Canton Barn - Antiques & Auctions in CT

Canton Barn is exactly that - a circa 1820’s barn complete with weathered barn boards and cupola. In the winter, heat is partially provided by an 1845 Glenwood wood stove, adding to the country charm of the auction barn.

At the Canton Barn, you’re not a number on a paddle, but a person who becomes a part of our extended Canton Barn family. Registration is by name, and staff actually run to you in the audience (hence the term, “runner”) to get your name when you are the successful bidder on an item. Often times, it doesn’t take long before the staff remembers your name, from item to item and week to week, making for a much more personal atmosphere. The auction is co-owned and

operated by Richard Wacht and Susan Goralski. Specializing in Victorian and Colonial era antiques, items “up for bid” extend into collectibles from the 1950’s. Richard is a second-generation auctioneer, literally growing up in the business. All items are owned outright by the owners, a unique feature of this country auction hall. To our knowledge, the Canton Barn was the only auction hall that operated on a weekly basis without reserves or buyer’s premiums up until June of 2017 when the auction schedule changed to every other week. Merchandise is acquired through estate bankers, lawyers, and word of mouth recommendation.

A cross-section of people attend the weekly sales: serious collectors, antiques dealers, folks with an interest or curiousity of antiques, and those who are just looking for a different night out. At this country auction barn, a pillow placed on a chair reserves your seat.

And, because we are not a consignment hall, you never need to worry about a buyer’s premium. The fact is that we just don’t believe in charging folks for the privilege of coming to our establishment and being the successful bidder on an item. To us, that is not Webster’s definition of an auction.