As a student of history, I am intrigued by how traditions and customs evolve. One tradition that I find very interesting is that of the honorary title of “Colonel” - bestowed upon auctioneers who graduate from auction school. Since graduating from the Missouri Auction School in 2004, I have adopted this tradition. Now the auctioning community itself is divided over using this title, as many feel it is an outdated and has no place in the modern auction industry. I say, however, that it is part of our rich tradition and should be embraced. What I have found is that there are a lot of auctioneers and auction goers that do not understand how this title became associated with the auction industry. When I pass out my business cards, I often encounter the same question, “what’s up with the Colonel” title? Well here is the reason…….
Auctioning was a common practice during the civil war to distribute the spoils of war and surplus supplies. Only officers of the rank of Colonel could conduct an auction. After the war, many of these “Colonels” continued the trade and traveled throughout the country “calling” auctions. This is where the title of “Colonel” became common when referring to auctioneers.
So THAT is what’s up with the title “Colonel!”
