Ep 8. Party Gras

In the eighth episode of season five of Auction Hunters, entitled "Party Gras," Ton Jones and Allen Haff are back in New Orleans, Louisiana, to tackle the city's notorious storage unit auctions. The duo hopes to procure high-value items that they can sell at a profit, and, as always, they're prepared to go to great lengths to outbid their rivals and beat the competition.

As the episode begins, Ton reflects on the city's vibrant culture and rich architectural heritage, noting that the Big Easy is famous for Mardi Gras, jazz music, and Creole cuisine. Allen adds that New Orleans is a hub for collectibles and antiques dealers, so it's an ideal location for their business.

The first storage unit they investigate is filled with party decorations and carnival costumes; it's a mini Mardi Gras, as Ton puts it. They immediately spot a glittery pink dress that catches their eye, and Allen tries it on to see if it's authentic. They also discover a number of feather boas, masks, and other costume accessories that they believe will appeal to party supply stores or event planners.

The second unit is a bit of a disappointment, as much of the contents are damaged or waterlogged. Ton and Allen sift through piles of wet paper and moldy clothing, hoping to find something salvageable. Eventually, they discover a wooden chest that contains a collection of vintage brass instruments, including a trumpet and a trombone. Allen demonstrates his musical skills by playing a few notes on the trumpet, and Ton admits that the instruments could be worth a lot of money if they can find the right buyer.

The third and final unit is the most promising, as it contains a number of large boxes labeled "Mardi Gras Beads" and "Costume Jewelry." Ton and Allen eagerly dig through the boxes, revealing a treasure trove of glittering baubles and beads in a range of colors and sizes. They reckon that these items could be sold to souvenir shops or collectors, especially since they're from New Orleans.

In addition to the main storage units, Ton and Allen also attend a live auction where they bid on a few miscellaneous items. They score a vintage metal toy car and a set of old-school metal lockers, which they think will be easy to resell. However, they also face stiff competition from other buyers who are eager to snap up the best lots.

Throughout the episode, Ton and Allen banter and joke with each other, as well as with the other buyers and auctioneers. They confess that they love the thrill of the hunt and the challenge of finding hidden gems among piles of junk. They also highlight the importance of research and market knowledge, as well as trusting their instincts when it comes to making bids.

By the end of the episode, Ton and Allen have amassed a variety of items that they hope will bring them a substantial profit. They pack up their truck and head out of the city, eager to see what the next auction will bring.