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Auctioneers of antiques.
Collectors of cool.
Veterans of vintage.
8512 S. Union Road
Union, Illinois
815-923-7000
Serving Collectors and Consignors Worldwide
The Donley Auctions Hour
Every Sunday at 10 am on WLS 890AM
See photos and find out more about some of the things
Heard on the Radio
Rare Griswold Red Star Peanut Machine
Early coin op peanut machine made by the Griswold Mfg. Co. for the Red Star Sanitary Vending Machine Co. of Davenport Iowa, circa 1914. Hexagon cast-iron base on feet with original flared globe, aluminum tray, and 1 cent dial operated coin slot. Accepts coins and vends. Missing back door. This example is in VG condition with original paint with all original parts. Pictured in "Silent Salesman" by Bill Enes, page 39. Measures 20" tall.
Oct 29, 2025
Campbells Soup Curved Porcelain Sign
This sign came right out of a basement of a building in Brooklyn NY and is being offered here for the very first time. Curved porcelain sign in the shape of and advertising the iconic Campbells Tomato Soup. In overall good+ condition with some chips (see photos). Retains original strap iron mounting bracket. of sign has been cleaned with soap and water only to remove heavy grime (see photo of sign half cleaned). Measures 22.5" tall, 12.75"wide.
Oct 29, 2025
Edison 32A Stock Ticker
The iconic wall street ticker tape machine from the 1920's Made by Thomas A. Edison Inc. these machines were leased to brokers by Western Union so they could receive real time stock prices printed on a continuous strip of paper right in their office. This machine is serial No. 3771. It has been restored and is one of the nicest we have seen. Comes with glass dome with rubber edge gasket. Lettering on front reads, Quotations furnished by the Western Union Telegraph Co. App
Oct 29, 2025
See more posts on our Heard on the Radio blog!
Every Sunday at 10 am on WLS 890AM
Catch up on all the episodes below!
WLS Radio Show 2025-11-30 E21
Radio Show Recap: D-Day Secrets, "Chicago Typewriters," and Million-Dollar Sports Cards Welcome to the latest edition of the Donley Auctions Hour on WLS 890! Host Susan joins the Donley team—Randy, Mike, Chris, John, and the Ryans—to recap a Thanksgiving weekend of treasure hunting and preview a packed December auction schedule. From discovering Top Secret WWII intelligence in a basement to analyzing the exploding market for vintage sports cards, this episode is a masterclass
Nov 30, 2025
WLS Radio Show 2025-11-23 E201
Treasures in the Trash? Plus, Razor Blades, Ragtime, and $90k Amps Fresh off the heels of a record-breaking "Cowboys and Indians" event, the energy in the studio is electric this week! If you think the auction action slows down for the holidays, think again. In this episode of the Donley Auctions Hour , Susan, Mike, and Randy dive into a packed December calendar perfect for unique gift-giving. They share incredible stories of "junk" turning into jackpots and put out a massive
Nov 23, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-11-16 E19
Chasing History with Dr. Mike & A Wild West Preview! Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour, where we don't just sell antiques—we chase history. This week's episode was an absolute must-listen, taking us from the dusty trails of the Old West to the birth of recorded sound. Host Susan and the Donley team, Randy and Mike, brought us an incredible hour. If you're passionate about the stories behind the items, you'll want to hear this. Here’s a look at the treasures and tales they u
Nov 16, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-11-09 E18
We're Chasing History & We Need Your Collections! Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! This week, hosts Mike and Randy Donley are pulling back the curtain on the state of the collecting world. The days of "antiquing" in small-town shops are over [ 01:30 ]; the market is now global, digital, and being fueled by massive, generational collections coming to light. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has inherited a collection and doesn't know where to start. The Donley b
Nov 9, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-11-02 E17
What's Hot? Donley's Experts on "Sleepers" and Bidding Wars! Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! This week, Randy, Mike, and Susan are recapping their massive October Fall Classic auction, and the results are a masterclass in why you should never have a garage sale. The episode is packed with stories of "sleeper" items—things estimated for a few hundred dollars that exploded into thousand-dollar bidding wars. This is a must-listen for anyone who thinks their "old junk" isn'
Nov 1, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-10-26 E16
Al Capone's Piano, Buffalo Bill, & Dumpster Diving for Treasure! Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour, where history and opportunity collide! This week, hosts Randy, Mike, and Susan are fresh off their massive Fall Classic auction and are already hunting for treasures for their next sales. This episode was a whirlwind of incredible stories, from Al Capone's barber to Buffalo Bill's Chicago showdown. The team is actively building their upcoming auctions, and this show is your i
Oct 25, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-10-19 E15
Patek Philippe in a Watch Box & A $24,000 Flying Horse Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! This week, the team—Randy, Mike, Susan, and "Trifecta" expert Ryan (#1)—is buzzing with excitement for their biggest sale of the year, the October Fall Classic. This episode is a treasure map, guiding you through the show-stopping items coming to the block and revealing the incredible stories behind them. From multi-thousand-dollar finds in unassuming boxes to the wild history of pinba
Oct 19, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-10-12 E14
e to the Donley Auctions Hour! Here, the thrill of the hunt meets the excitement of the auction block. In this episode, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley take us on a captivating journey through the world of antiques, military relics, and unique collectibles. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of promoting upcoming auctions to incredible tales of rare finds, this episode is a must-listen for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the auction scene.
Oct 12, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-10-05 E13
come to the Donley Auctions Hour! Here, the thrill of the hunt meets the excitement of the auction block. In this episode, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley take us on a captivating journey through the world of antiques, military relics, and unique collectibles. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of promoting upcoming auctions to incredible tales of rare finds, this episode is a must-listen for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the auction scene.
Oct 5, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-09-28 E12 - War Booty
Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! Here, the thrill of the hunt meets the excitement of the auction block. In this episode, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley take us on a captivating journey through the world of antiques, military relics, and unique collectibles. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of promoting upcoming auctions to incredible tales of rare finds, this episode is a must-listen for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the auction scene. Highlights from the
Sep 28, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-09-21 E11 - New Time!
Your Guide to Antiques and Auctions with Donley Auctions Welcome to another exciting episode of the Donley Auctions Hour! Join hosts Susan, Randy, and Mike Donley as they delve into the fascinating world of high-end antiques and provide expert guidance on buying and selling at auction. In this episode, they announce a new broadcast time, share incredible success stories, and explain the seamless process of consigning and bidding. Here are the highlights from the show: New Sho
Sep 21, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-09-13 E10 - Napoleon Bonaparte
Unveiling History: A Journey Through Donley Auctions' Military and Sports Collectibles Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! In this episode, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley, joined by military expert John Litis and sports memorabilia specialist Ryan Bole, offer a captivating look at upcoming auctions, incredible finds, and expert advice for collectors. Get ready to explore everything from rare military relics and historical documents to sought-after sports memorabilia and
Sep 13, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-09-06 E09 - Doozy in Brooklyn
Donley Auctions: Unearthing Hidden Gems and Auction Insights Welcome to another exciting episode of the Donley Auctions Hour! In this captivating broadcast, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley delve into the thrilling world of antiques, military relics, and unique collectibles. From secret acquisitions in Brooklyn to Civil War treasures and highly sought-after musical instruments, this episode offers a treasure trove of information for seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Sep 6, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-08-30 E08 - WWII Memorabilia
This episode of "The Donley Auctions Hour" provides a fantastic overview of our services and a sneak peek into the exciting items coming to auction. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in consigning or acquiring high-end collectibles, from military relics to classic cars. Highlights from this episode: The Consignment Process: The show details the easy, no-charge consignment process, which starts with a simple phone call and sending photos. Experts provide free estimates
Aug 30, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-08-23 E07 - The Power of Provenance
Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Auctions: Insights from Randy and Mike Donley Understanding the Auction World In the first half of the episode, hosts Randy and Mike Donley discuss the purpose of their show: to educate listeners on the auction world and how to sell their items for top dollar. Randy shares an amusing story about a collector who was advised to avoid Donley's because their auctions fetch too much money. This highlights their effectiveness for sellers. Mike e
Aug 23, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-08-16 E06 - The Eagle's Nest
Curious about the value of your old military artifacts, vintage license plates, or sports card collections? In this episode of The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast, Randy, Mike, and Susan Donley reveal the stories behind some incredible finds—including tiles from Hitler's Eagle's Nest, a Civil War autograph album, and a world-record-breaking license plate. They also share a behind-the-scenes look at their recent "Summer Classic" auction and offer crucial advice for anyone conside
Aug 16, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-08-09 E05 - Summer Classic
Looking to uncover the value in your vintage finds and explore the world of auctions? Tune in to The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast! Broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM, this is your go-to source. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan Donley of Donley Auctions as they discuss their upcoming Summer Classic auction, the booming sports memorabilia market, and provide valuable insights on how to sell your items to get top dollar for your antiques and collectibles. Catch all ep
Aug 9, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-08-02 E04 - Babe Ruth
Searching for great finds and expert advice? Look no further than The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast! This is your go-to source for all things antiques, broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan Donley of Donley Auctions as they reveal the secrets of the auction world and help you understand the value of your collectibles. This episode is packed with an exciting discussion with special guest Ted London, who shares details about his incredib
Aug 2, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-07-26 E03 - AC Spark Plugs
Looking to uncover the value in your vintage finds? Welcome to The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast! Broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM, this is your go-to source. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan Donley of Donley Auctions as they unlock the secrets of the auction world, sharing insights on valuable items and explaining how you can get top dollar for your antiques and collectibles. Catch all episodes at DonleyAuctions.com/radio and subscribe on your favorite podcast pl
Jul 26, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-07-19 E02 - The Trifecta
Looking to uncover the value in your vintage finds? Welcome to The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast ! Broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM , this is your go-to source. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan of Donley Auctions as they unlock the secrets of the auction world, sharing insights on valuable items and explaining how you can get top dollar for your antiques and collectibles. Catch all episodes at DonleyAuctions.com/radio and subscribe on your favorite podcast platfo
Jul 19, 2025
WLS Radio Show - 2025-07-12 E01 - Welcome!
Looking to uncover the value in your vintage finds? Welcome to The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast ! Broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM , this is your go-to source. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan Donley of Donley Auctions as they unlock the secrets of the auction world, sharing insights on valuable items and explaining how you can get top dollar for your antiques and collectibles. Catch all episodes at DonleyAuctions.com/radio and subscribe on your favorite podcast
Jul 12, 2025
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