Buying antiques at auction can be a fun and rewarding way to collect your favorite objects. Venues vary greatly from a plaid-shirt-filled country auction held in a barn to a glitterati event held in a Manhattan auction house, not to mention bidding from the comfort of your own computer. Whatever type of auction you choose, try to view or research items ahead of time, and don’t lose your cool. Set a limit for yourself ahead of time, and stick with it. Beware: Auction fever can really warm up a winter day! Here are a few auctions coming up soon.

October 25–26: American Country Furniture and Folk Art, Manchester, NH
Northeast Auctions
This Manchester, New Hampshire, auction house has a sterling reputation for American furniture and decorative arts, so this may be a good place to jump into the auction scene. You’ll get the best of New England in the autumn, plus a chance to bid on everything from weathervanes to quilts.

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November 1: “Advertising Art,” Past Thyme Pleasures, San Ramon, California
pasttyme1.com
Based in San Ramon, California, Past Thyme Pleasures has been known for its specialty in antique advertising art for many years. They hold annual auctions in May and November, and you can view the items in person at their new gallery in Pleasanton, or enjoy the action online. The November auction includes examples of the best antique advertising ephemera, including signs, posters, calendars and more. 

November 7–9: “A Toy for All Seasons,” Vineland, New Jersey
bertoiaauctions.com
Based in Vineland, New Jersey, Bertoia Auctions is known for its antique toy expertise and auctions. The three-day November auction includes everything from antique cast-iron mechanical banks to 1960s Japanese robot toys.

Ongoing
Browse the auctions at the premier auctions houses of Christie’s and Sotheby’s to find everything from a 20th-century steel-and-glass coffee table to a Federal mahogany side table. Once you take the time to register initially, a world of objects is open to you right from your computer.