I have attended numerous silent auctions, where first, nothing was allowed to be touched by the bidders, items were strictly handled and "shown" by one of the auctioneer's staff... And all bidders had to be present when the winners were announced. Now I am not saying that it isn't done, but I have never been to a silent auction that then opened up to live bidding later...certainly not for the same items
Oi and put me down for handling the books and payments at the end of each item... I would spot, but I miss half of everything going on...