Inside the Auction Room: Superstitions and Rituals

Auctions are built on strategy, budgets, and quick decision-making, but step into any auction room and you'll quickly discover there's something more human at play. Behind the rapid-fire bidding and polished professionalism are personal routines, lucky charms, and quirky superstitions that help auctioneers prepare for the pressure of the rostrum. 

The question is: do these rituals actually influence the outcome of a sale, or are they simply traditions that give auctioneers confidence before the auction? 

Fuel for the Hammer

For many auctioneers, success begins long before the first lot is announced. According to an Artnet News survey, Sarah Krueger, Auctioneer and Head of Photographs at Phillips New York, never goes into an auction without eating pancakes and scrambled eggs the night before. What started as a simple meal has become her personal good luck charm before every major sale.

For John Albrecht, a banana with yoghurt and honey is an essential part of auction day. Albrecht believes the combination keeps his energy levels up throughout long auctions where maintaining momentum is essential. 

Then there's Aurel Bacs from Phillips Watches, whose ritual is perhaps the most unusual. Before every auction, he drinks a glass of milk, jokingly referring to it as a way to "oil the gearbox.” 

Whether it's pancakes, bananas, or even a glass of milk, these pre-auction meals have become less about nutrition and more about creating a familiar routine before the pressure begins. 

The Objects That Keep Auctioneers Grounded

While every auctioneer uses a gavel, for some it becomes much more than an instrument of sale.

Oliver Barker, Sotheby's Europe Chair, has used the same cherry wood gavel throughout his career. Handmade by his father, the gavel carries sentimental value, with every scratch and mark telling part of its story. Barker likes to compare his relationship with the gavel to the way a wand chooses its wizard in Harry Potter.

Sarah Krueger also treasures her wooden gavel, which was gifted to her by her auctioneering coach during her training at Phillips. Before every auction, she follows the same routine: she takes a deep breath, steps onto the podium, picks up the gavel, and gives it one deliberate bang before the first lot begins.

Phillips auctioneer Henry Highley tries never to walk over triple drains, a surprisingly difficult task given how many there are throughout London. Whether or not it brings him luck is anyone's guess, but alongside this superstition, he also believes in spending the day with colleagues and keeping the atmosphere enjoyable before a sale.

For Elaine Kwok, Director in the Chairman’s Office at Christie’s Asia, her gavel was made in England and given to her by Hugh Edmeades, former Christie’s Chairman of Auctioneering, after completing her auctioneer training in 2010. Made from African Blackwood, it has a notable weight and a removable handle, making it both distinctive and functional. Before each auction, Kwok has her three children kiss her gavel for good luck, turning a small family moment into part of her preparation for the sale. 

Whether sentimental or superstitious, these rituals and beliefs remind us that behind every confident auctioneer is a routine that helps them perform at their best. 

Mastering the Auctioneer's Voice

Auctioneering is as much a vocal performance as it is a profession. Because auctioneers speak rapidly for extended periods, vocal warm ups are essential. At Christie's, auctioneers famously loosen their facial muscles by reciting "Humpty Dumpty" with their tongues sticking out before stepping onto the podium. Others rehearse their bid increments while showering in the morning, perfecting their rhythm. 

Reading the room is just as important as using their voice. Experienced auctioneers know that not every bid comes from a raised paddle. Regular bidders may bid with signs like a raised eyebrow, a subtle wink, or the slightest nod, and over time auctioneers learn to recognise each individual's signals.

Auctioneering isn't simply about speaking loudly, it's about timing, rhythm, observation, and knowing exactly when to encourage the next bid. 

Built on Preparation or Superstition?

While many rituals may seem superstitious, most auctioneers insist they are really about preparation.

John Albrecht, Proprietor and Chairman of Leonard Joel, Australia's largest fine auction house, starts every auction day with a brisk walk alongside his family dog, Buddy. He says the routine helps clear his mind before the busy day ahead. Once at work, he reviews absentee and telephone bids, checks reserve prices, and meets with department heads to ensure every detail is in place before stepping onto the rostrum.

Before the first lot is called, Albrecht takes a moment to connect with the audience, places his watch in front of him, and focuses on maintaining the pace and rhythm of the auction. His routine demonstrates that consistency and preparation matter more than luck itself.

Australian auctioneer Damian Cooley shares a similar philosophy. Widely regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers, Cooley believes auction day is won through preparation rather than performance alone. His day starts early with a personal training session, finishing by 6:15 a.m. to ensure his energy remains high as he moves between multiple auctions. Presentation is equally important to him, as it influences his mindset. His shoes are polished, his suit is perfect, and his signature orange tie is always in place as part of the Cooley Auctions brand.

Michael Macaulay, Senior International Specialist at Sotheby’s, also emphasises preparation and precision. His gavel, a gift from his wife Valerie when he qualified as an auctioneer, is engraved with his initials and the words “May the force be with you,” and has remained his personal gavel ever since. While meaningful, he does not view it as a ritual. He does not consider himself superstitious, preferring instead to leave as little as possible to chance on auction day and to rely on thorough preparation.

In reality, preparation appears to be the ritual that almost every successful auctioneer shares. 

The Takeaway 

Do these habits guarantee record-breaking sales? Probably not. But they do provide something valuable: confidence, consistency, focus, and a sense of calm. Psychologists often link rituals to increased confidence and reduced anxiety. By repeating familiar behaviours before high-pressure moments, people can feel more focused and in control, even when the ritual itself has no direct effect on the outcome. 

Behind every successful auction isn't just a fast-talking professional. It's someone who has spent years refining not only their craft, but also the routines that help them perform at their best. 

Perhaps that's the real secret behind the hammer. The rituals don't sell the lot, but they help the auctioneer step onto the rostrum believing they're ready to.