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, you’ll choose a bid strategy. Your chosen strategy determines how the current bid will be set at the time your bid is placed. Your maximum bid always remains confidential.
The available strategies are:
🐢 Slow & Steady — starts your bid low and lets others chase you.
⚡💥 Power Bid — starts at about half your max to show intent without revealing your top number.
♥️♠️ All In ♦️♣️ — sets the current bid to your full bid amount right away.
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 159 - Grouping Of Four Antique And Vintage Jaw Harps, Mouth Harps, Jew's Harps In Steel With Painted Enamel Finishes 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 Auction Rules.
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Lot 159 - Grouping Of Four Antique And Vintage Jaw Harps, Mouth Harps, Jew's Harps In Steel With Painted Enamel Finishes
This collection includes four jaw harps spanning the late 19th to early-mid 20th century in two sizes. Also known as mouth harps or Jew's harps, these musical instruments feature forged steel construction with characteristic U-shaped frames and flexible metal tongues. Two examples retain original painted enamel finishes in red and blue with paint loss, while two show bare forged metal with surface rust. Each harp includes a small loop at the base for cord attachment. These instruments were played by holding the frame against the teeth and plucking the metal tongue, with the player's mouth acting as a resonating chamber. Shows honest wear including oxidation, rust, and paint loss consistent with age and use. Harps measure 2" L x 3" W x 3/4" H and 1-3/4" L x 3-1/2" L x 1"