Estate Road Show to auction massive collection of toys jointly consigned

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2010

Estate Road Show to auction massive collection of toys jointly consigned
by five brothers in May 8-9 and May 22-23 live/Internet events

Toys to be auctioned span 1930s-1970s and represent 60 years of collecting

KILLEN, Ala. – Five branches of a Midwestern family tree have come together to produce the remarkable selection of vintage toys to be auctioned by Estate Road Show over the weekends of May 8-9 and May 22-23. The 1,200-1,500-lot sale sessions, featuring toys amassed individually over several decades by five brothers, will be live events conducted in Killen, Ala., with Internet bidding through eBay Timed-Live, a service exclusive to Estate Roadshow.

The core of the collection was actually established in the 1950s by the father of the adult sons who are consignors to the May sale. As time went on, each of the sons set off on his own collecting path. While each sibling took a different approach to the others in building his collection, they shared a common affinity for vintage American toys, primarily of the boomer era.

“We all liked military toys, Disney, Tonka and Buddy ‘L’ pressed steel toys and toy guns, mostly the Western type,” said one of the sons. “We also collected racing cars and tin toys, battery ops and wind-ups, but we had a special love for airplanes and aviation toys.”

The majority of the toys in the combined super-collection were purchased specifically as additions to the men’s collections. Only a few pieces were their own personal playthings as children.

“Most of what we bought came from traveling extensively and buying at antique shops, toy shows and a few auctions,” said the family spokesman. “And we were never sellers; we were always buyers.”

The timespan for the toys is heavily focused on the 1950s and ’60s, with a few inclusions from the 1970s. A stellar sub-collection of approximately 30 Smith-Miller and Buddy ‘L’ fire trucks is primarily of postwar vintage, but there are also a few examples from the 1930s. For instance, a fully functional 1936 Buddy ‘L’ #28 Water Tower Truck, 45 inches long, is estimated at $3,800-$4,200. Among the postwar standouts, a rare circa-1953 Smith-Miller #3 L Mack aerial SMFD fire truck in the special 8-wheel configuration, 36 inches long and in mint condition, is expected to make $800-$1,000.

Quite a few Disney items will be up for bid, like the mid-1950s Linemar Mickey the Musician and circa-1958-1960 Musical Pluto. A set of R. John Wright limited-edition Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dolls with matching serial numbers includes two versions of the main character: “Rags” Snow White and “Riches” Snow White. Other highly desirable Disney toys in the auction date to the pre-World War II era, such as the 1939 Fisher-Price/Walt Disney paper litho on wood bell-ringing pull toy of Pinocchio riding a donkey.

The auction also contains an outstanding selection of 1950s-60s toy guns with holsters described as being in “very nice condition, and the high-end types.” Some of the sets are examples not often found in complete condition with holsters and bullets. Two prized lots are the mint/boxed Hubley Colt .45 die-cast revolver and the 1950s Have Gun Will Travel Paladin gun belt and holsters with chess knight logos. Other toy firearms include Marx tinplate machine guns and several early space guns. An especially rare entry from the latter group is the 1936 yellow and red Buck Rogers Liquid Helium Water Pistol made by Daisy.

An impressive lineup of vintage tin wind-up and battery op toys includes many characters (e.g., Popeye, G.I. Joe), while the array of toy racers includes a number of examples not often seen by collectors. “There are probably over 100 racers in all,” the spokesman said. “It took 60 years to accumulate them.”

A vast assortment of airplanes from the 1950s-60s includes tin wind-up and friction aircraft, plus others from the World War II era made of Bakelite.

Among the many other toys to be auctioned are 1960s-vintage dolls, including Shirley Temples; robots, Tonka construction toys, farm trucks, and an all-encompassing brigade of military toys – there are 1950s tin army tanks, Marx tin military ships, soldier and WAC statues, and military airplanes.

Asked why the five brothers had decided to sell the toys, their spokesman said, “Our joint collection has grown very large, and there are other things that we are collecting, now. We want to make some room for our other collections.”

The May 8-9 and May 22-23 auction sessions will take place live at the spacious Estate Road Show gallery, 3540 Hwy. 72, Killen, Alabama 35645, and will be simulcast to the company’s satellite galleries in Chicago and Charleston (MidWest Estate Buyers’ Chicago gallery, 3681 Commercial Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062 and Estate Road Show gallery, 1090 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite C, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464). Because approximately 70% of Estate Roadshow’s auction inventory typically sells online, the ownership set protocols in place to make it possible for bidders to collect their goods from any of the three galleries. Alternatively, purchases can be shipped to the winning bidders anywhere in the world.

In addition to live bidding at any of the three galleries, all other forms of bidding will be available: by phone, absentee or via the Internet from anywhere in the world through eBay Timed Live. The catalog can be viewed online at www.AuctionZip.com. Read about how to bid through eBay Timed Live at www.TimedLive.com.

For additional information, call Estate Road Show at 256-272-0397. E-mail michael@estateroadshow.com. Visit the company online at www.estateroadshow.com.


Caption:
Fully functional 1936 Buddy ‘L’ #28 Water Tower Truck, 45 inches long, est. $3,800-$4,200

PROPERTY DOCUMENTS SIGNED BY ELVIS PRESLEY, PLUS STAR WARS COLLECTIBLES, LEAD THE WAY AT PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS, APR. 23-25

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731

PROPERTY DOCUMENTS SIGNED BY ELVIS PRESLEY, PLUS STAR WARS COLLECTIBLES, LEAD THE WAY AT PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS, APR. 23-25

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – Several property documents signed by Elvis Presley – to include the original contract to purchase Graceland in 1957 – plus Star Wars collectibles combined to lead the charge at a huge three-day multi-estate sale held Apr. 23-25 by Philip Weiss Auctions. The sale was held in the firm’s spacious gallery facility, located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside.

Internet bidding was facilitated by Proxibid.com. All prices quoted include a 13 percent buyer’s premium.

The Elvis documents sold for an aggregate of $52,410. Chief among them (and the top lot of the sale) was the Graceland contract, which brought $28,250. It was the purchase and sale agreement (and settlement sheet) for the legendary home in Memphis that Elvis purchased from Ruth Brown Moore in 1957. The iconic document was signed by Elvis and both of his parents.

Also sold was the contract to acquire the home Elvis bought in Memphis, at 1034 Audubon Road, before acquiring Graceland ($8,775). That document was also signed by all three Presleys. It detailed the purchase price paid and terms. When Elvis purchased Graceland, he turned the Audubon Road property over to Ruth Brown Moore as part of the sale agreement.

A third contract, which sold for $5,085, was the document for Elvis’s purchase of the Circle G Ranch (then known as Twinkletown Farms), located south of Memphis, in Mississippi. It is there that Elvis and Priscilla honeymooned in 1968. All of the Elvis material was consigned by a gentleman who worked for a law firm in Memphis that helped negotiate all of the deals.

The Star Wars collectibles were the surprise hit of the auction. Highlights included a Bobba Fett auction figure on card ($847.50), a lot of five Star Wars action figures on cards ($5,367.50), a lot of two Star Wars utility belts, in the original boxes ($1,808) and a Star Wars Ice Planet Hoth adventure set ($2,486). “The Force was with us,” Philip Weiss deadpanned.

“Overall, it was a fairly busy three-day sale,” Mr. Weiss remarked. “As always, the good material brought great prices.” The first day of the auction featured vintage trains, with names like American Flyer, Lionel and other makers. Also offered were toys, wind-ups, cast-iron and pressed steel trucks. The top lot of the session was a J. & E. Stevens panorama bank ($9,040).

Day two featured Part 1 of the Edward Ryan Collection of paper and toy soldiers, as well as French military items. “I would say this session was solid and steady, with strong Internet bidding to go along with a small but determined in-house contingent,” Mr. Weiss said. “There weren’t any real highlights to speak of, but overall we saw solid prices paid throughout the day.”

The last day of the sale featured the Elvis documents, plus other rock ‘n’ roll and pop culture items, to include material pertaining to the Beatles, Buddy Holly & the Crickets and others. A highlight was a signed Eric Clapton “Blackie” Fender guitar ($2,825). Among the vintage rock ‘n’ roll concert posters, a top lot was a 1970 Janis Joplin Syracuse poster ($2,599).

Philip Weiss Auctions’ next big sale will be another three-day event, slated for May 21-23. Things will kick off Friday afternoon, at 4 p.m. (EDT), with a fresh-to-the-market estate auction, featuring pottery, porcelains, bronzes, rugs and paintings by noted artists such as Walter Lofthouse Dean, Pandolfo Reschi, Gustave Baumann, George Braque, Eric Slater, Treva Wheete, George Roualt, Allen Lewis, Aaron Bohrod, Emilio Sanchez, E.D. Luca and others.

The Friday session will also include a collection of paintings from an untouched storage room. These include important and high-quality works of art from the 17th-19th centuries. Also offered will be a collection of Baccarat, Lalique, Armani figurines, high-end silver, a George Nelson/Herman Miller bedroom set, Japanese woodblocks, Meissen and additional merchandise.

Saturday, May 22, will be dedicated mainly to trains (Lionel, American Flyer, Marklin and other makers) and toys (including baby boomer toys from the Rathkopf Collection). The day will also feature cookie jars, a collection of unpunched paper doll books, lunch boxes, tin litho toys, battery-operated toys, toy trucks and vehicles, wind-ups, toy soldiers and other material.

The third and final day of the sale (May 23, 10 a.m. EDT) will have stamps, coins, stock certificates and historical memorabilia. The stamps and coins category will have better U.S. singles with certificates, a Columbian Exposition set, a Trans Mississippi set, first day covers, more than 30 gold coins, a $50 1863 note, a $20 1882 gold note and a $20 1880 silver certificate.

The day will also feature an original Edison stock ticker, a group of Civil War generals cartes-de-visites (identified), an original Annie Oakley target disc, rare Napoleonic-era military hats, Shako plates, Civil War rifles and pistols, Native American material, a 1924 Christy Mathewson signed baseball contract, baseball and non-sports cards, signed balls and bats, a large single-owner lifetime autograph collection (many from the 1920s-1960s), and vintage uniforms.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731, or e-mail them at phil@prwauctions.com. To learn more about Philip Weiss Auctions and its calendar of upcoming auctions, to include the May 21-23 weekend event, click on www.prwauctions.com.



Elvis contract:
The sale's top lot was Elvis Presley's signed contract to purchase Graceland in 1957 ($28,250).

Star Wars:
Lot of five Star Wars action figures on cards ($5,367.50).






Joplin poster:
Vintage concert poster promoting Janis Joplin in Syracuse, N.Y., in 1970 ($2,599).

Clapton guitar:
Rock legend Eric Clapton's “Blackie” Fender guitar, signed ($2,825).

Panorama bank:
J. & E. Stevens vintage panorama bank ($9,040).

FIREMEN’S HUNNEMANN HAND-DRAWN HANDTUB WITH PUMPER, BUILT IN 1860, BRINGS $99,000 AT AUCTION HELD APRIL 9-11 BY SHOWTIME AUCTION SERVICES

Contact: Mike Eckles
(951) 453-2415 or (313) 715-4486

FIREMEN’S HUNNEMANN HAND-DRAWN HANDTUB WITH PUMPER, BUILT IN 1860, BRINGS $99,000 AT AUCTION HELD APRIL 9-11 BY SHOWTIME AUCTION SERVICES

(ANN ARBOR, Mich.) – A firemen’s Hunnemann hand-drawn handtub with pumper, built in 1860 and beautifully restored after a barn fire, sold for $99,000 at a multi-estate sale held Apr. 9-11 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor. Nearly 2,000 lots from several major collections in an array of categories came up for bid.

The Hunnemann handtub was by far the top lot of the auction and one of three handtubs offered, along with over 200 other items from the Granite Handtub Museum in Newmarket, N.H. The Hunnemann example was purchased in 1860 by New Ipswich, N.H., along with two other Hunnemann machines (a Southern Hero and Tiger, both of which are still displayed in Ipswitch).

In 1972, in Massachusetts, the Hunnemann that brought $99,000, plus 14 other handtubs and hose reels, were involved in a barn fire. The ensuing restoration on the Hunnemann was based on photos from the 1920s and ‘30s (and from photos of its sister machine, the Southern Hero). The gold leaf on the pump box was copied from the picture that came with the machine.

In addition to the pieces from the Granite Handtub Museum, the three-day Spring “Live” auction also featured a private arcade machine collection, around 150 rare toys and banks, barber shop, advertising, country store, gambling, general store, soda fountain, Coca-Cola, breweriana, petroliana, automobilia, Western Americana, tobacciana, saloon, Black Americana and more.

“This was probably our most diverse auction ever,” remarked Mike Eckles of Showtime Auction Services, based in Woodhaven, Mich. “We offered more arcade pieces that at any other auction in the last 16 years.” Mr. Eckles said attendance was relatively light – between 220 and 240 were there at the height of the auction – a fact he attributed to very strong Internet bidding.

“We had around 20 percent sell-through over the Internet, which is outstanding,” Mr. Eckles said, adding that online bidding was facilitated by iCollector.com. In addition, he said, phone and absentee bidding was also active. When it was all over, the sale grossed a little more than $2 million. “We were happy, and I know all the winning bidders were happy, too,” he said.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 10 percent buyer’s premium.

An ornate firemen’s hand pumper brass lantern (circa 1890) soared to $30,800. The 24-inch lantern was displayed on a contemporary 18-inch base and featured an unusual rendering of Neptune sitting on a clamshell, with a rod as a finial. It was embossed with “Red Jacket VFA Cambridge” (Mass.) and was made for the New England League Champion Button Handtub.

A Mills Novelty Company “Sweet Perfume” coin-operated machine in excellent working condition, instructing users to place their handkerchief over an opening in the machine and drop in a penny to get a squirt of perfume, made $20,900; and a very early “Yellow Kid” wood gum vendor, in good original working condition and complete with key, brought a respectable $6,000.

A wonderful turn-of-the-century Cigar Store Indian, attributed to Thomas Brooks and with later re-paint, standing 100 inches tall, went for $21,850; a Buddy L pressed steel “Red Baby” toy truck, with original pull string, decals and tag, 24 inches long, rolled off for $8,250; and a Wurlitzer jukebox, model #1015, in all original working condition, commanded $8,050.

Showtime’s next big auction will be a Summer Absentee, Phone and Internet Auction, scheduled to end July 11, 2010. Featured will be country store, tins, signs, advertising, smalls, tobacciana, breweriana, Western, barber shop, soda fountain and more. Consignments for the July 11 sale are still being accepted. A full color catalog will be available around June 15 ($10).

Showtime will hold a big Fall “Live” Auction Oct. 1-3 (also at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor). Consignments are now being accepted. A full color catalog will be available in September ($35). Then, a Winter 2011 Absentee Auction will end Jan. 15, 2011. Flyers will be mailed out mid-December and an online color catalog will be posted about Jan. 1.

Showtime Auction Services is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call Michael Eckles at (951) 453-2415. His e-mail address is mikeckles@aol.com. To learn more about Showtime Auction Services and its upcoming auctions, please log on to www.showtimeauctions.com. Updates are posted often.



Hunnemann handtub:
Firemen's Hunnemann hand-drawn handtub with pumper, built in 1860, fully restored ($99,000).

Firemen's lantern:
Ornate firemen's hand pumper brass lantern, circa 1890, with embossed lettering ($30,800).

Mills coin-op:
Mills Novelty Company “Sweet Perfume” coin-op machine in excellent condition ($20,900).

Cigar Store Indian:
Turn-of-the-century Cigar Store Indian attributed to Thomas Brooks, 100 inches tall ($21,850).

Wood gum vendor:
Very early “Yellow Kid” wood gum vendor, in good original condition, with key ($6,000).

Buddy L truck:
Buddy L pressed steel “Red Baby” toy truck, with original pull string, decals and tag ($8,250).

Wurlitzer jukebox:
Wurlitzer jukebox, model #1015, in all original working condition ($8,050).

FINE ART, ANTIQUES AND MID-CENTURY MODERN LEAD THE WAY FOR AUSTION AUCTION

FINE ART, ANTIQUES AND MID-CENTURY MODERN LEAD THE WAY FOR AUSTION AUCTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: April 28, 2010

The hip furniture designs of Mid-century master Paul Evans took top honors in Austin Auction’s April 18 sale.


AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Auction Gallery chalked up a solid $260,000 total with its April 18, 2010 Important Spring Estates Auction, led by a keenly pursued selection of Mid-century dining room furniture designed by Paul Evans (American, 1931-1987).


The 10-piece sculpted-bronze dining suite consisted of a large ‘Stalagmite’ glass-top table, eight chairs upholstered in purple micro-suede, and a long, sculpted-bronze server set with two slate slabs. The consignor had purchased the suite in 1970, from the Chicago showroom of Directional Furniture, for whom Evans designed.


The Evans set was offered in three lots with a total estimate of $17,000-$23,000, but bidders knew an opportunity when they saw one and pushed the aggregate price to $59,225. The table made $10,925, while the coveted complete set of chairs soared to $29,900. Completing the ensemble, the sideboard closed at $18,400. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of 15% buyer’s premium.


“We had nine or ten phone bidders, from all over the country, who were interested in the Paul Evans set,” said Austin Auction associate Chris Featherston, “but amazingly, it all went to a buyer from our own hometown here in Texas. One of the phone bidders, who was from New York, was surprised that he had been outbid by someone from Austin.”


An 18th-century, Louis XV-style marble-top carved console from the same estate that produced the Paul Evans furniture also met with success in the sale. Heavy phone participation boosted its closing price to $8,625.


The fine-art section of the sale included a special collection of eight artworks by John Strevens (British, 1902-1990). Strevens exhibited regularly at the British Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Arts, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, and the Paris Salon.


“The owner of the paintings had her portrait painted by Strevens and bought additional works by the artist,” Featherston explained. “The eight paintings sold for a total of $26,996, with individual prices ranging from $1,150 to $5,463.”


A category that garnered considerable interest was Asian art. “Since we have been online with our sales, we have gained quite a few buyers out of China,” said Featherston. “Last year many of those buyers were conspicuously absent from our sales. This year the Chinese buyers were back in force, especially for the red coral pieces in the sale.”


Featherston explained that because of over-harvesting and polluted ocean waters, raw red coral has become a scarce commodity. “Even 20th-century pieces like some that we auctioned attracted a lot of attention,” he said.


A group of four small red coral snuff bottles representing a woman, an urn with a relief image of a deer, and two eggplant forms with beetles in relief sold for $1,725 (estimate $200-$400); while a diminutive (4¼-inch-tall) red coral figure on an elephant made $1,265 (estimate $300-$500). Yet another example of Asian art that surpassed estimate was the 2½-inch-tall hornbill snuff bottle with dipper that garnered $1,725 against expectations of $200-$400.


Fashionistas swarmed to bid on the 13 lots of designer clothing by such notable names as Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass and Richilene New York. In total, the wardrobe of classics earned $7,619.


Featherston said he was disappointed that the sale’s star lot – an opal, diamond and pearl necklace that reputedly belonged to America’s first interior designer, Elsie de Wolfe – did not find a new owner. “The necklace didn’t sell, but it made a lot of people aware of us and the level of quality we offer in our sales,” said Featherston.


Austin Auction Gallery will hold its next cataloged Estates Auction on May 22-23. For additional information, call 512-258-5479 or e-mail info@austinauction.com. Visit Austin Auction Gallery’s Web site at www.AustinAuction.com.

Captions:

Paul Evans (American, 1931-1987) 10-piece sculpted bronze dining suite, made in 1970 featuring Stalagmite glass-top dining table, set of eight dining chairs with purple micro-suede seats and backrest; sideboard with two slate tablets and bi-fold doors concealing interior shelves. Signed “PE 70.” Offered as three lots, total selling price: $59,225. Austin Auction image.

A selection of couture ensembles and evening gowns was offered, including designs by Halston, Oscar De La Renta, Richilene and others. In all, the clothing made $7,619. Austin Auction image.

Evening Party, one of 11 artworks by John Strevens (British, 1902-1990) sold by Austin Auction Gallery on April 18. Signed and titled, measuring 40 inches by 50 inches (sight), it hammered $5,463. Austin Auction image.

A Chinese carved red coral figure of a young beauty seated atop an elephant, 4¼ inches inclusive of stand, likely 19th century, realized $1,265. Austin Auction image.

Carved in the Rococo taste with trails of flowering vines, an 18th-century, Louis XV marble-top console table features an opulent pierced and carved base. It sold for $8,625 against an estimate of $3,000-$5,000. Austin Auction image.

MARKED 25-INCH HANDEL LEADED & REVERSE PAINTED LAMP IN EGYPTIAN DESIGN ILLUMINATES THE ROOM FOR $16,000 AT WOODY AUCTION, APRIL 9-10

Contact: Jason Woody
(316) 747-2694
info@woodyauction.com

MARKED 25-INCH HANDEL LEADED & REVERSE PAINTED LAMP IN EGYPTIAN DESIGN ILLUMINATES THE ROOM FOR $16,000 AT WOODY AUCTION, APRIL 9-10

(ST. CHARLES, Mo.) – An outstanding marked, 25-inch Handel leaded and reverse painted lamp with an Egyptian design and large 20-inch square shade lit up the room for $16,000 at a sale of the single-owner lifetime collection of Dale Gabel, held Apr. 9-10 at the St. Charles Convention Center. The auction was conducted by Woody Auction, based in Douglass, Kan.

Mr. Gabel was a dedicated collector of antiques in a wide range of categories. Over 850 lots crossed the block, to include Daum Nancy, primitives, art glass, R.S. Prussia, lithographs, marbles, lamps, Royal Bayreuth, Flow Blue, Wave Crest, advertising items and more. His collection was so massive that a Part 2 sale has been scheduled for later on this year (Sept. 11).

The Handel lamp was the top lot of the sale, and no wonder. The piece was in excellent condition and boasted a spectacular shade with a scene of an Egyptian queen surrounded by blue, green, red, amber, cream and multi-colored slag swirl leaded panels. At the base were three large, full figural Sphinx lions. The example even had the original four light sockets and pulls.

About 200 people came to the sale, of which around 120 were active bidders. “This was a well attended auction, with lots of bidders from all over the country,” said Jason Woody of Woody Auction. “As for prices, they were strong for some items, a little flat for others. But that’s what makes for a good and interesting auction.” He said absentee bidding was very active.
Internet bidding was facilitated by Proxibid.com. Over 400 people registered to bid online.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted are hammer, exclusive of a sliding commission structure. There is no buyer’s premium at Woody Auction.

The second top lot of the sale was an extremely rare and unmarked Wave Crest pipe rack plaque, with an embossed scroll mold showing an Indian Chief portrait décor. In excellent condition, the plaque soared to $9,750. Also, an equally rare 6 ¾-inch signed Daum Nancy “Spring Season” cameo pedestal vase, with a cherry blossom tree scenic décor, brought $4,300.

A 7 ¼-inch signed Daum Nancy cameo cut five-color tulip-shaped vase with nice long stemmed floral décor went for $3,100; an 11 ½-inch R.S. Prussia pedestal covered urn with keyhole “Spring Season” portrait and iridescent bronze Tiffany background brought $2,900; and a 6-inch signed Daum Nancy five-color cameo cut vase with field of flowers décor hit $2,600.

A Bradley & Hubbard leaded glass table lamp with 19-inch diameter multi-color caramel shade with geometric designs and nice, three-light base coasted to $2,700; an 11-inch Loetz style flower form vase, gold iridescent with green applied pulled leaf design commanded $2,500; and a 10-inch signed Galle three-color cameo cut vase with attractive floral décor realized $2,200.

An 11 ½-inch pickle castor with amberina coinspot insert set on a Tufts silverplate frame climbed to $2,200; a 4 ¾-inch black amethyst vase marked “R. Lalique” with overlapped cut feather design demanded $2,100; and a 6-inch signed L.C. Tiffany Favrile #6491 stick vase, gold iridescent and decorated with a lovely green heart design, went to a determined bidder for $2,000.

An American Brilliant Cut Glass bowl featuring a hobstar center with butterfly, floral and vesica highlights and thick heavy blank fetched $1,900; a 6 ½-inch signed Daum Nancy cut vase having a textured body with smooth polished foot and red floral blossom décor reached $1,900; and a signed L.C. Tiffany Favrile compote, with nice green pulled feather design, rose to $1,800.

A Burmese Jack-in-the-Pulpit-shaped vase with enamel floral blossom décor achieved $1,700; a 13 ½-inch signed Pairpoint boudoir lamp with 9-inch diameter puffy reverse painted shade and floral and lattice décor breezed to $1,600; and an original Hubley cast iron mechanical bank from 1906 with a man on a goat dropping coins into a frog’s mouth topped out at $1,600.

A 6 ½-inch Weller Louwelsa scenic vase, artist marked, with a dark gray to cream background and sailboat scenic décor topped out at $1,500; an American Brilliant Cut Glass blown star-shaped bowl with thick blank and quality hobstar and arch design brought $1,100; and a 5 ¾-inch signed Daum Nancy cylindrical vase with iris and leaf décor achieved $1,300.

A signed lithograph by Birger Sandzen, titled Sunshine Creek and measuring 20 inches by 26 inches in the frame, sold for $1,050; a rare 13-inch Ward’s Orange Crush syrup dispenser, figural orange with embossed lettering, changed hands for $1,000; and a 9 ¼ inch Rookwood yellow matte vase with a floral décor of white blossoms and leaves, dated 1929, made $1,000.

Rounding out the weekend’s list of top lots: a very rare 24 inch by 32 inch Currier & Ives historical railroad print, drawn by F.F. Palmer and titled Across the Continent, in great condition, found a new owner for $950; and a 30 inch by 20 ¼-inch advertising tin sign, saying “To School Well Fed on Grape Nuts: There’s a Reason,” showing a young girl with her dog, fetched $900.

Woody Auction’s next big sale will be the Albert Schmidt Antique Estate Auction, slated for Saturday, May 22, at the Sedgwick County Extension Center (4-H Hall) in Wichita, Kan., beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m. (CST). Mr. Schmidt, of Iowa, was a longtime collector of biscuit jars, art glass, firearms, Wave Crest and other antique items. Over 400 lots will be sold.

Then, on Saturday, June 5, at the same venue in Wichita, Woody Auction will hold an auction combining four impressive collections gathered from around the country. Featured will be Royal Dux, sterling silver, art glass, bronze figurines, marble fern stands and furniture. Over 500 lots will be sold without reserve (everything goes, regardless of price), starting at 9:30 a.m.

After that, Woody Auction will conduct an R.S. Prussia convention auction on Saturday, July 24, at the Holiday Inn Airport West in St. Louis (Earth City), Mo. The hotel is located off exit 231b of I-70. As mentioned, Part 2 of the Dale Gabel Collection will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Sedgwick County Extension Center in Wichita, Kan., beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Woody Auction is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (316) 747-2694. Or, you can e-mail them at info@woodyauction.com. To learn more about Woody Auction and the upcoming calendar of events, to include the May 22 and June 5 auctions, please log on to www.woodyauction.com.



Handel lamp:
The top lot of the sale was this 25-inch marked Handel lamp with Egyptian design ($16,000).

Daum Nancy:
Extremely rare signed Daum Nancy “Spring Season” cameo pedestal vase, 6 3/4” ($4,300).

Wave Crest:
Unmarked Wave Crest pipe rack plaque with Indian Chief portrait décor ($9,750).

Tiffany compote:
Signed L.C. Tiffany Favrile compote, white with green pulled feather design ($1,800).






Loetz vase:
11-inch Loetz style flower form vase, gold iridescent with green pulled leaf design ($2,500).

THE ESTATE OF THE LATE J.T. BOUDREAUX OF SOUTHERN LOUISIANA, PLUS THE CONTENTS OF THE MAGNIFICENT BELLA VIDA MANSION, WILL BE SOLD MAY 1st

Contact: Dwight Stevens
(662) 369-2200

THE ESTATE OF THE LATE J.T. BOUDREAUX OF SOUTHERN LOUISIANA, PLUS THE CONTENTS OF THE MAGNIFICENT BELLA VIDA MANSION, WILL BE SOLD MAY 1st

The auction will be held on-site, at Bella Vida in Aberdeen, Miss., by Stevens Auction Company

(ABERDEEN, Miss.) – The estate of the late J.T. Boudreaux of southern Louisiana, plus the contents of the magnificent Bella Vida mansion, will be sold Saturday, May 1, beginning promptly at 9 a.m. (CST). The on-site auction will be held at Bella Vida, located at 503 South Franklin Street in Aberdeen. Stevens Auction Company of Aberdeen will conduct the auction.

Offered will be many marvelous period furnishings, bronze statues and garden figurines, fine estate jewelry, vintage lamps, porcelains, original paintings and more. Bella Vida is for sale, but will not be offered at this auction. Serious inquiries may be directed to Stevens Auction Company (at 662-369-2200) or Southern Realty & Management Company (at 662-369-7061).

Hundreds of quality items will cross the block on May 1. A pair of monumental beds are bound to wow the crowd. The first is a rosewood half-tester plantation bed, made circa 1860 and signed C. Lee, from the J.T. Boudreaux estate. It is 9 feet 10 inches tall. The other is a rosewood rococo three-quarter plantation bed by P. Mallard. It’s even taller – a majestic 11 feet 8 inches.

Fans of J & J.W. Meeks won’t be disappointed. Three lots by the renowned furniture maker certain to get paddles wagging are a rare, museum-quality rosewood marble-top parlor table (attributed to Meeks); an outstanding rosewood marble-top wash stand with swinging mirror; and a lovely laminated rosewood five-piece rococo parlor suite, executed around 1855.

Looking for Belter? The sale will feature a gorgeous pair of rosewood laminated side parlor chairs in red silk upholstery. Other furniture pieces will include an 8-foot-tall rosewood rococo etagere (circa 1855), with oval mirror doors in the base and glove boxes; a French burl walnut linen press; and a 19th-century Mallard rosewood marble-top dressing table with mirror.

Rounding out the period furniture category are a winged griffin mahogany slant-front desk by R.J. Horner, and an imposing and handsome flamed mahogany Empire two-door wardrobe with ogee crown, complete with original interior and measuring 8 feet tall by 75 inches wide and 27 inches deep. An expected star of estate jewelry is the 8-carat diamond link bracelet.

Artwork will feature a pair of painted portraits in bronze oval filigree frames, 5 inches by 5 inches each; a Victorian painting on porcelain in a black shadow box with ornate gold frame, 22 inches by 20 inches (circa 1860); and a bronze statue of Mercury, 82 inches tall, on the original base. Silver offerings will include a large and fine set of sterling flatware, 140+ pieces.

From the vintage clocks category, two lots in particular will chime on time. One is a signed Meissen clock with figural rendering, 43 inches tall. The other is a blue, gold and white Old Paris clock. Vintage lamps will include a bronze and marble astral lamp with 14-inch-long prisms (circa 1860), and a 19th century double-arm argand lamp with marble inserts in the base.

Decorative accessories will feature a beautiful pair of blue and gold Old Paris vases, 20 inches tall apiece, and a grand gold Victorian over-the-mantel mirror, 66 inches tall by 55 inches wide and made around 1855. All of the lots may be viewed at a preview that will be held Friday, Apr. 30, from 10-6, and on Saturday, May 1, auction day, from 7:30 a.m. until the start of sale.

Bella Vida is a beautiful home, built in 1879 and situated on 1.87 acres. The house is completely fenced, with a tall brick fence and a picket fence in front. The gates are ornamental wrought iron from the 1830s and have the legendary phoenix birds on them. The structure is an architectural treasure and one of only three Second Empire homes remaining in Mississippi.

Bella Vida was originally built by Joseph Eckford. It was sold in the late 1880s to Mississippi State Senator George Leftwich, who resided there with his family for many years. The two-and-a-half-story, framed structure boasts a striking three-and-a-half story tower placed diagonally at the corner of the east and south elevations. Bella Vida has been totally restored.

Stevens Auction Company’s next big sale after this one will be a single-owner lifetime collection of over 2,000 vintage toys, scheduled for Sat., June 12. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (662) 369-2200; or, you can e-mail them at stevensauction@bellsouth.net.

To learn more about Stevens Auction Company and the firm’s calendar of upcoming events, please log on to www.stevensauction.com.


Mallard bed:
Rosewood rococo ¾ tester plantation bed by P. Mallard, 11 feet 8 inches tall and 80 inches long.

Banquet table:
Superior grade mahogany Empire banquet table with six leaves, claw foot base (circa 1880).

Meissen clock:
Signed Meissen clock with figural rendering, 43 inches tall.






Meeks table:
Stunning parlor table by J. & J.W. Meeks.

Rosewood etagere:
Rosewood rococo etagere with oval mirror door in base and glove boxes, 8 feet tall (circa 1855).

Bronze statue:
Bronze statue of the winged messenger Mercury on its original base, 82 inches tall (circa 1900)

Astral lamp:
Bronze and marble astral lamp with small legs, 28 inches tall.

SPRING MASTERPIECE AUCTION FEATURING OVER 1,000 LOTS OF FOLK ART AND TWO PRESTIGIOUS COLLECTIONS WILL BE HELD MAY 1st-2nd BY SLOTIN AUCTION

Contact: Steve Slotin, auction@slotinfolkart.com
(404) 403-4244 or (770) 532-1115

SPRING MASTERPIECE AUCTION FEATURING OVER 1,000 LOTS OF FOLK ART AND TWO PRESTIGIOUS COLLECTIONS WILL BE HELD MAY 1st-2nd BY SLOTIN AUCTION

Two-day sale will be held in the Historic Buford Hall, at 112 East Shadburn Ave. in Buford, Ga.

(BUFORD, Ga.) – A two-day sale featuring over 1,000 lots of self-taught art, Southern folk pottery, outsider art, African-American decorative arts, quilts, circus art, new discoveries, major collections and more will be held May 1-2 by Slotin Auction. The sale will be held in the Historic Buford Hall, located at 112 East Shadburn Ave. in Buford, starting promptly at 10 a.m.

Headlining the event will be the prestigious folk art collections of Karen and Werner Gundersheimer and Roger Schlaifer. Both collections have been widely exhibited and illustrated. Many of the works were highlighted in the book American Folk Art of the Twentieth Century by Jay Johnson and William Ketchum, Jr. The auction will read like a “who’s who” in folk art.

Almost every artist featured in Mr. Johnson and Ketchum’s landmark book will be represented in the auction. The sale will also feature an ambitious fundraiser for Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art; the Clay Morrison Estate (to benefit the School of Art Institute of Chicago); and property of the Columbus Museum of Art (for their acquisition fund).

Some expected top lots of the auction follow, with accompanying high and low estimates.

An oil on canvas painting by Georgia artist Mattie Lou O’Kelley (1908-1997), titled The Watermelon Cutting, signed and dated 1979, is expected to bring $20,000-$30,000. The work served as cover art for William Ketchum’s book American Folk Art. Also sold will be a 1978 work by O’Kelley titled Spotted Cat (est. $8,000-$12,000), which appeared in Life Magazine.

A large (40 inches by 15.5 inches), museum-quality mixed media on paper rendering by Sister Gertrude Morgan (1900-1980), titled The Great Now Jerusalem, featuring Sister Gertrude marrying Jesus, has been conservatively estimated at $30,000-$40,000. The paint, acrylic, tempera and ballpoint pen on paper work depicts angels and dinner table detail and is signed.

Six works by Clementine Hunter (1886-1988) will cross the block, including Madona (sic) of the Lilies, a large paint on board work executed in the 1950s and recently exhibited at the African American Museum in Dallas. The 23 inch by 19 inch painting (larger in its gilded frame) includes authentication papers from Shelby Gilley, and is expected to command $8,000-$12,000.

The auction will feature 23 works by the talented and prolific potters from the Meaders family. A china plate teeth face jug by Lanier Meaders was the top lot at Slotin’s last Southern Fold Pottery Auction in November, bringing $8,855. This sale will feature another china plate teeth face jug, attributed to Lanier (circa late 1960s) and in mint condition (est. $3,000-$5,000).

What would a Slotin Auction be without Howard Finster (1916-2001)? This auction has 26 renderings by the artist, including an enamel on board beauty titled There Were Just Enough (est. $5,000-$8,000). The pre-1976 work was exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance Show titled Howard Finster, Man of Vision, and was featured in a pair of authoritative folk art books.

An oil on board by Red Grooms, titled Bill Traylor and Fighting Dogs, acquired from the Marlborough Gallery, N.Y., is expected to hit $5,000-$7,000. An ink and watercolor on paper by David Hockney, titled Family Outing, should make $2,000-$4,000. And No. 74, The Tragic Fire at Bucks Stables, Independence, Indiana, by Tella Kitchens, should breeze to $7,000-$10,000.

Welcoming Lady, a 6-foot-tall painted cement sculpture by an anonymous maker (circa 1920s) should rise to $4,000-$6,000. Additional artists of note in the sale include Frank Jones, Joseph Yoakum, S.L. Jones, Raymond Coins, Sam Doyle, Thornton Dial, Charlie Willeto, George Lopez, Felipe Archuleta, Robert St. Brice, Forrest King Moses and Edgar Tolson.

Also represented in the sale will be William Dawson, Jesse Howard, Eddie Arning, Bryan McNutt, Justin McCarthy, Victor Joseph Gatto, Andrea Badami, Lawrence Lebduska, Gustav Klumpp, James Castle, Chief Wiley, Frog Smith, Stephen Huneck, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver, Robert Brady (nudes), Teofilo Magliocchi (sensual pencil drawings) and many others.

The auction will also feature some rare and special treats, like the anonymous water hose-powered whirligig (circa 1940s), a Flemish Impressionist work by Edmond Verstraeten (1870-1956), an original study by Norman Rockwell, circus freak show banners, African American juke joint signs, ledger drawings (circa 1833), and works of mid-century modernism.

Additional surprises will include contemporary art by Todd Murphy, profound art by Monji, Jewish folk art from Burma, Day of Dead masks, skeletons and costumes, newly acquired drawings by Boykin Richardson (circa 1950s), African American quilts, industrial skull molds, a real North Georgia moonshine still and a drivable 1992 folk art van, painted by Sam McMillan.

Slotin Auction’s next big sale after this one will be held in November and feature the prestigious Howard Campbell Americana Collection. Watch the website as the auction date draws near, at www.slotinfolkart.com. Slotin Auction has been in business for about 17 years. The firm conducts several sales a year in a converted grocery store in downtown Buford, Ga.

Slotin Auction is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single piece or an entire collection, you may call them directly, at (770) 532-1115, or (404) 403-4244. Or, you can send them an e-mail, at auction@slotinfolkart.com. To order a free 140-page color catalog for the Spring 2010 Masterpiece Auction, please call (770) 532-1115.

To learn more about Slotin Auction and the firm’s calendar of upcoming events, please log on to www.slotinfolkart.com.



Mattie Lou O'Kelley:
Oil on canvas by Mattie Lou O'Kelley, titled Watermelon Cutting ($20,000-$30,000).

Sister Gertrude Morgan:
Mixed media work by Sister Gertrude Morgan, The Great Now Jerusalem ($30,000-$40,000).

Howard Finster:
Enamel on board beauty by Howard Finster, titled There Were Just Enough ($5,000-$8,000).

Lanier Meaders:
China plate teeth face jug (circa late 1960s), attributed to Lanier Meaders ($3,000-$5,000).

Red Grooms:
Oil on board work by Red Grooms, titled Bill Traylor and Fighting Dogs ($5,000-$7,000).






Welcoming Lady:
Cement, paint and tin piece (anonymous, circa 1920s), titled Welcome Lady ($4,000-$6,000).

ALMOST 950 LOTS OF ASIAN ARTS & ANTIQUES, MODERN ART & DESIGN AND EUROPENAN FURNITURE & DECORATIONS WILL BE SOLD ONLINE, APRIL 14-28

Contact: Nicholas Thorn, info@lcainc.us
(860) 567-4661 or (646) 765-3599

ALMOST 950 LOTS OF ASIAN ARTS & ANTIQUES, MODERN ART & DESIGN AND EUROPENAN FURNITURE & DECORATIONS WILL BE SOLD ONLINE, APRIL 14-28

The sale, already online, is being conducted by Litchfield County Auctions of Litchfield, Conn.

(LITCHFIELD, Conn.) – Nearly 950 lots in an impressive array of categories – most of the items coming from prominent estates and collections in Connecticut and New York – will be sold in an Internet and catalog auction that has already gone online (at iGavelAuctions.com) and will conclude Apr. 28, by Litchfield County Auctions (www.LitchfieldCountyAuctions.com).

Offered are European furniture and decorations, antiquities and ethnographic art; Asian art and antiques; and modern art and design. This last category includes Art Deco, mid-century modern (and later, decorator) furniture, early 20th century art glass, studio pottery, abstract and modernist paintings, and prints and drawings from the gallery collection of Louise Himmelfarb, among others.

Mrs. Himmelfarb’s art holdings include a pencil drawing by Amedeo Modigliani (It., 1884-1920), titled Portrait de Jeune Fille; a drawing by Camille Pissarro (Fr., 1830-1903), titled Camille Pissarro drinking Absynthe at an outdoor café, signed “CP”; and additional artworks.

Also sold will be seven paintings by Raymond Kanelba (Pol., 1897-1960), from the collection of a Connecticut art aficionado who was also a friend of the artist. Included will be an oil on canvas portrait of one of Mr. Kanelba's muses. The work served as cover art for her 2006 autobiography.

The sale also features prints by many of the modern masters, including Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, Larry Rivers, Chaim Gross, Red Grooms and Marino Marini. There is also a wonderful selection of vintage travel posters for sale.

The modern furniture includes a Hans Wegner “Papa Bear” chair, a rare Philip and Kelvin Laverne amorphous-shaped coffee table, a labeled Karl Springer black leather covered and stainless steel mounted coffee table, and several pieces by Florence Knoll and Edward Wormley (for Dunbar). The art glass category includes various pieces by Tiffany and Galle.

The European lots feature a pair of rock crystal, clear glass and metal two-light sconces; a Tiffany & Co. nephrite and 14kt gold compact; a work by the French playwright and librettist Robert de Flers (1872-1927), titled Islee, Princesse de Tripoli; lithographs by the Czech artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939); and a sterling silver presentation two-handled loving cup trophy.

The Asian art and antiques feature porcelain, pottery, furniture, artwork, carvings and more. Expected highlights include two modernist paintings by the Korean artist Kim Heung Sou, a collection of Netsuke and hardstone carvings, a pair of Rattankosin period Thai lacquered and gilt bronze figures (18th/19th century), Rose Medallion, blue and white porcelain, and other items.

An auction viewing for all the lots to be sold will be held from Friday, Apr. 23, to Tuesday, Apr. 27, from 10-5 each day, at the Litchfield County Auctions showroom, located at 425 Bantam Road in Litchfield. There will be a free appraisal day on Saturday, Apr. 24, from 10-2. Absentee bids will be accepted throughout the auction. The buyer’s premium is 20 percent.

Litchfield County Auctions’ next Internet and catalog auction after this one will begin June 30 and end July 14. The sale will feature American and European art and antiques. The Internet bidding will be facilitated by iGavelAuctions.com. The firm is now collecting property for the summer and fall auctions, in a wide variety of categories. These include, but are not limited to:

American folk art, furniture and decorations; paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture; European furniture and decorations; books, maps and historical documents; jewelry and couture; modern art and design; antiquities and ethnographic art; Asian art and antiques; and other items.

Litchfield County Auctions is Connecticut’s premier estate auction house, featuring paintings, prints, sculptures, antique furniture, silver, rugs, jewelry, pottery, porcelain, glass and more. The firm’s 10,000-square-foot gallery is located a mile south of The Green in Litchfield. Major sales are held six times a year and feature fresh-to-the-market property from local estates.

Litchfield County Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (860) 567-4661; or, you can e-mail them at info@lcainc.us. Their address is 425 Bantam Rd. (Rte. 202), Litchfield, CT 06759. For more info about Litchfield County Auctions, log on to www.LitchfieldCountyAuctions.com.


Kim Heung Sou:
Oil on canvas painting by Korean artist Kim Heung Sou (born 1919), signed lower right.

Pair of sconces:
Pair of rock crystal, clear glass and metal 2-light sconces, made in the 20th century.






Sarcophagus lid:
carved mask section from a sarcophagus lid, late period Egypt (circa 712-30 B.C.).

Meissen tea service:
Meissen hand-painted porcelain partial tea service for 18 (Germany, circa 1880-1920).

Hans Wegner chair:
Modernist 'Papa Bear' armchair in dark green upholstery by Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007).

Eric Sloan:
Oil on Masonite work by Eric Sloan (Am., 1905-1985), titled Spring Blossoms, signed.

TOYMAKER'S TOY COLLECTION HITS THE BLOCK APRIL 16-17, 2010 AT BERTOIA AUCTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2010


Media Contact:
Paul Bishop
pbishop@profmktg.com
616-949-9104


Rare Character and Transportation Toys from KB Toys Co-Founder, Donald Kaufman to be Auctioned


VINELAND, N.J. – The dreams of thousands of toy collectors worldwide have come true since last March when Bertoia’s launched a semiannual series of auctions to disperse the renowned Donald Kaufman Collection. Last September when the hammer fell on the closing lot for part II of the series, the incomparable collection of American, European and Japanese toys had already taken in $7.2 million, with much more to come. But many wondered if the massive Kaufman toy box had finally been depleted of its premier examples. Rich Bertoia, who cataloged much of the Kaufman collection, chuckled at the thought of the ultimate wellspring of antique toys running dry.


“If you liked parts I and II, you’ll love part III,” he said. “It’s absolutely the same high level of quality plus there’s the added attraction of part I of Don’s wonderful comic character toys. The only difference collectors will note this time around is that, sadly, Don will not be with us.” Donald Kaufman passed away on Oct. 12, 2009, knowing his toys were in the best of hands at Bertoia’s, and delighted that so many had already gone to fellow collectors in dozens of countries.


The third installment of the ongoing series, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17, 2010, at Bertoia Auctions’ gallery in Vineland, N.J., will feature a diverse mix of classic cast-iron, pressed-steel, comic character and European toys in superior condition. “There was only one way that Don liked his toys – factory fresh, or very close to it,” said Rich.


Friday’s session will open with approximately 100 European automobiles, trucks, busses and other unusual pieces. Again, the esteemed Marklin brand will take the spotlight. In addition to limousines and a 16-inch-long white-bodied luxury tourer outfitted with umbrella stand and other fine accoutrements, bidders will have the opportunity to acquire a smaller-scale Marklin fire pumper (estimate $30,000-$35,000). Marklin marketed this particular fire pumper in one of two ways – as an individual toy and as part of a 4-piece set also containing a garage, ladder truck and hose reel truck.


A host of Europe’s most highly revered toy manufacturers will be represented, including Gunthermann, Bing and Carette. “Many of the golden-era limos, cars and tourers are boxed. The selection will astound collectors – something like this won’t happen again in our lifetime,” Rich said. “There are some large-scale cars, like the superb green 14-inch Carette limo ($12,000-$14,000), and some very early French cars, including one that is steam powered. One of my favorites is the beautiful, boxed French racer in a light blue color that has its two original bisque-head figures.”


On the Friday, Bertoia’s will roll out the first offering of Don’s comic character toys, most of which are boxed. The array includes Marx walking figures, all of the figural musician and jigger toys, a scarce Goofy the Gardener made at the Marx plant in Dudley, England; and a Howdy Doody store display with tin background, piano and characters, which Bertoia’s experts have never seen before.


Other obscure comic character gems include a Hi-Way Henry, made by Fisher and distributed by Borgfeldt, that includes its original box. “No one we know of has seen this box before,” Rich noted. A similarly styled lithographed-tin car that is as rare as a dodo bird and possibly a prototype is the “Weekend Automobile.” Yet another rarity is the oversize Toonerville Trolley with Fontaine Fox 1922 copyright, but made in Japan.


Pressed-steel toys include rare Kingsbury designs – a “woody” station wagon, boxed outboard motor boat, and tri-motor airplane with hangar – and a few examples of Buddy ‘L’ factory archive pieces formerly in the collection of the company’s past president Richard Keats. “Don liked all of the pressed steel manufacturers and appreciated each one’s artistic interpretation,” said Rich Bertoia. “Again, the condition is fantastic, especially on some of the trucks.” Also on Friday, Bertoia’s will sell 20 of Don Kaufman’s pedal cars, including three with a comic-character theme.


Saturday’s session will feature 200 lots of European automotive toys, cast-iron and pressed-steel cars, and 30 pedal cars, including a closed-coupe Packard that would have been a luxury model in its day.


Additionally, more than 200 cast-iron toys will be offered, spanning from racers to oil tankers and wreckers. Brands include Arcade, Kenton, Hubley, Champion, Kilgore and more. Among the Arcade highlights are a U.S. Company moving van, a near-mint Hathaway’s Bakery delivery van and a very rare Brink’s express truck that is estimated at $12,000-$25,000.


The last of Don Kaufman’s biscuit tins will be auctioned during the Saturday session. A varied assortment, it includes a boxed Crawford’s racecar, a boxed Spieswagen with locomotive, several busses and delivery trucks, and a coveted Gray Dunn delivery motorcycle with sidecar.


At the first two sales featuring the Donald Kaufman Collection, Bertoia’s staff warmly welcomed members of the toy collecting community and watched with pleasure as their auctions became occasions to remember. “Socializing and sharing has always been a big part of the toy collecting hobby,” Jeanne Bertoia remarked. “As we have done in the past, we will make sure the April preview and sale are festive, light-hearted events that collectors will look forward to attending.”


Auction Details:


Bertoia’s no-reserve auction of the Donald Kaufman Collection will take place April 16-17, 2010, with a special tribute and reception celebrating the life and collecting odyssey of the late Donald Kaufman to follow the opening day’s session. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. Information: call 856-692-1881 or e-mail Toys@BertoiaAuctions.com. Visit Bertoia’s online at www.BertoiaAuctions.com.


CAPTIONS:


Circa-1932 Tippco (Germany) lithographed-tin clockwork motorcycle, 9¼ inches long with desirable toothy, five-fingered depictions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, $23,000-$28,000. Image courtesy Bertoia Auctions.

Circa-1924 Packard coupe pedal car, wicker trim, functional doors, fancy eagle hood ornament, $25,000-$35,000. Image courtesy Bertoia Auctions.






Unique Art lithographed-tin store display featuring characters from the classic postwar children’s TV show Howdy Doody, 15 inches wide by 10 inches high, conservatively estimated at $3,000-$4,000 because of no known comparables. Image courtesy Bertoia Auctions.

###

Bertoia Auctions
2141 DeMarco Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360
856-692-1881
Fax 856-692-8697
www.bertoiaauctions.com
toys@bertoiaauctions.com


About Bertoia Auctions:
Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, NJ is the most recognized name in the antique toy and bank auctions. The prominent place in auctioning history began when the late founder, Bill Bertoia, single-handly combined both world-class expertise and visions of auctioning innovations, and created what is now the standards for the entire auction world. Today, wife Jeanne Bertoia and brother Rich Bertoia, share in his vision of bringing the best of toys to the best of collectors. http://www.bertoiaauctions.com


About Donald Kaufman
Donald Lewis Kaufman (October 8, 1930 - October 12, 2009) was one of the founders of K-B Toys, and a renowned American toy collector who began collecting in 1950. Over the years he amassed a multi-million dollar collection, which by 2009 was widely regarded as the ultimate private collection of antique and vintage toys. The collection is now being auctioned by Bertoia Auctions.

ABOUT 500 LOTS OF CLASSIC CARS, PETROLIANA, GAS PUMPS AND ADVERTISING ITEMS WILL BE SOLD SAT., MAY 1, BY MATTHEWS AUCTIONS, LLC IN WISCONSIN

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

ABOUT 500 LOTS OF CLASSIC CARS, PETROLIANA, GAS PUMPS AND ADVERTISING ITEMS WILL BE SOLD SAT., MAY 1, BY MATTHEWS AUCTIONS, LLC IN WISCONSIN

(WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wisc.) – A huge sale consisting of around 500 lots of classic cars, petroliana items, gas pumps and advertising memorabilia will be sold Saturday, May 1, beginning at 10 a.m. (Central Time), in the Central Motor Sales Building at 943 Alton Street in Wisconsin Rapids. The sale will be conducted by Matthews Auctions, LLC, of Nokomis, Ill.

Online bidding for the auction will be facilitated by Proxibid.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. Some of the approximately 20 classic cars will carry reserves, while all of the memorabilia will be sold absolute (everything goes, regardless of price). Also, some uncataloged items will be offered before the official start of the sale, in a Discovery Auction.

“What’s good about this auction is there will be such a diversity of offerings,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions, LLC. “It’s not every day you have classic cars, rare gas pumps, neon signs, car signs, gas globes and more, all in one sale -- and all in one day!” Mr. Matthews encouraged bidders to view color photos in the online catalog at www.matthewsauctions.com.

The collector vehicles will include vintage cars and even a 1941 Harley Davidson motorcycle, partially restored. Classic cars will include a 1956 Mercury Montclair convertible, red with a white top, automatic, fully restored, with only 49,552 miles; and a 1957 Mercury Meteor Ranchero custom pick-up, automatic, fully restored, with two-tone paint and V-8 engine.

A pair of Wayne gas pumps are certain to wow the crowd. The first is a model #491 “Roman Column” 10-gallon visible gas pump, repainted with a plastic cylinder. “This is the pump everybody wants but few have,” Matthews said. The other, a model #800, is a clockface gas pump, restored in Shell colors, with the original Shell Canteen one-piece etched glass globe.

Two other gas pumps are sure to get paddles wagging. One is a Starkey coin-operated 10-gallon gas pump, in good original condition and with a good cylinder. The only flaw is that the bonnet is missing. The other is a very rare Milwaukee model #585 5-gallon visible gas pump in original unrestored condition, with some rust and blemishes but with good metal and no cracks.

Car signs that will command attention include a rare-size Dodge-Plymouth “Dependable Service” double-sided porcelain sign with arrow, 60 inches, with a display rated 9 out of 10 for condition (8.75 on the reverse), with good gloss and color; and a 1953 Ford crest, made with a mixture of metal and wood, 29 inches by 27 inches, and in great condition, rated 9 out of 10.

Rounding out the expected top lots: a Mobil Pegasus cookie-cutter (right facing) neon single-sided porcelain sign, 66 inches by 88 inches, rated 7.5; a rare 1948 Austin pedal car, motorized, 62 inches long, in good condition; a carnival boat ride boat with metal hull, professionally restored; and a fiberglass Blues Brothers statue of Jake and Elwood, 72 inches tall.

A 13 percent buyer’s premium will be applied to all sales (15 percent for absentee and Internet bidders, who must pay with Visa and Master Card only, and discounted to 10 percent for bidders paying with cash or check). All lots are sold as is, where is, with all faults, imperfections and errors of description. Due diligence is the buyer’s responsibility, and all sales are final. Purchases of $10,000 or more need to be accompanied by a bank letter of credit.

After this sale, Matthews Auctions, LLC will conduct a two-day event the weekend of May 15-16 at The Ranch in Loveland, Colo. It will be an absolute Petroliana & Automotive Advertising Auction, featuring the lifetime collection of Clyde Hodge. “This sale will have a large selection of signs, globes and collectibles, all near the Rocky Mountains,” Matthews said.

Matthews Auctions, LLC is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them toll-free, at (877) 968-8880. Or, you can e-mail them at danm@matthewsauctions.com. To learn more about the firm and its calendar of upcoming sales, to include the May 1 and May 15-16 dates, click on MatthewsAuctions.com.


Mercury Montclair:
1956 Mercury Montclair convertible, fully restored, with just 49,552 miles on the odometer.







Mercury Meteor:
1957 Mercury Meteor Ranchero custom pick-up, fully restored, V-8 engine, 89,451 miles.

Starkey gas pump:
Starkey coin-operated 10-gallon gas pump in good original condition, with a good cylinder.






Dodge sign:
Rare sized Dodge-Plymouth Dependable Service double-sided porcelain sign with arrow logo.

Mobil neon sign:
Mobil Pegasus cookie-cutter (right-facing) neon single-sided porcelain sign, 68 by 88 inches.

Blues Brothers:
Blues Brothers statues (Jake and Elwood), made of fiberglass, 72 inches tall, in new condition.

Shell gas pump:
Wayne model #800 clockface gas pump, restored in Shell colors with original Shell glass globe.