Absentee bids let you place your maximum bid on an item before the live auction begins. During the live show, we’ll continue bidding on your behalf up to your max bid — just like leaving a bid with a traditional auctioneer.
When you place an absentee bid, the system sets the current bid conservatively — just enough to keep you in the lead without revealing your full amount.
The current bid shown on each lot reflects all confirmed absentee bids and updates automatically as new bids come in.
When the live auction starts, bidding will begin at the current bid. The auctioneer will continue bidding on behalf of absentee bidders up to their max bids.
Because absentee bids can arrive seconds apart, the current bid you see may not always include bids still being processed. Refresh the page for the most up-to-date information.
For our full absentee bid policy, please click here.
Bidding Quick Facts
How bidding works
All items have a minimum bid of $1.00.
When "No Bids" is displayed, it means no absentee bids have been placed on this item yet.
Once bids are placed, the current bid will be displayed instead.
For more information on the bidding process, please click here.
Bid Successfully Submitted!
Your absentee bid for Lot 172 - Antique Embossed Postcard of a Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine, "The Pride of Hartford Conn.," With Glitter Accents, Postmarked New York, New York, Addressed to Natick, Massachusetts was successfully submitted—thank you for bidding with us!
The current bid displayed will not update immediately. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
You may continue to place additional bids.
For our full absentee bid policy, please review the Bidder Terms.
Confirm Bid
Lot 172 - Antique Embossed Postcard of a Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine, "The Pride of Hartford Conn.," With Glitter Accents, Postmarked New York, New York, Addressed to Natick, Massachusetts
Lot 172 - Antique Embossed Postcard of a Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine, "The Pride of Hartford Conn.," With Glitter Accents, Postmarked New York, New York, Addressed to Natick, Massachusetts
Antique embossed postcard depicting a horse-drawn steam fire engine with two uniformed firefighters, captioned "The Pride of Hartford Conn." along the lower edge of the image side. The embossed design features glitter accents on the wheel rims, boiler top, and other details. The card has an undivided back with a printed eagle and shield vignette and "This Side for the Address Only" designation. It bears a one-cent green Benjamin Franklin stamp with a New York, New York machine cancellation and a Natick, Massachusetts receiving mark dated July 4. The card is addressed in ink to Miss Mary E. Pettee, 10 Franklin St., Natick, Massachusetts.
The card shows overall age toning with some softening to the corners and light surface wear.