‘The Gambler’ from ‘Storage Wars’ is banking on auction success
A bat signed by Angels first baseman Albert Pujols. An original C-3PO bust from “Star Wars.” Rolexes.
With a clack of his gavel, Darrell “The Gambler” Sheets, star of A&E reality series “Storage Wars,” plans to sell it all.
Sheets takes pride in his 32-year adventure of bidding on and then selling the contents of abandoned storage lockers.
He once invested in a locker and discovered pieces of original artwork by Frank Gutierrez that he said appraised for about $300,000, making for the biggest take in the TV show’s five-year history.
He’ll test the contemporary art market anew when Huntington Harbour Antiques and Art Mall hosts its premiere auction Saturday.
The antique shop, which is situated on a boardwalk overlooking Huntington Harbour, opened its doors in March. It features in-store and online collectibles ranging from a Lladro porcelain figurine of a XVIII Century Coach priced at $27,500 to vintage Coca-Cola and Pepsi wooden crates at $85.
It took a short commute for Sheets to find the store, which is owned by husband and wife Sonny and Sara Ciro.
“I walked in and just introduced myself,” said Sheets, who lives in Huntington Beach and docks his boat in the marina. “I was very curious when I saw the store, and I decided to get involved with them.”
The 9,000-square-foot space had variety but needed some direction, Sheets recalled.
Antique enthusiasts in the community are forever on the hunt, and the art mall could serve as a social gathering for such interests, he noted.
To rotate the growing list of inventory, which boasts over 2,000 framed artworks, including originals by Expressionist Marc Chagall and celebrity portraits, the Ciros decided to plan an auction with Sheets’ help.
“It’s so eclectic that that’s the beauty of it,” Sonny Ciro said as he walked past a display of Remington bronze sculptures and Royal Doulton china. “Our collection is a little of everything. We try to reach every price range.”
The auction, which will highlight about 300 items — 50 of them from Sheets’ personal collection — will include a wine-tasting, hors d’oeuvres and a $50 credit.
Participants will be asked to sign a release, and “Storage Wars” will film the auction call. Sheets said there’s a good chance the event will be televised.
It wouldn’t be the first time a little bit of Hollywood entered the store. Celebrities sometimes visit.
Musician Robby Armstrong, who performs at Don the Beachcomber, purchased a gift for his wife on a recent afternoon. His sister-in-law, actress Cameron Diaz, has been a visitor to the shop.
“Her mother put that baby buggy on consignment,” Sara Ciro said proudly as she motioned toward a stroller.
Whether or not visitors participate in the auction, the Ciros said the event will provide an additional opportunity for the public to browse the store’s mix of vendors and consignees.
One is Steve Frisby, a Garden Grove resident who offers vintage coins, including a $20,000 California gold coin, TV memorabilia and art-sale finds.
Though the couple are proud of their store and its vast selection, Sonny Ciro remarked on the challenge of running a business in the harbor. He hopes to draw 200 to 300 people to each auction and said maybe 12 will be held a year
“Our challenge is to drive our retail sales up,” Sonny said. “Every weekend, there’s going to be something different. It’s constantly changing.”
Bidders can expect an articulate auctioneer rather than one chanting in rhythmic monotone.
“I don’t do that,” Sheets said with a laugh of the typical auctioneer’s rapid-fire staccato. “I’m slow, clear and methodical.”
He said people don’t need to spend an enormous amount of money collecting artwork.
“There’s going to be something for everybody,” Sheets said. “It’s not about the money; it’s about having a good time. This is going to be the new place to hang out on Friday and Saturday nights, instead of going to a bar.”
If You Go
What: Royal Estate Auction’s premiere auction
When: Registration and wine tasting at 4 p.m. and auction at 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Huntington Harbour Antiques and Art/ Royal Estate Auction House, 16390 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach
Cost: $99
Information: (310) 569-1460 or visit huntingtonantiquesandart.com