About Us
We are the official auction company for the State of Connecticut.
Tara Norbut and David Thompson are a couple that have been in the antiques and collectibles buying and selling business for many years.
Tara has a passion for her collection of vintage bottles and marbles. Learning about the items she collects and where to buy them has led her to flea markets, estate sales, antique shops and auctions where she has learned the ins and outs of the antiques business. Tara’s drive and experience has led her to a place where owning and operating her own auction house would be the next natural step in her career development. When Patrick announced that he was selling the Golden Gavel Auction, her new career choice became immediately clear. Tara is passionate about finding new homes for vintage wares. She strives constantly to exceed customer expectations.
David has been buying and selling all sorts of vintage and antique wares for over 30 years. He shares Tara’s passion for finding those hidden treasures and giving them new life with new owners. David has been going to flea markets, estate sales, antique shops and auctions for his entire life. His parents were avid depression glass and antique dealers. David’s family spent many a vacation rummaging through other people's basements buying and selling antiques. In David’s full time career, he has been a manager for over 25 years. He has managed up to 150 employees and most recently was running a business that is the same size comparably to the Golden Gavel. David completed the USPAP appraiser’s course.
Both Tara and David have been attending the Golden Gavel Auctions for many years. The opportunity to move into the ownership position was ultimately the perfect move for this motivated and experienced couple.
"We both know that excellent customer service is the key to success in any business. Our number one goal is customer satisfaction."
In 2004, Golden Gavel Auctions bought and renovated a former East Windsor, Connecticut supermarket into the modern auction house it is today. With parking for 280 cars, the 18,000 square foot auction house easily displays thousands of items and seats 350+ auction enthusiasts. Golden Gavel holds 70 auctions a year, turning tens of thousands of items into money for their clients.
Golden Gavel’s auctioneer and appraiser, Ralph Labozzo, holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Connecticut. Ralph’s been in the business for 20+ years. He is a graduate of Missouri Auction School and earned certification in American Arts through a graduate-level program at New York’s famous Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Like David, Ralph is a USPAP certified appraiser.
Why Thousands Have Turned Estates And Personal Items Into Cash With Golden Gavel
Among the many advantages Golden Gavel Auctions, LLC provides are:
- We work with you through the entire sales process – from listening to your needs; to appraisal; to auction; to clearing out an entire home.
- Golden Gavel will develop a plan with you to assure your needs are met and that you receive as much value as possible for every item.
- In Connecticut, auction houses are not required to be licensed, bonded and insured but Golden Gavel is. Being licensed, bonded and insured gives our clients an extra layer of protection and it allows us to do business in surrounding states that require this level of professionalism.
- Golden Gavel provides full customer service.
Fast Results:
We hold auctions every week at 7 p.m. on Thursday -- not every month like most competitors do. Your items go to auction quickly and you get paid faster than you would elsewhere.
Well Known And Trusted By Thousands Of Buyers And Collectors:
As seen on HGTV! Golden Gavel Auctions was featured in the TV series "Cash in the Attic" on HGTV. With 30 years of experience, a professional staff and frequent auction promotions, Golden Gavel Auctions stays at the top of the list for thousands of collectors, dealers, e-bay entrepreneurs and retail buyers.
Four Ways To Bid:
Golden Gavel makes bidding easy:
- Attend an auction and bid in person
- Bid live over the telephone
- Drop off written bids on auction day during preview after 2 p.m.
- Bid on the web during one of our quarterly Internet auctions
Hundreds Attend Every Week:
Collectors and dealers know a good auction house when they see one. They keep coming back to Golden Gavel Auctions. Half the average weekly crowd of 350+ attend regularly. We welcome and encourage the public to attend.
Big Gallery with TV Monitors:
You can see everything from every seat in the air conditioned, climate-controlled, well-lit auction gallery. Every seat provides a full view of every item being auctioned. Golden Gavel’s multiple, ceiling-mounted 42” TV monitors provide everyone with a front row view.
Sell It All, Safely and Efficiently, All At Once:
Golden Gavel offers three large box trucks and a full-time staff for packing, moving and broom cleaning of entire households, estates and foreclosures. We've helped many clients with homes for sale downsize. Property auctions are an efficient way to downsize. We are specialists at it. We cater to every customer’s needs.
Charitable:
Golden Gavel Auctions gives back to the community through 10-14 charity sales every year. We believe in donating our time, talent and treasures to worthy causes.
If you would like to donate items to one of our charities, call us today to arrange drop-off or pickup of your saleable items. Call 860.623.2100 or toll free at 888.457.7778.
Employment:
Golden Gavel Auctions LLC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.