Airports commission has an offer for shoppers: $600 designer shoes

June 5, 2013 at 12:23AM

The Metropolitan Airports Commission has a tantalizing offer for shoppers: a $600 pair of Salvatore Ferragamo ladies patent leather shoes — possibly for a fraction of the price,

The size 8 designer shoes look like they've never been worn, the description says.

Wait, no agency wrongdoing here. Unclaimed items left at the airport for three months are sold as part of an online auction of surplus government goods. As of Tuesday evening, the bid on the shoes was $56.

Looking for something other than fancy pumps? The commission is also selling a pair of men's ski boots, a watch and an iPod Touch.

On the practical side, Olmsted County is selling a 2008 sheriff's squad car, minus the decal, lights and sirens. The always-popular public drinking fountain is available in St. Louis County.

There are also items you might expect at a government surplus auction — such as computers, file cabinets and school equipment. One lucky bidder may get 21 baking pans, nine cutting boards and other kitchen equipment from the Elk River Area School District for a mere $21.50.

But the biggest current prize is a 350-foot radio tower built in Brainerd in 1968. The minimum $1,000 price tag hasn't lured any bidders.

The reason may be that the new owner will have to remove the tower.

The website is www.publicsurplus.com.

David Chanen

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