It's big, busy and action-packed, and taking place in Atlanta Feb. 23-24. No, it's not the debut of the latest Hollywood thriller, but an event that's sure to deliver as many goose bumps.

It's one of the three annual two-day auctions staged by the owners of Red Baron's Architectural Antiques in Sandy Springs. More than 1,000 buyers are expected to bid on items that fit the store's slogan: "Rare, unusual and bizarre." At the same time, the sales will clear out most of the 4,500-piece inventory to make way for new merchandise.

Phil Skinner / AJC (ENLARGE)

Red Baron Architectural Antiques is gearing up for a two-day auction of about 4,500 pieces of furniture and other objects. More than 1,000 buyers are expected.

Phil Skinner / AJC (ENLARGE)

There's a nautical theme pub bar with a ship's wheel, stained glass ceiling, brass lanterns and sink.

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The auction weekend is a tradition almost as old as the store, founded 35 years ago by Bob Brown.

"I owned another business and the antiques were something for my mother and my wife," said Brown. "About a year after we started, we began the auctions because we always bought more than we could sell. It was also a good way to upgrade our merchandise. And it kept growing and growing as the size of things we sold grew, too. Now it's one of the largest of its kind in the world, an extravagant affair."

Along with an eclectic collection of oddities, the auction features a catered buffet and servers who bring drinks to seated bidders. (Brown estimates that he spends about $250,000 just on the food.) There are several breaks in the auction for entertainment, as well; at the fall auction, an area percussion band took the stage and played for several minutes.

But the main attraction is the diverse assortment of items heading to the block. Among the most popular items sure to find buyers are furniture pieces, said Brown. This weekend's sale boasts a rosewood double dial clock from Vienna with a pearl inlay and gold-over-bronze paw feet. There's also an Italian Renaissance walnut mantel with figures of Atlas, bronze urns and detailed carvings of birds and flowers. In between will be lighting, dining room and bedroom sets, paintings, architectural pieces and jewelry.

The action is fast and sometimes furious, with items that don't generate a lot of buzz being pushed aside to make room for the next. Prices can start as low as $100 and go into the multi-millions, but the majority of sales fall between $10,000 and $15,000. The fall auction featured Tiffany windows from an old church that sold for $29,000. A three-foot polished bronze wall clock pulled in $9,500. A kerosene Tiffany lamp was $16,000.

Brown has a staff of seven buyers who travel the world to find many one-of-a-kind pieces. "I have three American buyers and others who travel to Uruguay, Belgium, Italy, wherever to spend my money on rare things," said Brown.

What they bring back are pieces you won't find in a catalog or in any other furniture showrooms.

"We specialize in uncommon antiques," said Brown. "We've found that there's pretty much a buyer for everything, no matter how unusual. There's someone who collects everything, and they'll travel a long distance to buy just one piece of something they really like. So you might think this is the most wonderful dresser on Earth and another person wouldn't take it as a gift. It's very personal."

As rare as the auction items might be, Brown points out that "there's nothing in here anybody needs, not a darn thing. It's just a question of wish and want."

And it's also a question of investment.

"There are certainly a lot of good furniture buys here that cost less than new furniture today," he said. "And when people tire of it, it will be worth more money. That won't happen with a new dining room table that's probably made of press board. But a nice antique table or bed is always a good value for your home."

Way out of the ordinary

Among the more unusual items that have been presented for sale at Red Baron's auctions:

• The mechanical ET character from the movie of the same name. "I purchased it a few days before the auction from a collector, even though I had not even seen the movie," recalled Brown. "People came in and wanted to see its finger move. I paid $1,500 for it and thought we'd do OK, but it went for $39,000."

• Complete interiors of rooms. Coming up this weekend is an old soda fountain, with onyx and silver dispensers. "It would make an unbelievable kitchen," said Brown.

• A carousel.

• A complete toboggan.

Auction action

Here are some tips for getting in on the action:

• Order a free catalog to see what's being offered for sale.

• Come into the store ahead of time and look around.

• "Ask a lot of questions," said Brown. "That's the best way to be prepared. We have plenty of people here who can tell you about what we have and what you should pay."

• If you want to bid, register in advance. The $100 registration fee is credited toward your purchase.

If you go

Red Baron Architectural Antiques auction will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The store is at 6450 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.

The store also is open to the public between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

More information: www.redbaronsantiques.com; 404-252-3770