VINELAND, NJ.- Bertoia Auctions is branching out with a new series of sales designed expressly for live-online and absentee bidding. Known as “Bertoia Basics,” the auctions will offer collectors at all levels an additional way to buy fine toys, trains, banks and doorstops using only real-time Internet and absentee-bidding methods.

“The auctions will be held during the months that fall between our major sales. That way our customers can add to their collections year round and be assured they will still receive the same level of quality service they’ve come to count on when buying from us,” said Bertoia’s owner, Jeanne Bertoia.

Each Bertoia Basics auction will be a one-day event in which registered bidders can participate either absentee or live online in an otherwise traditionally structured auction. Absentee bids may be lodged anytime before the auction, either by calling Bertoia’s gallery or placing the bid online. On auction day, lots will be introduced for real-time online bidding in consecutive numerical order, exactly as though they were being presented to a live gallery audience. Auctioneer Michael Bertoia will oversee each Bertoia Basics auction from start to finish and place all absentee bids competitively.

In lieu of a published catalog, a free digital version will be available to view online, download and, if desired, print out.

Just as they do prior to their live gallery events, Bertoia Auctions’ staff members will be available to answer questions or provide detailed verbal condition reports by phone about any item in a Bertoia Basics sale. Also, all post-sale packing and shipping will be handled in-house at Bertoia’s gallery.

“The service customers receive will be exactly the same as with our major, multiple-day live-audience sales. Only the method of bidding will be different, as there will not be live gallery attendance,” Jeanne said.

The first Bertoia Basics live-online and absentee auction will take place on Saturday, April 15, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The 396-lot sale features antique toys, banks, cast-iron doorstops, teddy bears and much more. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live online at www.bertoiaauctions.com or www.liveauctioneers.com.