Winchester Reins Supreme At The March SoldUSA.com Internet / Catalog Auction

Winchester Reins Supreme At The March SoldUSA.com Internet / Catalog Auction

Ken, This is the press release for the hunting and fishing side. I am going to send you another for the military and firearms side tomorrow. I just wanted you to have something to get started with.

“There is no evidence that the economy is affecting tangible investments what so ever” said Chris Roberts, President of SoldUSA.com. Our March 21st & 22nd 2009 auction saw high prices being paid across the spectrum of this large internet auction. “We had the highest number of actual bidders we have ever experienced in over 20 years of auctioning on the web. We had a little over 10,000 individual bidders and took over 4 million hits across both days of the sale.” This is the most activity we have ever had and we contribute a lot of it to great product and advertising intensity. This sale featured over 300 lots of fishing lures and collectibles, 150 lots of advertising and over 1000 lots of militaria and firearms all seeing very high if not above retail prices being paid. Some new world records and extremely high prices were paid and are as follows:



1. Item 16643 Winchester Triangle Mobile Style Diecut Extremely Rare!!!

Patented February 9th, 1909 by John Igelstroem Co. This is an extremely rare three panel diecut featuring a quail, rabbit and big horn sheep. There is one panel for shotgun shells, .22 ammunition and big game cartridges. The piece measures 15” x 21 ½” and has never been folded. The piece has the original instructions on the reverse and shows light soiling with some light corner and edge wear overall. This is an extremely rare Winchester item with the original string still attached. You will be hard pressed to find a more unique Winchester diecut anywhere. Received 44 bids and was estimated at 3,000.00 sold for a New World Record Price of $13,079.75 including buyer’s premium.





2. Item 16638 Winchester Store Guns & Ammunition Poster Extremely Rare!!!!

This poster has bands top and bottom and features two men hunting a large buck. The men are situated behind a log with one aiming a rifle at the deer. The poster is in blue, yellow, red, green and white and measures 12” x 18 ¼”. The edges show some light tearing but otherwise this is a near mint piece with “The W Brand” at the bottom. The piece was printed by The International Sign & Letter Co., Cleveland, O. This is an extremely rare Winchester poster and would certainly be the highlight of any collection. This is also a first time offering for us in over 20 years of selling hunting and fishing memorabilia so look very close!! Received 30 bids and was estimated at 2,000.00 sold for a nice price of $3,237.45 including buyer’s premium.





3. Item 17763 Rare Winchester Store Neon Hanging Clock Circa 1930


This neon sign is most unusual and very rare; we believe ca. 1930/33. This clock would be for a very large Winchester Store or Distribution House and perhaps for one the two “anchor” stores (San Fran. or NY). It would be hung at the corner of a store (most likely outside) so it could be seen both directions. Not many stores would meet these criteria, so it’s got to be very rare. The clock and neon are both in working order and this clock would be a highlight of any Winchester Store collection. This is an extremely rare Winchester item so look very close. Sold For a nice price of $6215.00 including buyer’s premium.





4. Item 18721 Which arrived on the Friday before the sale! Was a Winchester Model 1890 Bullet Board Extremely RARE!!!! LATE ARRIVAL!!

This is a completely untouched board in the original frame with the original backing. The board is missing one shotgun shell at the bottom which is a new primed empty Blue Rival shell. This is not a hard shell to find and can easily be replaced on the board. This board has all the factory original cartridges (including of course, the very valuable and most famous 70-150 round). The pictures show the great condition of the LITHOGRAPH-(no damage, no fading or missing paper) and the back has the original paper backing with the correct printing! Also note that all six (6) PRIMER TINS are totally original, they are not replacements! They are full and untouched and these TINS have the paper label on the edge that is so hard to find. Most boards that you see have been abused over their long life and the replacement of the PRIMER TINS is very frequently encountered, as they are rare in themselves! This is truly a rare board so look at it very closely. The board is started at the reserve due to it being a late addition to the auction. Shipping will be around 400.00 to 500.00 through Navis Historical Shipping Service. Sold For $22,600.00 including buyer’s premium.

SPECTACULAR LIFETIME SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION OF TOYS, MOTORCYCLES, ADVERTISING ITEMS AND MORE TO BE SOLD MAY 2-3 IN CEDAR POINT, ILLINOIS

Contact: Dan Matthews
(217) 563-8880 or (217) 259-7059

SPECTACULAR LIFETIME SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION OF TOYS, MOTORCYCLES, ADVERTISING ITEMS AND MORE TO BE SOLD MAY 2-3 IN CEDAR POINT, ILLINOIS

(Cedar Point, Ill.) - A spectacular lifetime single-owner collection, comprising over 700 lots of vintage toy trucks, cast-iron and tin motorcycle toys, full-size antique motorcycles and bicycles, advertising signs and displays, petroliana, coin-op machines and even a big-rig 1954 Mack LTH semi truck, will be sold at auction May 2-3 by Matthews Auctions, LLC, and Gavin Pope Auction Co.

The auction will be conducted at a former schoolhouse building in Cedar Point, Ill., a small town located just off I-39 and south of I-80, about 90 minutes southwest of Chicago and an hour north of Bloomington. The collections were amassed over the course of more than 40 years by Don Fiedler of nearby Spring Valley, Ill. Mr. Fiedler is less active today, and wants others to enjoy what he's collected.

“Don Fiedler is 66 years old and one of the most interesting and colorful characters you will ever meet,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions, LLC. “He's six-foot-six, has been married twice, is a cancer survivor and has long white hair down to his waist and a beard to match. He's a gentle giant who's owned several saloons, a trucking company and the well-known House of Powder paint coating business. It was while in these lines of work that he amassed his many and varied collections.”

The first day of the auction – May 2, beginning at 10 a.m., CST – will feature nearly 175 lots of advertising and petroliana signs; floor and counter-top displays; nearly 50 vintage oil cans; 75 lots of paper goods, from posters to parts boxes; six gas pumps, fully restored; vintage motorcycles, including Indian, Harley Davidson and Cushing models; rare vintage bicycles; and the 1954 Mack semi truck.

The advertising signs will include porcelain, paper and tin examples. Many are scarce and in mint or near-mint condition. A few of the expected top lots include an exceedingly rare AFM Registered Repair Shop porcelain flange sign; a Socony Air-Craft Oils single-sided porcelain sign; a Perfect Circle Piston Rings and Piston Expanders embossed tin sign; a Delco “America's No. 1 Battery” double-sided tin sign; and a rare Texaco Motor Oil Ford porcelain sign.

Several curb and counter-top displays, plus clocks and lighted signs, will also be offered. Some star examples include a Phillips 66 Tires & Batteries double-bubble clock; an original Ford A-1 Used Cars & Trucks lighted clock; an Edison Mazda Super Auto Lamps porcelain storage box; an AC Spark Plugs metal cabinet with original spark plugs; and a Westinghouse Mazda Lamps metal display cabinet.

Day One will also feature several lots of oil cans, to include an original Harley Davidson 5-gallon rocker-style piece, in fabulous condition; and six professionally restored gas pumps, including a 1930s-era Milwaukee cash recording pump; a Wayne 615 10-gallon visible pump; a Frye 117 10-gallon visible pump; a Tokheim 850 pump; and an Eco Air Meter, all painted up and ready for display.

Mr. Fiedler's vintage motorcycle collection is certain to get tongues (and paddles) wagging. Some stars of the category include a 1941 and 1947 Indian Chief; a home-built chopper with 1948 Harley Davidson pan head motor; a 1948 Harley Davidson pan head; a 1949 Harley Davidson Hydra-Glide pan head; a vintage Salsburg Scooter; and a 1952 Harley Davidson Servi-Car.

Other motorcycles include a 1952 Cushman Scooter; a 1954 Harley Davidson Hummer; a 1965 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide; and a reproduction “Whizzer” model. But the undisputed premier lot of the day promises to be the Mack truck. The 1954 LTH model semi is simply gorgeous, and has been beautifully restored and painted (even to include the engine, which is mechanically very strong).

Nearly 50 vintage bicycles will also come under the gavel. Top lots include Indian Motorcycle Company 151 and Roadster 154 models; a Harley Davidson 1917; and other examples in various conditions and colors, by makers like Monarch, J.C. Higgins, Schwinn, Chicago Cycle, American Cycle, West Field, B.F. Goodrich, Arrow, Elgin, Pierce, Geneva, Western Flyer, Shapleigh and others.

Day Two – Sunday, May 3, also starting at 10 a.m. CST – will feature close to 350 lots, mostly collectible antique toys and coin-op machines. First to cross the block will be toy motorcycles, to include a Hubley “Popeye” Indian Patrol 2-cylinder; a rare Hubley “U.S. Air Mail” Indian 2-cylinder with box van side car; a Hubley “Crash Car” 4-cylinder; and a Hubley Indian 2-cylinder with side car.

Other toy motorcycles will include a Hubley electric headlight 2-cylinder with side car; and some 2- and 4-cylinder Harley Davidson variations. Tin examples include a Harley Davidson 9-inch friction by TN (Japan); a Mac 700 7-inch wind-up by Arnold (U.S. Zone Germany); an Atom battery-op 11-inch by MT (Japan); a Siren Patrol battery-op 11-inch by MT; and a Police Cycle 11-inch by MT.

Items in Mr. Fielder's toy truck collection include a Smith Miller “B” Mack tandem axle dump truck; a Smith Miller Ford cab-over truck with flat bed; a Fred Thompson Smith Miller “B” Mack McLean Trucking Company semi and trailer; and a Fred Thompson Smith Miller “L” Mack “Parker Bros. Ready Mix Concrete” truck. Many of the Fred Thomson trucks are limited-production examples.

Vintage pressed steel trucks, massive and impressive, include a Buddy “L” Express Line van truck; a Sturditoy “American Railway Express” screen side van truck; a Steelcraft GMC moving van truck; a Keystone private label Wm. Filenes Sons Co. “RH Whitmoco, The Continental” truck with electric headlights; a Sturditoy “Traveling Store” truck; and a nice Buddy “L” Flivver Coupe #210B.

Other steel trucks include a Steelcraft private label “Federal Storage & Moving” truck with electric headlights; a Buddy “L” coach bus; a Turner mechanical dump truck; a Keystone Packard ambulance; a Dayton C-Cab dump truck; and a Keystone Packard “Wrecker Car.” Pressed steel planes include a Steelcraft “Lockheed Sirius” plane; and various Steelcraft and Keystone U.S. Air Mail planes.

Rounding out the session will be desirable coin-op machines. These include a Place 5-cent slot machine; a fully-operational pinball machine; trade stimulators, to include a Penny Pack machine; nearly 20 candy, peanut and gumball machines, by Master Peanut, Double Nugget, Northwestern and other manufacturers; match dispensers; cigarette machines; vending machines; scales; and punch cards.

It will be an absolute auction, meaning all of the nearly 750 collectible and fresh-to-the-market items will be sold to the highest bidder, without reserve. Online bidding will be made possible by Proxibid. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A preview will be held on Friday, May 1, from noon to 6 p.m., CST. Previews will also be held the morning of the sale dates, starting at 8 a.m., CST. Also, a Discovery Auction will be held on Friday evening, May 1st, beginning at around 6 o'clock p.m.

Matthews Auctions, LLC, is based in Nokomis, Ill. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them toll-free, at (877) 968-8880, or you can e-mail them, at danm@matthewsauctions.com. Gavin Pope Auction Company is based in Raymond, Ill. For information, you may call Gavin Pope at (217) 825-8682.

To learn more about the May 2-3 auction of the living estate of Don Fiedler, you may log on to www.MatthewsAuctions.com or www.GDPope.com.


AFM sign:
Exceedingly rare AFM Registered Repair Shop porcelain flange sign (est. $10,000-$15,000).



Mack truck:
Beautifully restored and painted 1954 Mack semi truck, LTH model (est. $15,000-$20,000).



Indian motorcycle:
This spiffy 1948 Indian Chief Roadmaster motorcycle is expected to speed off for $20,000-$30,000.



Popeye motorcycle:
Popeye on motorcycle toy by Hubley (est. $1,750-$2,000).



Toy plane:
Steelcraft Lockheed Sirius toy airplane (est. $1,500-$2,000).



Coin-op Machine:
Vintage coin-operated machine in excellent condition (est. 400-$600).

RED BARON -- THE SOUTH’S OLDEST AND LARGEST AUCTION FIRM -- IS ‘BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND’ WITH A SALE THIS COMING WEEKEND, MAR. 28-29 IN ATLANTA

Contact: Bridgette Harden
(404) 252-3770

RED BARON -- THE SOUTH’S OLDEST AND LARGEST AUCTION FIRM -- IS ‘BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND’ WITH A SALE THIS COMING WEEKEND, MAR. 28-29 IN ATLANTA

(ATLANTA, Ga.) – Mark Twain and Red Baron Antiques have something in common: reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated. In the case of Red Baron’s – the Atlanta-based auction house known for its thrice-annual themed extravaganzas – falsely reported rumors of its closing proved to be premature. A ‘Grand Finale’ sale was held late last year, after the firm’s owner was forced to take a break from the circus due to health concerns.

But that was then, and this is now. Robert Brown is back in the pink and so, evidently, is Red Baron’s. This coming weekend, the firm will hold a “Back By Popular Demand - This Is the Big One” auction (March 28-29, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days). Over 2,000 fresh-to-the-market lots in a broad array of categories will cross the block, to the delight of devotees thrilled at the return of the Red Baron.

Highlights of the sale promise to include the following:

Remarkable architectural antiques and stately home furnishings from around the world.
Original oil paintings dating as far back as the 15th century.
Fine collectibles, palatial garden statuary, fountains, gates and more.

“My health has returned and there is a place in the market for a leader and a risk-taker, especially in this economy,” Mr. Brown remarked. “Someone has to say go forward and keep going, and that someone might as well be me. The sky isn’t falling. The antiques business and the auction business are both old and strong. You just can’t quit. The worst thing a person can do right now is retreat or give up.”

The event will be held at Red Baron’s 80,000-square-foot showroom facility, located at 6450 Roswell Road in Atlanta. A preview party will be held on Friday, Mar. 27, from 7-10 p.m. A sumptuous catered dinner – typical for a Red Baron’s auction – will be held on Saturday night, Marc. 28, after the day’s session concludes. Then they’ll get up and do it all over again the following morning, at 9 a.m.

Rare and vintage automobiles are a trademark at just about every Red Baron’s auction that’s ever been held, and this one will be no exception. A few anticipated top earners include a classic 1957 Chevy Bel-Air convertible, fully restored and ready for the road; a 1950 Packard 23rd Series convertible; a 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom; a 2000 Lamborghini MOMO Edition (#9 of 12 made); and other collectible cars.

An expected star of the fine art category is an original oil painting by Dutch-born American artist Anthony Thieme (1888-1954), titled Rockport Fish Boats. The work was pictured in the authoritative book on Mr. Thieme, by the Rockport Art Association in Rockport, Mass., where the artist lived (he also maintained residences in Florida and California). Mr. Thieme was best known for his coastal landscapes.

Of historical significance is an extremely rare, signed Tiffany & Co. sterling silver presentation sword, with the blade inlaid in gold (circa 1890). The inscription reads, “In a contest for this sword readers of the Boston Daily Globe, for the most popular Comrade of the Respected Commander of GAR, ‘Grand Army of the Republic.” A bonus: the sword is studded with diamonds and precious stones.

Also featured will be spectacular windows by Tiffany Studios and the renowned John LaFarge; monumental bars by Brunswick and other American manufacturers, plus numerous pub bars for home entertainment; grand pianos by Bechstein and Collard & Collard; and more. A crowd of around 350-500 people is anticipated. There will be no Internet bidding, but phone and absentee bids will be accepted.

Red Baron Antiques is one of the oldest, largest and best-known antiques sources in the Southeastern United States. The firm is celebrating over 35 years of providing its customers with world-class service and one-of-a-kind inventory, displayed at its landmark gallery facility, which is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9-4. It is closed Sundays.

Red Baron also owns Southern Seasons Magazine, a high-society lifestyle publication dedicated to promoting arts, culture, entertainment, style and class in the Southeastern United States. Additional information may be found at www.southernseasons.net.

Red Baron Antiques is widely recognized as the premier auction house in the Southeast. The firm is always in the hunt for quality items for future sales. If you have an item, estate or collection to be considered, you may call them directly, at (404) 252-3770. The e-mail address is info@rbantiques.com. To learn more about Red Baron Antiques and the March 28-29 sale, log on to www.rbantiques.com.


Tiffany sword:
Rare, signed Tiffany & Co. sterling presentation sword (circa 1890), with diamonds and precious stones.



Thieme painting:
Original oil painting by the renowned Dutch-born American artist Anthony Thieme (1888-1954).



Lamborghini MONO:
Many vintage and classic automobiles will be offered, including this rare 2000 Lamborghini MONO.



LaFarge window:
Windows will include wonderful examples by makers such as Tiffany and John LaFarge (shown).



Brunswick bar:
This Brunswick bar is just one of many monumental bars and pubs that will cross the block Mar. 28-29.



Bechstein piano:
Georgeous Bechstein grand piano. Another grand piano, by Collard & Collard, will also be offered.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION DATES FOR 2010

CONTACT: ANGIE BECKER
(800) 287-7127

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
January 10-13, 2010
New Orleans, LA


The ACNA has announced the scheduling of its next Convention in New Orleans for January 10-13, 2010 for antiques related shop owners, mall owners, mall & show dealers, show promoters and private collectors.

(Davidson, NC) The Antiques & Collectibles National Association owners Mike and Angie Becker have announced the scheduling of the Associations’ first national convention since 2006. The Association will meet in New Orleans on January 10-13, 2010 using the Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the French Quarter as home base.

The three day Monday through Wednesday meeting schedule, based on the theme “Help Your Future – Buy Your Past,” will be packed with educational classes, networking opportunities, a trade show and a shopping trip to Magazine Street, the core of the New Orleans antiques district. Scheduled speakers and topics for the classes include Kyle Husfloen, keynote address; Fred and Gail Taylor – Antique Furniture; Randy and Debbie Coe – Glass; DiAnna Tindell – Art Restoration; Connie Swaim – Recognizing Fakes; Barbara Mauzy – Kitchenware and Beth Walker – Silver.

The ACNA was formed in 1991 as the Antiques & Collectibles Dealer Association and has evolved to the ACNA to provide personalized services for shop owners, mall owners, show promoters and private collectors as well as all levels of dealers. The Association offers an array of services to its members including property and liability insurance coverage for shop owners, mall owners, mall dealers, show dealers, show promoters and collectors, seminars, a quarterly newsletter, a discount on a home study program through Ashford Institute of Antiques, credit card processing and an online sales platform through GoAntiques.com as well as discounts on trade advertising, shipping, travel, dealer supplies and security concerns.

Registration forms for the Convention and cost details as well as membership benefits and details are available on the Association website at www.acna.us or from the ACNA office, (800) 287-7127 (where the phone is always answered by a live person). Both Association members and non-members are welcome. Early registration is encouraged since discounts are given prior to June 1, 2009.


written by:
Fred Taylor
http://www.furnituredetective.com/
800-387-6377

GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO., LAUNCHED JUST LAST YEAR, IS GEARING UP FOR ITS THIRD SALE ON SATURDAY, APR. 25, WITH CLOCKS, FURNITURE, SILVER AND MORE

Contact: Gordon Converse
(484) 431-5543, or (610) 722-9004

GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO., LAUNCHED JUST LAST YEAR, IS GEARING UP FOR ITS THIRD SALE ON SATURDAY, APR. 25, WITH CLOCKS, FURNITURE, SILVER AND MORE

(Malvern, Penn.) - Gordon S. Converse & Co. - the fledgling auction house launched just last year – is preparing for its third-ever auction on Saturday, April 25, with a multi-estate sale loaded with vintage clocks, period furniture, estate silver, collectible books and more. The auction will be held in the firm's gallery, located at 57 West Lancaster Avenue in Malvern, Penn. It will start promptly at noon.

“Our first sales last year were very successful, with a few top-quality items selling well to carry the day, while numerous smaller items sold for low bids and were real crowd-pleasers,” said Gordon S. Converse. “For April, we're looking forward to another fun event. Locals who want to collect will snag some nice bargains, while the bids for top lots will pour in from England, the West Coast and beyond.”

Over 200 lots will cross the block at the April event. Featured will be vintage clocks, including a collection from the estate of one of Mr. Converse's longstanding customers. Expected stars of the category include Vienna wall clocks; chime mantel clocks; an Ithaca calendar clock, and a pair of Terry clocks (one produced by Elmer Stennes, the legendary clockmaker who was murdered in the 1960s).

Additional pieces include a chime clock by Elliott of London; a nice mahogany 19th-century grandfather clock with a rocking ship device; and a porcelain cased clock from Philadelphia's Cliveden estate. “These are always popular,” Mr. Converse remarked, adding vintage clocks are an important part of his young auction company. One of the firm's two websites is www.ConverseClocks.com.

Fine art will include about a dozen original works by noted, listed artists, to include:

· Julius Rose (German-born American, 1828-1911) - Mr. Rose relocated to the United States and settle in New York, where he became renowned as a landscape painter.

· Josef Israels (Dutch, 1824-1911) – Mr. Israels was brought up in the traditions of the Jewish faith and seemed destined for the rabbinate. But his interest in drawing was strong, and in 1840 his father sent him to Amsterdam, where he studied at the Royal Academy and honed his skills as a premier painter of works having historic and religious themes.

· Marie Laurencin (French, 1885-1956) – Ms. Laurencin was an intimate of Braque, Picasso, Matisse and Appollinaire, among others. Her early portraits show the imprint of the Fauves and Cubists, and her romantic and delicate temperament asserted itself against these schools. She became best known for her ethereal female figure paintings.

Sterling silver will include an important 22-inch coffee urn with an early 19th-century London hallmark, and a pair of serving dishes presented to Senator John Scott in 1907. Period furniture will feature a fine mahogany slant front desk (late 19th century, possibly Philadelphia); and a solid cherry Federal high chest. Rare books will include first-edition parts (1846-1848) to Dickens' Dombey & Son.

Converse's last sale, held Oct. 18, featured an eclectic, mixed bag of merchandise. Some of the highlight lots follow:

· An 18th-century American walnut blanket chest, inlaid with the name “Barbara Schmittin” and dated 1787, with old hardware ($3,000+).

· A fine Chippendale solid walnut carved tall case clock by Daniel Rose (1749-1827), 7 feel 11 inches tall, with the four seasons depicted on the dial and a watercolor portrait mounted within the waist door ($18,400)

· A white marble sculpture on an associated cast stone base, attributed to William H. Rinehart (American, 1825-1874), 36 inches tall .

· A Louis XV-style bombe walnut veneer marble-top commode, featuring fine and profuse gilt brass mounts and large Rococo-style pulls and old locks ($6,670)

· An antique one-horse open sleigh, with red and black paint, which did not get a bid and will be offered again in April.

All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer's premium.

Gordon S. Converse & Co. is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (610) 722-9004, or inquire by e-mail at Gordon@ConverseClocks.com. Anyone unable to make it to the April 25 auction in person may write in a bid (download the bid form off the website, www.AuctionsatConverse.com, and return by fax).

To learn more about Gordon S. Converse & Co. and the upcoming April auction, log on to www.AuctionsatConverse.com or www.ConverseClocks.com. Anyone interested in finding out what an item they own might be worth can find out by sending a photo of the item, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon Converse, 25 West Lancaster Ave., Malvern, PA 19355.


Clock group:
Over 30 lots of vintage clocks from several prominent local collections will be offered April 25th.



Shelf clock:
Early shelf clock with original stencil decoration, labeled Putman Bailey (So. Goshen, Conn. ca. 1830).



Charles Dickens:
Complete 19-piece set of original installments of Charles Dickens' novel Dombey & Son (1846-1848).



Desk:
Fine solid mahogany Federal slant front desk with five drawers and lid (Philadelphia, Pa., provenance).



Josef Israels:
Original oil on canvas painting by Josef Israels (Dutch, 1824-1911), 19 inches by 26 inches.



Julius Rose:
Original oil on canvas seascape/landscape by Julius Rose (German-born American, 1828-1911).



Carriage clock:
High-quality porcelain painted gold gilt 19th-century carriage clock, with dial reading “Samuel Chew.”



Regulator:
Carved walnut “Vienna” wall regulator clock by Gustav Becker, beautifully crafted around 1875.

BELTER, HORNER, MEEKS, ROUX, TIFFANY, HANDEL, PAIRPOINT AND MORE TO BE FEATURED AT ESTATE AUCTION SLATED FOR APRIL 4th BY FONTAINE’S AUCTION

Contact: Bob Burke or John Fontaine
(413) 448-8922

BELTER, HORNER, MEEKS, ROUX, TIFFANY, HANDEL, PAIRPOINT AND MORE TO BE FEATURED AT ESTATE AUCTION SLATED FOR APRIL 4th BY FONTAINE’S AUCTION

(Pittsfield, Mass.) – An exceptional antique estate auction featuring some of the biggest names in period American furniture, vintage lighting and more will be sold Saturday, April 4, by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. The vast bulk of the auction will comprise the living estate of Dale Miller, a dedicated collector from Ashville, N.C. Nearly 500 items have been moved from his home to Fontaine’s gallery.

“Over the past 40 years, Mr. Miller has acquired nothing but the best in period Victorian-era furniture, lighting and accessories,” said John Fontaine of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. “He has made the decision to sell everything without reserve, to the highest bidder. Anyone acquainted with Dale knows he is a perfectionist and, as such most of his items are in excellent condition and ready for home use.”

Bidders will be treated to dozens of furniture lots with noted names like John H.Belter, J.& J.W. Meeks, R.J. Horner, Alexander Roux, Allen Brothers, Karpen, John Jeliff etc. Lamps by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint, Wilkinson, Chicago Mosaic, Unique and more. The sale will also feature over 50 chandeliers, to include early gas, gas and electric and electric, many pairs; and vintage clocks, including 10 grandfather clocks.

The list goes on: numerous original paintings, some by noted, listed artists; Oriental rugs; music boxes; juke boxes; Nickelodeon; harps; spool and ribbon cabinets; and hundreds of related accessories. The sale will take place at Fontaine’s Gallery, located at 1485 West Housatonic St. in Pittsfield, Mass. Artfact.com will broadcast live streaming video of the sale, allowing viewers to bid from any computer.

John Henry Belter (1804-1863) was a German-born U.S. cabinetmaker and designer. He settled in New York City in 1833, where he operated a shop specializing in rosewood, walnut and mahogany furniture. He patented a way to process rosewood in layers to achieve thin panels for fine carving. His shop closed in 1867, just a few years after his death, but his creations are still highly sought after today.

Belter pieces to be sold April 4 include a rosewood marble-top table in the Rosalie pattern; and an 8-piece laminated rosewood parlor set in the Rosalie pattern, with grapes. Also to be offered will be a Thomas Brooks carved walnut marble-top table; a carved Black Forest bear hall tree; an Allen Brothers carved walnut triple-back sofa; and a pair of figural carved gnome pedestals, also made by a Black Forest wood carver.

Like Belter, Robert J. Horner was a 19th-century manufacturer of high-end furniture operating out of New York City. He used the best mahogany and quarter-sawn oak hardwood for his heavily carved creations, the patterns for which he drew on a wide variety of patterns and themes. R.J. Horner chairs, sofas, parlor sets, hall trees, benches, partner tables and dining sets are highly collectible today.

Horner pieces will be offered in abundance at the Fontaine’s sale. Examples include an oak winged griffin partner’s desk; a 10’carved oak grandfather clock; an oak winged griffin bonnet-top china cabinet; a monumental griffin carved oak curio sideboard; a four-griffin mahogany pedestal; a carved oak mirrored hall bench; 2 figural maiden carved oak double door china cabinets; 4 matching double door bookcases with maidens and an elaborate mahogany partner’s desk with full standing griffins.

John and Joseph W. Meeks (sons of Joseph Meeks, who made furniture in New York City as far back as 1797) went into business in 1820, making cabinets and other furniture pieces for the middle class on up to the aristocracy in the Empire, Gothic and Rococo Revival styles. Earlier Meeks Rococo pieces were often mistakenly attributed to J.H. Belter. But like Belter, Meeks is highly prized today.

Two of the several J. & J.W. Meeks lots set to cross the block in April are a Hawkins laminated rosewood sofa and an 8-piece Stanton Hall parlor set. Other furniture pieces sure to pique the interest of the crowd include a Pottier & Stymus inlaid rosewood marble-top table; a four-piece carved rosewood marble-top bedroom set; a pair of Rococo gilt-carved curio cabinets; and other high-end examples too many to list.

Over 50 vintage clocks and other timepieces will chime on time for eager bidders. A few examples include an Ansonia antique standing clock; a 12-bird automaton with Jappy Freres timepiece; and a carved Black Forest 2-weight cuckoo clock with a St. Bernard. Music boxes will include 2 Regina 12-disc coin-operated mahogany upright changers plus several other floor and table models.

Rounding out the top lots: a Wilkinson 20-inch Water Lily leaded table lamp; a pair of monumental figural landing windows; a 19th-century bronze of a winged maiden on a carved marble pedestal; and a Powers Mfg. stenciled cameragraph movie projector. Previews will be held on Friday, April 3, from 10-5; and Saturday, the day of sale, from 8-11 a.m. A free full-color catalog is available.

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery’s next big sale will be an Antique Estate Auction planned for Saturday, May 2. Then, on the weekend of May 30-31, a truly important sale: Fontaine’s Spring Clock & Watch Auction. The 2 day sale will include over 900 timepieces. May 30 will feature over 450 clocks including uncataloged discovery items before the main catalogued sale. The centerpiece lot promises to be a Howard #61 astronomical regulator. Two of these coveted clocks were sold in previous Fontaine’s auctions. One went for $195,500 in June of last year; another example brought $189,750 in November. Also to be sold May 30 will be a Howard #70 clock with 20-inch dial, French industrials, chronometers and other rarities. Sunday, May 31 will feature over 450 wrist watches and pocket watches including repeaters & chronometers.

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. The firm is actively seeking quality lots for its spring and summer auction series. Wanted are firearms, clocks, watches, barometers, antique lamps and lighting. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (413) 448-8922; or, you can e-mail them, at info@fontaineauction.com.

To learn more about Fontaine’s Auction Gallery and its calendar of upcoming events, please log on to http://www.fontainesauction.net/.


Horner desk:
R.J. Horner oak winged griffin partner’s desk.


Belter table:
John H. Belter rosewood marble-top table in the Rosalie pattern.


Horner clock:
R.J. Horner carved oak grandfather clock.


Wilkinson lamp:
Wilkinson 20-inch Water Lily leaded table lamp.


Landing windows:
Two monumental figural landing windows.


Bronze maiden:
19th-century bronze of a winged maiden on carved marble pedestal.

PIERCE-CARVED LAMINATED ROSEWOOD BED BY JOHN HENRY BELTER, ONE OF ONLY TWO KNOWN, BRINGS $201,250 AT ESTATE SALE HELD FEB. 21 BY HAL HUNT AUCTIONS

Contact: Hal Hunt
(205) 333-2517

PIERCE-CARVED LAMINATED ROSEWOOD BED BY JOHN HENRY BELTER, ONE OF ONLY TWO KNOWN, BRINGS $201,250 AT ESTATE SALE HELD FEB. 21 BY HAL HUNT AUCTIONS

(Northport, Ala.) – An exceedingly rare and magnificent pierce-carved laminated rosewood bed, beautifully crafted by John Henry Belter (circa 1850s) and one of only two known, soared to $201,250 at a multi-estate sale held Feb. 21 by Hal Hunt Auctions. The bed was the top earner of the 437 lots that crossed the block in an auction Hal Hunt described as “an advanced sale for the advanced collector.”

The Belter bed was stamped (or embossed) in six places, with a patent date. It was pictured in the book, American Furniture of the 19th Century, 1840s-1880s. The only other known example is in The Brooklyn Museum. Overall, the sale was wildly successful, despite a generally poor economy.”There were some great bargains that might have brought stronger prices in better times,” Mr. Hunt said, “but serious buyers paid top dollar for the high-quality merchandise.”

Mr. Hunt said for the sale to be as successful as it was – around 350 people in attendance, in the dead of winter, in a sour financial climate – suggests that people are choosing to put their money into hard assets, like true antiques, instead of stocks and bonds. “The nice thing about quality antiques is, you can actually enjoy them while you own them,” he added, “and they almost always appreciate in value.”

Following are other highlights from the sale. All prices include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.

The Belter piece wasn’t the only bed sold. A walnut Victorian half tester bed attributed to Mitchells & Rammelsburg hammered for $25,875; a two-piece walnut carved Victorian bedroom suite attributed to Alexander Roux rose to $20,125; an 1850s New Orleans McCracken four-poster bed hit $14,950; and a Mitchells & Rammelsburg pierce-carved high-back Victorian bed commanded $10,925.

Period furniture dominated the day’s offerings. A spectacular three-piece mahogany Karpen parlor suite with griffins and dolphins reached $48,875; a 9-foot-tall rosewood cylinder secretary desk with bird’s-eye maple interior, attributed to T. Brooks, commanded $34,500; a heavily carved Black Forest cabinet reached $25,875; and a French polished rosewood cabinet-base étagère made $23,575.

J. H. Belter pieces climbed to dizzying prices. A rare, 10-piece laminated rosewood parlor suite in mint condition and in the Milwaukee pattern, gaveled for $132,250; a rosewood dresser with serpentine laminated drawers, carved flowers and dresser boxes achieved $92,000; and a laminated rosewood center table with carved flowers and grapes made $48,875.

Also from J.H. Belter: a rosewood laminated tall crest sofa in the Tuthill King pattern went for $34,500; a rosewood laminated recamier with fountain elms hammered for $29,900; a rosewood étagère in the Rosalie pattern (84 inches high by 60 inches wide) crossed the block at $27,025; and a rosewood cabinet base étagère (tall, at 93 inches high by 51 inches wide) went to a determined bidder for $20,125.

Furniture by J. & J.W. Meeks also did well. A rare rosewood laminated pierce-carved parlor table in the Hawkins pattern changed hands for $54,050; an 8-piece rosewood laminated pierce-carved parlor suite in the Hawkins pattern achieved $46,000; and a rosewood secretary desk with maple interior topped out at $17,250. Also, an 11-piece Horner Brothers carved oak dining room set realized $34,500.

Fine art was offered. An unsigned 19th-century French scene with figures, attributed to Boucher, soared to $6,900; a signed oil painting by William Anderson Coffin earned $5,175; and a framed figural rendering by Giovanni Grignaschi gaveled for $3,738. In bronzes, a 40-inch statue of double figures, signed by Faure de Brousse, made $5,175; and a bust of Napoleon, signed by Columbo, brought $3,450.

A nice collection of antique music boxes came under the gavel. An oak Regina changer with pierce-carved griffins with gallery top, in original condition, climbed to $31,625; a Regina mahogany curved glass changer went for $18,400; a mahogany Edison “Opera” with wood horn hit $7,763; a Stella mahogany music box with drawer made $5,750; and an oak Regina music box with table rose to $5,175.

Oil lamps, electric lamps and gasolier chandeliers were offered in abundance. A rare matched pair of gasoliers hammered for $14,375 each; a crystal prismed gasolier attributed to Cornelius & Baker lit up the room for $10,925; and other gasoliers fetched $5,000-$10,000 each. A cobalt solar lamp, 30 inches tall, made $5,750; and a collection of oil lamps went for hammer prices of $1,000-$4,000 each.

A handsome alabaster floor lamp illuminated the crowd for $5,750; a gorgeous panel lamp with Art Nouveau ladies, 20 inches tall, realized $4,025; a rare panel lamp with four graces overlay also hit $4,025; a panel lamp with eagles drew a top bid of $3,278; a 10-inch signed Pairpoint lamp shined bright at $2,875; and a pair of Wilkinson leaded glass lamps with junk jewels brought $2,990 each.

The star lot in a collection of antique Victorian art glass bride’s baskets was a satin glass example with birds that flew away for $6,325. An example with cherubs brought $1,840, while other pieces in the group made $350-$1,000 each. Also, a sterling silver service by Sir Christopher Wallace commanded $5,750, while services in the Love Disarmed and Butter Cup patterns brought $6,325 each.

Vintage clocks chimed right on time. A rare oak hall seat with clock, in the original finish, fetched $14,375; a superior inlaid case 9-tube grandfather clock, 103 inches tall, rang out at $9,775; a fabulous 19th-century large cherub figural dore bronze clock with porcelain plaques earned $8,050; and a three-piece Vernie Martin decorated clock set, signed Tiffany & Company, changed hands for $4,025.

Rounding out the top lots, a Sevres porcelain vase with matching pedestal, plus a Sevres porcelain urn, sold for $14,375; an extraordinary English sterling silver tureen topped out at $12,650; a signed Tiffany & Company sterling top water pitcher brought $3,680; a large over-the-mantel gold leaf trumeau mirror, 89 inches tall, garnered $9,775, and a 12-foot-tall gold leaf rococo mirror made $9,775.

Hal Hunt Auctions’ next big sale will be held Sunday, May 3, beginning at 12:30 p.m. A preview is planned for Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hal Hunt Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (205) 333-2517, or you can e-mail them at halhunt@bellsouth.net. Hal Hunt Auctions will also purchase entire estate collections for cash.

For more information about Hal Hunt Auctions and its calendar of upcoming sales, log on to www.halhunt.com.


Belter bed:
Thee top lot of the sale was this rosewood laminated bed, signed John H. Belter, one of only two known ($201,250).



Rosewood dresser:
Rosewood dresser with serpentine laminated drawers, carved flowers and dresser boxes ($92,000).



Regina changer:
Regina disc changer, oak with pierce-carved griffins and galley top, original mint ($31,625).



Dore bronze clock:
Fabulous 19th-century large cherub figural dore bronze clock with porcelain plaques ($8,050).



Silver tureen:
Extraordinary English sterling silver tureen ($12,650).



Edison Opera:
Rare mahogany Edison “Opera” music player, with wood horn ($7,762).



Oak hall seat:
Rare oak hall seat with clock, in original finish ($14,375).

ESTATE ART, A MUSEUM DEACCESSION AND SILVER PLATE VICTORIAN SPOON WARMERS AT MATHESONS AA AUCTION IN MELBOURNE, FL

CONTACT: LLOYD MATHESON
(321) 768-6668

MATHESONS’ AA AUCTION
Melbourne, FL
Sale April 4,5, 2009

Over 150 lots of fine art to include many paintings acquired in the 1990s at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and phase II of the deaccession of the Old School Square Museum plus 150 Victorian spoon warmers will cross the block April 4,5

(Melbourne, FL) Over 700 lots of fresh to the market art and antiques from six estates will be offered by Mathesons’ AA Auction in Melbourne, FL on April 4,5. The sale will be carried live online by LiveAuctioneers.com

One of the many highlights of the sale will be the important collection of silver plate spoon warmers from the Weinkle estate of Melbourne. The collection features over 150 Victorian late 19th century figural silver plate spoon warmers that were essential to the well run Victorian household where kitchens were often far from the dining room. The spoon warmers were filled with boiling water to bring serving spoons to the right temperature for serving hot food. Most of the items came from the silver vaults on Portobello Road in London. The figures depict several variations of the popular nautilus as well as fish, shoes, cannons, lions, tortoises, swans, shells and many more.

Also highlighted will be a fine art collection amassed in the early 1990s primarily at Sotheby’s and Christie’s as well as a large deaccession from the Old School Square Museum in Delray Beach, FL. The collection consists of over 150 lots of such works as the two 1817 portraits of Haitian royalty as children by Xavier Gazul, a student of Goya, the floral oil "Chardons Bleus" by Jean Leon Jansem (French born 1920), acquired at Sotheby’s in 1991 for $33,000, a maritime scene by Frank Vining Smith (American 1879-1967), a harbor scene by John Whorf (American 1903-1959) and silk screen by Raul Dufy (French 1897-1953). A list of eighty-eight artists represented in the sale, including Chagall, Gruppe, Picasso, Dali and Calder, is posted on the website at http://www.mathesonsaaaucion.com/.

In addition there will be an original bronze by Cyrus Dallin (American 1861-1944) entitled “The Protest,” a pair of 22in high 19th century bronzes with marble bases by H. Moreau, a 28in 19th century figural bronze clock on marble plinth “Le Meale Carpentier Font de Bronze,” an important 32in marble bust by Professor Petrelli, a suite of eight signed and numbered prints by Victor Vasarely (French/Hingarian 1908-1997) “Homage to the Hexagon,” a 19in high 16th century bronze Thai Buddha as well as ten estate oriental rugs including one palace size and a number of fine silver pieces to include Tiffany.

The sale will begin at 11:00AM Saturday April 4 and will continue at 12:00 NOON Sunday April 5. Preview will be Friday April 3 from 11:00AM to 6:00PM and two hours prior to auction time on each sale day. Matheson’s AA Auction is located at 600 E. New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, FL 32901. Seating can be reserved by phone, (321) 768-6668 or by email at aaauctions@earthlink.net. Bidders can follow the auction in real time and bid online through LiveAuctioneers.com. Bidders can also leave bids or arrange to bid by phone by contacting the Gallery. Ten additional phone lines will be run for the sale.

Selected portions of the catalog are available for viewing on the Matheson’s AA Auction website at http://www.mathesonsaaauction.com/ and at http://www.liveaucitoneers.com/. The auction will be called by 33 year veteran auctioneer and auction co-owner Lloyd J. Matheson, Jr. Phone and absentee bids are welcomed. For more information call auction owners Lloyd or Jan Matheson or Auction Manager Carey Lucas (321) 768-6668.

written by:
Fred Taylor
http://www.furnituredetective.com/
800-387-6377


PHOTO CAPTIONS

Large floral oil by Jean Jansem, 51 X 35in, acquired in 1991 at Sotheby’s.



Selection from the 150 Victorian spoon warmers of the Weinkle collection.



Original bronze by Cyrus Dallin, “The Protest.”



28in high 19th century bronze figural clock on marble plinth, “Le MaeleCarpentier Font de Bronze.”



Important marble bust, 32in high, by Professor Petrilli

AROUND 2,000 LOTS, MOSTLY FRESH-TO-THE-MARKET ITEMS FROM PROMINENT ESTATES AND COLLECTIONS, TO BE SOLD MAR. 28-29 AND APR. 4 BY PHILIP WEISS

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731

AROUND 2,000 LOTS, MOSTLY FRESH-TO-THE-MARKET ITEMS FROM PROMINENT ESTATES AND COLLECTIONS, TO BE SOLD MAR. 28-29 AND APR. 4 BY PHILIP WEISS

(Oceanside, N.Y.) - An astounding 2,000 lots – mostly fresh-to-the-market merchandise from prominent estates and collections – will be sold at auctions planned for Mar. 28-29 and Apr. 4 by Philip Weiss Auctions. The sales will be conducted at the firm's spacious gallery, located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, N.Y. Bids will also be fielded absentee, by phone and online (via Proxibid and iCollector).

“Despite the economic woes our country is now facing, we're looking forward to a great four-part sale over the course of three days, on back-to-back weekends,” said Philip Weiss. “The key to our success is securing fresh-to-the-market, quality items that have never been on the market before. Some auction houses are content to recycle the same items over and over. Not us. Fresher is always better.”

The weekend of Mar. 28-29 will comprise three sessions – two on Saturday and one on Sunday. The first Saturday session, beginning at 10 a.m., will feature an impressive collection of medical and scientific instruments. Included will be medical and dental items; a collection of calculators and slide rules; office items (early check punches and registers); and pre-1950 spy and surveillance equipment.

Highlights will include a previously unrecorded 19th-century Kwik Calculator; Pascaline Calculator; McFarlane's Calculating Cylinder; Higgins Patent (mechanical) Calculating Triangle; Wheilon Calculometer; Bair-Fulton American Calculator; and numerous 19th- and 20th-century slide rules, including some special-purpose rules for artillery, brewing and other, more esoteric applications.

The office machine portion will include an Abbott Automatic Check Perforator, Lightning Check Punch and United States Check Punch; an early mechanical envelope sealer; and rare, vintage pencil sharpeners, to include a Perfect Pencil Pointer and a Jupiter Pencil Mechanical Sharpener.

Medical lots will include Civil War-era amputation sets; a scarce cased Ammoniaphone; rare ophthalmic items (including a Dr. Culbertson's Prisoptometer); many unusual quack devices; porcelain enemas; anesthesia collectibles; ENT (ear-nose-throat) items; urological instruments; and more.

Finally, the surveillance equipment section will contain an FBI “black bag” and a cased U.S. Army 1944 Signal Corps listening device. Session I will also feature a large collection of Red Cross material, to include posters, pins, medical books and an impressive grouping of World War II posters in near-mint condition. Many had been acquired at the time of their printing and neatly stored ever since.

The second session, beginning at 4 p.m., will feature two large estates, loaded with fresh-to-the-market merchandise. A few major lots include a monumental Sevres urn; a pair of Chippendale wing chairs (Philadelphia, circa 1750-1775); a period American Sheraton sofa (circa 1800); an American walnut slant-front desk (circa 1720); Lalique vases; KPM and Staffordshire porcelain; and Sevres urns.

Other expected top lots of the session include a 19th-century 12-light dore bronze chandelier; a running horse weather vane by J.W. Fiske (N.Y., circa 1880); a 19th-century cast-iron Neptune sculpture attributed to J.W. Fiske; a historic period walnut campaign desk; a heavily carved figural oak dining room table with eight chairs; and a French inlaid commode with figural dore bronze mounts.

Paintings and sculptures will include original works by F. Picard, Ernst Leger, Felipe Castaneda, Franz X. Bergmann, Livio Seguso, Julius Hugo Bergmann, Ken Nack, Margaret McDonald Phillips, Howard L. Hastings, Jean-Claude Gaugy, A. Gissom, H.P. Picard, John Constable and Luigi Lucioni.

The Sunday session, Mar. 29, starting at 10 a.m., will beam a spotlight on sports memorabilia, animation art, comics and comic art. Sports highlights include signed Hall of Fame baseball plaques for legends Babe Ruth, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and others; and vintage baseball cards, to include T-206, T-205, T-202, American Caramel E-91, S81 silks, and Play Ball cards.

Also to be sold will be a 1-of-1 Topps George Washington hair relic card; an 1889 Harvard-Yale game program and ticket; rare 1887 Detroit Baseball Club currency; a great selection of signed baseballs and bats; sports prints and lithographs; and a New York Yankees game-worn jersey, originally used by Bill “Moose” Skowron before his number was changed for use by another Yankees player.

The comic art will feature 40-50 pieces of quality vintage animation art from many of the major Disney and Warner Brothers productions, to include a recently-discovered 1940s Tom & Jerry cartoon animation cel. Also offered will be comics; Big Little books; vintage Disney material; and a single-owner collection of comic and character watches. Other consignments were being added at press time.

Then, on Saturday, Apr. 4, beginning at 10 a.m., Philip Weiss Auctions will present its first major doll and toy soldier sale of 2009. The day will feature dolls and automatons from a pair of major estate collections; and soldiers, featuring over 175 Courtenay and Courtenay-Greenhill figures. Also sold will be pressed steel toys; wind-up toys; a collection of over 150 “Par Puzzles”; and other items.

On April 24-25, yet another major two-day sale will be held. April 24 will feature high-end paintings, bronzes and furniture. The April 25 session will have antique advertising items and toys. Highlights will include a Columbian Exposition Egg in the original box; an Ives Walking Santa; a collection of laundry, soap and cleaning advertising material; and other rare tin and cast-iron toys.

The weekend of May 8-9 will see another major two-day auction. On Friday night, May 8, toy trains will take center stage, to include part of a large collection of store stock Lionel, Rail King and MTH pieces, in shipping cartons. The May 9 session will feature stamps, coins, rare books, autographs and manuscripts. Highlights include a block of six Canadian inverted St. Lawrence Seaway stamps; a rare handwritten Schindler letter; a collection of WPA lithographs; and other fresh-to-the-market items.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (516) 594-0731, or you can e-mail them at phil@prwauctions.com. To learn more about the company and its calendar of upcoming auctions, to include the April and May sales, and to view color images, you may log on to http://www.prwauctions.com/.


Pascaline Calculator:
The Pascaline Calculator is exceedingly rare and will be sold in Session I of the March 28 auction.

Sevres urn:
Gorgeous, monumental Sevres urns, like this one, will be sold in Session II on Saturday, March 28.


Yankees uniform:
This New York Yankees jersey, worn by Bil “Moose” Skowron, will be sold on Sunday, March 29.

Babe Ruth plaque:
Plaque signed by Babe Ruth, just one of many legend-signed plaques to be offered Sunday, March 29.


Pair of candelabras:
Decorative accessories like these H.P. Picard candelabras will be sold in Session II on March 29.


Scientific instruments:
Session I on March 28 will feature an impressive collection of medical and scientific instruments.

LL AUCTIONS IN TEXAS GEARS UP FOR APRIL AUCTION, ENJOYING A RECORD START FOR 2009; FIRM HAS SHIFTED ITS FOCUS, NOW CONDUCTS ONLINE-ONLY AUCTIONS

Contact: Lisa Gay
(713) 248-6186

LL AUCTIONS IN TEXAS GEARS UP FOR APRIL AUCTION, ENJOYING A RECORD START FOR 2009; FIRM HAS SHIFTED ITS FOCUS, NOW CONDUCTS ONLINE-ONLY AUCTIONS

(Dickinson, Tex.) - While the business pages are filled with stories about a collapsed housing market, massive job layoffs and an economy in seeming free-fall, LL Auctions reports it is off to a record start so far for 2009. The firm, based in Dickinson, Tex., just south of Houston, specializes in estates, personal property and business liquidation auctions. Its next big sale will go online April 21, at http://www.texas-auctions.com/. Online bidding is facilitated by software developed especially for the firm.

“We're working 12-to-15 hours a day, seven days a week,” remarked Lisa Gay, owner of LL Auctions. “When the economy started to sag a few years ago, we made the decision to refocus our direction and make more options available to sellers. We began offering online-only auctions, as a way to get more items out to a larger pool of bidders. It's a strategy that worked. Business has exploded.”

Ms. Gay explained that part of her success lies in the fact that, in rough financial times, sellers are plentiful. “Since money is tight,” she said, “people look around for things they can convert into quick cash. They aren't sitting idly by, waiting for a stimulus package that may have little or no effect on them -- if one even comes at all. They need money, and they need it now. That's where we come in.”

LL Auctions first introduced the online-only option about three years ago. And, while the firm still conducts traditional live auctions, the online-only component of its buisness model has carried it through what has been a rough patch for many other auction houses. “Technology has changed the industry forever,” Ms. Gay said. “Auctioneers who haven't recognized this fact are in for tough times.”

Last year, online-only auctions comprised about 80 percent of LL Auctions' business. For 2009, Ms. Gay estimates that figure will jump to 90 percent. “We are seeing people buy online who had never been to an auction before, but who had heard about us from a friend,” she said. “Folks won't drive 60 miles to sit and wait for that one item to come up for bid. But they will sit at their computers and bid.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, many of LL Auctions' new customers have been younger people, in the coveted 18-35 age range. “This is the generation that grew up with computers and the Internet,” she pointed out. “It only follows they would embrace online auctions. Many have never been to a live auction, and might never attend one, but they're completely comfortable bidding through a computer.”

What may be more surprising is what these new bidders (and many veterans, too) are bidding on. “People are looking for things they need, but they're also looking for bargains,” Ms. Gay said. “Suddenly, that lithograph or figurine that would have sold for big bucks several years ago is taking a back seat to practical, everyday, useful items, like washers, dryers, microwaves and chests of drawers.”

That's right, people are buying gently used washing machines online, at auction prices that can seem supremely appealing when compared to even a discount outlet. “It's certainly a better value than a new appliance bought from a showroom or furniture store,” Ms. Gay stated. “It's great for buyers who are looking to economize, and sellers looking to put some extra cash into their pockets. It's a win-win.”

Appliances are a current hot-item category, Ms. Gay said. She named a couple of bargains from recent online auctions: a stainless steel microwave oven ($83) and a stainless steel refrigerator ($810). Meanwhile, a Fenton glassware Persian Medallion bowl brought $145, while a pair of Frankoma urns realized $79. “So you see, the great deals can be had in a broad range of categories,” Ms. Gay added.

She continued, “The fun part of an auction is that you never know what's going to come up in the next one. Every auction is different from the one before it, and the variety is almost limitless. We always tell our sellers, some things will undoubtedly sell for much less than they were hoping for, while other items that weren't expected to bring much might go through the roof. That adds to the fun.”

Ms. Gay was quick to point out that, no matter how high-spirited the sale itself, the current economic climate has produced auctions born of hardship and emotional pain. “For some of our sellers, any government help is already too late,” she said. “They are facing foreclosure and have to liquidate. For them to sit by and watch as their precious belongings and memories are sold is heart-wrenching.”

LL Auctions is a full-service auction company. The firm conducts auctions for corporations, privately-held companies, law firms, individuals and not-for-profits across Texas. It also assists with specialty auctions in other states. LL Auctions uses all available means possible to sell clients' items, to include an extensive mailing list of potential buyers and a heavy focus on advertising and networking.

Lisa Gay is a graduate of the Southeastern School of Auctioneering in South Carolina. She holds a Texas Auctioneer License (#13833). She also serves on the Board of Directors as the Texas Auctioneers Association president-elect and is an active member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). She also serves on the editorial board of the official NAA magazine, Auctioneer. In June, Ms. Gay will become the first-ever female president of the Texas Auctioneers Association.

LL Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (713) 248-6186, or you can send them an e-mail, at lisa@texas-auctions.com. To learn more about the company and the upcoming April auction, you may visit them online at http://www.texas-auctions.com/.


LL Auctions logo:
LL Auctions, based in Dickinson, Tex., has shifted its primary focus to online-only auctions.


Costume jewelry:
This vintage rhinestone-studded costume jewelry will be converted to quick cash by LL Auctions.


Lionel Specials:
Sales conducted by LL Auctions often feature collectible items, like this pair of Lionel Texas Specials.


3-strand necklace:
Sellers needing cash in a hurry often consign items like this Aurora Borealis three-strand necklace.


Lionel Minuteman:
This Lionel Minuteman vintage train, in the original box, will be sold in LL Auctions' next online sale.


Gold coins:
This group of gold coins, recently consigned to LL Auctions, is typical of what can be bought online.