An ancient Egyptian sculpture, glass once owned by Barbara Streisand and an unusual rat sculpture were among the offerings at the annual post-Thanksgiving auction hosted by Marion Antique Auctions on Saturday.

The auction, one of two held each year by antique experts Frank McNamee and David Glynn, is a popular event for those seeking local memorabilia as well as pieces from local estates.

It attracts interested buyers from all over the world, often bidding by phone, and sometimes even the original artist calls.

Glynn said a local artist called the auctioneers to complain about the low estimated value on his painting.

“He thought his work was worth more than that,” Glynn said. “We told him he had to be dead first.”

That piece may, indeed, go for a low bid, but other artwork could claim a decent sum.

Many stopped to look at a piece of modern art by Richard Gachot with a lab rat that imprisons his captors – scientists in white coats. The sculpture features moving pieces and was a donated from a Marion estate with proceeds to go to It's All About the Animals, a shelter in Rochester.

While the artwork is a draw, many come to the auctions seeking whaling and nautical pieces, of which there were plenty.

One case was filled with delicately carved whales' teeth.

“The scrimshaw is out of this world,” Mary Jane Doherty of Mattapoisett marveled as she peered through the glass.

Among the other auctions items were a ship's passport signed by President Andrew Johnson that McNamee said would appeal to nautical and presidential collectors, a painting of Abraham Lincoln and an Egyptian sculpture estimated to be around the 50 B.C. to 100 A.D. marker.

Before the auction, many perused the offerings in the auction's new location at the Music Hall. Until this year, the auction was always held at the VFW, which was recently donated to the tow.

McNamee said the Music Hall, though smaller and with less parking, was their first choice because they wanted to keep the event in town.

“We feel fortunate to be able to have this auction here because it's such a wonderful historic building,” he said.