Stokes Auction has been a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest auction scene for half a century. Located in Port Orchard, Washington, this family-owned auction company has built a reputation for honest, transparent, and high-recovery auctions across estate sales, vehicles, antiques, heavy equipment, and business liquidations.
Whether you’re a buyer looking for incredible deals or a seller wanting maximum value, Stokes Auction offers one of the most reliable and professional platforms in Washington state.
The Rich History Behind Stokes Auction
Stokes Auction was founded in 1975 by Larry Stokes. What started as a small, local auction business quickly grew into one of the most respected auction houses in Western Washington. Larry’s daughter, LeAnn Boardman, now runs the company alongside her business partner Brian Orwiler, making it a true third-generation operation.
The company has always stayed true to its roots—treating every consignment, whether a single box of tools or an entire estate, with the same level of care and professionalism. Over the decades, Stokes Auction has conducted thousands of successful auctions, helping families, businesses, attorneys, banks, and trustees liquidate assets efficiently.
Why Sellers Choose Stokes Auction in Washington
Sellers pick Stokes Auction for one main reason: results. The team understands the local market extremely well. They know what collectors in Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, and Kitsap County are actively looking for.
Unlike big national auction sites that take huge commissions and offer little personal service, Stokes Auction provides white-glove consignment service. They handle everything—professional photography, detailed lot descriptions, secure storage, marketing, and seamless online bidding. Their hybrid model (live auctioneering combined with real-time online bidding) consistently delivers higher hammer prices than pure online-only platforms.
Types of Auctions Conducted by Stokes Auction
Estate Auctions Stokes Auction is widely known for its clean, well-organized estate auctions. Whether it’s a full house or a single valuable collection, they specialize in turning personal property into cash quickly and fairly.
Monthly Online Vehicle Auctions One of their most popular services is the monthly online vehicle auction. Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, trailers, and heavy-duty work trucks regularly cross the block. These auctions attract both local buyers and out-of-state bidders thanks to detailed condition reports and high-quality photos.
Antique & Collectibles Auctions The antique auctions at Stokes Auction draw serious collectors. Mid-century furniture, vintage tools, pottery, jewelry, coins, militaria, and Asian art are common categories that perform very well.
Business Liquidation & Equipment Auctions From restaurant equipment and construction machinery to forklift fleets and manufacturing plants, Stokes Auction regularly handles commercial and industrial liquidations.
Bankruptcy, Repossession & Trustee Sales Attorneys, banks, and bankruptcy trustees frequently use Stokes Auction because of their reputation for strict compliance, detailed reporting, and fast payment to creditors.
How Online Bidding Works at Stokes Auction
All auctions feature full online bidding through the trusted Apro.bid platform. The process is simple:
- Register once (easy approval for most bidders)
- Browse lots with zoomable photos and condition reports
- Bid in real time from anywhere in the world
- Win and pick up locally or arrange shipping
The live auctioneer still calls the auction on-site, which creates excitement and often drives final prices higher than silent online-only auctions.
Tips for Winning More at Stokes Auction
- Preview items whenever possible (they offer appointment-only previews)
- Set a maximum bid in advance and stick to it
- Watch the auction live instead of relying only on proxy bids
- Pay quickly—Stokes Auction rewards fast-paying buyers with better treatment on future auctions
- Ask questions before the auction (the staff is very responsive)
What Buyers Love About Stokes Auction
Buyers consistently praise the honesty of descriptions. There are no intentional “gotchas.” If something has damage, it is disclosed. This builds long-term trust and creates a loyal bidding community that returns auction after auction.
The Stokes Auction Facility in Port Orchard
The auction yard and warehouse are located at 8398 SE Spring Creek Rd, Port Orchard, WA—just off Highway 16. It’s an easy drive from Seattle (about 75 minutes), Tacoma (20 minutes), or Bremerton (15 minutes). The facility includes a large indoor showroom, secure storage, and ample parking for truck and trailer pickups.
Table: Popular Auction Types at Stokes Auction
| Auction Type | Frequency | Best For | Online Bidding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estate Auctions | Multiple per month | Furniture, tools, household goods | Yes |
| Vehicle Auctions | Monthly | Cars, trucks, RVs, boats | Yes |
| Antique Auctions | 4–6 per year | Vintage, jewelry, collectibles | Yes |
| Equipment & Business | As needed | Heavy equipment, commercial assets | Yes |
| Firearm Auctions | Seasonal | Licensed collectors & dealers | Yes |
A Few Real Quotes from Recent Clients
“LeAnn and the team sold my father’s entire estate and got us 40% more than we expected. Professional from start to finish.” — Jennifer R., Gig Harbor
“Their monthly truck auctions are the best in Western Washington. I’ve bought four work trucks through Stokes.” — Mike T., Tacoma
“Fast payment, honest descriptions, and great communication. Couldn’t recommend them more.” — Robert K., Estate Attorney
Conclusion
Stokes Auction stands out as one of the most reliable, professional, and results-driven auction companies in Washington state. With nearly 50 years of experience, a family-owned approach, and a modern online bidding platform, they successfully bridge the gap between traditional auction service and today’s digital expectations.
Whether you need to liquidate an estate, sell vehicles, clear a business, or find your next great deal, Stokes Auction delivers honesty, convenience, and strong returns.
FAQ
Where is Stokes Auction located?
Stokes Auction is located in Port Orchard, Washington, at 8398 SE Spring Creek Rd, just off Highway 16 between Tacoma and Bremerton.
Does Stokes Auction allow online bidding?
Yes. Every auction features full online bidding through the Apro.bid platform. You can bid live from anywhere in the world.
How often does Stokes Auction hold vehicle auctions?
They typically hold a major online vehicle auction once per month, featuring cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and trailers.
Can I sell just a few items with Stokes Auction?
Yes. While they excel with full estates, they also accept smaller consignments, collections, and single high-value items when space allows.
How long does it take to get paid after my items sell?
Most sellers receive payment within 10–14 business days after the auction concludes, once all funds have cleared.
Do they offer appraisals?
Yes. Stokes Auction provides estate appraisals for probate, insurance, or pre-sale valuation purposes.
