Bob Perani's collection now up for auction - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(02/19/13) - It's an auction that's has many talking across Mid Michigan - and across the country.

Close to 2,000 of the late Bob Perani's antiques, art, and other collectables went up for bid Tuesday morning at the Dort Mall. Many were purchased over the last six years, while the Flint hockey merchandise mogul was living in Thailand.

 "This is actually a teak wood five piece set. Teak wood is wood that's been in the river, that's been in the river for years and years in time, so it's become extremely hard," said Robert Perani, Bob Perani's son. "He was like a treasure hunter. He loved the hunt."

This is the first of three auctions being held between now and late March.

"People can come in and inspect the equipment. They can bid here. They can bid at home. They can bid on their phones," said Kurt Mingerink, of Orbitbid.com.

For Robert, it's a bittersweet day.

"Some pieces I don't want to see sold, but it's a new chapter and you need to just turn the page," he said.

In fact, some of these items have more sentimental value than retail value.

"This is actually a tree root system that was uprooted during Hurricane Katrina. He bought it at auction as part of a fundraiser. To me, it's so unique how it's mounted and how it looks, that it's almost a piece of art, something that was so destructive," Robert said.

The showstopper is a 100 year old Indian elephant skin drum. It has a bit of a celebrity tie it.

"Six weeks ago, Kid Rock came through and I was showing him some different things in the mall, and he started beating on it. He said he never felt a reverberation like it before. He kind of toyed with the idea of taking it on tour with him," Robert said.

Tuesday's auction is open until 6 p.m. To get a look at the items and to make a bid, click HERE.