By Mark Ambrogi
A lock of Charles Manson’s hair is one of the strangest things that has turned up for sale through Aether Estate Sales.
Although murderers’ memorabilia is rare, many other gems like rare antiques and sports collectibles turn up more frequently.
“We see a lot of cool stuff like an Aston Martin, or some really beautiful jewelry, priceless antiques,” said Fishers resident Lee Parson, who owns the company with his wife Tiffany. “We sell everything and anything.”
Some examples include a 2009 Aston Martin Vantage that sold for $69,000; a vintage Lego collection sold for $4,200; and a vintage Mickey Mouse toy sold for $12,000.
Parson said the company recently started its marketing push for franchises in Indiana and other states.
“We can offer markets like Lafayette, Bloomington and Fort Wayne in the state,” Parson said. “We’re not offering it in all 50 states. We’re approved for 29 states right now.”
The franchise cost is $42,000.
Parson said 80 percent of Aether’s business comes from people downsizing.
“Their kids are grown and the parents want to move somewhere warmer,” Parson said.
Tiffany said most of the sales comes from the four Ds: death, downsizing, debt and divorce.
“The three other ones, other than death, are the larger ones on why we have sales,” Tiffany said.
The company began in 2013 and has expanded into a few markets. Aether has seven full-time employees in Indiana and a crew of five in Naples, Fla.
Parson’s background is in antiques, collectibles, auction houses and antique stores.
“That’s what my parents and grandparents did for a living,” Parson said. “This is a natural transition.”
Formerly a single mom, Tiffany said she learned to be frugal and become familiar with second-hand stores.
“We put our expertise together for this service we provide,” Tiffany said.
For more, visit aetherestatesales.com.
