ESTATE SALE

The 3-day estate sale will run daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday - Saturday, October 12-14. The sale will feature a wide selection of collectible and everyday merchandise: household goods, antiques and one-of-a-kind original Motown Records Company items acquired from Berry Gordy Jr. by the current homeowner, including original pressings of Motown singles and hundreds of 45 records from Gordy’s record storage. There is a $5 per person admission to the estate sale paid the day of the sale.

*Please Note: Street numbers for this event will be managed by Aaron's Estate Sales. Our standard numbers policy does not apply for this sale. Carefully read the following information and plan accordingly.  A: Street Numbers is the number system that we use to let people into the home at the beginning of the sale. You will need a number to enter the sale. Street numbers will be given out on a first come first serve basis, please form a single file line to receive a number. Street numbers will be handed out by Aaron’s Estate Sales at 7:00am.

GLOBAL AUCTION

Pre-bidding on auction items can be done online starting today by visiting https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/109958_motown-mansion-detroit-history-auction/

The live global auction will begin with doors opening at 5 p.m. and auction starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 13, in the Athletic House of the Mansion. The event will be open to international bidders to acquire exclusive high-end antiques, historical Detroit objects and Motown memorabilia. 

Seating and standing room space is limited. All attendees, online and phone bidders must pre-register. Online registration is strongly encouraged. This can be done by visiting http://www.aaronsestatesales.com/auctions . Registration for the auction can also be done at the estate sale or the door of the auction as venue capacity permits.

About the Motown Mansion:

Set back from the corner of West Boston Blvd and Hamilton, in Detroit’s Historic Boston Edison District, sits a beautifully appointed villa with adjacent pool house, whose beauty is only outweighed by the history it holds within.

A century ago, 918 West Boston Blvd and its carriage house were erected by lumber magnate Nels Michelson, who then sold the stately home to Leonard A. Young. Mr. Young added the Pool House to the property in 1926. Mr. Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, purchased the home in 1967, filling its beautiful interior with art of all kinds, delighting the eyes and ears of anyone who graced its halls. Lavish parties were held in the Pool House and Ballroom, with a guest list that rivals very few others.  Mr. Gordy conducted business in the Mansion until 1969, when he moved Motown Records to Los Angeles. Mr. Gordy used the Mansion as his part-time residence along with several Motown Records staff and artists in the years following. In 2002, local Attorney Cynthia Reeves approached Mr. Gordy to ask about the purchase of the home she watched from across the street as a young girl. Mr. Gordy appreciated her vision, and facilitated the sale of the home, and the contents within.

Walking the long slate approach to the home, builds the intrigue and mystery behind a house that so many of us have been curious to see inside of. The intricate plasterwork, Italian Renaissance-influenced décor with Art Nouveau touches, and rich tiling in the interior causes the jaw to drop, and the corners of the lips to curve into a satisfied, yet amazed smile. This comes even before imagining Diana Ross gracing the halls, The Jackson 5 swimming in the Pool House, and Smokey Robinson tickling the ivories on the Steinway.

Items At The Estate Sale:

Credit Card Fees:

There will be a 2.75% Service fee on all credit cards at this sale.

Foyer:

Wool Persian Rug, Antique Wall Carpet, Godinger Vintage Candelabras, Art Pottery w/Stand, Wood Console Table and more.

Living Room/Cashout:

600 plus 45’s from the Motown Mansion Collection for sale w/certificates of Authenticity, Antique French Provincial Armchair, Vintage Stone Carved  Chess Set, Marble-Top Pedestal Table, Antique Side Console, Antique Mantel Clock, Greek Bust, Antique Baroque Carved Chairs, Antique Oval Cocktail Table, Mid-Century Raymor Vase, Buddha Wood Carving, African Carved Statuette, Glass-Top Pedestal Table, Antique Model T Luggage Trunk, Hand painted Balinese Panel: Funeral Procession, ‘Motown Mansion’ Pub Steins, Antique Andiron, Hammered Copper Pot, Lunt Malvern 8 Place Setting Sterling Silver, Crocodile Mini Tote, Frank M Whiting Sterling Silver, Nice Collection Of Costume Jewelry and more.

Solarium:

Antique Mahogany Dining Table w/2 Leaves and 6 Chairs Lair Back Chairs, Baker Buffet and China Cabinet Set, Ships Wheel, Kenyan Soapstone, Vintage Pequot Cream and Sugar Set, Allan Iov Signed “Masked Ball,” Motown Collection Barometer, Mid-century Barometer, Vintage Bar, Bar-ware, Magel Candle Holders, Various Silver Plate Sets, Antique Gaurdene Fire Extinguisher, Decorative Copper and Brass Items, Decorative Pottery, Figurines, Vintage Magazines, Vintage Magnavox Record Player, Curio Cabinet and more.

Kitchen:

Victorian Side Table, Antique Tierd SideTables, Large Selection Of Kitchen Utencils, Mugs, 100 piece China Set, Hydrocollator, Large Selection Of Small Appliances, Pots, Pans, Trays, Art Glass, Crystal, Lenox China and much more.

Bedroom One:

Birch Bedroom Set, Standing Mirror, Glass Top T.V Stand, Clothing , Shoes,  Candles, Books, Decorative Items, Frames, Michigan Hats and Shirts, Drapery, Linens, Accent Pillows, Office Supplies, Phones, Electronics, Crafting Supplies, Lamps, Mid Century Lamp, Audio Tape, Office Printers, Wood and Metal Shelf and more.

Bedroom Two:

Berry Gordies Personal Desk, Asian Mid-Century Cocktail Table, Antique Secretary Desk,  Antique Copper and Iron Scale, Decorative Carvings, Asian Paintings, Vintage Bar Cart, Huge Dressing Room Mirror, Large Collection Of Vintage Clothes, Vintage Wooden Armchair, Antique Side Table and more.

Bedroom Three:

Bowling Alley Aluminum Chair, Antique Wingback Rocker, Vintage Black Stool, Antique Flower Shaped Cocktail Table, Wood and Metal Shelving Unit, Vintage Boomerangs, Carved Wood Boxes, Carved Wood Toad, Carved Wood Animals, Wood Armchair, Dancing Bear Sculptures, Enamel Ashtray,Asian Wood Mirror, Iron Face Sculpture and more.

Attic Bedroom:

Holiday Items Galore, Fake Pine Trees, A Large Collection Of Christmas, Halloween Decorations and more.

Basement:

Vintage Black Metal Pub Tables and Chairs As Featured In The Parade Magazine With The Four Tops, Gaming Table, Upholstered Arm Chairs, Solid brass Eagle, Antique Veterans American Flag w/48 Stars,  Vintage Brunswick Bowling Game, Crystal Light Fixture, Black and Iron Coffee Table, Brunswick Coca-Cola Bowling Ball, Vintage Bowling Pins, Vintage Pool Cues, Mid-Century Plaster Shell Console Table, Huge Selection Of Crystal Chandelier Parts, Selection Of Antique Light Fixtures, Doors and much more.

Garage:

Huge Selection Of Vintage and Modern Tools, Tool Boxes, Tool Chests, Cables, Wiring, New Old Stock Vintage Fuses, Motown Collection Antique Sleds, Golf, Skiing and Other Sporting Goods, Gardening Tools and Supplies, Ladders, Lighting, Architectural Salvage, and much more.

Scroll Down To See Photos

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q:Do you Accept Checks?

A: We do accept credit cards but we are no longer able to accept checks.

Q: What are Street Numbers?

*Please Note: Street numbers for this event will be managed by Aaron's Estate Sales. Our standard numbers policy does not apply for this sale. Carefully read the following information and plan accordingly. 

A: Street Numbers is the number system that we use to let people into the home at the beginning of the sale. You will need a number to enter the sale. Street numbers will be given out on a first come first serve basis, please form a single file line to receive a number. Street numbers will be handed out by Aaron’s Estate Sales at 7:00am.

Q: Do you do any pre-sales or pre-views before the official opening day?

A: No we do not. We strive to bring the best experience to our customers. Everything that a client allows us to sell will be available for purchase to the public on a first come first serve basis.

B. We will be having a live auction of Motown / Historical Items that will be on display during the estate sale but not available in estate sale format. 

Q: What is your refund policy?

A: We offer a same-day refund to customers with a receipt for an item that they have purchased and found to be in a non-working condition. All Items will be checked for condition before leaving the property.

Q: If I purchase a large item, how do I handle the pick-up?

A: 95% of the time, we have staff on site that can load items into your vehicle for you. If you need to come back to get your item, we will write you a receipt so you can pick up the item up anytime during the sale's open hours. We do not deliver items.

Q: I'm interested in your services. How do I take the next step?

A: We'd love the opportunity to help you find the right solution for your estate. Contact us through our form at www.aaronsestatesales.com, Call 248-915-8888, or email us at aaron@aaronsestatesales.com. Talk to you soon!

For answers to more commonly asked questions regarding the line system, how bidding works during a sale, discounts and more, visitwww.aaronsestatesales.com/customer-faqs