This fairly easy-to-use site lists federal, state and local auctions and Internet-based sales of new, surplus and seized merchandise and real estate - many items seized by the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Treasury. In other words, some items are sold at online auctions while others are sold at brick and mortar public auctions.

In addition to farms, boats, trucks and airplanes, you'll find buildings, land, houses, computers, electronics, sporting goods, clothing, jewelry, collectibles, books, office equipment and supplies, medical and dental items, household things and more. In fact, there are over a thousand items for sale at any one time and the information is updated daily.

You can search by the above listed categories, a by specific item or by geographic location of auctions.

And, as mentioned above, the website also has a list of physical auctions (as opposed to Internet auctions) all around the country that are open to the public. They are listed by state.

I clicked on "Jewelry & Collectibles" and then on "Watches." I found a man's two-tone Bulova Quartz watch with a white dial. The details included two pictures of the watch, who the seller is (Southern District of the New York State Marshal's Office), where to place a bid, the highest current bid ($85) and the auction's closing date and time.

With the watch, there's a required $10 bidding increment. Instructions on how to pay (cash, cashier's check, bank check, bank wire and credit cards are spelled out. (In this case, credit cards are not accepted.) If the items are available to look at (in a warehouse, at an auction house, etc.) those details are added.

The Bulova watch can be seen at Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers in Pflugerville, Texas.

Next I looked at collectible coins. This seemed a safer bet since I can't easily get to Pflugerville and since there is no guarantee that the watch works.

With the coins, the physical descriptions are very clear - a 1971 U.S. Eisenhower dollar or an 1885 U.S. Morgan silver dollar, for example. This lot can be previewed at the VSE Warehouse in Pompano Beach, Florida.

If yours is the winning bid, you typically have 10 days after the auction to collect your item or items. Often arrangements can be made to have smaller items shipped for a fee. For larger items, you (or a "designated agent") must pick up the items in person. Note: There are companies that will pick up and deliver vehicles and large equipment for you...directions are spelled out by the agency involved.

TIP: First-time users should begin by reading the section called "Frequently Asked Questions."

So, how can you make use of GovSales in addition to finding a bargain priced airplane? Some experienced buyers resell items - on eBay or Craigslist or at their own garage sale. However, this is successful only if you know going prices and you got an excellent deal.

On the other hand, perhaps you can start your grandchild with a coin or stamp collection. Furnish your at-home office. Get a second car. Pick up holiday and birthday gifts. Find items for your child or grandchild's dorm room or first apartment.

But, of course, landing a plane would be the most fun!