The Portland Estate Auction
Leonard set the bronze statue down and began examining the paintings.
He first picked up the oil painting of the seascape, the very first one Jake had bought.
After meticulously checking the back, he gently stroked the canvas and muttered.
"Hmm... looks like something from the 1950s to 1960s. It's authentic. Good eye."
He turned it back over and scrutinized the front carefully, then nodded.
"The painting itself is amateur level, but not bad. It has a unique sensibility and sincerity from the artist."
"...What's the value?"
"Oh, around $200? Frame it in a vintage style, and you could get up to $250. It's the kind of piece with demand as a vintage prop."
Next, the second painting—a watercolor of Pike Place Market.
"Oh ho, this one's good too. 1970s Seattle scene. Looks like a local artist."
Leonard checked the signature.
"Kay Morrison... Never heard of her, but the work is vivid. Watercolor's in great condition. This is pro level."
"How much?"
"$150 to $180. Could fetch more at a Seattle local market—it's got that regional appeal."
A bit less than the first, but still solid.
Jake tallied up the values of the pieces from Seattle, including the watercolor.
Bronze statue bought for $85, worth $450. Seascape oil for $40, worth $250. Watercolor for $55, worth $180.
$180 spent for items potentially worth $880—a more than fourfold return.
Not the thousands he'd scored before, but for practice buys, it was pretty damn profitable.
"So, how'd you spot these?"
Leonard asked.
"Just followed what I learned from the book. Checked materials, back side, patina..."
"That's all?"
"Yeah."
Leonard narrowed his eyes.
"Hmm... You've got a good eye."
Silence fell.
"Alright, well done anyway."
Leonard crossed his arms.
"Impressive that you didn't just read the book I gave you—you tested it in the field. I like that."
"Thanks."
"Too early for thanks. We're just getting started."
Leonard glanced at his watch.
"This morning, I'll show you one of my client jobs: oil painting restoration. Afternoon, we're hitting the Portland auction house."
"Got it."
"Focus. Real work's different from books."
"Yes, sir."
Leonard led Jake to the workshop and began explaining the restoration job for the day.
It was a 19th-century oil painting. He briefly outlined the process, then approached the workbench.
A large 60x80 cm canvas lay there—a portrait of a noblewoman that looked ancient.
"This one's from the 1870s. Client found it among grandparents' heirlooms. Bad shape, so restoration request came in."
Jake examined it closely.
Sure enough, the surface varnish had yellowed badly. Peeling paint in spots too.
"Remember: Testing is key in restoration. Always check it won't damage the original before starting. We'll test before removing the varnish."
Leonard pulled out a cotton swab and small bottle.
"This is solvent. Dissolves varnish but not oil paint."
He dabbed a bit on the swab and gently rubbed a corner.
The swab turned yellow—varnish dissolving off.
"See? Varnish gone, original paint fine."
It was, just like he said. Fascinating.
"Now the real work begins."
Leonard wiped the surface carefully with broad swabs.
The yellow layer peeled away, revealing the true colors beneath.
"Gently, slowly. Rush it, and you damage the original."
About 30 minutes in, half the varnish was off.
The painting's colors popped—vibrant now. From dull browns to sharp reds, blues, golds.
"Whoa..."
"That's the original. Old varnish yellows like that."
Leonard paused and looked at Jake.
"Key rule: Restore without harming the original. Overdo it, value drops."
"Got it, I'll remember."
"Never touch the signature. It proves authenticity."
Jake nodded, jotting notes.
Leonard resumed.
An hour later, varnish removal complete.
The painting was transformed—vivid colors, sharp details. Like it was painted yesterday.
"Good. Next: inpainting damaged areas."
Leonard took a tiny brush—fine as a few hairs.
"Fill peels, but make it distinguishable from original. Identical = forgery."
He mixed paint—close to original but subtly off.
"Experts with magnification should spot restoration. That's ethics."
Leonard filled peels meticulously. His hand steady as a rock. Impressive precision.
"Restoration's art and science. Respect original, make it beautiful."
Another hour, done.
Stepping back, it looked perfect. No visible repairs.
"Wow, how much for this kind of work?"
"This size? $800 minimum. Time-intensive, skilled tech."
Made sense.
"Can I learn restoration too?"
"Later. Master basic appraisal first. This is just to show the process."
"Understood."
Clock said near noon.
"Lunch, then auction."
They grabbed sandwiches nearby. Quick meal, then Leonard's car to Portland Estate Auction.
In the car, Leonard said,
"Art auctions are two types. High-end: Sotheby's, Christie's—big names, famous artists, high prices."
"Heard of 'em."
"Other's estate auctions like today. Personal heirlooms, bankruptcies. Cheaper, but treasures slip in."
Jake probed the meaningful tone.
"Treasures?"
"Yeah. Heirs clueless about value. Best chance for small dealers like us. Spotting 'em's our job."
They arrived. Portland Estate Auction sign.
Bigger than expected—two-story brick building. Lot full of cars.
"In. Time's tight."
Leonard strode inside.
Wide hall, rows of chairs half-full—about 50 people.
Stage up front for auctioneer, wall with preview items.
"Winch, check 'em out. Preview before bidding."
"You not joining?"
"I already did. Your turn solo—judge for yourself. Practice."
"Yes, sir."
Jake approached the display.
Paintings, furniture, ceramics, silverware—everything. Each with number tag and description.
Item 1: Victorian Style Chair
Auction Starting Bid: $50
Item 2: Chinese Porcelain Vase Set
Auction Starting Bid: $30
Item 3: Silverware Set
Auction Starting Bid: $100
Mostly ordinary stuff.
Mid-20th-century furniture, modern repro ceramics... nothing pricey or valuable.
Jake scanned: Items 15, 20, 30... nothing jumped out.
Then Item 47 stopped him cold.
"Hmm..."
Small oil painting, 50x60 cm. Harbor scene.
Ships, docks, workers. Dark tones but lively, eye-catching.
Closer look.
Harbor Scene, Oil on Canvas, Est. 1940s
Auction Starting Bid: $150
Canvas in good shape for age—no cracks screaming fake.
Corner signature:
Robert Anderson, 1947
Natural stroke. Slight smudge at end, but hand-done.
Robert Anderson...
Familiar name.
From Leonard's book? Appendix—local artists list.
Robert Anderson. Portland painter. Known for harbors, industrial scenes. Reputable locally.
Heart raced.
Checked tag again: Starting $150.
Too low.
Local artist, mid-size oil, 1940s, good condition... Per Leonard, $400-600 easy.
Portland premium—2-3x at least.
But $150 start? Reason for discount.
Check myself. Let's see...
Glanced around—no one watching. Hand to frame.
And...
True Robert Anderson.
Looking closer, signature and painting faintly damaged—just like the vision.
That's why. Not pristine. Needs minor restoration.
Decided to target it. Browsed more—nothing else.
"Find anything good?"
Back to Leonard, seated.
"Item 47. Harbor painting."
"Ah, that. Sharp eye."
"Yeah. Robert Anderson, right?"
Leonard chuckled.
"You got that too. Well done. How?"
"Checked signature. From the book's appendix—Portland local."
"Hmm..."
Leonard looked pleased.
"Spot on. Regional artist, solid reputation."
"Value?"
"Portland market... $1,000-$1,200. Good condition could go higher, but..."
Jake's guess nailed it.
Nodded.
"Signature and painting a bit damaged. Looks like someone rubbed hard with fingers."
Leonard eyed him intrigued.
"...Saw that far? How'd you know fingers?"
Wish I could say I saw it.
Shrugged casually.
"Just a hunch. Paint smeared and smudged."
Leonard laughed, nodded—most satisfied expression yet.
"Good, very good. Saw the start bid? Wanna bid?"
"Absolutely."
"Set a limit. Emotional bidding loses money. What's your max?"
Thought: 60% of value usual. Needs restoration...
"$500?"
"Solid. Register."
At desk: ID, card. Got paddle #34.
Back, sat by Leonard.
"34."
"Memorize it. No mix-ups."
"Yes."
2:50. Ten minutes to start.
More folks trickled in. Hall filling. 3 PM sharp.
Auctioneer took stage. 60s white guy in suit.
"Welcome to Portland Estate Auction. 80 items today. Rules simple: Raise hand to bid, highest wins. Let's begin."
The auction started.