Cyr Auction in Gray is preparing for one of its biggest auctions of the year, coming up on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Auction workers are planning for a crowd of about 300 people to attend The Fine Arts and Collectors Auction, which will put up for bid about 1,000 rare and unique collectibles that could make any antique buff swoon. Items include jewelry, artwork by famous Maine artists, and antique furniture to name a few.

“We think that antiques and collectibles make wonderful Christmas gifts, so for anyone looking for that, or for a treasure for themselves, this is a good opportunity,” said auctioneer Jim Cyr.

Cyr, a native of western Maine, has been in the antiques business since the late 1960s, and opened Cyr Auction on Route 100 in 1991. His business has grown considerably since then, and today does business nationally and overseas.

“I started dabbling in antiques as a teenager, digging up bottles,” said Cyr with a smile.

Cyr’s business has brought him in touch with some more interesting finds, like china belonging to a Romanian baron who fled his home in World War I, and a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. These, and other valuable items usually consigned with estates, have generated interest among antique enthusiasts from Maine and elsewhere, some of whom have called to place early bids in anticipation of the well-attended event.

Items up for auction on Saturday range in value anywhere from $10 to $50,000. And while some of the more valuable items may seem steeply priced, Cyr said buying at auction is advantageous.

“You’re buying at a competitive price, for market value. And you’re only paying one bid more than someone else is willing to pay,” said Cyr. “A lot of collectors want to buy something that’s fresh from the estate.”

Cyr cautioned potential bidders from restricting themselves to a price cap. He said that bidders sometimes have buyer’s remorse if they stop themselves from going higher, only to lose out on items they truly want.

“The few extra dollars usually doesn’t mean much if you’re interested in something,” said Cyr.

And while there are quite a few high-priced items, like wooden decoys carved by Maine carver Gus Wilson and a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, Cyr said there are also beautiful items, like oriental rugs and functional furniture, that are more moderately priced because of the current saturated market for such items.

“Good, useful furniture is very thrifty right now,” said Cyr.

Cyr Auction is one of three major auction houses in Maine. Cyr said they host about 35 auctions each year, including Americana and Victoriana auctions, and among those the Fine Arts and Collectibles Auction is the fourth or fifth largest.

The auction house has two stages. The larger of the two, which has a revolving space to showcase items, will be used Saturday. In addition to the few hundred heads expected to attend, 100 or so people will call in from remote locations to place their bids over 11 phone lines. Cyr said that at past auctions, they were so inundated with calls that they had to add extra lines.

The majority of interest comes from museums, galleries, dealers, and homeowners who take a special interest in antiques. But Cyr encouraged those who may not be familiar with the business to come out on Saturday, even if only to watch. The event will last about seven hours, and there is no cost to attend.

“Ask the auctioneer for advice,” said Cyr. “Some people come in and raise their hands and buy something they’re not really familiar with, but we’re very willing to explain everything we know about the items. Every item has a story, and we like to convey those to people, because it always makes things more interesting,” said Cyr.