If you're like me, the mere thought of participating in an auction conjures vivid images of a room full of pompous guests, each swiftly raising a numbered bidding flag as balding gentlemen rattles off a slew of prices in quick succession - spitting flying like a rabid dog hellbent on vengeance.
Spring cleaning? You can learn a lot about how to get top dollar for your unwanted stuff by mining the auction site's data.
In May 2006, the remains of U.S. Fort Montgomery, a stone fortification in upstate New York built in 1844, were put up for auction on eBay. The first auction ended on June 5, 2006, with a winning bid of $5,000,310.
