Montana's Auction Experts — Trusted Since 1960
Gardner Auction Service has been a cornerstone of Montana's auction industry for over 66 years. What started as a family business in Hamilton, Montana has grown into one of the most respected auction companies in the region — with two locations, over 150 auctions conducted every year, and a reputation built one successful sale at a time. Whether you're settling an estate, liquidating a business, or selling a lifetime of assets, we bring the experience, the reach, and the commitment to get it done right.
01
Decades of Proven Experience
Founded in 1960, we've spent over six decades mastering every type of auction — from family estates to major institutional sales.
02
A Name You Can Trust
We are proud members of the National Auctioneers Association and the Montana Auctioneers Association and operate under a strong code of professional ethics.
03
Truly Full Service
From the first consultation to the final settlement check, we handle every part of the process. You don't coordinate multiple vendors or manage logistics.
04
Local Knowledge, Wide Reach
We know the Montana market and we know the buyers in it. We have two locations in Kalispell and Missoula.
Who We Serve
Firearms
Competitive bidding that drives urgency, brings qualified buyers to the table, and gets your property sold.
Estates & Probate
Compassionate and professional handling of entire estates, from high-end furniture to personal collections.
Farm & Ranch
Full-service sales covering everything from land and livestock to equipment and outbuildings.
Business Liquidations
Fast, efficient liquidation of business assets — fixtures, equipment, inventory, and everything in between.
Machinery
Targeted marketing and a proven buyer network to move heavy equipment at competitive prices.
Antiques
Specialty auctions connecting unique pieces with buyers who appreciate their value.
Vehicles
A fast and effective way to sell cars, trucks, trailers, or an entire fleet at fair market prices.
Trustees & Institutions
Transparent, professionally managed auctions serving banks, municipalities, courts, and government agencies.
Expert Appraisal & Logistics
One of the biggest advantages of working with Gardner is that you never have to figure out the logistics on your own. From the moment we assess your property to the day the last item is sold, our team takes care of the physical side of your auction completely.
Professional assessment of your property and items prior to the auction
Full-service hauling available for single items or entire estates and businesses ($150/hr)
Secure storage units available to hold your items leading up to auction day
Fenced impound lot for vehicles and equipment
Professional setup and organization of all items at our auction center or on-site
Careful handling and cataloging so every item is presented at its best
Digital & Physical Marketing
A successful auction starts long before the first bid is placed. Getting the right buyers in front of your items is what drives competitive bidding and ultimately determines what you walk away with. Gardner's marketing approach combines the reach of digital platforms with the proven effectiveness of traditional local marketing.
The Gardner Process
Commission Structure
Simple, transparent pricing for all consignment items.
Under $40
0%
Consignment commission per item
$41 - $100
0%
Consignment commission per item
Over $101
0%
Consignment commission per item
If you want to consign items, please call to set up a time to bring those items in.
“Making Auctions A Major Marketing Event.”
We believe that presentation of your property in it's most desirable aspect not only satisfies the buyer, but also brings more money to the seller.
Enthusiastic crowds of prospective buyers means competitive bidding, and consequently, more dollars for you! Year after year our highly successful sales have increased buyer interest. As a result, the number of bidders who are familiar with our auctions and who know they can trust Gardner Auction Service, continues to increase.
The auction method is the ideal means to settle estates, sell businesses, real estate and all types of personal property. Courts, Trustees and businessmen everywhere are convinced that a well advertised, professionally managed auction is the best way to determine fair market value.
NOTABLE ESTATES & REFERENCES
Marcus Daly Estate
T.C. Powers
U.S. SBA
First Interstate Bank
Glacier Bank
Whitefish CU
Federal Bankruptcy
State of Montana
We invite you to call us for a list of our references, from the Estate of Marcus Daly (Montana's "Copper King"), the T. C. Powers Estate (Montana's second Territorial Senator), the U. S. Small Business Administration, many local banks, municipalities, lawyers, businessmen including your friends and neighbors...the list of satisfied Gardner Auction customers is endless! Call us at (406)752-7682 or email us at sellit@gardnerauction.com for more information!
Ready to Hold Your Auction?
Join the hundreds of Montana families and institutions who trust Gardner for their asset liquidation needs.