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July, 2018 The Antique Shoppe Page 23
2017 and was on the board for seven years. She encourages those interested
to attend the upcoming National Auctioneers convention in July in Jacksonville.
ANTIQUES See www.auctioneers.org for details.
Both Chris and Robert say that the business is about the interaction with
SPOTLIGHT people and what the auctions and estate sales can provide for people during

some difficult situations. While they say they enjoy the excitement of “the
find” and what’s around the next corner, or what’s hidden in that box in
someone’s back closet, the company values helping people who are often
By Laura Sikes going through changes.
“Auctions are fun. They’re a charge, says Robert. But it’s all about
the people that you’re able to help to simplify their lives and to make a
difference.”

DUDLEY’S AUCTION
Laura Sikes, a freelance photojournalist,
lives in Mount Dora, FL.
Evolving in an ever-changing industry Email: lasikes@gmail.com

Self-proclaimed “antique addicts” Chris and Robert Dudley began doing
business together more than 25 years ago when they met at an auction. Their ←Emily &
Chris
fortuitous meeting would eventually lead the couple to start their own auction
house, Dudley’s Auction, in Inverness, FL.
In 1992, the two longtime collectors opened their first business, Maine-ly
Antiques. Robert says he has enjoyed collecting since his childhood, as his ↓Dudley
family always had an interest in “all things antique.” He has a fondness Auction in
for Americana 1880s to 1920s items, particularly advertisement signs and Progress
memorabilia. He also collects Ohio River Valley furniture from the 1820s to
1900s. Chris prefers collecting small pieces now due to space, along with
vintage jewelry.
Their business grew and they expanded over the first three years or so
moving to a furniture store space and to an antique mall. They soon purchased
more property to start the auction hall. Always looking for new opportunities,
the couple added auctions to their business.
“We wanted to generate some more excitement in our antique business,”
said Robert Dudley.
Robert attended Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in High Point, N.C. to
get his auctioneer’s training. The school is known as “The Harvard of Auction PALATKA CRESCENT CITY
Schools,” he says.
In 1996, the Dudleys began holding monthly antique auctions and Finders Keepers COUNTRY
continued growing a fulfilling and successful business. While Robert is the of Palatka ANTIQUES MALL
company’s primary auctioneer, Chris also is a licensed auctioneer. They work
with several other auctioneers from their 7,000 square foot main gallery hall. 193 Highway 17 South 2167-1 S. US Hwy 17
East Palatka, FL 32131
Aiming to bring buyers and sellers together, they average running two to 904-476-1038 • 386-972-4452 Crescent City, FL
four weekly auctions, holding 125 to 140 auctions a year. They also run on-site Mon–Sat 10am-6pm (Wed 10am-5pm) 386-698-0844
auctions and some specialty auctions, featuring items such as coins or dolls. Antiques Credit Cards Accepted
“The antique business still thrives on connections and being able to Collectibles Consignments
communicate and find the right market for the right item,” Chris said. Unique Items Layaway
Within the past year, Chris developed her real estate background adding an China & Crystal
on-line real estate arm to the auction business. She also works with Tranzon Furniture & Household Items
Items for the Entire Family
on a national level out of Tranzon’s Ocala office. Local Artist Accepting Orders For Rental Space
Chris says that their business has strived over the years to keep up with Charcoal Portraits For Both Family 10 x 10 = $125 Mo Old Feed ‘n Seed Store
Adjacent to
changes in the industry, adding and looking for ways to grow. “You constantly Members &/or Pets Crescent City High School
have to stay up with what’s happening in the world. The auction industry is Teressa & Jim Maskell, Owners 24 46
evolving and if you don’t keep up with the whole online evolution, you’ll get
left behind,” she said.
The Dudleys will bring their daughter, Emily, on board to work with their GAINESVILLE AREA DEALERS
online marketing. Emily, a graduate of Stetson University’s business college,
will help update the business with new technology and social media. The PainTed Table Liquidation of Antiques
Chris says she also Tastefully Recycled & Contents of homes
thinks networking is Affordably Priced Since 2001
crucial to business Dudley’s Auction Unique Pieces of Quality Camellia antiques
growth and & Estate Sales, llc
development. She is 4000 S. Florida Ave. Thornebrook Village 10006 CR 1469
a longtime member 2441 NW 43rd Street, Suite 5A EARLETON, FL
of both the National (US 41) Gainesville, FL 32606 Beside the Post Office.
Auctioneers and the Inverness, Fla. (352) 371-1555 OPEN: FRIDAYS & SUNDAYS
Florida Auctioneers or By appointment/ChanCe
associations. She www.dudleysauction.com Buy • Sell • Consign Call For Your Estate Sale Needs
Serving Gainesville, Deland & Sarasota
served as President of MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% DISCOUNT 352-871-0743
the Florida Auctioneers www.CamelliaAntiques.com
Association in 2016- Farmers Market Camille Huie - hoch21@windstream.net
Every Friday 4-7PM 30 31