Clars Auction Gallery traces its history back to 1948. Eighteen-year-old Harvey Clar began conducting auctions, primarily of industrial equipment. In time, he became a particular expert at auctioning off automobile dealerships. However, his skills were called upon for various other types of property, so in 1971 he set up an auction gallery in Oakland, California, with his wife Donna. It has grown ever since to become one of the leading houses on America's west coast. In 1996 Mr. Clar sold the business to Redge A. Martin, an auctioneer and appraiser. Clars Auction now conducts monthly large estate auctions, generally 1,500 to 2,000 items, with books occasionally showing up with the items offered.