On March 11th, 1744: Sotheby’s English auction house in London held its first ever auction of books. They came from the private collection of a Baron of Alderley. Originally named Baker and Leigh, this auction house claims to have sold the library that Napoleon took into exile at St. Helena. It not holds locations internationally, including sites in Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.While their first auction may have been books, they sell off art, jewelry, real estate, and fine collectibles. Bidding on most occasions is open to the public, and there is no obligation to bid on anything. The hardest part is just figuring out what the auctioneer is saying!!
(Photo Courtesy of Book-Hunter/Word Press)