Online Bidding
Historical Memorabilia & Collectibles Auctions in New Jersey
Some people see an old postcard or a faded concert poster and think “junk.” But for others — the collectors, the curators of memory — those pieces feel like holding history in your hands. Whether it’s a signed baseball, a Revolutionary War map, or a rare inscribed photo from Thomas Edison’s era, historical memorabilia tells a story you can’t find in any modern store. And at Bodnar’s Auction, those stories come alive in the form of expertly managed memorabilia auctions across New Jersey.
Call them what you want, whether it be relic, artifact, or treasure — they are living connections to our shared history. At Bodnar’s Auction, we understand it is so much more than a sale. We are preserving history one piece at a time, ensuring each piece finds a new home with those who value its significance.
Read MoreNew Jersey Historical Collections
In one of our most memorable auctions, we presented the NJ Historical Collection of William Kazar. This particular auction not only exceeded expectations; it smashed them from one lot to the next because of our detailed cataloging, marketing, and targeted buyer outreach. When asked about his favorite piece at the sale, owner Joseph Bodnar said, “When the photo of Thomas Edison inscribed to Day Baker was uncovered, we all knew it would make waves — and it really did!”
At Bodnar’s Auction, when we say we handle lifetime collections, this one really was the collection of a lifetime! Hundreds of historical documents and artifacts were sorted, analyzed, examined, authenticated, and cataloged one by one, ensuring each item was given the care and attention it deserved. This is the level of care you can expect from us, whether you are consigning an entire collection of rare historical documents, archival and antique posters, or coins and currency.
Why Bodnar’s Auction IS the Auction House for Historical Collectors and Collections
Decades of Hands-On Experience
Since the founding of Bodnar’s Auction in 1998, Bodnar’s has managed hundreds, if not thousands, of historical items and consignments, including estates, private collections, and museum-level pieces.
Auction Results That Speak So Loudly, We Don’t Have To:
- In December of 2016, our photo of Thomas Edison inscribed to Day Baker sold for $7,250 — exceeding the high estimate by more than 10x!
- In that very same sale, a Matthew Egerton Period Federal Mahogany desk crossed the block at $11,000, when the estimate was $3,000-$5,000.
- A one-of-a-kind 1st Veterans Regiment NJ Militia Flag achieved $9,250.
- A rare Emerson & Silver non-regulation sword that was linked to Captain Nippins of the 4th NJ Militia brought $4,250, doubling the original estimate.
- And a deck of pantomime playing cards featuring the three-fingered jack from 1801 1808 sold at a previous sale for $2,200 — selling 20x over the estimate!
These results do not just look good and are not meant to brag. They prove our deep commitment to research, valuation, marketing reach, and buyer trust. Every single item that comes into our facility is given the same time and care – whether it is one piece or an entire collection.
Certified Expertise & Proven Technique
Our team is comprised of many different people with many different areas of expertise. From antique jewelry and vintage political items to historical documents and early coins and currency – we have you covered.
We have multiple members on our team who are appraisers, including Joseph Bodnar, who holds a GPPA designation, and Maureen Bodnar, who has completed the USPAP course to ensure that all valuations comply with USPAP guidelines for fairness and transparency.
A Wide Range of Categories for Serious Collectors
Not every collector looks for the same thing, which is why our auctions span a wide array of categories. You might browse an art auction filled with historic paintings and fine art prints one week, then find yourself deep in a memorabilia auction featuring NJ maps the next.
We regularly feature:
- Antique maps and rare documents
- Postcards and printed ephemera
- Vintage music memorabilia
- Historic coins
- Autographs and manuscripts
- Political, military, and war memorabilia
- Vintage and new toys
- Comic books and trading cards
- Antiques and artwork
Whatever your interest, we’ve got the category — and the collectible — to match.
Authentication You Can Trust
In the collectibles world, authentication is everything. That’s why Bodnar’s Auction takes it seriously. Every document, autograph, and high-value collectible undergoes a strict review process to ensure authenticity before being listed. Whether you’re bidding on a signed poster from a 1960s music tour or a Revolutionary-era manuscript, you can feel confident knowing that we’ve done our homework.
Buyers appreciate our transparency, and sellers benefit from the credibility it brings to each listing. It’s part of why our memorabilia auctions continue to grow — because trust builds a stronger marketplace.
Our multi-step process ensures consignors and bidders are secure.
- Provenance Checks: We do our very best to trace ownership history, families, archives, or any institutional connections.
- Scientific Review: When needed, we use third-party analysis companies to double-check our work to ensure a trusted process when buying with us.
- Transparency: Condition notes, restoration history, and high-resolution images are all shown to the bidders.
- Secure Operations: Items are stored in our secure location, and our bidding platforms use secure verification and vetting processes to ensure fraud protection.
Bringing New Jersey’s History to the World
New Jersey’s rich heritage is reflected in the incredible range of memorabilia we’ve helped sell — and we’re proud to give those pieces a platform. From local archives to private collections, we showcase historical treasures that might otherwise stay hidden. Whether it’s a centuries-old map or a comic book passed down for generations, we treat every item with the respect it deserves.
Collectors from all over the United States turn to our auctions to find that one piece that completes their collection… or starts a new one. And thanks to our fully online platform, it’s never been easier to buy or sell historic collectibles right from the comfort of home.
Start Bidding or Selling Today
History deserves to be seen and shared. At Bodnar’s Auction, we bring historical memorabilia and collectibles into the spotlight where they belong. Whether you’re a serious buyer or looking to consign, we make the process personal, professional, and rewarding.
Ready to make history move?
Contact us today and take the first step toward your next great discovery.