Auction Kings Season 1 Episode 11 Hot Air Balloon/Wooly Mammoth Tusk

On "Auction Kings" season 1 episode 11, the team from Gallery 63 has their hands full with some unique artifacts up for auction. The episode opens with owner Paul Brown at a warehouse where a wealthy collector has stored his oversized artifacts, including a towering hot air balloon. Described as the largest item they've ever auctioned, the balloon still has its basket and burners intact, but no longer flies. The team estimates it will sell for anywhere between $5,000-$10,000, but first, they need to figure out how to move it out of the warehouse safely.

Meanwhile, the auction house is also preparing to sell a genuine wooly mammoth tusk. Measuring over six feet in length, the tusk was found in Alaska and is estimated to be over 10,000 years old. The team has enlisted the help of an appraiser to determine its value, and they're surprised to learn it could fetch up to $20,000 at auction.

As they get things ready for the big day, there's a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. But with such rare and valuable items up for grabs, the stakes are also higher than ever. The team knows that they need to attract serious buyers if they want to get the best possible price for these treasures.

At the auction house, Paul and his team set up the mammoth tusk in a place of honor, and it's easy to see why bidders are so interested in this ancient artifact. The ivory has a beautiful mix of cream and beige colors, and its ridges and curves are hypnotic. As bidders start to arrive, it's clear that there's a lot of interest in this piece, with frantic whispering and quick glances all around.

Over at the warehouse, things are equally intense. The team has brought in a crane to lift the hot air balloon, and it's a challenging process. First, they need to secure the balloon with ropes to prevent it from swaying. Then, the crane carefully inches forward, hoisting the balloon and its basket into the air. It's a nail-biting moment as the balloon slowly clears the warehouse door, but soon enough, it's safely outside, resting in the sunshine.

Back at the auction house, things are heating up as bidding for the mammoth tusk goes back and forth. Every time a new price is called, bidders snap their heads around, trying to gauge the competition. Some people drop out early, while others seem determined to outbid everyone else. In the end, the mammoth tusk fetches an impressive amount, but you'll have to tune in to find out how it turns out.

As the auction comes to a close, everyone at Gallery 63 is relieved that the day has been a success. They've managed to sell the balloon for a good price, and the mammoth tusk has exceeded everyone's expectations. But there's also a sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing they've helped connect these unique items with new owners who will appreciate and treasure them.

Overall, this episode of "Auction Kings" highlights the thrill of the auction, as well as the expertise and know-how required to sell high-value items successfully. From mammoth tusks to hot air balloons, there's always something unique and fascinating up for grabs at Gallery 63.