I attended the Onassis estate at Sotheby's in April of 2006; for approximately three days before, individuals could preview the sale. I had purchased several items at auction previously so knew the ins and outs of purchasing and the fees involved in both purchasing and selling. I had my eye on a small tole shade lamp--not more than twenty inches with tole (metal) shade. I went to the auction in New York on my way to Europe for an extended stay. My friend Marjorie and I attended the preview and I attended the sale.

The day of each sale was a made house around Sotheby's Upper East Side showroom. The cab driver could not get close because of media and other looking on. the lamp was listed at $750 to $1,500; needless to say, the lamp went for close to $44,000! ( )