Modern Antique Hunters "Sold!" Here is the man who runs things, auctioneer William O'Reilly, sealing with a bang of his gavel the sale of an item to a bidder. The auctioneer's rostrum commands a view of the entire auditorium of bidders. He can catch the lift of an eyebrow, signifying a raise in the bidding, in any part of the hall. December 24, 1944. (Photo by Sidney Latham, International News Photos).