If you've ever longed for an original terracotta lioness head, or a pair of wood carved griffins from 1890, this could be your chance to get them.

Thousands of original artifacts collected over nearly a half century, many salvaged from New York city buildings, will be auctioned off from Urban Archaeology in Tribeca by Gurnsey's auction house on Friday and Saturday. 

"I happen to like buildings that don't look like Donald Trump buildings," said Urban Archaeology founder Gil Shapiro. Shapiro has been scavenging for salvaged items and selling them at his showroom for four decades. In addition to selling original fixtures, Shapiro also manufacturers reproductions.

The auction comes as Shapiro's 20-year lease is up and the building's owner is turning the landmarked property into condos.

"We're building a new warehouse and factory under one roof in Long Island City," said Shapiro.

Items up for auction at Urban Archeology.

(Janet Babin/WNYC)

In the days before refrigeration, The Tufts Syrup Locker, c. 1890, was used by pharmacies to store flavored syrups for soda water and ice cream. Today it's valued at $30,000-40,000.

(Chris Vincent/Guernsey’s)

Gates from St. Patrick's Cathedral.

(Janet Babin/WNYC)

Partial ceiling from Bon Marche.

(Janet Babin/WNYC)

Clocks, light fixtures, sculptures, some of the thousands of items to be auctioned off at Urban Archeology.

(Janet Babin/WNYC)

    

The mermaid at the center of Paris' Place de Concorde fountain now sits in New York City. A replica was placed in Paris during early 20th century renovations. The original is worth $125,000-150,000.

(Chris Vincent/Guernsey’s)