The Mathis trivet collection & auction

Through the years I’ve been contacted by readers with questions, Usually it’s a request for identification of a single trivet or stand but occasionally a larger collection presents itself. In August 2019 I was first contacted by Kathleen Cochran of Alpharetta, Georgia. From her email:

I have 325 cast iron trivets, 46 toy size trivets and 9 toy irons that need a home.  They belonged to my aunt and uncle, Ned and Lois Mathis of Downers Grove, IL.  My aunt kept a record of when and where each trivet was purchased, dealer who sold it, the price, and numbered each on the back to correspond to her notebook. I love the history of the trivets and hate to give them up, but I am moving and unable to accommodate them in my new home.

Kathleen emailed me several group images representative of the collection and I was quite impressed with what I saw. Unfortunately for me the timing wasn’t ideal. I was retired, actively downsizing my own collection and I live 450 miles away in Central Florida. I was no longer in a position to purchase, transport or resell a collection of this size.

Then Covid disrupted everything and I lost track of time. It occurred to me in mid 2022 that I hadn’t noticed these trivets come to auction, so I touched base with Kathleen again. The Mathis collection remained unsold and she was still interested in finding new homes for all the trivets. I suggested she investigate auctioneers in the Atlanta area, selecting one that holds antiques auctions live/online that reach a large audience.

Don’t miss this auction!

Yesterday Kathleen emailed me to announce that the Mathis  collection is currently listed with the Atlanta Auction Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. The trivets are organized in Lot #79 through #121. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to purchase some very collectible trivets!

● Bidding is now open. You must register first.

● Lots begin to time out on Saturday 4/15/2023 at 10 AM EST.

● Atlanta Auction Gallery Auction Information

● FYI – this is a Soft Close, Online Only auction.

How does a Soft Close auction work?

I just spoke by phone with a representative of Atlanta Auction Gallery who verified that this is a Soft Close Auction. Here’s an explanation if you’re unfamiliar with that bidding format.

● What is a Soft Close or Dynamic Ending of an Online Auction?

Update 4/15/23: Prices Realized!

Here are the Prices Realized on the Trivet portion of today’s auction, Lot #79 through #121. The high ending prices on many of these lots is confirmation, once again, that trivet collecting is alive and well!