It had never been registered, Blanchard said, because its owner John McKenzie had his own lake.

"We'll help you get it registered," he told eager bidders.

Nearly 400 people had signed up Saturday to vie for a bit of history. In the sticky August afternoon, some ate hot dogs as others collected exotic animal mounts, ogled a 10-pound stuffed perch or turned over teacups.

Everyone heard the oriental dinner gong.

Auction paddles flashed from shirt pockets at Druggett Rugs made by Gustave Stickley, Currier & Ives dinnerware, and summer green Depression glass dishes.

Despite prices that dazzled many, the entire cost of contents couldn't have bought the two hours' preview. For a while anyway, the long-hidden, unsold Adirondack treasures seemed to belong to everyone.

Sinking into weather-beaten Westport style chairs, wistful buyers imagined the famed Philosopher's Camp view at Follensby Pond.

"These were outside for a long time," said one guest, stroking the bleached gray arm.

The 1812 ship's shield was a center of attention. It had been a gift from Mrs. Lila Webb at Shelburne Farms to the Barbour family after they built White Birches in 1913.

The shield's bowsprit counterpart resides at Shelburne Museum, Blanchard said.

Still vibrant red, white and blue, the paint had been retouched decades ago by famed watercolorist Ogden Pleissner.

Eight miles and 45 minutes past the auction site, White Birches lodge presides over the five-mile length of Follensby Pond in a 14,500 acre private "park."

It is one of the most untouched places on earth.

When they first walked through the door, Blanchard said, it was like stepping back 80 years in time.

Nothing had ever been moved.