MAJOR AUCTION FEATURING ESTATE OF THE LATE GORDON INGHAM ATWATER BEING SOLD IN A LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION NOW ONLINE; LIVE SALE WILL BE ON JAN. 30th

Contact: Logan Adams
(850) 785-2577

MAJOR AUCTION FEATURING ESTATE OF THE LATE GORDON INGHAM ATWATER BEING SOLD IN A LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION NOW ONLINE; LIVE SALE WILL BE ON JAN. 30th

The auction is being held by Specialists of the South, Inc., with online bidding via LiveAuctioneers.com.

(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) – The estate of the late Gordon Ingham Atwater – the renowned petroleum pioneer who was an expert in oil and gas reserves in the United States and accurately predicted the first gas shortage prior to his death in 1973 at age 66 – will be held Saturday, Jan. 30, starting at 9 a.m. The sale has already gone online, with Internet bidding via LiveAuctioneers.com.

The auction is being conducted by Specialists of the South, Inc., based in Panama City, not far from the upscale estate known as Osceola Lodge in nearby Lynn Haven, where Mr. Atwater and his wife, Emogene, called home from the early 1960s until their deaths.

For nearly 50 years, Osceola Lodge served as a showcase for the many wonderful furniture items and fine decorative accessories brought by the Atwaters from New Orleans – where Mr. Atwater cut his teeth as the city’s first consulting geologist, setting up his own business in 1945 – to Lynn Haven, where they fell in love with the area’s New Orleans-like environs. Osceola Lodge overlooks Anderson Bayou.

“It’s truly a privilege to be involved with this type of estate, one that’s so rich in history and local tradition,” said Logan Adams of Specialists of the South. “Mr. Atwater, his wife and family have all been forces in this community, enormously respected as people with taste and style. And their many possessions reflect that. Over 400 lots will cross the block, and we expect a crowd of about 100 people.”

The auction will be held at the Specialists of the South’s gallery, located at 544 E. 6th Street in Panama City. Offered will be beautiful period furniture items, to include a pair of fauteuil chairs with carved crests, a burl decorated slope-lid parlor desk, a set of six balloon chairs with cabriole legs, a walnut shelf-back sideboard with spool legs, a 5-shelf carved étagère, an “X”-style gout stool, and a diminutive Empire settee (circa 1840), 43 inches wide and in overall good condition..
Other furniture pieces include a walnut marble-top table with burl decoration, a 6-drawer bird's eye maple chest, a gorgeous cane rocker, a Hepplewhite-style sideboard, beautiful twin bed headboards, footboards and rails, a nice cedar chest, and a folding table with mother of pearl inlaid top. Also, an Empire sofa by the famous maker Francois Seignouret will be sold. Mr. Seignouret was a New Orleans furniture maker and wine merchant around 1808.

Decorative accessories will feature a Cybis porcelain figure collection (to include a wood duck, two bunnies, a snow owl, squirrel, burro, raccoon, pandas, a buffalo and a bear; plus young girl figures, like Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks with a panda, Peter Pan, Wendy, Pollyanna, Rapunzel, Pandora and a girl with flowers), a ceramic jug with colorful corn design and cork base stopper, a George Washington glazed figure, carved soapstone bookends, a hand-painted Sevres Bavarian coffee pot marked “Marechal Niels” (signed A. Grenier), a Chinese vase with 3-dimensional flowers, a nice brass umbrella stand, French oyster plates (MR, France), a Haviland oyster plate, four hand-painted porcelain plates marked “Titanic Austria”, several detailed porcelain figures, a European bisque boat, and a cranberry cruet.

Additional decorative accessories will include early 20th century oak wall phones, Cambridge Statuesque glass, covered milk glass dishes (depicting a camel, swan, lion, horse and more), Hummels (to include Angel Serenade, Festival Harmony and Little Goat Herder), a collection of Boehm plates, a beautiful spool bed, Italian terra cotta figures, silver pieces (to include a large sterling bowl and plated meat platters), wood carvings, Oriental rugs (to include a colorful circa 1970 9' x 12' Sarouk, a 4' x 6' circa 1960 Jozaen, and a circa 1920 5' x 7' English rug), and a German wooden cuckoo clock with two birds to chirp the time.

Yet more decorative accessories will feature Irish Wade miniatures, Royal Worcester egg coddlers, 1854 Doulton Burslem dishes, Johnson Brothers Old Mill dishes, Copeland Mansard flower plates, a Haviland china dinner set, clear glass squirrel bookends, a folding fire screen with ormolu, sterling silver goblets, large and small bisque figures, a Steuben bowl, and a boxed carving set with stag horn handles. Also offered will be Eisenberg jewelry, a sable fur coat, a Gulbransen grand piano, and vintage books, to include children's books such as a 1933 edition of Winnie the Pooh, with detailed black and white illustrations.

In the fine art category, anticipated top lots will include Italian carvings, such as a painted Madonna and Child figural work (signed M.K. Kaslatter), a lithograph of a countryside landscape, a kneeling nude bronze bookend (marked “J B 8036”), a framed still life or watercolor rendering of wine and fruit, and other notable works. Also offered will be a group of Native American and American Frontier art books.

Mr. Atwater was born in Milwaukee, Wis., but grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, where he went on to complete a Master’s degree in geology. He won the coveted Emmons Scholarship to Harvard, Yale and Columbia and actually worked on his Ph.D. at all three schools, finally completing it at the University of Wisconsin. He moved to New Orleans during Word War II to be part of the emerging gas and oil boom.

By the time he arrived in Florida, Mr. Atwater was already known worldwide for his advanced work in gas reserves and geology. His wife, the former Emogene Chapman, was also worldly and wise. But after their only child, Mimi, died of a brain aneurysm at age 29, the Atwaters made Osceola Lodge their haven. When Mrs. Atwater passed away in 1978, Osceola Lodge remained in the family.

Today, Osceola Lodge is the centerpiece of a gated community called Osceola Point. And true to what the Atwaters would have wanted, the area recalls City Park and Audubon Park in New Orleans. New homes are unmistakably Southern, and the streets have names like Rue Bocage and Rue Esplanade.

Specialists of the South, Inc., has been serving the Panama City community for over 30 years, and not just with estate auctions. The firm specializes in a broad range of services, to include furniture refurbishing, interior decoration, personal property appraisals, estate sales and business liquidation services. It has been awarded Small Business of the Month by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

Specialists of the South, Inc., is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (850) 785-2577; or, you can e-mail them at specialists@knology.net. To learn more about the company, or to register for the Jan. 30 estate sale, you can log on to either www.SpecialistsoftheSouth.com or http://www.panamacityauction.com/.

To log on and bid on items now for the Jan. 30 sale, please visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com. Or, you click on either website to bid: www.SpecialistsoftheSouth.com or www.PanamaCityAuction.com.


Fire screen:
Handsome folding fire screen with ormolu.





Grouping:
More than 300 lots of period furniture, decorative accessories and fine art will cross the block Jan. 30.





Madonna and Child:
Italian carved and painted Madonna and Child, marked M.K. Kaslatter.





Empire Settee:
Diminutive Empire settee, circa 1840, 43 inches wide and in overall good condition.





Plate:
One of a collection of Boehm bird plates.





Hummels:
Hummel figurines (l to r: Angel Serenade, Festival Harmony, Little Goat Herder).





Maple chest:
Gorgeous six-drawer bird's-eye maple chest.





Gordon Atwater:
Gordon Atwater, who died in 1973, was a world-renowned geologist who predicted the first gas crisis.

CATALOGED AUCTION FEATURING OVER 700 LOTS OF ANTIQUE FIREARMS, CIVIL WAR AND MILITARIA TO BE HELD SATURDAY, JAN. 16, BY FONTAINE’S IN PITTSFIELD, MASS

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

CATALOGED AUCTION FEATURING OVER 700 LOTS OF ANTIQUE FIREARMS, CIVIL WAR AND MILITARIA TO BE HELD SATURDAY, JAN. 16, BY FONTAINE’S IN PITTSFIELD, MASS.

(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – An important cataloged auction comprising over 700 lots of rare and vintage firearms, Civil War items and other militaria will be held Saturday, Jan, 16, at 11 a.m., by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. The sale will be held in Fontaine’s spacious gallery, located at 1485 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. Previews will be held Friday, Jan. 15, from 10-5, and Jan. 16, from 8-11.

“This auction will feature a fine and diverse collection of items from the Civil War through World War II, as well as many pre-Civil War pieces,” said John Fontaine. “Included will be 300 vintage firearms, a collection of over 300 swords, daggers, bayonets and other edged weapons, plus uniforms, accessories, flags, paintings and prints, letters, ephemera, daguerreotypes, tintypes, books and more.”

The auction will also be the first one to feature a new policy at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery: zero percent consignors’ commission on high-end consignments. “This is our way of thanking our many consignors who have helped make our past auctions so successful, and of insuring that these same folks and others like them with wonderful collections will consign with us in the future,” Mr. Fontaine said.

Zero percent consignors’ commission is just one highlight of the auction. The single session event will be held onsite and via the Internet, with multiple online bidding platforms, to include the one custom designed specifically for Fontaine's and accessible via their website, at FontainesAuction.net. The other platforms include LiveAuctioneers.com, Proxibid.com and iCollector.com. In addition, phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A free full-color catalog is available by calling (413) 448-8922.

Vintage rifles, pistols, carbines and revolvers will dominate the day’s offerings, but the top lot just may end up being a fantastic bronze grouping after John Rogers, titled “The Picket Guards.” The group shows two Union soldiers dressed in Zouave jackets and armed with muskets. They are centered by a 2nd Lieutenant armed with a sword. The fine polished gold finish group should hit $10,000-$15,000.

Rifles will be offered up in abundance. Expected top earners include a Colt model 1855 military rifle, .56 caliber and a nice example of a rare Colt (est. $12,000-$15,000); a full-stock Kentucky rifle, 48 caliber, with a beautiful tiger maple stock and 43 ¾ inch octagonal barrel (est. $3,000-$5,000); and a Remington Zouave rifle with “1863” marked on the barrel and a bright shiny bore (est. $3,000-$4,500).

Other rifles of note include a flintlock full-stock Kentucky rifle with 41 ¼-inch octagonal barrel, .48 caliber and nice stock (est. $2,000-$4,000); a Remington Zouave percussion rifle, .58 caliber, with 33-inch barrel with 7 grooves (est. $3,000-$4,000); a full-stock flintlock plain Kentucky rifle, .60 caliber (est. $2,500-$3,500); and a 1939 German Mauser model 98 SS Nazi rifle (est. $2,000-$3,000).

Revolvers are also expected to do well, too. A Colt first model Dragoon revolver with .44 caliber barrel, good bore and matching serial number (#5658) should command $12,000-$16,000. Other stars of the category include a cased Colt model 1851 Navy revolver, .36 caliber, with a great bore (est. $8,000-$10,000); and a Colt single-action Army revolver, .44 caliber, in superior condition (est. $6,000-$7,000).

Additional revolvers will include a Remington new model Navy revolver, conversion to .38 rimfire, marked patented in 1858 and 1863, with a very good bore (est. $3,000-$4,000); a C.R. Alsop Navy model revolver, Civil War-era, .36 caliber, made in Middletown, Conn. (est. $2,500-$3,000); and a Colt model 1860 Army revolver with matching serial numbers that date to 1867 (est. $2,000-$3,000).

Some pistols will be offered as multiple lots. Examples include a wonderful cased pair of D. Egg percussion dueling pistols, British made, 19th century (est. $4,000-$6,000); a pair of English flintlock pistols by the premier London gun maker Henry Nock (est; $3,000-$5,000); and a unique cased set of Remington rolling block pistols and a genuine Bowie knife – all Civil War-era (est. $3,500-$4,500).

Additional multiple-lot pistols will include an elegant pair of flintlock pistols with 9-inch Damascus barrels that are about .56 caliber, in perfect working order (est. $2,500-$4,500); a cased pair of flintlock dueling pistols, the case engraved with “Jefferson Davis 1861” (est. $2,000-$3,000); and a cased set of percussion pistols with 7-inch round cannon style barrels, .52 caliber (est. $2,000-$3,000).

Single-lot pistols will feature a Colt third model Dragoon, .44 caliber, with the top of the barrel marked “Saml Colt New-York” and the cylinder stamped “W.L. Ormsby” (est. $8,000-$12,000); a unique double-sided leather case concealing a small pinfire gambler’s pistol that fuctions perfectly (est. $3,500-$4,500); and a Remington 1871 Army rolling block pistol, Civil War-era (est. $3,000-$3,500).

Carbines will include a highly unusual Austrian flintlock carbine made in 1842, possibly a factory prototype that never made it to production (est. $3,500-$4,500); and a Triplett & Scott 7-shot repeating carbine with 30-inch barrel and nice bore (est. $2,500-$3,500). Also sold will be a massive Hudson Bay flintlock punt gun, 8 feet long and weighing more than 50 pounds (est. $2,500-$4,000).

Following are additional anticipated top lots from a broad array of categories, all military:

An exceedingly rare Confederate Bowie knife with black leather belt and cap box, the belt having a copper-colored brass buckle and the knife in a tin with a 9-inch blade (est. $4,000-$6,000).

A 14th New York Utica Citizen’s Corp Civil War officer’s coat, dark blue, with a row of 9 buttons down the front and large UCC buttons on each side, in excellent condition (est. $2,000-$4,000).
A pre-World War II (model 1934) light cavalry sword (Poland), with nickel-plated scabbard, brass pommel cap, brass stirrup guard, black wood groove handle and rear finial (est. $2,000-$3,000).

A muzzle-loading brass signal cannon, small but heavy, with a 22-inch brass barrel, 1.4-inch bore and a breech end of tube marked “Wm. Read & Sons” over “Boston” over “6” (est. $2,000-$3,000).

A rare Andersonville lithographic print titled “Let us forgive, but not forget” and detailing some of the atrocities committed at Andersonville Prison in the Civil War, framed (est. $2,000-$3,000).

A Florida state Confederate stars and bars flag, said to have been designed by Nicola Marschall, with seven original stars and an eighth later added, for Virginia in 1861 (est. $2,000-$3,000).

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is always accepting quality consignments for its future sales. The firm is especially interested in vintage clocks and watches, Civil War items and other militaria; fine art, period American and Continental furniture, and decorative accessories. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (413) 448-8922; or you can e-mail them at info@fontaineauction.com.

For more information, please log on to www.fontainesauction.net.



Bronze:
Fantastic bronze grouping after John Rogers, titled “The Picket Guards” (est. $10,000-$15,000).





Dragoon:
Cold first model Dragoon revolver, .44 caliber, with 7 ½-inch barrel (est. $12,000-$16,000).






Cannon:
Muzzle loading brass signal cannon with 22-inch barrel and 1.4-inch bore (est. $2,000-$3,000).






Coat:
Dark blue 14th New York Utica Citizens Corp officer's coat from the Civil War (est. $2,000-$4,000).






Rifle:
Colt model 1855 military rifle, .56 caliber, with 24-inch barrel and good bore (est. $12,000-$15,000).





Flag:
Florida state Confederate stars and bars flag, with 8th star added, for Virginia (est. $2,000-$3,000).






Bowie:
Very rare Confederate Bowie knife with black leather belt and leather cap box (est. $4,000-$6,000).





Litho:
Andersonville Prison lithographic print, titled “Let us forgive but not forget” (est. $2,000-$3,000).






Pistols:
Wonderful pair of D. Egg percussion dueling pistols, .62 caliber, 5 ½-inch barrels (est. $4,000-$6,000).






Sword:
Light Cavalry sword from pre-World War II Poland (1934), with scabbard (est. $2,000-$3,000).

AROUND 1,500 LOTS OF QUALITY AMMO, ADVERTISING, FIREARMS, MILITARIA AND GENERAL COLLECTIBLES NOW ONLINE AT SOLDUSA.COM; AUCTION ENDS JAN. 24th

Contact: Chris Roberts
(704) 815-1500

AROUND 1,500 LOTS OF QUALITY AMMO, ADVERTISING, FIREARMS, MILITARIA AND GENERAL COLLECTIBLES NOW ONLINE AT SOLDUSA.COM; AUCTION ENDS JAN. 24th

(MATTHEWS. N.C.) – Around 1,500 lots of high-quality and mostly fresh to the market items – ammo, firearms, militaria, advertising and general collectibles – are for sale in an online auction that is already underway and concludes Jan. 23-24. The sale is being conducted by SoldUSA.com, the premier hunting and fishing, militaria and collectibles site. All items are guaranteed as described and original.

“This will end up being the largest militaria auction to come to market in the last five years, in terms of pure quality,” said Chris Roberts of SoldUSA.com. “We’ve got Civil War, World War I, Japanese, German and U.S. World War II – just a host of items that would be fine additions to anyone’s collection. Many lots are expected to bring $10,000-$30,000. Serious collectors should log on now.”

Mr. Roberts said that while the market overall for such items is generally soft, the recession hasn’t seemed to affect the online auction community. “People don’t have to travel to bid on quality items anymore,” he remarked. “They can bid from the comfort of their homes. Plus it’s great knowing that every item in this auction is guaranteed.” He added that phone and absentee bids are also accepted.

Several lots have already sparked keen bidder interest. One is an exceedingly rare group of three distinguished awards given to World War I German ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek – his original named and engraved Pour Le Merit “Blue Max” award, in its original case; his cased silver Iron Cross medal, engraved with his name on the reverse; and his engraved cut-out pilot’s badge in a black leatherette box.

This rare, one-of-a-kind offering has great historical value in aviation history and carries a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$65,000. Von Tutschek was a German soldier turned fighter pilot who racked up 27 air victories during World War I before being shot down and killed in action on March 15, 1918. His last fighter plane was a Fokker D-1 tri-plane, painted green. The ace flew with Jagdgeschwader 2.

Von Tutschek's “Blue Max” medal is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece in excellent condition. It is engraved on the sides of the Maltese cross with “Enas Lt. A. von Tutschek 3-18-17,” with full neck ribbon. The silver Iron Cross has a nice silver age patina and is engraved on the reverse. The cut-out pilot's badge and case are in great condition. It is engraved “Lt. Ritter A. von Tutschek, 3 August 1917.”

Another lot already wowing bidders is a Colt third model shoulder stock provision Dragoon pistol, made in 1858 and an extremely rare variation. The weapon has all the correct characteristics of a third model Dragoon, including the Colt patented detachable stock hardware with two extra lug screws in the frame. It's marked “Col. Colt London” on the barrel; only a handful of these are known to exist.

The gun also features a 7 ½-inch barrel with correct two-leaf sight, added by Colt only for shoulder stock models. The cylinder retains over 50% of its original scene, with the rarer of the two markings (“Model U.S.M.R. 17482 Colt's Patent”). Every screw and inch of the pistol has been inspected and deemed correct. The stocks are original, with the left chip having a slight chip to the toe.

The bore of the gun is in fair condition, with moderate-to-heavy frosting, but it does retain good overall firing. The serial numbers all match and the pistol functions well in dry operations. It has an overall plum finish with some light silvering to the high edges. “This is am extremely rare Dragoon that would be a highlight of any collection.” The pistol is carrying a pre-sale estimate of $4,500-$16,000.

Also, a wonderful and highly sought after “classic combination” poster from Winchester – a one-of-a-kind image painted by an unknown artist around 1890 and depicting two hunting dogs looking alert and ready – is being offered, with a pre-sale estimate of $2,500-$10,000. The poster measures 20 inches by 40 inches and was made specially for Winchester, perhaps as a display piece for a fair or convention.

The poster has no bands and does show some light wrinkling and edge wear overall. But the colors are rich and vibrant, with just a little bit of soiling. It has undergone not a bit of restoration, and the piece is the only known example on existence. “This poster is extremely rare and has never come to market,” observed Mr. Roberts. “It will garner a lot of attention in the auction, so collectors, look close.”

The sale will also feature a fantastic Third Reich badge collection, with some of the rarest militaria items ever offered at auction. It will also feature over 200 quality firearms, along with antique ammunition and advertising. Previews are by appointment only. Online bidding may be done through the SoldUSA.com website exclusively. A highlight catalog is available for just $12.50, including S&H.

SoldUSA.com is one of the oldest Internet companies in the world. It was launched in 1990 as the brainchild of Ronnie Roberts, who started the firm as Dixie Sporting Collectibles. Mr. Roberts very shrewdly took note of the company’s success with Internet sales and grew it into what it is today – SoldUSA.com, the premier hunting collectibles Internet auction site, with over 40,000 registered users.

To learn more about SoldUSA.com and the Internet and catalog auction that concludes Jan. 23-24, you may log on to www.SoldUSA.com. The firm is always looking for quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item or a collection, you may call them directly, at (704) 815-1500, or, you can e-mail them at croberts@SoldUSA.com. For more information, log on to www.SoldUSA.com.

Von Tutschek awards:
Three awards pertaining to German World War I ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek (est. $30,000-$65,000).





1858 Colt Dragoon:
Colt third model shoulder stock provision Dragoon pistol, made in 1858, rare (est. $4,500-$16,000).





Winchester poster:
One-of-a-kind Winchester “classic combination” advertising poster, circa 1890 (est. $2,500-$10,000).

ORIGINAL PLASTER MOLD OF FREDERICK REMINGTON’S ICONIC BRONZE STATUE THE BRONCO BUSTER WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION ON JAN. 22-24 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731

ORIGINAL PLASTER MOLD OF FREDERICK REMINGTON’S ICONIC BRONZE STATUE THE BRONCO BUSTER WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION ON JAN. 22-24 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – One of only four original plaster models of renowned western artist Frederick Remington’s bronze sculpture The Bronco Buster will be sold at a three-day weekend estate sale slated for Jan. 22-24 by Philip Weiss Auctions. The piece was hand-carved and cast by Remington himself, prior to 1895, and is the oldest of the original four versions. It has never been offered for sale.

In fact, it has never been seen by the public before. That’s because it has remained in the private collection of Roman Bronze Works since being acquired over 100 years ago, and it has been in storage ever since. It is believed that Remington worked this, his first piece, entirely by himself and would not accept any assistance. It still has the artist’s original signature, which was never strengthened or cleaned.

The sculpture was exhibited at Tiffany & Company, when the firm was offering replicas of the statue for sale in the late 1890s. In 1901, the piece was bought by Roman Bronze Works, when Remington began working with Ricardo Bertelli, the founder of R.B.W. Mr. Bertelli had seen The Bronco Buster in 1895 and had acquired one of the 40 original castings by Henry Bonnard Foundry.

Remington worked closely with Bertelli until his death and gave him the plaster version of The Bronco Buster to be sold by Philip Weiss Auctions. Another original plaster casting of the sculpture was offered at auction in 1988, where it carried a dizzying pre-sale estimate of $350,000-$400,000. Philip Weiss Auctions has assigned this version a much more conservative sale estimate of $30,000-$50,000.

Frederick Remington (NY/KS, 1861-1909) is arguably America’s best-known and most revered western painter, sculptor and illustrator. His style was realistic and much of his work was narrative, the implication being that the West belonged to the white man, but his Indians were portrayed with dignity and nobility. He created about 25 bronze statues. The most famous of these was The Bronco Buster.

The Jan. 22-24 sale will also feature the original marriage certificate issued to Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley on May 26, 1994 in the Dominican Republic, where the musical icons embarked on their brief and highly publicized life together The certificate was signed by both Jackson and Presley.

“Anything relating to Michael Jackson is of extreme interest right now because of his untimely death and the release of the movie,” said Philip Weiss, “but when you have an item that combines his name and legend with the Presley name and legend, their marriage certificate no less, with both of their signatures on it, you’ve got something that’s almost impossible to predict what it will bring at auction.”

That same weekend, another slice of music and pop culture memorabilia will be sold by Philip Weiss Auctions: a large photo of the Beatles, signed by all four members of the group and personalized to the late pianist Liberace. In their lighthearted way, the Beatles signed it “to Liber-Archie” as a play on words. Also in the auction will be many other pieces of authentic signed Beatles-related memorabilia.

Other lots sure to pique bidder interest include an important original oil painting by Jean Dufy (Fr., 1888-1964), an artist best known for his renderings of city scenes and musicians; a fresh to the market early piece of original art by Kees Van Dongen (Holland/France, 1877-1968); stamps galore, featuring a complete sheet of 80 Peoples Republic of China Scott #1586 (Monkey New Year); and horse racing trophies and other items of personal achievement from the late jockey legend Willie Shoemaker.

In February, at a date and time still to be determined, Philip Weiss Auctions will hold yet another blockbuster sale, this one featuring the comic collection and original comic art from the estate of noted cartoonist Eldon Dedini. The comics comprise 21 key Golden Age books, unrestored, with the owner’s name and code number attached to each cover. All are high grade, with white/off pages in most cases.

Included in the collection are Detective Comics #’s 1, 2, 28, 34, 38, 40, 41, 42 and 48; More Fun #’s 60 and 62; and Batman #’s 3, 4 and 5. Original comic art will include a great 1962 Peanuts daily strip and a Herriman Krazy Kat Sunday page, both fresh to the market; some wonderful Eldon Dedini Playboy illustrations; two fresh to the market Hogarth Tarzan Sunday pages; and another Peanuts daily.

Previews for most sales begin the Wednesday before the sale date, from noon to 5; Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 each day; and 8:30 a.m. on sale day. A 13 percent buyer’s premium will be added to each lot purchased through the gallery. All auctions will be held at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, N.Y. Online bidding will be facilitated through Proxibid.com. Absentee and phone bids will also be accepted.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (516) 594-0731, or you can e-mail them at phil@prwauctions.com. To learn more about Philip Weiss Auctions and the big upcoming Jan. 22-24 weekend auction, plus the February sale, log on to www.prwauctions.com. Updates are posted often.


Frederick Remington:
Original plaster model of Frederick Remington's iconic bronze sculpture The Bronco Buster.





Kees Van Dongen:
Fresh to the market early original work of art by Kees Van Dongen (Holland/France, 1877-1968).





Peanuts strip:
Two original Peanuts strips by the late renowned illustrator Charles Schulz will be sold in February.




Detective comic:
One of many Detective Comics (this one from 1937) from the estate of cartoonist Eldon Dedini.





Herriman Krazy Kat:
This original Herriman Krazy Kat Sunday page, fresh to the market, will be offered in February.





Jean Dufy:
This important original oil painting by Jean Dufy (Fr., 1888-1964) will cross the block Jan. 22-24.

PAIR OF GILT BRONZE DANCERS BY FRENCH ARTIST AGATHON LÉONARD (1841-1923) FETCHES OVER $60,000 AT SALE HELD BY LELAND LITTLE AUCTION & ESTATE SALES

Contact: Leland Little
(919) 644-1243

PAIR OF GILT BRONZE DANCERS BY FRENCH ARTIST AGATHON LÉONARD (1841-1923) FETCHES OVER $60,000 AT SALE HELD BY LELAND LITTLE AUCTION & ESTATE SALES

(HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.) – A gorgeous pair of gilt bronze figural dancers, executed by the renowned French artist and sculptor Agathon Léonard (1841-1923) sold for a combined $60,950 at a Fine & Decorative Arts Cataloged Auction held Dec. 5 by Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. It was the final sale of the year for the firm in its new state-of-the art gallery, at 620 Cornerstone Court.

Agathon Léonard was the pseudonym of Van Weydveldt. He gained fame in 1900 with the debut of “Jeu l’echarpe,” originally created for Sevres in fine porcelain as a centerpiece and based on the fluid movements of Loïe Fuller in her famous scarf dances. The sets sold out and Léonard created the figures in bronze in varying sizes. The two sold are 21-¾ inches tall and epitomize the Art Nouveau movement.

The bronzes were the top lots in a sale that saw nearly 750 lots change hands. Around 250 people packed the building, while over 700 bidders registered online, through LiveAuctioneers.com, prior to the sale. Also, pre-absentee and phone bids numbered 1,300. “This was a great sale to wrap up the first year in our new showroom,” Leland Little commented. “We look forward to continued success next year.”

The auction was preceded by previews, an evening reception and a special lecture by June Lucas, the director of research at Old Salem Museums and Gardens in Winston-Salem, N.C. Ms. Lucas’ talk was titled Wood on Canvas: the Paint-Decorated Furniture of Piedmont, N.C. It centered on the late 18th and 19th century furniture makers in the Piedmont region of the state and their use of paint decoration.

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

The next top lot after the Leonard bronzes was an extremely rare Edgefield District “Dave the Slave” 5-gallon ovoid form jug, with applied ear handles and an even medium brown alkaline glaze. The inscribed and dated (1857) piece sold for $26,450. Also, a Jugtown (North Carolina) Chinese blue “Tang” vase, Oriental translation form, with applied extruded handles and wine glaze fetched $1,495.

Fine art commanded strong prices. A still life on canvas by Paul Lacroix (NJ/NY, 1827-1869), housed in the likely original gilt wood frame and signed lower left, brought $21,850; an oil on canvas by Aldro T. Hibbard (MA/VT, 1886-1972), titled Snow Scene in Moonlight, signed and framed, hammered for $17,250; and a bronze creation by Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876-1973), titled Bear, realized $4,600.

American period furniture got paddles wagging. An early 19th century Southern chest on frame (Rowan County, N.C.), walnut with yellow pine secondary, rose to $17,250; a Southern Chippendale step-back cupboard (Western N.C., circa 1800-1820), one piece form, climbed to $13,800; and a fine Southern Hepplewhite inlaid cellaret (probably Virginia, circa 1800), mahogany, topped out at $6,900.

Also, a mid-19th century Southern Sheraton server (Guilford County, N.C.), cherry with poplar secondary, earned $2,760, about double the high estimate. Tops among Continental furniture pieces were a Louis XV-style Belle Epoque French escritoire, mahogany with ormolu mounts ($8,338); and a pair of Bagues-style wall sconces of molded glass and gilt metal, each with a bird on an urn ($2,070).

In the folk art category, a large late 19th century carved American eagle, made in New England of white pine with a dark red-brown tone, breezed to $14,950; an untitled mixed media on paper work of angels and winged animals by Minnie Evans (NC, 1892-1987, circa 1970s) garnered $5,520; and a 19th century Virginia leather key basket, oblong form, hand-stitched of brown tinted leather, made $4,830.

Asian pieces wowed the crowd. A 19th century six-panel coromandel dressing screen, with each panel relief carved at the top and bottom, 73 inches by 90 inches, achieved $14,375; a matched pair of 19th century antique carved wooden doors with a landscape scene on one side and a carved dragon on the other went for $12,650; and an unsigned Sino-Tibetan style painting depicting Buddha hit $6,612.

Also, a pair of late 18th or early 19th century Chinese porcelain vases, baluster form and hand-painted in polychrome overglaze enamels, coasted to $3,910; an ancient Chinese bronze sword with provenance (circa 700-400 B.C.), in a silk-lined presentation box, sold for $2,990; and an 18th century Chinese Huanghuali document box with dovetail joints and later Chinese hardware commanded $2,760.

In art glass and lighting, a Tiffany Studios bronze and Favrile lamp in a four-arm electrified “candelabra” form, with five glass shades (all signed) and attractive, colorful patina attained $14,375; a signed Tiffany Favrile decanter and six cordials of gold iridescent glass, all etched “L.C.T.,” gaveled for $2,990; and a late 19th or early 20th century Peking glass bottle vase, red cut to frosted, realized $2,300.

Among porcelains, a late 19th century Meissen nodder with underglaze blue crossed swords mark to the bottom and depicting a male figure seated cross-legged demanded $4,370; a Meissen figural of an elephant and blackamoor, finely molded and painted, hit $3,220; a late 19th century Viennese enameled jewelry casket made $1,955; and an early 20th century Pickard signed jardinière topped out at $1,610.

Vintage clocks were in the house. A 19th century French gilt brass cartel clock with two sconces, time and strike, brass movement and porcelain dial chimes on time for $1,840; and a French gilt bronze mantel clock in the form of a black enameled globe clock with Roman numeral markers brought $1,610. Also, an early 20th century authentic stock exchange ticker machine in original condition fetched $9,200.

Musical instruments were real crowd-pleasers. A beautiful Gibson Master Model F-5 mandolin by Derrington (2001, serial #V70314), signed by Derringer and with a spirit varnish finish over a bound spruce top, garnered $9,890; a vintage Gretsch electric guitar (circa 1960s-‘70s, serial #50848) brought $1,725; and a vintage 1976 Les Paul custom Gibson guitar with gold-plated hardware reached $2,415.

Beautiful estate jewelry is a staple at most Leland Little auctions, and this one was no exception. A circa 1955 14kt white gold diamond brooch in floral spray design changed hands for $3,910; a 14kt marquise diamond ring with one 1.29-ct. diamond and 24 round brilliant cut diamonds rose to $3,200; and a David Yurman sterling silver and diamond bracelet with twisted and braided links reached $2,760.

Gold coins sailed past their high estimates (probably a reflection of market conditions). A 1926 $2.50 Indian gold quarter eagle coin graded NGC MS65 found a new owner for $2,760; a 1928 $20 St. Gaudens gold double eagle coin with minimal marks and graded NGC MS 65 finished at $2,530; and an 1879 Indian Princess $3 gold coin, one of only 3,030 struck and graded NGC AU58, garnered $2,300.

Rounding out the top lots, an important Southern coin silver cup by Leinbach, a footed cup with applied handle and beaded border to the foot and mouth, sold for $4,830; an early 19th century Mexican Soldado de Cuera shield with bull-hide construction and decorated with an Aztec eagle soared to $4,140; and a Northampton County (PA) needlework sampler by Susanna Lerch (Oct. 7,. 1832) rose to $2,530.

Next up for Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., is a New Year’s Day non-cataloged sale, followed by a cataloged auction slated for March 20, 2010. Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them at (919) 644-1243. Or, you can e-mail them at info@LLAuctions.com.

To learn more about Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., and their calendar of upcoming auctions, please log on to www.LLAuctions.com.


Agathon Léonard:
A pair of gilt bronze figural dancers (one shown), by French artist Agathon Léonard brought $60,950.





Paul Lecroix:
Still life on canvas by Paul Lecroix (NJ/NY, 1827-1869), in likely original gilt wood frame ($21,850).





Tiffany lamp:
Tiffany Studios bronze and Favrile lamp in a four-arm electrified “candelabra” form ($14,375).





Diamond brooch:
This stunning circa 1955 14kt white gold diamond brooch in a floral spray design realized $3,910.





Asian screen:
This 19th-century six-panel coromandel Asian dressing screen, 73 inches by 90 inches, hit $14,375.





Southern chest:
Early 19th century Southern chest on frame (Rowan County, N.C.), walnut and yellow pine ($17,250).

PAIR OF IMPORTANT AND PROMINENT LOCAL ESTATES WILL HEADLINE THE 26th ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S DAY AUCTION PLANNED BY TOM’S AUCTIONS IN VIRGINIA

Contact: Tom Perry
(757) 539-2498 or (757) 617-9647

PAIR OF IMPORTANT AND PROMINENT LOCAL ESTATES WILL HEADLINE THE 26th ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S DAY AUCTION PLANNED BY TOM’S AUCTIONS IN VIRGINIA

(IVOR, Va.) – A pair of prominent and important local estates will headline the 26th annual New Year’s Day sale planned by Tom’s Auctions & Appraisals of Suffolk, Va. The sale will be held at the old Ivor High School (now the Ivor Municipal Building), at 8420 Bell Avenue in Ivor, off Route 460, at 10 a.m. A preview will be held Thursday, Dec. 31, from 2-6 p.m., and on the day of sale from 9-10 a.m.

Over 600 lots will come up for bid and more than 400 of them will come from the estate of the late Col. Carl Moulton, a former antiques dealer and auctioneer. Mr. Moulton had planned to assist in the sale of his merchandise before his recent untimely death. He owned and operated Carl’s Antiques in Chesapeake, Va., maintained booths in area antique malls, and previously owned a local pawn shop.

“Carl Moulton was a larger-than-life figure and a real friend who was known and liked by everyone in the area,” said Tom Perry of Tom’s Auctions & Appraisals. “Barbara, his wife, also recently passed away, and when he contacted me about handling his estate, it was with the agreement he’d help out. Although he was in poor health, Carl was one of the area's most talented auctioneers and knew the auction business inside and out, but it wasn’t to be. The sale will proceed as he wished, and most of it will be Carl’s items.”

Mr. Moulton bought and sold antiques over a 40-year period, but he kept some the best of what he acquired for himself. Some of those items will be sold Jan. 1, but he owned so much, Mr. Perry said his estate will be broken up into several sales. The same will be true of the other major estate in the auction, that of the late Anne B. Jennings, formerly of Chesapeake, Va., and wife of the prominent physician Dr. W. Stanley Jennings. Dr. Jennings was recently referred to as “The Father Of The Chesapeake General Hospital” in a local article published at the time of the dedication of the W. Stanley Jennings Medical Clinic.

Mrs. Jennings loved primitives; her estate also includes stoneware, baskets, quilts and lots of country collectibles. Mr. Moulton specialized in jewelry, coins, period American furniture, stoneware, collectibles, and guns. “He had a reputation for collecting only primo items, in mint condition,” Mr. Perry said. “Mrs. Jennings was also a very discriminating buyer and she had the means to buy the best.”

Bidders will have much to peruse on New Year’s Day. Period furniture items will include a yellow pine Virginia corner cupboard from Sussex County (circa 1800-1810); a meat safe from Isle of Wight County, Va., heart of pine with milk green paint (circa 1780-1820); a large oak bow front china cabinet (circa 1880s), with leaded glass, claw feet and nice carvings; and many other wonderful pieces.

The sale will also feature a Civil War Union sword made by Ames Mfg. Co. of Chicopee, Mass., in excellent condition, all original and with a scabbard; other Civil War items; sterling silver items, including a spectacular early 20th century Tiffany ladle; gold coins, including an 1852 $1 gold coin as part of a necklace with a diamond and a 1909 $5 Eagle gold coin with diamonds mounted on a pendant.

Also offered will be cast-iron and tin toys and banks, model trains and accessories, old candy containers, some rare antique telephones (including a stick), a nice assortment of antique baskets, Coca-Cola and Pepsi collectibles (to include a rare Coke tray in excellent condition), and Civil War-era daguerreotypes (to include a portrait photo in a display case of a fireman).
Other items will include an old Dick Tracy key-wind toy car still in the original box plus a Dick Tracy friction toy car, turn-of-the-century Putnam Dyes & Tints, a rare Adolf Hitler pin cushion, a Lucky Lucy toy bank, a Speaking Dog mechanical bank (circa 1855), Bradley & Hubbard bronze plaques and lamp, and World’s Fair items.

60+ pieces of stoneware items will be served up, originating from North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other states. Sold will be face jugs, a rare crock attributed to H. Lowndes (Petersburg, Va., circa 1860s), a hard to come by pig-in stoneware piece with lots of blue, early G. Benton and L. Stewart jugs (Hartford, circa 1800-1820), an N. Clark & Co. stoneware jug (Lyons, N.Y.), scarce Norton and Fenton bulbous jugs, and chicken pecking corn crocks.

Collectors of vintage walking canes will be impressed with the nice assortment that includes a Civil War reunion example dated Aug. 1, 1879. Also slated to come under the gavel will be Cream of Wheat original advertisements, Currier & Ives prints, Disney collectibles, Carnival glass, Fenton pieces, Scotty wind-up toys, dolls, glassware, china, a vintage stereoscopic viewer, vintage school bells and a collection of Royal Doulton figurines.

Also sold will be Black memorabilia (to include a log cabin bank), an Imari bowl, Rose Medallion, rare and vintage books, country store items, old hotel bells, several antique baskets, including a miniature, a Lone Ranger and a Mickey Mouse toy bank, a sterling silver mother-of-pearl baby pacifier/whistle with chain, a one-quart glass butter churn, old bottles and bottle boxes, and a cast-iron miniature square egg skillet by Griswold (#129a).

Rounding out the day’s lots will by a selection of door stops, an antique automatic pencil sharpener with hand-crank, showcases from Mr. Moulton’s mall booths, additional furniture items and more. A date has not yet been set for the future auctions of the remainder of Mr. Moulton’s estate. Mrs. Jennings’ estate auction will be held at the same Ivor venue on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 10 am. More information about this auction will be forthcoming. Watch the Tom’s Auctions & Appraisals website for details: www.TomsAuction.com.

To learn more about the New Year’s Day sale, and for directions to the old Ivor High School, log on to www.TomsAuction.com. Many photos of the items to be sold have been posted, and more images were being added at press time. There will be no online bidding component for the sale, but phone and absentee bids will be accepted. The buyer’s premium is 10 percent, cash and good check only.

Tom’s Auctions & Appraisals is one of the premier auctions in the mid-Atlantic states. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate, or a collection, you may call them directly, at (757) 539-2498, or (757) 617-9647, or you can send them an e-mail, at tombuys@tomsauction.com. For more information, log on to www.TomsAuction.com.


Corner cupboard:
Yellow pine Virginia corner cupboard from Sussex County (circa 1800-1810).




Pepsi thermometer:
Vintage Pepsi thermometer, just one of many Pepsi and Coca-Cola collectibles that will be sold.




Lowndes crock:
Rare stoneware crock attributed to H. Lowndes (Petersburg, Va., circa 1860s).




Gold coin chain:
Gold coins will be offered, two of which have been used to make beautiful necklaces.




Stoneware pig-in:
This intriguing pig-in is one of scores of wonderful stoneware pieces that will cross the block.




Wall phone:
Vintage telephones, like this wall phone model and to include a rare stick, will be sold.




Putnam Dyes:
Rare, turn-of-the-century Putnam Dyes and Tints.




Tiffany ladle:
Sterling silver items will include this spectacular early 20th century Tiffany ladle.




B & H lamp:
Gorgeous Bradley & Hubbard lamp.

OVER 325 RARE, VINTAGE BOTTLES WILL BE SOLD IN AN ONLINE AUCTION SLATED FOR JAN. 8-18 BY AMERICAN BOTTLE AUCTIONS, AT WWW.AMERICANBOTTLE.COM

Contact: Jeff Wichmann
(800) 806-7722

OVER 325 RARE, VINTAGE BOTTLES WILL BE SOLD IN AN ONLINE AUCTION SLATED FOR JAN. 8-18 BY AMERICAN BOTTLE AUCTIONS, AT WWW.AMERICANBOTTLE.COM

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – Over 325 rare and vintage bottles – most of them made between 1850 and 1900, the period most desired by collectors, when superior embossing techniques were employed – will be sold in an Internet and catalog auction slated for Jan. 8-18 by American Bottle Auctions (www.AmericanBottle.com). Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted in the auction.

“This is our Auction 49 and serious bottle collectors need to mark their calendars,” said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. “We have some great stuff -- bitters, fruit jars, medicines, historical and western flasks, western whiskeys, sodas and more. This could be the best auction we’ve ever had.” Bidders can call or e-mail for a free catalog (1-800-806-7722, or info@americanbottle.com).

Mr. Wichmann said the auction was shaping up as only a so-so event until the start of November. “Then we just started getting all these wonderful consignments in, like outstanding whiskey and bitters collections and other rarities. Bidders will be able to see each bottle on a live streaming video during the sale, as part of our state-of-the-art and easy-to-use online bidding platform, developed especially for us.”

Following are some of the anticipated top lots of the sale, with minimum bid figures included.
A Miller’s Extra E. Martin Old Bourbon with embossed trade mark (circa 1871-1875) is one of the best of the embossed Cutter/Martin fifth bottles, and this is one of only about 10 mint examples known. Fresh to the market, it was found in a basement with the original cork and appears as it probably did when it was first made nearly 140 years ago. Medium old amber in color (Grade 9.7, MB $4,000).

An E. G. Booze’s Old Cabin Whiskey (1840) with applied top is one of the classic bottles in American history. It is known the Booze name was used before this bottle, but apparently a bit of a revival occurred when it reappeared. This example was purchased from an earlier glassworks auction and may have been displayed in a museum. Pretty, and graded 9.7, with no visible flaws (MB $2,000).

A J.H. Cutter Old Bourbon E. Martin & Co. Sole Agents (circa 1873-1877) banded pint flask with a crown on the shoulder is one of numerous Cutter whiskies in the auction, and that’s a good thing. This popular crown shoulder example is considered one of the top western flasks ever made. A few minor scratches on the reverse panel and elsewhere are the only imperfections (Grade 9.3, MB $4,000).

A Bridgeton New Jersey Washington pint flask with a sheared lip and open pontil is an outstanding pint in a rarely seen color. This spectacular Bridgeton (GI-24) boasts a jagged tubular pontil and an outstanding medium-to-deep amber coloration near the base. It has loads of overall whittle and a pristine surface. A spectacular piece with a super strike, this rare pint flask is graded 9.8 (MB $2,600).

A Washington/Baltimore Glassworks portrait flask with the Baltimore monument and portrait of George Washington (circa 1830-1850), with rolled lip and pontil, is rare for its medium green color (they’re usually aqua). This example has some intriguing irregularities, most notably a slag of glass (or wing mark), which is a piece of glass left over from the previously blown flask (Grade 9.3, MB $5,000).

A For Our Country / Eagle (GII-54) pint flask with sheared lip and pontil is presented in a color rarely seen in this bottle: tobacco green with striations of olive. This is a very busy flask, showing a 20-star flag surrounded by six ribs, while the overall pebbly and pristine surface virtually screams early America. Truly a one-of-a-kind pint flask that was made over 150 years ago (Grade 9.8, MB $5,000).

A Trademark Lightning emerald green quart bottle with Putnam 328 on the base and a replaced top is right up there with virtually the best of any jar (aside from the blue pint). This example has an overall nice whittle and is one of only about a half-dozen known in this color. The lid has been painted, probably to approximate the gorgeous coloring of this very rare jar. It has been graded 9.8 (MB $4,000).

A Harkness Fire Destroyer grenade bottle (circa 1865-1885), 6 ¼ inches with a ground lip, has one of the rarest color combinations possible: sapphire blue with huge swipes of pure oxblood puce. It is possibly the finest grenade known, made more desirable by the extremely odd and beautiful combination of colors. Bidders should know they probably won’t ever see another one again (Grade 9.8, MB $2,600).

A Chalmers Catawba western wine bitters bottle (trademark Sutters Old Mill Spruance Stanley & Co., Proprietors), with an applied top, is a fine example of a popular western bitter. This bottle has loads of whittle and is colored a brilliant bluish aqua, with a solid strike. This same bottle sold at an earlier American Bottle Auction and it set a record for the most ever paid. It’s graded 9.8 (MB $8,000).

A National Bitters bottle with “Patent 1867” on the base has the original label and an applied top. At first glance, it appears to be simply red amber in color, but a closer inspection reveals it has a true purple puce coloration – a brilliant ruby red. Such coloration is rare and desirable in bitters. The drippy top can literally be held in the air with just a fingernail. Nearly perfect, with a 9.9 grade (MB $4,000).

American Bottle Auctions was founded in 1990 by Jeff Wichmann, a native Californian who has been collecting antique bottles for nearly 40 years. Over time, the firm grew and underwent a name change, but the focus has remained the same: American Bottle Auctions specializes in appraising, brokering, consigning and auctioning antique bottles and glass. Bottle collecting is a burgeoning genre.

Mr. Wichmann has personally researched, appraised and estimated the value of tens of thousands of antique bottles and related items. He is often called on to appraise antique bottles and glass for private individuals and businesses. In 1999, he wrote and published The Best of the West – Antique Western Bitters Bottles, a top research guide. He has also written many articles on the subject of antique bottles.

American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, you may call them directly, toll-free, at 1-800-806-7722; or, you can send them an e-mail at info@americanbottle.com. To learn more about American Bottle Auctions and the upcoming Jan. 8-18 Internet and catalog auction, please log on to www.AmericanBottle.com.


Miller's 92:
Miller's Extra E. Martin Old Bourbon Trademark (circa 1871-1875), an embossed Cutter/Martin bottle.




Cutter 112:
J.H. Cutter Old Bourbon E. Martin & Co. Sole Agents banded pint flask (circa 1873-1877).




Washington 155:
Washington/Baltimore Glassworks portrait flask with Baltimore monument and Washington portrait.




Eagle 156:
For Our Country/Eagle pint bottle with sheared lip and pontil (GII-54), tobacco green and olive.




Lightning 234:
Trademark Lightning emerald green quart bottle with Putnam 328 on the base and replaced top.




Chalmers 318:
Chalmers Catawba Wine Bitters bottle, one of the finest examples of a popular western bitter.




Natl Bitters 322:
National Bitters bottle in a rare ruby red coloration, with Patent 1867 on the base and applied top.

AUCTION FEATURING VINTAGE CLOCKS AND HOROLOGY-RELATED ITEMS WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, DEC. 29, AT 3:15 P.M. IN WAYNE, PA., BY GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO.

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

AUCTION FEATURING VINTAGE CLOCKS AND HOROLOGY-RELATED ITEMS WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, DEC. 29, AT 3:15 P.M. IN WAYNE, PA., BY GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO.

About 250 lots – including many rare and important early American shelf clocks – will cross the block.

(WAYNE, Pa.) - A two-part auction featuring around 250 lots of vintage clocks and horology-related items will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Italian-American Club in Wayne, beginning at 3:15 p.m. The sale will be conducted by Gordon S. Converse & Co., based in nearby Strafford. It will be the firm's first auction dedicated to clocks and horology. A preview will be held Dec. 28, from 10-6.

“This sale will feature all kinds of antique clocks,” said Gordon S. Converse. “Most are at least 125 years old and are mechanical, but examples of early electro-mechanical clocks will also be offered, along with electric clocks of the 20th century.” The centerpiece of the sale promises to be the collection of the late James Grundy, who amassed one of the finest American shelf clock collections anywhere.

At least 75 examples of American shelf clocks – most of them from Mr. Grundy's collection – will cross the block that day. Also offered will be several tall case clocks (two from the American Federal era); some wall clocks (including two Biedermeier-era Austrian wall clocks); mantel clocks from America, England an the Continent; books on horology; and clock makers' tools and supplies.

“We're already getting a positive response to the items in this auction, especially the shelf clocks,” Mr. Converse said. “We've had lots of views on LiveAuctioneers.com (which is facilitating online bidding). This is a unique chance for collectors to bid on a wide selection of fresh-to-the-market clocks that won't be offered again for a long while. Dedicated collectors need to mark their calendars.”

Just a few of the shelf clocks expected to generate much bidder interest include the following:

• A carved case shelf clock by Eli Terry, Jr., featuring carved quarter columns flanking the full-length door, which has a reverse painted glass below the glazed square wood dial and carved paw feet. The crest mounted on top is a finely carved Federal eagle.

• A Jerome & Darrow shelf clock made circa 1824-1826, having a look of reeded pilasters with neatly carved capitals, a scrolled top with hollow brass finials (an affectation from the earlier Eli Terry “Pillar and Scroll” designed clock), and a later reverse painting of Independence Hall.

• An important striking looking-glass shelf clock, signed “Sawin” (John Sawin, Boston, 1810-1863), with a stencil reverse painted decorated glass masking the dished dial above a looking-glass mounted within the base panel. Striking shelf clocks are rare, making them desirable to collectors.

• An early 19th century American shelf clock with an original label that identifies C. & C.L. Ives as the manufacturer for David & Barber of Bristol, Conn. The clock has robust carving on the crests and half columns, two reverse paintings of two prominent buildings, and a painted wood dial.

• A faux finish, mahogany, gilt wood, carved and reverse painted triple-deck shelf clock made by the Forestville Mfg. Co., of Bristol, Conn. The reverse painted glasses of architectural landscapes and the carved and gilt crest atop the case are unusual in their form. The clock also boasts ball feet.

New England's clock makers in the early 1800s had little to work with in terms of technology to create clocks that would be affordable to the masses. But between 1820 and 1860, there was a proliferation of shelf clocks – so-named because they ended up being quite high and so couldn't fit easily onto mantel pieces. Instead, they were displayed on shelves. And best of all they were affordable.

The skills of the craftspeople in New England's cottage industries (such as reverse painting on glass, stenciling, wood carving and gold leaf skills) were all utilized in the making of these popular shelf clocks. Inside each one were clockworks that also showed off the inventive skills of the Yankee clock makers. Many had calendars, wooden gears, alarm devices and brass (not coiled steel) springs.

“This auction will feature shelf clocks in a variety of styles and sizes, by various makers,” Mr. Converse said. “Bidders will be treated to variations on seminal designs, real-life examples of original patents and crafts skills of the 19th century – enough to fill a museum. We'll have clocks by the Terrys of Connecticut and many made in Bristol, Conn., the Yankee clock making capital from 1800-1850.”

While shelf clocks are expected to take center stage at the auction, dozens of other pieces in a wide array of sizes and styles will also come under the gavel. These will include a 39-inch C. & N. Jerome 8-day repeating brass clock with scored dial; a rare miniature timepiece made by Silas Hoadley; and a circa 1900 Black Forest painted cast iron and tin “Clock Peddler” clock standing 11 inches tall.

Also offered will be a circa 1870s French industrial lighthouse clock, 22 inches tall, with a model Fresno light atop the structure oscillating on the half-seconds; a fine Federal tall case clock (circa 1790-1810), with a dense and dark solid mahogany case and a dial possibly from the shop of Nolan & Curtis; and a 4-candlestick mahogany cased “wagon spring” steeple clock by Birge & Fuller.

The sale will be split into two parts to allow for a brief intermission. The first part will begin at 3:15 p.m. and conclude around 5:30. The second session will start at 6 p.m. Each session will feature 125 lots. To view most of the catalog or to register online, log on to LiveAuctioneers.com. The Italian-American Club is located at 301 West Wayne Ave., in Wayne, Pa., a half hour west of Philadelphia.

Gordon S. Converse & Co.'s next big auction after this will be a general art and antique sale, slated for either February or March 2010. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (610) 722-9004; or, you may inquire by e-mail at Gordon@ConverseClocks.com. To learn more about the company and the upcoming Dec. 29 auction, log on to www.AuctionsatConverse.com or http://www.converseclocks.com/.

Anyone interested in having an item appraised may do so by sending a photo of the object, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon Converse, 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. To order a catalog for the upcoming Dec. 29 clock vintage clocks and horology auction, send a check or money order for $12.50 to Gordon S. Converse & Co., 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087.


Eli Terry, Jr.
Carved case shelf clock by Eli Terry, Jr., featuring carved quarter columns flanking a full-length door.




Hoadley alarm:
Rare alarm timepiece made by Silas Hoadley, 21-½ inches in height.




C & N Jerome:
39-inch 8-day repeating brass clock labeled “C & N Jerome” with scored dial.




Forestville Mfg.:
Mahogany, gilt wood, carved and reverse painted triple-deck shelf clock by Forestville Mfg. Co.




John Birge:
Traditionally appointed shelf clock by John Birge (1785-1862), in Bristol, Conn., after 1840.