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Auction Hunters
GenreReality
Starring
  • Allen Lee Haff
  • Clinton Jones
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes107 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupMultiple
Running time22 minutes
Production companyGurney Productions
Original release
NetworkSpike
ReleaseNovember 9, 2010 (2010-11-09) –
May 9, 2015 (2015-05-09)

Auction Hunters is an American reality television series that premiered on November 9, 2010, on Spike.

In June 2011, Spike announced that it had ordered a third season of Auction Hunters with 26 episodes.[1] In August 2012, Spike announced that it had ordered a fourth season of 26 episodes.[2] The fourth season premiered on January 30, 2013 as Auction Hunters: Pawnshop Edition and focused not only on storage auctions, but also Haff and Jones running a pawn Shop named Haff-Ton Pawn Shop.[3] On April 11, 2014, Spike ordered a 20-episode fifth season that premiered in late 2014.[4] Season 5 encompasses the duo as they expand their business past storage unit auctions.[4] On April 8, 2015, Spike announced that season five would be the final season,[5] which made the program the longest-running nonscripted show on Spike at the time.[4]

Summary

[edit]

The show follows Allen Haff, and Clinton Jones (aka 'Ton'), who have experience in a variety of fields including guns and mystery safes, as they participate in storage unit auctions throughout Southern California and occasionally other locations around the United States. Each episode leads viewers through the pair's activities of bidding on and winning abandoned storage units, appraising the items found within, and selling the most lucrative and interesting pieces to experts or collectors.

Each episode begins with a text disclaimer stating that Haff and Jones purchase hundreds of units each year, and that only their rarest and most valuable finds are presented on the show. They claim that most of their units end up making little to no money, and that in fact they follow the 80%/20% rule in that they make 80% of their profit from 20% of the units they buy.

Recurring cast member Robin "Big Sis" Matte died on May 12, 2014, at the age of 37 from stage 4 ovarian cancer that moved to her lungs. She was a 12-year survivor. A memorial appeared at the end of the first episode of the 5th season.

Episodes

[edit]
See also: List of Auction Hunters episodes
Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired
1 8 November 9, 2010 (2010-11-09) December 21, 2010 (2010-12-21)
2 27 April 5, 2011 (2011-04-05) November 29, 2011 (2011-11-29)
3 26 March 21, 2012 (2012-03-21) September 26, 2012 (2012-09-26)
4 26 January 30, 2013 (2013-01-30) March 29, 2014 (2014-03-29)
5 20 October 11, 2014 (2014-10-11) May 9, 2015 (2015-05-09)

Reception

[edit]

S. Jhoanna Robledo from Common Sense Media gave the show 3 out of 5 stars.[6]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Auction Hunters

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Auction Hunters is an American reality television series that aired on Spike from 2010 to 2015, following professional auction buyers Allen Haff and Clinton "Ton" Jones as they bid on the contents of abandoned storage units across the United States in search of valuable items to resell for profit.[1][2] The show premiered on November 9, 2010, and ran for five seasons, totaling over 100 episodes, each typically featuring the duo inspecting units with limited time, placing strategic bids, and then appraising and attempting to sell discovered treasures such as antiques, collectibles, and rare artifacts.[3] Haff, a second-generation antiques dealer, brings expertise in valuation, while Jones, an animal wrangler and collector, contributes physical prowess and negotiation skills during resales.[4] The series highlights the high-stakes nature of storage auctions, where bidders have only moments to glimpse inside units before committing, often uncovering items with historical or monetary value that can yield significant returns—or losses.[5]

Premise and Format

Premise

Auction Hunters is an American reality television series centered on professional auction hunters who bid on abandoned storage units and other unclaimed property to discover valuable items hidden within. The show highlights the competitive world of these auctions, where participants purchase entire lots sight unseen, relying on quick assessments to identify potential treasures amid everyday junk.[6][7] In this high-stakes environment, bidders are typically granted only a brief period—often just a few minutes—to inspect the unit from the doorway without entering or handling contents, heightening the risk and excitement of sealed bidding. This limited access forces hunters to make informed guesses based on visible clues, such as labels, shapes, or partial views, before committing cash upfront. The process mirrors real-world storage lien laws, where facilities auction unclaimed units to recover unpaid fees, turning forgotten possessions into opportunities for profit.[7][8] The core goal of the hunters is to resell unearthed items—frequently antiques, collectibles, and rare artifacts—for maximum profit, transforming what might appear as discarded goods into lucrative finds. Allen Haff and Clinton "Ton" Jones execute this premise by traveling across the U.S., appraising discoveries, and negotiating sales at pawn shops or through experts. Premiering on November 9, 2010, on Spike TV, the series captures the thrill of turning uncertainty into financial gain through savvy bidding and market knowledge.[6][1]

Episode Structure

Each episode of Auction Hunters follows a structured narrative arc centered on the hosts' pursuit of profitable storage unit auctions, typically spanning approximately 30 minutes. The process begins with the hosts arriving at an auction site, where they conduct brief initial inspections of the available abandoned storage units, limited to a quick glance inside to assess potential value without entering or handling contents.[2][9] This is followed by intense bidding wars against rival participants, where strategic decisions determine the units won based on perceived hidden treasures.[10][2] After securing a unit, the hosts proceed to unpack and inventory its contents, often uncovering a mix of everyday items and potentially valuable artifacts such as firearms, jewelry, or historical pieces. Item identification and appraisal form a core procedural element, involving consultations with specialists to evaluate authenticity and market worth—particularly for high-stakes finds like antiques or collectibles.[9][11] The episode then shifts to post-auction activities, including resale negotiations in antique markets or with buyers, culminating in a follow-up reveal of overall profits or losses from the haul.[2][9] Dramatic tension is woven throughout via elements like competitive rival bidders, surprise discoveries during unpacking, and high-pressure haggling during sales, heightening the stakes of each auction cycle.[10][12] This format underscores the hosts' expertise in spotting and valuing overlooked items, blending procedural auction mechanics with reality-TV excitement.[11]

Cast and Production Team

Main Hosts

Allen Haff is a second-generation antiques dealer born and raised in Michigan.[13] He studied English, journalism, and psychology in college before pursuing a career in resale. He began as a side job while working for an airline in Houston, Texas, and opened his first antique business at age 24, later relocating to Los Angeles for opportunities in commercials and television hosting, including Clean House.[14] With over 20 years of experience in the field, Haff specializes in historical items and serves as the strategist and negotiator on Auction Hunters, using his analytical skills to evaluate units, bid effectively, and maximize resale value.[13][14] Clinton "Ton" Jones, born and raised in California's Antelope Valley, is a hobbyist collector with extensive interests in hunting, fishing, knives, swords, guns, old currency, and jewelry.[4] An imposing figure over 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 300 pounds, he is a seasoned auction hunter in Southern California, bringing expertise in rare coins and currency, firearms, and safes to authenticate and appraise potential treasures.[4] On the show, Jones acts as the physical enforcer and authenticator, handling heavy lifting and on-site valuations that complement the team's operations.[4] Haff and Jones first crossed paths at Southern California storage auctions, where Haff, despite initially disliking Jones's boisterous style, lent him a flashlight and shared advice, forging a bond that evolved into a business partnership.[14] Their collaboration as "auction friendlies" was central to Auction Hunters, with Haff's reserved, strategic mindset balancing Jones's outgoing, attention-seeking energy to create the show's engaging dynamic.[14] This partnership highlights how their complementary backgrounds in antiques and hands-on appraisal drive the hunt for valuable finds. Following the show's conclusion in 2015, Haff has continued as a television personality, offering personalized videos on Cameo as of 2025. Jones has focused on family and works in operations and marketing for Firebird Targets.[15][16][14]

Supporting Cast and Crew

The supporting cast of Auction Hunters includes several recurring on-screen experts who assist the main hosts in authenticating and appraising high-value finds from storage units. Craig Gottlieb, a prominent dealer in military antiques and collectible weapons, frequently appears as an appraiser, evaluating items such as Nazi-era memorabilia, firearms, and militaria with his expertise in historical provenance and market value.[17][18] His authentication process typically involves examining markings, materials, and historical context to verify authenticity, often negotiating sales based on rarity and condition.[18] Rafael Kosche appears as a weapons expert, focusing on firearms and blades.[19] Laura Soares, known on the show as "Elle," is a recurring supporting personality introduced in season 4 (2013), appearing as an assistant and occasional bidder who aids in unit inspections and sales negotiations.[20] Her role adds dynamic interactions, particularly during appraisals where she collaborates with experts to verify item details alongside the hosts.[21] The series features brief encounters with rivals at auctions, such as unnamed "old rivals" who compete aggressively for units, heightening bidding tension in episodes like "Nothing But Net" (season 4, episode 21), where they form alliances to outbid the protagonists.[22] Venue staff and auctioneers, often unnamed but recurring at storage facilities, facilitate the blind bids and unit openings, enforcing rules that shape the competitive environment.[23] Behind the scenes, Gurney Productions, founded in 2005 by Scott and Deirdre Gurney, served as the primary production company for Auction Hunters from its 2010 premiere through its 2015 conclusion, handling the reality format's fast-paced editing and on-location shoots.[3] Scott Gurney and Deirdre Gurney acted as executive producers across all seasons, overseeing the blend of auction drama and expert consultations to maintain the show's treasure-hunting narrative.[17] No major crew departures were reported during the run.

Production History

Development

Gurney Productions conceived Auction Hunters as a reality series capturing the competitive world of storage unit auctions, drawing from the real-life practices of professional bidders who purchase unclaimed units in hopes of reselling valuable contents for profit.[24] The production company, founded by Scott and Deirdre Gurney, pitched the concept to Spike TV in early 2010, capitalizing on the surge in storage auctions that followed the 2008 financial recession, when economic hardships led to higher default rates on storage rentals and an influx of "blind" auctions of abandoned units.[25][26] On August 25, 2010, Spike TV announced the series' premiere, ordering an initial eight half-hour episodes produced by Gurney Productions, with the show set to debut on November 9, 2010.[24] Key milestones in pre-production included casting experienced auction participants Allen Haff, a second-generation antiques dealer, and Clinton "Ton" Jones, a reseller and collector, who had met years earlier while competing at storage auctions in Southern California and began collaborating with Gurney Productions in 2009.[27] Their real-world expertise in appraising and flipping items from auctions informed the show's format from the outset.[14] Following the strong performance of the first season, Spike TV renewed Auction Hunters in December 2010 for a second season of 20 episodes, marking the network's largest second-season order for a non-scripted series at the time.[28] In June 2011, the network announced a third-season renewal for 26 episodes, signaling growing confidence in the show's appeal. The series evolved over time, initially focused exclusively on storage auctions but expanding in its fifth season to include broader auction types such as cattle and police sales, reflecting the hosts' growing business ventures beyond storage units.[29]

Filming Locations and Challenges

The production of Auction Hunters primarily took place at storage facilities throughout Southern California, with Los Angeles serving as a central hub for many episodes due to its abundance of auction sites. As the series progressed, filming expanded to diverse locations across the United States, including police auctions in desert areas like San Bernardino, California, where episodes captured high-stakes bidding on seized items.[30] Similar police auctions were featured in Las Vegas, Nevada, highlighting the logistical demands of traveling to urban centers for authentic event coverage.[31] Additional shoots occurred in Honolulu, Hawaii, for tropical-themed episodes, and New Orleans, Louisiana, to incorporate regional auction flavors.[32][33] Coordinating with real auction houses presented key logistical hurdles, as the crew had to secure permissions to film live events while complying with state regulations governing storage and police auctions, which mandate quick inspections and blind bidding to ensure fairness.[29] Desert shoots in locations like San Bernardino required managing extreme heat and dust, complicating equipment setup and crew endurance during outdoor sequences. Safety protocols were essential for handling potentially hazardous discoveries, such as antique firearms or unstable chemicals, with on-site experts often consulted to mitigate risks before transport or appraisal. The production budget allocated resources for nationwide travel, including flights and vehicle rentals, as well as professional valuations to authenticate finds post-auction. Challenges included navigating legal restrictions that prohibited excessive interference with auction proceedings, forcing the team to use discreet camera placements and rapid editing to maintain the event's natural flow without invalidating bids. Budget constraints for appraisals and interstate logistics occasionally limited the scope of expert consultations, particularly for high-value or international-sourced items in later episodes. Debates over staging versus reality emerged, as the fast-paced format amplified dramatic elements like rival bidders, though core auctions adhered to verifiable legal standards. Over time, production evolved with season 5 introducing broader auction types, such as cattle sales, alongside enhanced visuals and on-location effects to heighten viewer engagement.[29]

Seasons and Episodes

Season Overview

Auction Hunters aired for five seasons on Spike TV from November 2010 to May 2015, totaling 100 episodes across various auction formats, primarily focusing on unclaimed storage units but expanding in later seasons. The series experienced typical hiatuses between seasons, with gaps of several months following each finale to allow for production cycles, such as the four-month break after Season 1 before Season 2 premiered. Production expansions, including additional episode orders mid-run, influenced the scope of later seasons by incorporating special events and new auction venues.[34][35][36]
SeasonEpisodesAir Date RangeKey Features
1 (2010)8November 9 – December 21, 2010Introductory focus on storage auctions in Southern California; premiered with back-to-back episodes drawing an average of 1.1 million viewers per episode, marking a viewership peak for Spike TV's non-scripted originals at the time.[37][38]
2 (2011)20April 5 – November 29, 2011Expanded to broader auction types beyond basic storage units, including estate sales; mid-season renewal added episodes during production.[35][39]
3 (2012)26March 28 – September 26, 2012Featured the series' first live telecast episode and remote auctions with international-flavored elements, such as Alaskan wilderness units; included experimental formats to boost engagement.[34][40][38]
4 (2013–2014)26January 30, 2013 – April 5, 2014Subtitled Auction Hunters: Pawnshop Edition, emphasizing high-value antique and collectible finds evaluated at a pawn shop; averaged 1.5 million viewers.[29][3][38]
5 (2014–2015)20October 11, 2014 – May 9, 2015Final season with intensified rivalries among bidders and expansion into non-storage auctions like food trucks and yard sales; marked the end of the series after 100 episodes.[36][41][38]
Each season built on the previous by increasing the diversity of auction locations and item valuations, shifting from basic storage hunts in Season 1 to more competitive, high-stakes environments in later years, while maintaining the core premise of bidding, discovery, and resale for profit. The progression reflected growing production resources, enabling longer runs and specialized episodes without delving into individual plots.

Notable Episodes and Finds

One of the series' most iconic finds occurred in the premiere episode, "The Wild West" (Season 1, Episode 1), filmed at a storage auction in the San Bernardino desert, where hosts Allen Haff and Ton Jones uncovered an 1800s British Pepperbox handgun, a compact multi-barrel revolver typical of 19th-century British designs valued for its historical and collectible appeal. The episode also featured a pre-WWI Lionel train set, purchased for just $1, highlighting the high-risk, high-reward nature of storage auctions. These discoveries exemplified the hosts' expertise in identifying antique weaponry and toys amid cluttered units. Civil War-era artifacts emerged as another standout category, notably in "Weapons of Past Destruction" (Season 1, Episode 6), where Haff and Jones acquired black powder muskets from the mid-19th century, alongside 19th-century Masonic ceremonial swords and a WWII Japanese samurai blade, underscoring the series' focus on militaria with potential resale value in collector markets.[42] In a later episode, "Mr. Haff Goes to Washington" (Season 3, Episode 12), they found a Civil War-era black powder revolver and a stash of South African gold coins, further emphasizing historical arms as recurring high-value items.[43] Rare comic books represented a pinnacle of modern collectibles in "Win Lose or Joust" (Season 4, Episode 2), as the duo raced post-auction to secure a vintage issue appraised at over $100,000, demonstrating exceptional profit potential from pop culture ephemera.[44] High-stakes auctions in Las Vegas added intensity, such as in "Sin City Shootout" (Season 2, Episode 20), where they battled gamblers for a 1953 Chevy-inspired bumper car and M16 magazines, items that tested their quick appraisal skills under pressure.[31] Another notable vehicular find was an antique Indian motorcycle in Season 4, Episode 11, a century-old machine that required on-site testing and showcased the thrill of mechanical restoration projects.[45] Appraisal outcomes often revealed dramatic margins, as seen when a unit bid of around $500 in early seasons yielded items resold for approximately $10,000, including combined sales of handguns and train sets that established key context for the show's economic model.[46] The rare comic book stood as a series record for highest appraised value, while occasional losses, like overbidding on non-functional machinery, balanced the narrative of risk in storage hunting.[44]

Reception

Critical Response

Critics initially praised Auction Hunters for its educational insights into the antiques trade and storage auction process, noting how the series illuminated the real-world mechanics of bidding on abandoned units with limited previews and the thrill of unearthing valuable items amid junk.[11] The dynamic between hosts Allen Haff, the voluble strategist, and Clinton "Ton" Jones, the stoic counterpart, was highlighted for adding engaging tension and humor, such as playful pranks that enhanced the entertainment value without descending into overt conflict.[11] Common Sense Media echoed this, describing the show as surprisingly enjoyable for its element of surprise in finds and its portrayal of entrepreneurial opportunism turning misfortune into profit, while appreciating the hosts' complementary styles that made negotiation scenes particularly watchable.[7] However, some reviews pointed to drawbacks in the format, including overacting driven by the hosts' Hollywood ambitions, which occasionally led to exaggerated drama and unusable footage during production.[11] Critics also noted the reliance on reality TV clichés, such as formulaic bidding suspense and voyeuristic glimpses into others' abandoned lives, which could feel annoying or sobering in their commentary on consumerism.[7] While no major external awards or nominations were received, the series earned internal recognition from Spike TV as the network's longest-running nonscripted program, reflecting its consistent appeal within the genre.[29] The show's reception evolved from strong initial buzz upon its 2010 debut, where it was celebrated for injecting fresh energy into the buy-and-sell reality format, to a more stabilized popularity by its 2015 conclusion after five seasons, totaling around 106 episodes.[11] The series ended despite its profitability.[47]

Viewership and Cultural Impact

Auction Hunters premiered on Spike TV on November 9, 2010, drawing an average of 1.1 million viewers in its early weeks, with viewership increasing steadily thereafter.[37] By its fourth season, the series averaged 1.5 million viewers per episode in its Saturday 9 p.m. time slot, marking it as one of Spike TV's highest-rated unscripted programs and contributing to the network's expansion of its reality television lineup.[37] However, ratings began to decline in later seasons, culminating in the series finale on May 9, 2015, leading to its cancellation after five seasons.[47] The show played a key role in boosting Spike TV's reality programming, often compared to A&E's Storage Wars for its focus on competitive bidding for abandoned storage units and the thrill of discovering valuable items.[37] Alongside similar series, Auction Hunters helped elevate the auction genre within cable television, drawing audiences interested in the high-stakes world of treasure hunting and resale.[48] Culturally, Auction Hunters, along with similar programs like Storage Wars, has been noted in discussions of the storage auction phenomenon, chronicling the practice of auctioning abandoned units.[49] Following its cancellation, Auction Hunters has remained accessible on streaming platforms, including Prime Video, where select seasons such as Season 4 are available for purchase as of 2025.[50] Fan engagement persists through online communities, such as the official Facebook page and YouTube discussions revisiting episodes and cast updates, sustaining interest in the show's legacy within reality TV treasure-hunting lore.[51]

References

  1. Auction Hunters (TV Series 2010–2015) - IMDb
  2. Auction Hunters | Rotten Tomatoes
  3. Auction Hunters (TV Series 2010-2015) - TMDB
  4. Auction Hunters TV Review | Common Sense Media
  5. Watch Auction Hunters | Netflix
  6. [PDF] Spike TV Uncovers a Hidden Treasure With New Original Series ...
  7. Storage Auctions Explained: How They Work (and What to Expect)
  8. Spike TV Uncovers a Hidden Treasure With New Original Series ...
  9. Storage Unit Showdown: 'Auction Hunters,' 'Storage Wars' mine ...
  10. 'Auction Hunters' and Other Buy-and-Sell TV - The New York Times
  11. Reality TV subgenre mines storage unit auctions - Deseret News
  12. Allen Lee Haff - IMDb
  13. 'Auction Hunter' Allen Haff Discusses His Buddy Ton, LA Resale ...
  14. Clinton 'Ton' Jones - IMDb
  15. Auction Hunters | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
  16. Lights, Camera, Action! Militaria in the TV Spotlight - Militarytrader
  17. Laura Soares - IMDb
  18. Auction Hunters - Laura Soares as Elle, Ellie, Self - IMDb
  19. "Auction Hunters" Nothing But Net (TV Episode 2014) - IMDb
  20. "Auction Hunters" Ton's Got a Gun (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb
  21. 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Gurney Productions Signs With ICM ...
  22. Spike TV Uncovers a Hidden Treasure With New Original Series ...
  23. 'Blind' Auctions Help Self-Storage Firms Recoup Losses - NPR
  24. Losing a Home, Then Losing All Out of Storage - The New York Times
  25. Interview with Allen Haff & Ton Jones - MediaMikes
  26. Auction Hunters returning for a second season - Is My Show Cancelled
  27. Spike TV Renews 'Auction Hunters' for Fifth Season
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1742340/episodes/?season=1
  29. "Auction Hunters" Sin City Shootout (TV Episode 2011) - IMDb
  30. Auction Hunters visits Honolulu's Storage Units
  31. Spike's 'Auction Hunters' comes to New Orleans
  32. Spike TV Orders 26 Additional Episodes of "Auction Hunters ...
  33. Spike orders more 'Auction Hunters' - UPI.com
  34. Spike TV Orders Fifth Season of 'Auction Hunters' - Chicago Tribune
  35. Auction Hunters (TV Series 2010–2015) - News - IMDb
  36. Auction Hunters (a Titles & Air Dates Guide) - Epguides.com
  37. Auction Hunters (TV Series 2010–2015) - Episode list - IMDb
  38. Auction Hunters (TV Series 2010–2015) - Episode list - IMDb
  39. Auction Hunters (TV Series 2010–2015) - Episode list - IMDb
  40. "Auction Hunters" Weapons of Past Destruction (TV Episode 2010)
  41. "Auction Hunters" Mr. Haff Goes to Washington (TV Episode 2012)
  42. "Auction Hunters" Win Lose or Joust (TV Episode 2013) - IMDb
  43. Auction Hunters: Riding a 100 Year Old Motorcycle - YouTube
  44. Auction Hunters Season 1 - Prime Video
  45. Shows A-Z - auction hunters on spike tv | TheFutonCritic.com
  46. Bounty hunters say farewell to TV show, but not the chase
  47. TV's macho hunters and gatherers - Los Angeles Times
  48. Too Much Stuff: Americans and Their Storage Units
  49. The Impact of Self-Storage Auctions: Improving Operating Income ...
  50. Watch Auction Hunters | Prime Video - Amazon.com
  51. Auction Hunters - Facebook
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