conditions of sale constitute the terms and conditions under which items listed by Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer will be sold. All bidders who participate in this auction agree to and are bound by these terms and conditions. Any notices posted or otherwise provided by the Auctioneer in connection with the sale are also incorporated into these terms. Acceptance of a bidder number or completion of online registration constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
THE AUCTIONEER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS MADE BY THE PURCHASER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BIDDING ON THE WRONG LOT.
11. TERMS OF PAYMENT & TRANSFER OF TITLE:
At the close of a lot, the high bidder will have purchased the offered lot, subject to all terms and conditions set forth herein. The purchaser assumes responsibility for the purchased property at the close of bidding.
Purchaser agrees to pay the total amount due as required by the Auctioneer. Title does not transfer to the buyer until all payments, fees and any applicable shipping charges are paid in full.
Buyer agrees not to file an unauthorized chargeback with their credit card company. All payment disputes must first be discussed directly with the Auctioneer.
12. NON-PAYMENT:
Payment will not be deemed made in full until Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer has received and confirmed cleared funds.
If payment is not received as required, Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer reserves the right to exercise one or more remedies in addition to those allowed by law, including:
Imposing a late charge;
Holding the defaulting buyer liable for the amount due;
Beginning legal proceedings for recovery of the amount due together with applicable fees and costs;
Canceling the sale;
Reselling the property publicly or privately and holding the buyer responsible for any deficiency, handling charges, expenses, commissions and incidental damages;
Blocking the buyer from participation in future auctions; and
Taking any other action deemed appropriate.
13. WITHDRAWAL:
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any property from the auction prior to completion of the sale for any reason.
14. PROTESTS, DISPUTES & AUCTIONEER AUTHORITY:
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid from any bidder. The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer will be the purchaser.
The Auctioneer has sole and final discretion regarding the disposition of any bidding dispute, including reopening, re-offering or reselling an item when appropriate. Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer’s records will be deemed conclusive in the event of any post-sale dispute.
15. FAILURE TO DELIVER PURCHASER’S PROPERTY:
If Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer is prevented by fire, theft or another circumstance from delivering purchased property to the buyer, the Auctioneer’s liability will be limited to the amount actually paid by the purchaser for that property. No additional incidental or consequential damages will be payable.
16. CATALOG & DESCRIPTIONS:
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer attempts to catalog and photograph every lot accurately and will attempt to identify known or visible defects when practical. However, catalog descriptions, photographs and statements are provided as aids to bidders and should not be interpreted as guarantees or warranties.
Sizes, weights and measurements are approximate unless otherwise stated. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that an item is in perfect condition or free from wear, defects, repairs, missing components, age-related deterioration or other issues.
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer and the seller are not responsible for errors or omissions in the catalog, photographs or supplemental material.
17. BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY:
Prospective buyers are responsible for reviewing the available photographs, descriptions and other information regarding each lot and determining their own satisfaction before bidding.
It is the bidder’s responsibility to determine age, authenticity, value, condition, completeness, suitability and any other determinative factor.
If a bidder requires absolute certainty regarding authenticity, condition, completeness, age, value or any other factor, the bidder should not bid unless satisfied with the information available.
18. GUARANTEE / AS-IS, WHERE-IS:
All property is offered and sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer makes no guarantees or warranties, written or implied, regarding any lot.
Statements regarding condition, age, authorship, period, culture, source, origin, measurement, quality, rarity, provenance, importance or physical condition are qualified statements based upon the information reasonably available and are not warranties or guarantees.
No employee of Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer or any person purporting to act on behalf of the Auctioneer is authorized to make any representation or warranty, oral or written, with respect to any lot or item for sale.
19. ONLINE / ABSENTEE BIDDING:
Online and absentee bidding are provided as conveniences to bidders when applicable.
Purchaser acknowledges that Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer has a fiduciary duty to the seller and no agency relationship is established with bidders or purchasers.
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer assumes no responsibility for failure to execute bids caused by user error, technology failure, internet interruption, software malfunction or any other cause beyond the Auctioneer’s reasonable control.
20. AUCTIONEER RECOGNITION OF BIDS:
The Auctioneer reserves the right to reject or accept bids, establish or modify bidding increments, resolve bidding disputes and determine the successful bidder.
The Auctioneer’s determination of the successful bidder will be final.
21. TECHNOLOGY ISSUES:
If a software malfunction, internet service problem or other technology issue materially affects bidding, Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer may reopen one or more lots, extend closing times, suspend the auction or reschedule all or part of the auction.
A lot will be considered sold only after the Auctioneer has determined that bidding has properly closed and the winning bidder has been confirmed.
22. DISPUTES UNDER THIS CONTRACT:
Purchaser and Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer agree to mediate any dispute or claim arising from participation in this auction or any resulting transaction, except where the purchaser has failed to make full payment of obligations due to Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer. In cases of non-payment, Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer may proceed directly with any remedies available under law.
If mediation is required, mediation fees will be borne by the purchaser unless otherwise agreed. Any mediation, arbitration or court proceedings shall be conducted solely in Fairfield County, Ohio.
If mediation does not resolve the dispute, the parties agree that the dispute may be submitted to neutral binding arbitration in Fairfield County, Ohio in accordance with applicable arbitration rules and law.
23. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
Except as expressly provided herein, all property is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS.
Neither Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer nor the seller makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, merchantability, fitness, condition, description, genuineness, attribution, provenance, period or intellectual property rights associated with any property sold.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from participation in the auction or the purchase of any lot.
24. CAUTION REGARDING GROUPED OR PICTURED ITEMS:
For demonstration, display or photographic purposes, various items may be shown together. Do not assume that a lot contains more than the items specifically identified as part of that lot.
Always review the lot number, description and all photographs before bidding.
25. CATALOG DISCREPANCIES:
Bidders are responsible for reviewing both the written description and photographs for each lot.
Occasionally a photograph may be incorrect, incomplete or may not accurately represent color or condition. If a bidder notices an apparent discrepancy between the description and photographs, the bidder should contact the Auctioneer before bidding for clarification.
26. CHOOSE WISELY / BIDDING ERRORS:
We want bidders to be satisfied with their purchases. However, bidding errors, failure to read the description, misunderstanding the lot, or deciding after the sale that an item is not suitable for its intended use do not create a right to cancel the purchase.
When uncertain about condition, completeness, identification or suitability, bidders should ask questions before bidding and bid accordingly.
27. ADDITIONAL TERMS:
The Auctioneer reserves the right to:
Add or remove items from the auction;
Split or combine lots;
Add minimum bids or reserve prices;
Cancel, suspend, extend or reschedule an individual lot or the entire auction;
Modify auction closing times;
Modify pickup times when necessary; and
Make other procedural changes reasonably necessary to conduct the auction.
By registering for this auction, bidders may be added to Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer’s mailing list and may unsubscribe at any time.
📦 Shipping & Pickup: Shipping is available on select lots only and at additional expense. Bidders must review each individual lot before bidding to determine whether shipping is specifically noted as available. If a lot does not state that shipping is available, bidders should assume local pickup is required.
Pickup will be Friday, September 4th from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Saturday, September 5th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the Dunkirk, Ohio area. The exact address will be printed on winning bidder invoices.
Please do not bid on pickup-only lots unless you or someone on your behalf can pick up your purchases during the designated times. Buyers are responsible for bringing their own boxes, labor and equipment needed to safely remove their purchases. Items not picked up during the scheduled pickup times will be considered abandoned and no refunds will be issued.
