fan of shopping vintage and second-hand, the auction of lost objects of the Madrid City Council may interest you if you have tired of Vinted or Vestiare Collective. Launched by the public body of said community at the beginning of October, it will last until the 19th and is giving a lot to talk about. This, apparently, is what happens with lost objects that are not claimed after years. Maybe you find something you’ve lost.
There are more than 2,000 objects and among them leading brands. Some of the sales are organized into thematic lots (rings, pendants, bracelets…) and you can find almost anything. In addition to gold and silver jewelry, watches and glasses, guitars and even drones, musical instruments and antique furniture are included. Everything has been in the Lost Property Office and the Villa Warehouse for more than two years, without being removed by its owners.
You can see the objects in the Retiro Room on-line. And the truth, although we have observed that there are quite a few bids, signature pieces can be had at bargain prices. Although perhaps it would have been better to donate them, as some people point out on Twitter.
“The pieces auctioned have been grouped by type into 729 lotsaccording to common characteristics that favor obtaining the best auction price”indicates the statement from the City Council.
And as Carmen Fernández, Head of General Services of the Madrid City Council, has declared to Antena 3, “more than 50% of the objects that enter our office come from the airport”. Apparently we are not the only ones who have lost things in the trays of security controls.
The starting price was between two and five euros and the money earned from sales will be deposited in the Municipal Treasury to finance the expenses of the municipal budget.
As announced, in April there will be another auction with sporting objects, decorations, electrical appliances, toys, household items and furniture. And in May, a last one with technology and computing.
To participate, click on the section “online auctions” from the top menu and then on “see lots”. Within each product or lot it is possible to see the current bid, the next bid and calculate the shipping costs. If you want to bid, you must register beforehand.
Taking a “walk” through the auction, we have listed watches from Tiffany & Co., Calvin Klein, Dior, Gucci, Guess and Michael Kors, glasses from Ray Ban, Oscar de la Renta, Oakley, a lot of Pandora pendant with sixteen charms, several sets of silver rings and a cute ring with sapphire and diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold.
If you are one of those who prefers to see things in person, you can visit the Sala Retiro facilities in person (Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, 3) from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Photos | Madrid City Hall