About

Celebrating over 55 Years of Auctioneering

Gateway Gallery Auction Inc. is a family company known for our experience, honesty and in-depth knowledge of market conditions.

Estate executors, collectors, dealers and every-day buyers trust us to deliver high quality, professional auction services.

We work closely with consignors and collectors to offer unparalleled service in the sale of vintage, antiques, furniture, personal property & specialty collections. Our three-pronged approach of presentation, product knowledge and skillful marketing strategies backed by our team of experienced professionals, make Gateway an ideal environment for handling estates and collections.

We are a consignment-based auction house, we do not buy objects or estates outright. Your goal as a consignor and our goal as your representative in the marketplace are the same: a transparent process with the best possible price. Based on photographs or firsthand evaluation, our auctioneers will provide information on the selling process, service options and current market trends.

Located on the I-81 corridor in south central Pennsylvania, Gateway typically runs 45 live, in-house auctions a year comprised of estates and downsizes, as well as specialty collections such as model trains, toys, coins, sports cards, firearms and more.

Who We Are

John Kohler, Jr. founded Gateway Gallery Auction with his wife Kay in 1991. John’s work over the past fifty years as a professional auctioneer and appraiser has earned him a deserved reputation as highly versatile antique generalist.  While John has begun to transition from lead consignment specialist to an “of counsel” status; he continues to consult with clients to bring their collections to the marketplace while mentoring Heather in the oversight of daily operations. John continues to head the real estate division of the company.

A graduate of Shippensburg University, John began his career in auctioneering in 1969. He is a licensed auctioneer in the state of Pennsylvania; as well as a member of the National Auctioneer’s Association,  the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association, the VFW, and the Freemasons. An active member of the community, John has lent his auction and appraisal expertise to many charitable organizations over the years including Montessori Academy, Women in Need, Cumberland Valley School of Music, Civil War Round Table, Mercersburg Historical Society, Shippensburg Historical Society, Franklin County Historical Society and the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.

Kay Kohler is head of the administrative operations of Gateway Gallery Auction. She is responsible for all financial aspects of the company, web development and human resources. Her experience and knowledge in accounting, IT, and day-to-day business operations is a continual asset to the company.

Heather Kohler oversees daily operations at Gateway, as well as actively seeking consignments, coordinating sales and staff development. Heather works closely with our Marketing Director regarding marketing and public relations strategy and emerging markets. Heather is a licensed auctioneer in the state of Pennsylvania. A 2008 graduate of Mendenhall School of Auctioneering, she has been working for the company since 1998.  Heather is a member of the National Auctioneer’s Association, Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association, the Rotary Club of Chambersburg, Kindly Canines of Chambersburg, PEO and the VFW Auxillary. She sits on the board for the Rotary Club of Chambersburg. She was awarded the 2018 Rotarian of the Year and is a graduate of Leadership Franklin County. Heather frequently volunteers her auctioneering skills to various community non-profits including CVBCA, Franklin County Literary Council, PEO and the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Our History

At 22 years of age,  John F. Kohler, Jr. began calling sale.  In 1969, while apprenticing under Dennis Welker, John began learning the in’s and out’s of the auction business.

After graduating from Shippensburg University, John began working in state government. While John worked during the day, he practiced his craft in the evenings – calling sale across the Cumberland Valley.  Along the way, he sold a lot of interesting items and met many wonderful people.

In 1991, he and his wife, Kay, established Gateway Gallery Auction; a full service auction dedicated to helping families through life’s transitions. Heather, John’s daughter, officially joined the company in 1998.  Sharing her father’s passion for auctions, she graduated from Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in 2008 and is a licensed PA auctioneer.

As a family company, we put our values first – honesty, integrity, and caring. Our auction services focus on product knowledge, showroom atmosphere, careful handling and state-of-the art technology. This multi-faceted approach makes our services unique. We have found that proper presentation and exposure are key elements in achieving the best results for our clients.

We invite you to visit our gallery, attend an auction in person or view us online. Find out why we say “Our service is the Difference”.