16th Annual New Years Day Auction
Listing ID#: 902412
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Billings, MT 59101 Full Address Available on Thursday, Dec 31 |
| Sale Dates and Times |
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| Bidding Ends: Friday Jan 1 |
| Sale Type |
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 Online Auction
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| Company Information |
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National Auction Contact: Cash Seal Phone: 406-259-4730 Email: sales@nationalauctionusa.com Website: www.nationalauctionusa.com EstateSale.com ID#: 12543 View company information and listings |
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| Listing Terms and Conditions | |||||||||||||||||||||
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NATIONAL AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
IMPORTANT: Your acceptance of these terms is your promise to read and abide By the Condition of Sale as Printed below. 1. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF SALE While Auctioneer has endeavored to advertise and describe the property correctly, all property is sold "as is," and neither Auctioneer nor consignor will be responsible for the description, authenticity, genuineness, provenance, or condition of the property. No statement contained in the advertisement, catalog or made orally at the sale or elsewhere shall be deemed to be such warranty or representative or an assumption of liability. All buyers should physically inspect the item prior to placing any bids. No bids can be withdrawn for any reason. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the auctioneers shall have absolute discretion to either determine the successful bidder, in which event his determination shall be final, or to re-offer and resell the article in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, Auctioneer's sale record shall be conclusive as to who was the purchaser, the amount to the highest bid, and in all other respects. If the auctioneer, in his sole and final discretion, decides that any original bid, that any advance thereafter is not sufficient amount, he may reject the same. While most items in the auction will be sold without reserve, the auctioneer withholds the right to bid in behalf of each consignor for the purpose of protecting reserves, that is, placed bids during the auction if and when the highest bid is less than the reserve on the lot being offered. No properties purchased during auction may be removed until paid in full and must be removed on sale day or during the time frame of scheduled pickup times, unless special arrangements have been made prior to placing bids. Auctioneer will not be responsible for lost or damaged merchandise and no refunds will be made if lost or damaged. Unpaid invoices past the scheduled pick up days will be automatically settled with credit card on file. Items left past scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned and become the property of National Auction. No refunds for abandoned items. 2. LOT DESCRIPTIONS & CONDITION National Auction offers lot descriptions and condition details as a courtesy to bidders. They are intended to be accurate but represent opinions only, not statements of fact, and do not imply any warranty concerning condition, or any assumption of liability. Lot announcements, listings, photographs, and catalog information are for descriptive purposes only. Plan to inspect the items in person before bidding. It is the buyer's sole responsibility to ascertain, confirm, research, inspect and investigate condition prior to bidding. A physical inspection is encouraged and suggested. Buyers must rely solely upon their own investigation and not any information provided by the Seller or Auctioneer. All items sold as-is where-is with no warranties expressed or implied. Let your inspection be your guide. Failure of a buyer to be fully informed on the condition of an item will not constitute grounds for any claim adjustment or right to cancel sale. 3. PAYMENT 3.1 Accepted Payment Methods All bidding increments and payments will be in US Dollars (USD). Cash, credit card, Wire Transfer ($10 Fee), or we will accept your personal or Company check accompanied by a current driver's license. All purchases must be paid for the day of the auction or within the time frame of pickup days. (Pick Up Days Can Be Found Under The Removal Times Tab at the top of the Catalog) 3.2 Special Payment Requirements *All gold jewelry and gold/silver coins must be paid for using either cash or wire transfer. Credit cards or checks will not be accepted. *All titled units must be paid for using either cash, wire transfer, check with ID or cashier check. No credit cards will be accepted. 4. BUYER PREMIUM 15.5% Buyer Premium 3.5% Discount when paying cash or check. 5. BIDDER REGISTRATION You must be 18 years of age or older to register and bid. During the registration process, you must submit information found to be current, complete, and accurate for proper identification. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to continually maintain current and accurate account information. All bids are final and cannot be retracted or removed. 6. RETURNS All sales are final. There are no returns, refunds, credit card charge-backs or adjustments. 7. NO SHOW BIDDERS & NON PICKED UP ITEMS Any open invoices after the scheduled pick-up days the card on file will be charged. Items left past scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned and become the property of National Auction. No refunds for abandoned items. 8. NON PAYING BIDDERS Non-paying bidders or fraudulent bidding will be subject to legal recourse and possible criminal charges including any fraud and/or interstate commerce violations. Non paying or fraudulent bidders will result in your bidding account being suspended. 9. LOT GROUPINGS Some lots/items may be grouped. Winning bidder is responsible for removing the entire lot. Failure of the buyer to remove the entire lot will result in bidding account being suspended. 10. AUCTION BIDDING PROCEDURES 10.1 Soft Close Auction Format This auction features a one-minute soft close format. Any bid placed during the final minute of a lot's closing time will automatically reset that lot's timer to one minute, continuing until no more bids are received. This process ensures all interested bidders have adequate opportunity to participate in the bidding process. 10.2 Linked Lots Some lots in this auction may be linked together for bidding purposes. When you place a bid on any linked lot, the closing time will be extended for all lots within that linked group. Linked lots are clearly identified by: • A link symbol (🔗) displayed with the lot • A corresponding letter designation • Lots sharing the same letter are linked together Bidders should be aware that bidding activity on any lot within a linked group will affect the closing times of all lots in that group. You are still bidding on the items separately. 10.3 MAX BID FEATURE 10.3.1 How Max Bid Works Bidders may place a maximum bid amount on any lot. The computer software will automatically bid on your behalf up to your specified maximum amount using the predetermined bidding increments. Your actual bid amount will only increase as needed to maintain your position as the highest bidder, up to your maximum bid limit. 10.3.2 Bid Priority If two or more bidders enter the same maximum bid amount, the bidder who placed their maximum bid first will be considered the highest bidder. 10.3.3 Modifying Max Bids Bidders may increase their maximum bid amount at any time. Maximum bids may only be lowered to one bid increment above the current leading bid. 10.3.4 Notifications Bidders will receive notifications when they have been outbid, based on their individual account notification settings. It is the bidder's responsibility to monitor their bids and adjust their maximum bid amounts as desired. 10.3.5 Soft Close Interaction Maximum bids will continue to function during soft close extensions. If competing bids trigger the soft close feature, your maximum bid will continue to automatically bid on your behalf up to your specified limit. 10.3.6 Bidder Responsibility for Max Bid Errors
 
Share This ListingSponsored Links16th Annual New Years Day Auction
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16th Annual New Years Day Auction
Online Only Auction Sale Date(s)
Bidding Starts: Wednesday Nov 30 , 02:00 PM
Bidding Ends: Friday Jan 1 , Sale Location
Billings, MT 59101
Full Address Available on Thursday, Dec 31 Company
National Auction
Contact: Cash Seal Phone: 406-259-4730 Email: sales@nationalauctionusa.com Website: www.nationalauctionusa.com Listing Terms and Conditions
NATIONAL AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
IMPORTANT: Your acceptance of these terms is your promise to read and abide By the Condition of Sale as Printed below. 1. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF SALE While Auctioneer has endeavored to advertise and describe the property correctly, all property is sold "as is," and neither Auctioneer nor consignor will be responsible for the description, authenticity, genuineness, provenance, or condition of the property. No statement contained in the advertisement, catalog or made orally at the sale or elsewhere shall be deemed to be such warranty or representative or an assumption of liability. All buyers should physically inspect the item prior to placing any bids. No bids can be withdrawn for any reason. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the auctioneers shall have absolute discretion to either determine the successful bidder, in which event his determination shall be final, or to re-offer and resell the article in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, Auctioneer's sale record shall be conclusive as to who was the purchaser, the amount to the highest bid, and in all other respects. If the auctioneer, in his sole and final discretion, decides that any original bid, that any advance thereafter is not sufficient amount, he may reject the same. While most items in the auction will be sold without reserve, the auctioneer withholds the right to bid in behalf of each consignor for the purpose of protecting reserves, that is, placed bids during the auction if and when the highest bid is less than the reserve on the lot being offered. No properties purchased during auction may be removed until paid in full and must be removed on sale day or during the time frame of scheduled pickup times, unless special arrangements have been made prior to placing bids. Auctioneer will not be responsible for lost or damaged merchandise and no refunds will be made if lost or damaged. Unpaid invoices past the scheduled pick up days will be automatically settled with credit card on file. Items left past scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned and become the property of National Auction. No refunds for abandoned items. 2. LOT DESCRIPTIONS & CONDITION National Auction offers lot descriptions and condition details as a courtesy to bidders. They are intended to be accurate but represent opinions only, not statements of fact, and do not imply any warranty concerning condition, or any assumption of liability. Lot announcements, listings, photographs, and catalog information are for descriptive purposes only. Plan to inspect the items in person before bidding. It is the buyer's sole responsibility to ascertain, confirm, research, inspect and investigate condition prior to bidding. A physical inspection is encouraged and suggested. Buyers must rely solely upon their own investigation and not any information provided by the Seller or Auctioneer. All items sold as-is where-is with no warranties expressed or implied. Let your inspection be your guide. Failure of a buyer to be fully informed on the condition of an item will not constitute grounds for any claim adjustment or right to cancel sale. 3. PAYMENT 3.1 Accepted Payment Methods All bidding increments and payments will be in US Dollars (USD). Cash, credit card, Wire Transfer ($10 Fee), or we will accept your personal or Company check accompanied by a current driver's license. All purchases must be paid for the day of the auction or within the time frame of pickup days. (Pick Up Days Can Be Found Under The Removal Times Tab at the top of the Catalog) 3.2 Special Payment Requirements *All gold jewelry and gold/silver coins must be paid for using either cash or wire transfer. Credit cards or checks will not be accepted. *All titled units must be paid for using either cash, wire transfer, check with ID or cashier check. No credit cards will be accepted. 4. BUYER PREMIUM 15.5% Buyer Premium 3.5% Discount when paying cash or check. 5. BIDDER REGISTRATION You must be 18 years of age or older to register and bid. During the registration process, you must submit information found to be current, complete, and accurate for proper identification. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to continually maintain current and accurate account information. All bids are final and cannot be retracted or removed. 6. RETURNS All sales are final. There are no returns, refunds, credit card charge-backs or adjustments. 7. NO SHOW BIDDERS & NON PICKED UP ITEMS Any open invoices after the scheduled pick-up days the card on file will be charged. Items left past scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned and become the property of National Auction. No refunds for abandoned items. 8. NON PAYING BIDDERS Non-paying bidders or fraudulent bidding will be subject to legal recourse and possible criminal charges including any fraud and/or interstate commerce violations. Non paying or fraudulent bidders will result in your bidding account being suspended. 9. LOT GROUPINGS Some lots/items may be grouped. Winning bidder is responsible for removing the entire lot. Failure of the buyer to remove the entire lot will result in bidding account being suspended. 10. AUCTION BIDDING PROCEDURES 10.1 Soft Close Auction Format This auction features a one-minute soft close format. Any bid placed during the final minute of a lot's closing time will automatically reset that lot's timer to one minute, continuing until no more bids are received. This process ensures all interested bidders have adequate opportunity to participate in the bidding process. 10.2 Linked Lots Some lots in this auction may be linked together for bidding purposes. When you place a bid on any linked lot, the closing time will be extended for all lots within that linked group. Linked lots are clearly identified by: • A link symbol (🔗) displayed with the lot • A corresponding letter designation • Lots sharing the same letter are linked together Bidders should be aware that bidding activity on any lot within a linked group will affect the closing times of all lots in that group. You are still bidding on the items separately. 10.3 MAX BID FEATURE 10.3.1 How Max Bid Works Bidders may place a maximum bid amount on any lot. The computer software will automatically bid on your behalf up to your specified maximum amount using the predetermined bidding increments. Your actual bid amount will only increase as needed to maintain your position as the highest bidder, up to your maximum bid limit. 10.3.2 Bid Priority If two or more bidders enter the same maximum bid amount, the bidder who placed their maximum bid first will be considered the highest bidder. 10.3.3 Modifying Max Bids Bidders may increase their maximum bid amount at any time. Maximum bids may only be lowered to one bid increment above the current leading bid. 10.3.4 Notifications Bidders will receive notifications when they have been outbid, based on their individual account notification settings. It is the bidder's responsibility to monitor their bids and adjust their maximum bid amounts as desired. 10.3.5 Soft Close Interaction Maximum bids will continue to function during soft close extensions. If competing bids trigger the soft close feature, your maximum bid will continue to automatically bid on your behalf up to your specified limit. 10.3.6 Bidder Responsibility for Max Bid Errors 
National Auction USA The Estate of Dr. William “Bruce” Ellis, Jr. — Butte, Montana16th Annual New Year's Day Auction — Featured Estate 
Lily-pond painting, signed Didier — one of two paintings by the artist in the estate. Medium, dimensions, and details to come with cataloging.
Consignments CloseDecember 1, or sooner if the auction fills
Auction ClosesFriday, January 1, 2027, 2:00 PM MST
Bidding OpensTo be announced
FormatOnline only
LocationBillings, MT
3625 S 56th St W For fifty years, Dr. William “Bruce” Ellis, Jr. cared for Montana. As a physician, he practiced across Anaconda, Great Falls, and Butte — private practice, emergency critical care, wilderness medicine, and finally as a hospitalist at St. James Healthcare — mentoring generations of physicians and treating patients with a bedside manner people remembered. Outside the exam room, Bruce was a passionate student of history, especially the Civil War and the history of Butte and its mines, and an avid reader with a personal library that reflects a lifetime of curiosity. He spent decades building one of the more remarkable personal collections we've had the privilege to bring to auction. Confederate wartime bonds and correspondence, historical artifacts tied to Butte's mining era, oil paintings, antique country-store advertising and cutlery displays, and a deep run of Victorian furniture fill this Butte home — the kind of wide-ranging, deeply personal collection that comes along only rarely. On January 1, 2027, National Auction USA sells Dr. Ellis's collection online as the featured estate of our 16th Annual New Year's Day Auction, conducted from Billings, Montana — a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life caring for people, and his time away from it caring for history. A Sneak Peek at the CollectionCataloging is in progress. These are the pieces our team has reached so far. Civil War & ManuscriptsA passionate student of the Civil War, Dr. Ellis built a collection of wartime paper.   Framed 1862 handwritten letterDisplayed with its mailing cover and a blue postage stamp. Condition and provenance to come with cataloging.  Framed Confederate States of America bond$100 denomination, with interest coupons attached along the bottom. Authenticity and condition to come with cataloging.
PaintingsFramed paintings in gilt frames, several signed. The lily-pond canvas above is the second painting signed Didier.   Framed river-town painting, signed DidierA stone bridge over a river in an ornate gilt frame. Signed at lower left in red. Medium, dimensions, and details to come with cataloging.   Framed winter landscape, signedA snowy wooded landscape with a stream, in a gilt frame. Signed at lower right. Artist, date, and dimensions to come with cataloging. Country Store & AdvertisingDisplay cases and advertising pieces from the age of the general store.  Schrade Cutlery Company display caseAn oak countertop case with a gold-lettered glass lid marked Schrade Cutlery Company, Walden, N.Y. Condition to come with cataloging.  Curved-glass oak display caseAn oak case with a curved glass top and wire shelves, holding an assortment of small collectibles. Contents and condition to come with cataloging.
Victorian Furniture & LightingVictorian furniture and leaded-glass lighting from across the house.  Carved oak mantel with beveled mirror tilesDimensions and condition to come with cataloging.  Peacock-pattern leaded-glass lampA stained-glass table lamp with a peacock-feather pattern and red glass jewels, on a cast metal base. Maker, age, and condition to come with cataloging.  Geometric leaded-glass lampA paneled shade in amber and green glass with red accents, on a cast metal base with a pull chain. Maker, age, and condition to come with cataloging.
Photography & Early AmericanaPortraits, folk art, and the everyday objects of the 1800s.  Wall cabinet of antique portrait photographsAn oak wall cabinet holding cased portrait photographs in gilt mats. They appear to be tintypes and ambrotypes from the 1800s. Count and details to come with cataloging.  Stand of antique and vintage walking canesHandles in antler, metal, and wood, among other materials. Count and condition to come with cataloging.
Butte Mining HistoryDr. Ellis collected the history of the city where he practiced.
More From the CollectionA personal library built over a lifetime. A carved soapstone “Grizzly and Cub” sculpture. A chinoiserie gilt-bronze mirror and candle sconce. A framed shadow box of vintage fishing lures. Also pictured: decorative plates, art glass, a carved fish plaque, and a pronghorn mount. This is an extensive estate, and many more pieces are still being uncovered as our team works through the collection. Check back as the full catalog comes to light. Have a piece that belongs in this auction? Consignments close December 1 — call 406-259-4730
Cataloging Is UnderwayThese rooms hold more than this page can list. Every cabinet and drawer is still being opened. 
Dining room, Butte. A plate rail of decorative plates, a gilt-framed floral painting, oak cabinets, and art glass — and this is one room. 
Study, Butte. A leaded-glass barrister bookcase, a roll-top desk with every pigeonhole still full, and a curio case of small collectibles. 
Kitchen, Butte. Vintage advertising tins line the cabinet tops, with antique jars and oak cabinets below. We haven't opened most of them.
Have Something That Belongs Next to This Estate?An estate like this draws collectors from well beyond Montana: Civil War and Western history, advertising, art, and Victorian furniture. Consignments added to this auction sell in front of that audience. If you have a collection or a few standout pieces that belong here, call before December 1 — or sooner, because consignments close when the auction fills. You don't need to have it inventoried first. That's our job. Drop-off at our Billings location is preferred, and we can arrange pickup for select items. Commission rates depend on the type and value of items, and we discuss them upfront so there are zero surprises. Call 406-259-4730Or explore our services
ConsignmentsReal Estate & Estate SettlementFarm & Ag Equipment AuctionsBusiness Liquidation Auctions
Prefer email? sales@nationalauctionusa.com Common QuestionsWhen does the New Year's Day auction close?The 16th Annual New Year's Day Auction closes Friday, January 1, 2027 at 2:00 PM MST. Bidding is online only, and the bidding-open date will be announced on this page. Who was Dr. William “Bruce” Ellis Jr.?Dr. Ellis was a Montana physician for fifty years, practicing in Anaconda, Great Falls, and Butte, and finishing his career as a hospitalist at St. James Healthcare. He was also a student of Civil War history and of Butte and its mines, and his collection reflects both. Can I consign items to this auction?Yes. National Auction USA is accepting consignments for the 16th Annual New Year's Day Auction until December 1, or sooner if the auction fills. Call 406-259-4730 to discuss your items. Drop-off at our Billings location is preferred, and we can arrange pickup for select items. Do I need to organize or inventory my items before I call?No. You don't need to sort or inventory anything first. Call us with a general description of what you have, and our team handles the cataloging and listing. Where does the auction take place?The auction is online only, conducted by National Auction USA from Billings, Montana, at 3625 S 56th St W, Billings, MT 59101. The Ellis estate's collection comes from a home in Butte. Founded in 1965Serving Montana for over 40 years from Billings.
Cash Seal, CAIPresident and Auctioneer. The Certified Auctioneers Institute designation is the highest professional credential an auctioneer can earn.
AMM DesignationAuction Marketing Management, from the National Auctioneers Association, recognizes advanced competency in auction marketing and ethical practice.
Tanya SealCertified personal property appraiser and licensed Montana notary.
Auction & Consignment Questions National Auction USA Auction conducted by National Auction USA Estates 3625 S 56th St W, Billings, MT 59101 A note on the photos. Not every item pictured is part of this sale. Family members are keeping certain pieces, including the decoys, and the upright piano is not being offered. The catalog lists exactly what sells.
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