Saturday auctions normally have a ton more noobs then weekday.  However, those prices seem about norm right now.  I know I've bid on 2 seperate auctions now and not come away with anything.  You just have to set your max and know when to walk away.

I would keep it if I had that locker.  I'm always needing more room in my safes.  Currently don't have one that will fit my rifles and such.  If you could get more info on the safe as far as fire rating and stuff that could help you make decision.  I have 2 floor safes and 2 lock-box type safes.  The floor safes for my coins and weapons I don't keep on hand.  The fire box type safes for important documents, etc. that I can grab and go as need. 

I would also sandblast the safe and re-paint it.

Well my first auciton I attended on a saturday had 100+ people there.  Even 60+ registered bidders.  Took forever to get a look at the locker as people wouldn't line up, etc.  Finally the owner threatened to not open anything else till people formed a line.

I'd say 50% of the people were there due to the big neon sign they had out by the road saying auction at 10am on that saturday.  Most people didn't have a clue how, what, or anything.  Me being the noob and I still answered questions for people that had no clue.

Only 9 people including me actually bid on anything.  Everyone else just took up space.

A nice teacher - sounds like a good locker.  I'd end up keeping most of the tools but that is one of the things I'm looking for personally.

Gratz man - not seen a locker like yours yet.  Seen a few family packed lockers with all the furniture, fridge, wash & dryer, etc. and they go for $500+ here.  That unit would of gone over 500 easy if some of the local regulars were there and/or Mr. Church deep pockets as I call one guy.

Please keep us informed on what else you find and how well you do.

Ouch - that really has to suck.  I know years ago when I was looking to sale some collectable items I looked at them.  At the time ebay was a way better deal.  Sounds like that is still the case.

I've gotten to know one of the regulars well already due to seeing him at estate auctions and common friends in the dirt track racing.  The so called whale is the one that purchased 2 units at $550 each.  He is mostly looking for whole household, lots of furniture units.  His thrift store is a church owned property.  I suspect he has it setup so everything funnels to the church and then back to him.  A lady I use to work with did that.  Her husband was the preacher.  At a job paying about $8 an hour they seemed very well off.  Nice house, two brand new upper end cars every 2-3 years, etc.  He would even bring her a dozen roses every few days for the office.

Anyways - for now I think the units he is interested in are not the same as the ones I am.  My competetion is the 3-4 regulars that are also looking for smalls and such for the flea market.  Three of them have stalls at one of the two markets we have in the area.  Once I get a better feel for things I'll not be as gun shy as I am now.  Least I wasn't the only one going sheesh at a few of the unit prices.  A few of us was thinking $200, etc. on some of the units that went for 300 and 400+.

Very nice find.  Should be able to make some money on that unit sounds like.