This rare, limited-edition Aloha Hawaii Elvis Celebrity Series World Doll (#94/750), in pristine condition, is expected to be the centerpiece offering in a Memorial Day antiques and collectibles auction slated for Monday, May 27, at Chesapeake Auction House.

ST. LEONARD, Md. – A huge single-owner lifetime collection of Elvis Presley items promises to be the centerpiece offering in a Memorial Day antiques and collectibles auction slated for Monday, May 27, at Chesapeake Auction House.

An expected top lot of the Elvis collection is a rare, limited-edition Aloha Hawaii Elvis Celebrity Series World Doll (#94 of 750 produced). The doll, in pristine condition, comes with a presentation case, concert ticket, five-point diamond belt buckle and an original Elvis personal wardrobe scarf, worn by The King onstage. Also included are original paperwork and receipts.

The auction will be held in the firm’s gallery located at 5015 St. Leonard Road in St. Leonard, about an hour south of Annapolis, starting at 9 a.m. (EST).

Other Elvis items will feature records (LPs and 45 RPM records, to include a copy of the first album he ever recorded), CDs, DVDs, pictures, posters, magazines, TV Guides, jewelry, books, tapes, calendars, scrapbooks, ornaments, figurines, dolls, model cars, decanters and more. There is no telling what the collection might fetch at auction; interest in Elvis-related items remains high.

“We were fortunate to have secured such a wonderful consignment, especially for a big Memorial Day sale,” said Larry Forman of Chesapeake Auction House. “I am expecting a great turnout and enthusiastic bidding. Elvis will no doubt get most of the attention, but folks need to know there is a lot more in this auction than just Elvis. About 1,000 items will cross the block.”

Many vintage collectible items, such as these lunch boxes and around 5,000 comic books, will also be sold.

Other collectibles will include a unique and ornate vintage 5¢ slot game machine, an outstanding collection of about 5,000 comic books, a vintage silver-plated clarinet, a group of Franklin Mint decorative molds, a U.S. Army military bivouac cooler, an antique galvanized 10-gallon watering can, a Diamond Springs Water Co. (Richmond, Va.) glass water jug and more.

There will be no Internet bidding in this auction, but absentee bids will be accepted up to two hours prior to the start of the auction (no exceptions or extensions). Phone bids will also be accepted. Ongoing previews will be held up until auction day at Chesapeake Auction House’s gallery, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).

A buyer’s premium of 13 percent will be applied to all purchases, with a three-percent discount for cash or check. St. Leonard is located on scenic Route 4, just ten minutes from Solomons Island, an hour from Washington, D.C., and an hour and a half from Baltimore.

For information about this auction or to enquire about consignments for future sales, call 410.586.1161, e-mail to shop@chesapeakeauctionhouse.com or visit the Chesapeake Auction House website or Auctionzip (ID #4113).

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Childe Hassam’s 1920 oil, “The East Hampton Elms in May,” was the top lot at an auction held April 25 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers. It gaveled for $288,000.

MILFORD, Conn. – A large and important oil painting by the renowned American Impressionist Childe Hassam titled “The East Hamptom Elms in May” sold for $288,000 at an auction held April 25 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers. The painting was the top lot of 156 works offered.

Hassam (1859-1935) executed “The East Hampton Elms in May” in 1920, the first spring that he owned a house and studio in East Hampton, N.Y., on Long Island. The house—called Willow Bend—dated from 1722. Hassam purchased it from the widow of Gains Ruger Donoho (1852-1916), an artist and friend of Hassam. He paid for Willow Bend with money from his Flag Paintings series.

Hassam painted “The East Hampton Elms in May” on a major scale: 57 ¼ inches by 72 ¼ inches. Only two other paintings were executed by Hassam on such a grand scale: “Twilight, Le Crepuscule” (50 inches by 77 inches, 1888); and “April, The Green Gown” (56 inches by 82 ½ inches, 1920). All three major paintings remained with Childe Hassam until his death in 1935.

Many other paintings fetched high dollars in an auction that grossed $2.1 million.

“What this sale showed was that not only is there interest at the high end of the art market, but strong interest, too, in the middle market—artworks in the $5,000-$20,000 arena,” said Gene Shannon of Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers. “That segment had taken a hit following the financial crisis, and it’s a good sign to see it revived.”

Close to 100 people packed Shannon’s Milford gallery, while many others registered to bid online via Artfact. A bank of 18 phones was kept busy throughout the evening.

“If we had twice the merchandise, we still could have sold it,” Shannon remarked. “The money’s out there and the demand is strong.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction (all prices quoted include a 20-percent buyer’s premium):

This oil-on-board by the noted Philadelphia Impressionist Martha Walter (1875-1976), titled “Tea Party” realized $90,000.

• An oil-on-board painting by the noted Philadelphia Impressionist Martha Walter (Am., 1875-1976), titled “Tea Party,” artist-signed and measuring 14 inches by 18 inches, sailed past its high pre-sale estimate to hammer for $90,000. Walter was one of only a handful of female artists to attract international respect and attention. She was mentored by William Merritt Chase.

• Paintings from the Hudson River School proved to be quite popular with bidders. An oil on canvas by Jasper Francis Cropsey (Am., 1823-1900), titled “Greenwood Lake in the Autumn” (1890), soared to $72,000. Greenwood Lake, located in the hills of northern New Jersey, was Cropsey’s favorite subject, one he returned to throughout his career.

This oil-on-canvas by Hudson River School painter Jasper Cropsey (1823-1900), titled “Greenwood Lake in the Autumn,” brought $72,000.

• A 10-inch by 16-inch oil-on-canvas landscape by David Johnson (Am., 1827-1908), titled “Spring – A Study on the Bronx at Mt. Vernon,” dated, 1873, brought $50,400. The work was encased in its original gold leaf frame and was remarkably well preserved in a shadow box.

• An oil on board by William Trost Richards (Am., 1833-1905), titled “White Face Mountain From Lake Placid,” signed and measuring 9 ¼ inches by 15 ½ inches, changed hands for $25,200. Richards, also from the Hudson River School, was known for marine seascapes, landscapes and botanical paintings.

And color offset lithograph by Andy Warhol (Am., 1928-1987), titled “Liz” and depicting actress Elizabeth Taylor, found a new home for $43,200.

• Pop Art prints were led by two giants in the industry. A color offset lithograph signed by Andy Warhol (Am., 1928-1987), titled “Liz” (1964) and depicting the late screen siren Elizabeth Taylor, hammered for $43,200; and a signed color offset lithograph by Roy Lichtenstein (Am., 1923-1977), titled “Crying Girl” (1963), realized $50,400.

• A haunting, untitled egg tempera of a woman with eyes closed, head in hand and seeming despondent but juxtaposed against a glass vase with bright pink flowers, went for $66,000. The signed work, by George Tooker (Am., 1920-2004), was 18 inches by 24 inches. Tooker’s images often depicted clerical workers and government offices. They evoked a sense of spiritualism and poetry.

This haunting untitled egg tempera work by George Tooker (Am., 1920-2004), artist-signed, sold for $66,000.

• Two exceptional paintings each brought identical selling prices of $45,600. The first was an oil-on-canvas board by Guy C. Wiggins (Am., 1883-1962), titled “Winter Storm at the Library,” 16 inches by 12 inches.

• The second was an oil-on-canvas by Dale Nichols (Am., 1904-1995, an artist often named as the fourth Regionalist painter, along with Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton and John Stuart Curry). The painting, titled “The Sentinel” and showing a house, barn and figures in a snow-covered landscape, was signed lower left by the artist and measured 30 inches by 40 inches.

An oil-on-canvas by the “fourth” Regionalist painter, Dale Nichols (Am., 1904-1995), titled “The Sentinel,” hammered for $45,600.

Shannon Fine Art Auctioneers’ next big auction is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, also in Milford (and online at Artfact.com). Shannon’s holds two sales per year, in spring and autumn. These typically feature around 200 artworks, meticulously culled from the thousands that are submitted for consignment.

For more information about this or upcoming auctions, or to enquire about consignments for future auctions, call 203.877.1711, e-mail to info@shannons.com or visit the Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Aba Luostarinen, a student potter from Finland, will join Richard Spiller at the 2013 Convention – Diggin’ Red Wing, slated for July 11-13 at Red Wing High School in Red Wing, Minn.

Examples of Luostarinen’s work. With Luostarinen’s assistance, the Hands-On Pottery Experience will be offered to attendees on both July 11 and 12 at Red Wing High School.

Red Wing, Minn. – The Red Wing Collectors Society has announced that Aba Luostarinen, a student potter from Finland, will join Richard Spiller at the 2013 Convention – Diggin’ Red Wing, slated for July 11-13 at Red Wing High School in Red Wing, Minn.

Spiller traveled to Finland and Estonia this past year. In August 2012, he participated in the Eco Ceramics workshop that brought together ceramic artists from Latvia, Estonia and Finland at Kohila in Estonia. Spiller returned in January to give master class workshops at the HAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland and the Estonian Academy of Art (EAA).

While participating in the workshops, Spiller learned that ceramics students had a program requirement for an international ceramics experience; he met student Aba Luostarinen, who was looking for an opportunity. Since his return in January, Spiller worked with the universities and Luostarinen on creating a pilot program to Minnesota.

Spiller approached RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner about the possibility of Luostarinen joining his RWCS Convention Hands-On Pottery session as part of the exchange program. By including Luostarinen, it would give him the opportunity to expand the Convention session and encompass it with the exchange program.

“Having Aba join Richard this year to expand the Hands-On Pottery Experience for our Convention attendees is a ground breaking addition to the Convention,” said Wegner. “We’re excited to be a part of the exchange program.”

“I am very excited to have Aba join me at the RWCS Convention this year to share Red Wing Pottery with an international student as part of her exchange experience,” added Spiller.

With Luostarinen’s assistance, Spiller’s 2013 Convention Hands-On Pottery Experience will be offered to attendees on both Thursday, July 11, and Friday, July 12, at Red Wing High School. Participants in the two-hour session times will have the opportunity to learn pottery techniques and make their own creation. Following the Convention, the pieces will be fired in the Anderson Center kiln and shipped to participants; the cost is $35.

In addition to the Red Wing Collectors Society Convention, contacts with the Northern Clay Center, Anderson Center and experience in Spiller’s studio will make up a five week university accredited program to pave the way for future exchange programs.

Luostarinen, 27, lives in Hämeenlinna, Finland, and is a student at HAMK University of Applied Sciences. Luostarinen is finishing her studies as a glass and ceramic designer. Her interest and experience is in using ecological materials in ceramics. And, like Spiller, she’s also interested in wood and gas firing kilns. More of her work can be seen on her website.

Richard Spiller joined the RWCS Convention educational program last year through a pre-Convention hands-on pottery class at the Anderson Center and pottery demonstrations at Red Wing High School during the Convention. The class gave RWCS members the opportunity to apply the Scraffito (scratching) technique to a crock.

The Red Wing Collectors Society Convention is July 11-13, 2013, at Red Wing High School in Red Wing. To learn more about the annual convention, go to the Red Wing Collectors Society website or find them on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

The auction for the doll collection, all owned by writer Sidney Sheldon and his wife, features at least 400 lots.

LOS ANGELES — The doll collection of noted author Sidney Sheldon and his wife, Alexandra, heads to auction on June 24 at a sale sponsored by Bonhams.

The 400-lot collection of the noted writer and his wife features dolls from the 1920s through the 1940s, primarily from the Lenci Company. Highlights include celebrity-inspired dolls such as Rudolph Valentino and Madame Pompadour, as well as a series of sports figures and international dolls from China, Russia, Scotland, and Spain.

Founded in 1919 by Elena Konig Scavini, the Lenci Company is known for its high-end felt dolls, which became very popular among adult collectors in the 1920s. The most popular Lenci pieces include Queen Elena of Savoy, Josephine Baker, and many celebrities of the day.

“This is one of the largest offerings of Lenci dolls to come to public auction in recent years,” says animation-art and doll consultant Dana Hawkes. “We look forward to international interest during the traveling highlight exhibition in London, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.”

Featured pieces from the auction include dolls inspired by Rudolph Valentino, ($6,000 to $8,000), Madame Butterfly ($2,000 to $3,000), a pair of Russian figures ($1,500 to $2,000 each), a smoker with a pipe ($1,000 to $1,500), a skier ($3,000 to $4,000), and a sultan ($1,000 to $1,500).

The illustrated auction catalog will be available for review and purchase at Bonhams’ website in coming weeks.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This National Bitters bottle from the collection of John April and boasting an estimate of $2,500 to $5.000 could well be the auction’s top lot.

WOODSTOCK, Conn. — An impressive selection of more than 200 antique bottles and flasks from several prominent collections will be offered at absentee Internet-only auction slated for May 13 through 22 by Norman C. Heckler & Company.

Billed as the May Opportunity Auction, it will be open to online bids, with no printed catalog or callbacks. Phone, fax, absentee, postal mail and e-mail bids will also be accepted.

Headlining the sale will be bottles from the collection of John April, a broad-based collector and fan of early bottles, and 42 pictorial and historical flasks from the collection of Mike Roberts, an expert on Washington-Taylor and double-eagle flasks.

Also offered will be rare antique bottles from the collections of Dr. Paul S. Andreson, Ralph Finch, Gary Hatstat and Bernie Robert—all dedicated lifelong collectors. Bidding will officially begin on Mon., May 13, at 9 a.m. EST and conclude on Mon., May 22, at 10 p.m.

“There really will be something for just about everybody and at price points for all levels of collector,” said Norman C. Heckler, owner of Norman C. Heckler & Company.

A group of eight scroll flasks from the Mike Roberts collection will also come to auction.

The Mike Roberts collection will feature a group of eight scroll flasks, all made circa 1845-1860, probably by Louisville Glassworks of Kentucky, and carrying pre-sale estimates ranging from $500 to $4,000; and a half-dozen cornucopia-urn pictorial flasks, some dating to 1820-1840 and a few made by Lancaster Glass Works of New York. These are estimated to bring $200 to $800 each.

The expected stars of the Ralph Finch collection are fancy and figural cologne bottles, to be offered in multiple lots. All are attributed to the Boston and Sandwich Glass Works and were made in the mid-to-late 19th century. They are estimated to fetch $300 to $1,000 per lot.

The Dr. Paul S. Andreson collection boasts numerous free-blown and pattern-molded glass hat whimseys, possible by makers hailing from the East Coast to the Midwest. A Pitkin Glass Works of Manchester, Conn. whimsey was made circa 1787-1830 and features a cylindrical hat form and nice medium olive amber color and is estimated to fetch $600 to $1,200.

The top lots of the entire sale could very well come from the John April collection. Expected to do well are a National Bitters figural bottle in the form of an ear of corn, circa 1860-1880, in fine condition and in a brilliant yellow color, with an estimate of $2,500 to $5,000; and a Clark’s Superior Record Ink master inkbottle, made in New England around 1820-1848, with an estimate of $2,000 to $4,000.

Previews will be held from April 22 to May 21 at Norman C. Heckler & Company’s gallery facility. There, bidders will be able to inspect the bottles being offered, during regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This carved white-jade ceremonial coupe with figural floral handles should sell at Elite Decorative Arts’ upcoming auction for $30,000 to $50,000.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.—A large selection of estate jewelry, fine artwork, bronzes, sterling silver and Chinese decorative pieces will cross the auction block on Sat., May 11, at Elite Decorative Arts beginning at 1 p.m.

The Chinese items will feature ivory, jade, red coral, stone, porcelain and white jade.

Spotlighted items in the sale include a carved white-jade ceremonial coupe with figural floral handles and a wood-and-silver-inlay fitted base. Elite officials say the glowing translucent specimen should sell for $30,000 to $50,000.

The sale also features a carved 19th-century sculpture depicting a covered urn adorned with flowers, vines, peaches and birds on a fitted wooden base. Elite believes it should gavel at $20,000 to $30,000.

Other items notable items of the sale include an early 20th-century French ormolu mounted porcelain centerpiece with hand-painted gold decoration over cobalt glaze ground and gilt-bronze horses and putti mounted throughout, with an estimated value of $10,000 to $12,000. Also to be sold will be a Samuel Marti French bronze and marble mantle clock with a striking roaring lion mounted on the top and a beveled glass case housing a mechanical movement, which should gavel for $8,000 for $10,000.

An 18-karat gold Harry Winston necklace adorned with diamonds, sapphires and rubies is estimated to sell for $6,000 to $8,000.

Estate jewelry include a stunning and heavy ladies’ 18-karat yellow-gold charm bracelet holding fourteen 14-karat yellow gold charms, most with a golf theme, with an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000; and a ladies’ Harry Winston 18-karat yellow-gold necklace holding 3.15 carats of round cut diamonds and 1.95 carats sapphire stones with featured pear-cut pendant and an additional 0.45 carats of cabochon rubies, with an estimate of $6,000 to $8,000.

Many of the lots can be viewed online at Elite Decorative Arts’ website. Internet bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com and Artfact.com. Phone bids will also be accepted.

A preview of all items will be held on Fri., May 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and shortly before bidding begins on Sat., May 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This Standard Bank of South Africa-issue Waterlow color trial banknote, unlisted and circa 1900s was the top lot at an auction (Part XIV) held Apr. 16 by Archives International Auctions. It gaveled for $10,620.

FORT LEE, N.J. – An early 20th century Standard Bank of South Africa color trial specimen banknote for 20 Pounds sold for $10,620 at an auction (Part XIV) held Apr. 16 by Archives International Auctions. The note, printed in blue with gold underprint, was in almost uncirculated condition.

It was also the top lot in an auction that offered 1,163 examples of U.S. and worldwide banknotes, scripophily (the collecting of stocks and bonds) and security printing ephemera. Of those, 665 changed hands, for a sell-through rate of 57 percent. Foreign banknotes comprised the bulk of the sale; 700 lots came up for bid (of which 413 sold, for a 59 percent sell-through rate).

“We were extremely pleased with the results from our April auction,” said Dr. Robert Schwartz of Archives International Auctions. “Many notes sailed past their high estimates, with numerous price records shattered. Now we’re looking forward to our June 4th auction in Fort Lee. It will feature over 1,000 lots of banknotes, coins, scripophily and security printing ephemera with many trophy notes, coins and scripophily being offered.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction (all prices quoted include an 18-percent buyer’s premium):

This Bahamas Government-issued banknote rarity, a 1919 Currency Note Act (1930), brought $5,610.

• Two notes from different countries each had portraits of King George V on the obverse. One was a 1930 Bahamas Government-issued banknote for 10 Shillings, a great rarity in high-grade (Choice VF 35) condition ($5,610). The other was a 1914 United Kingdom-issued note for 60 Piastres / 10 Shillings, with excellent paper quality, bright colors and sharp corners ($3,420).

This United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1914-15 treasury note with black overprint in Turkish hammered for $3,420.

• A 1914 Australian-issued banknote for 10 Shillings, one of only five such notes in the PMG census and tied with one other for the highest grade (VF 30) changed hands for $7,080; and a 1938 British Guiana-issued banknote for $5, olive in color and showing a toucan on the left, Kaieteur Falls in the middle and a sailing ship on the right, graded VF 20, brought $1,480.

This high-grade 1918 Australia-issued banknote in a 10 Shillings denomination realized $7,080.

• An unusual and rare 1919 Uzbekistan-issued silk note for 1,000 Tengas, with legends mostly in Arabic script but the denomination expressed in Russian, graded Very Choice VF with minimal fraying, went for $4,430; and a 1940 Tannu Tuva-issued banknote for 1 Aksha, brown on orange underprint and with a graphic of a farmer plowing, graded VF to Choice VF, garnered $4,130.

• A 1919 Shanghai, China specimen banknote for $100, dark brown on green and showing a steamship vignette, with “000000” serial numbers and in choice uncirculated condition, topped out at $3,540.

This Dubuque, Wisconsin Territory $50 obsolete banknote, circa 1830s, graded Choice VG found a new home for $1,890.

• A dramatic and impressive original hand-drawn and colored portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of England, done on an 8-inch by 5-inch advertising card by Fleury, the artist for Waterlow & Sons, sold for $3,300. Fleury designed stamps for the 1935 King George V Silver Jubilee Issue for England. The card was titled on top, “Coronation Year 1953” and was in extra fine condition.

• A 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note with two-digit serial number (D92A), and with great color and embossing at the margins, graded Very Choice New 64, with only some slight teller handling, knocked down at $3,070; and an 1879 $500 First Mortgage 7 percent specimen bond for the Long Island Railroad, with detached coupons, in fine condition, breezed to $1,240.

A U.S. Department of the Interior 1894 Cherokee Nation bond for “Cherokee Outlet” gaveled for $1,650.

• A Seychelles issued banknote for 10 Rupees, dated Jan. 1, 1967 and showing Queen Elizabeth II, in gem uncirculated condition, fetched $2,840; an 1894 Nicaraguan issued note for 10 Pesos, graded PMG 8 VG NET, achieved $2,360; and a 1945 5-Kroner issued banknote from Greenland depicting a polar bear on ice, in remarkable gem uncirculated condition, made $1,890.

• An unlisted specimen banknote from India for 2 Rupees (1969-1970), red-violet colored, with large margins, bright colors and a fresh appearance to go with a choice uncirculated (and claims to gem) condition, soared to $2,360.

• A Dubuque (Wisconsin Territory) $50 obsolete banknote from circa the 1830s, showing allegorical nude women with eagles and cherubs with a horse, in choice very good condition, hammered for $1,890; and an 1894 four percent certificate of ownership specimen in the amount of $10,000 for the “Cherokee Outlet” (a strip of land in the Oklahoma Territory) brought $1,650.

An early Southern issued banknote for $500 (1839, Jackson, Miss.), with graphics of Native American figures and a steamboat, payable at 5 percent, in uncirculated condition, went for $800; and a Civil War issued banknote dated Sept. 2, 1861 (Richmond, Va.), T-31 $5 Issued note, black with a red protector, attractive and rare and graded well at PMG Very Fine 20, crossed the block for $1,300.

Archives International Auctions’ next big sale will be on June 4, in Fort Lee. Highlights will include an early Peru specimen banknote from Banco de Londres Mexico Y Sud America, a Mercantile Bank of India, Hong Kong rarity, a unique Boston Sub-Marine & Wrecking Company issued stock certificate (1854), and new to the collecting community encased postage including a lovely example of Burnett’s Standard Cooking Extracts; Colonial coins; Indian Cent Proofs and much more.

To learn more about this and the upcoming auctions, call 201.944.4800, e-mail to info@archivesinternational.com or visit Archives International Auctions website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This 1907 Courier lithograph of Buffalo Bill Cody sold for a record price of $18,975 at an auction dedicated almost entirely to rare and vintage posters at Phillip Weiss Auctions on April 20.

LYNBROOK, N.Y. – The Wild West came charging into Long Island when a group of five Buffalo Bill posters fetched a combined $59,398 at an auction held April 20 by Philip Weiss Auctions.

The sale—dedicated almost entirely to rare and vintage posters, many of which were in remarkable condition—was held at the firm’s new gallery in Lynbrook, N.Y., and deemed a huge success, which was a big boost for a company that was displaced last November by Hurricane Sandy.

A small but high-quality collection of Wild West and circus posters headlined the event and in some cases brought record prices. Posters from the First and Second World Wars were also featured. In all, 296 lots changed hands in an auction that grossed around $185,000.

The top-selling Buffalo Bill Cody (1946-1917) poster was an iconic image of the legendary soldier, bison hunter and showman himself. The 1907 Courier litho, measuring 28 inches by 42 inches, showed an image of a running buffalo with a portrait bust of Col. Cody inset into the animal’s side. Expected to fetch $4,000, the poster hit a record price of $18,975.

This 1899 French portrait poster of Buffalo Bill with President McKinley and others realized $17,825.

An original Pennsylvania Railroad poster promoting Atlantic City, N.J., circa 1930s, brought $5,463.

Following close behind was an exceedingly rare French poster showing Buffalo Bill, President William McKinley (elected in 1896) and two small vignettes (one for Cody Day at the Omaha Exposition of 1898 and one of an image of his first cabin). The 1899 litho, by Enquirer, had dates at the bottom (Sept. 18-20) for an appearance in Antwerp, Belgium. It gaveled at $17,825.

Placing third was a classic, and perhaps the most formidable of all the Buffalo Bill posters. It was a rare three-sheet version by Strobridge, printed in 1908 and showing a full-length rendering of Buffalo Bill on a horse. It was large, measuring 80 inches by 30 inches, and was in “apparent” (not examined out of the frame) “A” condition. The impressive poster sold for $13,800.

Rounding out the group was a very early image of the Buffalo Bill Wild West cowboys on the prairie, by Forbes Company (Boston), executed circa 1880s ($5,463); and a poster titled “Highly Trained Texas Range & Ranch Horses” (Strobridge, 1907), advertising the Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows. Restored along the center fold and in apparent “B” condition, it made $3,335.

An early Strobridge poster for P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth & London Circus gaveled for $9,775.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. Internet bidding was facilitated by Proxibid and Auctionzip (all prices quoted include a 15-percent buyer’s premium):

• A rare and early Stobridge poster for P.T. Barnum’s The Greatest Show on Earth and London Circus (featuring Louisa Boshell, Queen of the Floating Wire), 31 inches by 21 inches and in apparent “A” condition, fetched $9,775; and a Barnum & Bailey poster showing a German artistic collage, by Courier Litho (Buffalo, N.Y., circa 1890s), condition “B”, coasted to $4,255.

• An original circa 1930s poster for the Pennsylvania Railroad, promoting “Atlantic City – America’s All-Year Resort” (by Edward M. Eggleston, 1833-1941), showing a beautiful woman holding a green towel with the beach, boardwalk and buildings as a backdrop, changed hands for $5,463; and a rarely seen, all-original early circa 1890s Ringling Brothers lithograph by Courier, depicting a wonderfully designed menagerie and oval portraits of the Ringlings, brought $4,255.

Philip Weiss Auctions’ next big sale will be held on Sunday, May 19, and feature over 500 lots of fresh-to-the-market toys, trains, soldiers, dolls and more. Dolls will be highlighted by a collection of French dolls, to include a Daniel French Bebe, a rare Roulet et Descamps key-wind character doll, a Tete Jumeau Bebe and Brown Jumeau Bebe and a Simon & Halbig #1339. 

An early litho poster by Courier for Ringling Brothers and their menagerie, circa 1890s, sold for $4,255.

Other dolls will include a pair of Goebel character dolls marked B, a 14-inch JDK Hilda Baby, a 27-inch closed-mouth Jumeau and more. Trains will feature examples from the Finger Lakes Collection (Lionel, Flyer, etc.). Around 100 lots of toy soldiers will include Britains, Dime Store and other makers. The 19th /20th century toys will include pressed steel trucks and vehicles.

Also offered will be a large collection of automobile promotional model cars and kits from the 1950s and ‘60s, plus some modern pieces. It is important to note that for those attending this auction in person, it is estimated that over 50 lots will be sold on the floor only.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, call 516.594.0731, e-mail to Phil@WeissAuctions.com or visit the Philip Weiss Auctions website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Steiff Worthologist and forums moderator Rebekah Kaufman give a presentation on the history of Steiff through its dolls and offer vintage Steiff identification and valuation services at the IDEX doll and Teddy bear show April 11-14 in Orlando, Fla.

Our Steiff Worthologist and forums moderator Rebekah Kaufman will be attending the annual IDEX doll and Teddy bear show April 11-14 in Orlando, Fla., giving a presentation on the history of Steiff through its dolls on Friday at 1 p.m. and offering vintage Steiff identification and valuation services all day on Friday and Saturday.

IDEX brings together manufacturers, artists, retailers, buyers and collectors from all corners of the globe who share a love of dolls, plush and other quality playthings. The show is open to the public on Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14, at the Doubletree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal Orlando, 5780 Major Blvd. Show hours are 9 a.m. to p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Rebekah will also be displaying a large exhibit of vintage Steiff at her booth, all which are available for sale.

For more information about this show, visit the IDEX website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Earlene Bowen, seen here in an undated photo, had a keen eye for wonderful pieces and her love of antiques spanned many eras of furniture. The contents of her estate will be offered without reserve (everything sells, regardless of price) over the course of three days on back-to-back weekends—April 6 and April 12-13—in a sale hosted by Stevens Auction Company.

EUPORA, Miss. – The massive and prodigious estate of Ms. Earlene S. Bowen, known affectionately as “the Antiques Lady” until her recent passing at age 95, will be offered without reserve (everything sells, regardless of price) over the course of three days on back-to-back weekends—April 6 and April 12-13—by Stevens Auction Company, based in Aberdeen, Miss. Ms. Bowen’s entire estate—complete and untouched since the time of her death—will be sold.

The auction will be held on-site, at Ms. Bowen’s property in Eupora, Miss., a small and quaint town in central Mississippi, located north of Jackson and south of Memphis, Tenn. It is there that Ms. Bowen for years operated Bowen’s Antiques, which wasn’t so much a store as it was a veritable antiques village, with 10 buildings plus a brick residence all on one tract of land.

The address is 14511 U.S. Highway 82 in Eupora (zip code for GPS: 39744).

“This will be an old-fashioned country auction for an old-fashioned country lady,” said Dwight Stevens, the sale’s auctioneer and a longtime friend of Ms. Bowen. “There will be no Internet bidding, and because there are so many lots and limited reception, there will be no phone bidding as well.”

This Rosewood rococo etagere with white marble top and oval carvings on the doors, stands 71 inches tall and is one of many pieces of furniture available in the auction.

This Mahogany Empire gentleman’s wardrobe with mirror in center over drawers stands 90 inches tall. It is another example of the type of furniture available.

Absentee bids will be accepted at open house preview only, scheduled for Friday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CST), and April 11, also from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Ms. Bowen had a keen eye for wonderful pieces,” Stevens said, “and her love of antiques spanned many eras of furniture, including Southern primitive as well as Federal, Victorian, Empire and Eastlake antiques. Her inventory also included beautiful porcelains, fine china, antique lamps, original works of art and many hundreds of rare and collectible items.

“When you went to visit Earlean at her shop, everything was for sale—including the jewelry she was wearing and the bed she slept in,” Stevens added. “If someone wanted to buy, she would figure out a way to make a sale happen. She also prepared a full dinner every day, with various meats and two or three different desserts. She’d feed pretty much anyone who came by.

“I had the privilege of knowing Earlean Bowen, as did many other fortunate folks, and I would be hard-pressed to name a person who was more loved or full of life than she was,” Stevens continued. “She attended many of my auctions and even though she was a dealer, it was the buying that excited her, the hunt. She died this past November, just shy of her 96th birthday.”

Bowen’s Antiques was not an overnight success story, nor was Earlean Bowen a lifelong player in the antiques business; far from it. Born in Eupora, she worked at the Montgomery Ward store there for years before getting a job at the Mississippi State Department of Welfare as manager of the state’s food stamps program. But she always fancied antique furniture items.

In 1957, with $10,000 and a dream to get into the business, Earlean launched Bowen’s Antiques, initially as a home-based venture. Parlaying her love of Empire pieces, old Southern furniture, primitives, Americana, china, crystal and jewelry into a bulging inventory, Ms. Bowen had, by age 85, amassed an inventory worth about $1 million. And she was just hitting her stride.

“At an age when most people are well into retirement and taking life easy, Ms. Bowen was out there, charging around the country, buying new pieces and making new contacts,” said Stevens. “At age 90 she had a six-man crew and several trucks. She was just this unbelievable powerhouse of energy. People in many states knew her as ‘the Antiques Lady.’”

This beautiful mahogany Chippendale china cabinet on 15-inch ball-and-claw feet, satnds 77 inches tall.

This striking and unusual mahogany Empire secretary desk features fret work in the doors and open at the bottom.

She finally did slow down, however, in her 90s and sold off a good bit of inventory in the process. One thing she never missed, though, was the Governor’s Inaugural Ball, an event Ms. Bowen got invited to every four years, having made political connections at her government job. Last year, at 95, she danced with the Governor of Mississippi, for what was to be the last time.

Since the auction is an on-site country sale, buyers are encouraged to bring their trucks to remove their items as quickly as possible. Refreshments will be available on auction days. The sale will be held rain or shine, as Stevens Auction Company is providing large circus tents and ample seating for the anticipated throngs. A healthy turnout is expected, so plan to arrive early.

Terms will be cash, major credit cards and pre-approved checks. A 15-percent buyer’s premium will be charged on the total purchase price, with a 2 percent processing fee for credit cards. A 7-percent sales tax will be charged on all merchandise sold (except for bidders with a valid state resale number). Out-of-state buyers must show a copy of their current tax certificate.

Hundreds of photos are on view at the Stevens Auction website A color brochure can be obtained by calling 662.369.2200 or e-mailing stevensauction@bellsouth.net.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This Bellingham Bay Beer reverse glass sign in the original frame, which carries a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $45,000, is one of the highlights in a huge, three-day sale to be held the weekend of April 12-14 by Showtime Auction Services.

This hard to find Kelly Tires tin sign in good original condition, measuring 24 inches in diameter, is expected to bring between $15,000 and $25,000 at auction.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – More than 2,400 lots from three major collections of country store, pedal cars, toys and firefighting memorabilia will be offered at auction on the weekend of April 12-14 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor/Saline Road in Ann Arbor. Internet bidding will be facilitated by both LiveAuctioneers and iCollector.

Headlining the event will be the outstanding lifetime collection of Bill and Kathie Gasperino. The couple is well known in antique circles as having one of the finest country store and advertising collections in the United States. Also sold will be Part 2 of the Robert and Harriett Potter firefighting collection and Part 3 of the Ed and Christy Ramsey collection of pedal cars and toys.

“This is shaping up as our best spring auction ever,” said Mike Eckles of Showtime Auction Services, based in Woodhaven, Mich. “Country store and advertising collectors will be astounded by what the Gasperinos have gathered over the years, the Potters have a vast accumulation of firefighting equipment, apparatus and memorabilia spanning 50-plus years, and the Ramsey collection covers 35 years.”

In addition, bidders will be treated to the usual lengthy list of categories that have come to typify a Showtime Auction sale: country store, advertising signs, store tins, soda fountain, Coca-Cola, Western, Native American, farm signs, whiskey, breweriana, match safes, drug store, barber shop, general store, saloon, post office, coin-op, arcade, scales, gambling, cigar and tobacco tins, cash registers, petroliana, showcases, store fixtures, millinery and more.

One of the expected star lots is an 1880s cigar store Indian with forged iron wheels, with attributes suggesting it was carved by Thomas Brooks (est. $50,000-$75,000). The figure is 83 inches tall (including the base), in very good condition and with most of the original paint intact. Also sold will be an excellent 1870s zinc cigar store Indian by William Demuth of New York.

This extremely rare Mills Silver Cup trade stimulator slot machine, one of only four known in existence, may gavel for between $30,000 and $50,000.

This National Cash Register Model #6, commonly known as “the barber shop model” and desired by collectors, could find a new home for $3,000 to $4,500.

Just two of the many rare and desirable automobilia and petroliana items being offered will include a Kelly Tire tin sign in good original condition, 24 inches in diameter (est. $15,000-$25,000), and a Hudson neon outdoor dealer sign in near-mint condition (est. $12,000-$15,000).

Bidders will be impressed by the rare Mills Silver Cup trade stimulator slot machine, one of only four known and in excellent, restored working order (est. $30,000-$50,000); and a full set of War Eagle slot machines with various denominations represented (est. $10,000-$15,000).

West Coast breweriana collectors will doubtless do battle over the Bellingham Bay Beer reverse glass sign, housed in its original frame, 19 ½ inches in diameter (est. $20,000-$30,000); and a rare Buffalo Brewery reverse glass corner sign with factory scene (est. $30,000-$45,000).

Certain to garner attention is a spectacular saloon back bar with four fancy columns with cast-iron embellishments, impressive at 12 ½ feet by 9 ½ feet (est. $25,000-$50,000). The back bar boats high relief applied trim, beveled mirrors, marble top, slag glass cameos and original lights. Also sold will be a bank wall with teller window, post office, hardware wall unit, soda fountain front and back bar, plus many other desirable turn-of-the-century store fixtures.

Vintage cars will roar off with new owners at the wheel. These include a fresh-to-the-market 1948 Pontiac “Woody” 8-cylinder 4-speed station wagon with Hydramatic transmission, mechanically sound and ready for a road trip (est. $30,000-$40,000); and an eye-catching 1947 Fleet Mfg. “cabin car” wood tear-drop travel trailer, 14 feet in length (est. $3,000-$5,000).

This circa 1880s wooden cigar store Indian, 83 inches tall, possibly carved by Thomas Brooks, could garner $50,000 to $75,000.

This Munsingwear tin die-cut store display, complete with three boxes of product, excellent condition, could demand $2,000 to $4,000.

If cash registers are your collectible of choice, this auction features more than 15 rare National Cash Registers, ranging from $1,000-$7,000 in value. One is sure to stand out, though. It’s a National Cash Register Model 6 (commonly known as “the barber shop model”) and it has been fully restored to its original condition, with an extended oak base (est. $3,000-$4,500).

Native American items will include an 1890 Sioux beaded horse saddle blanket in excellent condition (est. $2,500-$4,500). The early saddle blankets are some of the more rare beaded pieces available for collectors. Also being sold will be many other beaded Native American artifacts, to include moccasins, gauntlets, pipe bag, a complete suit and a baby’s cradle.

Many rare store displays and products will come under the gavel, such as a Munsingwear tin die-cut store display in excellent condition, with 9 ½ inch square base and 45 inches tall (est. $2,000-$4,000). It is one of four Munsingwear tin displays to be sold, along with other makers.

A 1948 Pontiac “Woody” station wagon, 8-cylinder, 4-speed, with Hydramatic transmission, ready for the road, will drive off for a price of $30,000 to $40,000.

The first day of the auction—Friday, April 12—will be for the live audience only (no phone or Internet bidding). The hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST), with previews on Thursday, April 11, from noon to 5 p.m and Friday from 8-10 a.m. The next two days—Apr. 13-14—will feature live, Internet, absentee and phone bidding. Auction hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with a preview from 8-9 a.m.) and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with uncataloged items for live bidding only from 8-10 a.m.

For more information about this auction, call 951.453.2415; or, you can e-mail him at mike@showtimeauctions.com or visit the Showtime Auction Services website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

“Cholla and Sahuaro,” one of three Gustave n upcoming Baumann (American, 1881-1971) woodblock prints in an upcoming Myers Fine Art auction, carries a $10,000 to $15,000 presale estimate. (Photo: Myers Fine Art)

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Nearly all artists of renown have a private reserve of paintings they display in their own homes but never offer for public sale. Myers Fine Art’s April 7 auction features a connoisseur’s selection of artworks that qualify for this elite category.

Almost every painting, sculpture or work on paper was obtained directly from a noted artist’s estate or from the recipient to whom the artwork was gifted or bequeathed. A sizable portion of the fresh-to-market auction trove comes from the estates of New York artists, with the remainder representing private holdings from now-deceased American and European painters. While all schools converge in this sale, with a dateline from the early 17th through early 20th centuries, the selection is “predominantly modern,” said Myers co-owner Mary Dowd.

The largest grouping from a single artist is the collection of 15 works by 1960s abstract minimalist Leon Polk Smith (Native American, 1906-1996). Influenced by Piet Mondrian, Smith’s highly original style is associated with the hard-edge school, of which he is considered a founder. Smith spent most of his life in New York City, with the only breaks being a two-year tenure at Rollins College in Florida and a brief period of residence in Cuba. His influence and importance are validated by the many museums whose permanent collections include his paintings, such as the Whitney, the National Gallery of Art, and the Guggenheim, where Smith received a coveted fellowship.

Among the Leon Polk Smith paintings in the sale is a signed 1970 acrylic on shaped canvas painting from Smith’s acclaimed Constellation series. Measuring 19 inches square, it is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000. Also, a 31½-inch diameter oil and collage on canvas titled “Vermilion Black” is signed on verso and carries the inscription “Gift to Bob Jamieson 1956.” It is expected to make between $6,000 and $9,000.

The legacy of New York artists continues with three quintessential Johann Berthelsen (American, 1883-1972) oil-on-board snow scenes of Manhattan landmarks: Washington Square Park (18¾ x 22¾ inches sight, est. $4,000-$6,000), the Empire State Building (19 7/8 x 24 inches sight, est. $4,000-$6,000) and Central Park. Each of the paintings is signed and attractively framed.

Howard Gardiner Cushing’s (American, 1869-1916) signed oil-on-board “Portrait of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney” depicts the famous New York art patron and museum founder in a fanciful Leon Bakst-designed costume. A pencil notation on the back of the 18- by 13¼-inch (sight) painting reads, in part, “Bought by Mrs. Delano, 131 E. 36…” It is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000.

“It is interesting how the artworks acquired from completely different estates somehow came together in this sale so many years later,” Dowd said. “The Mrs. Delano who purchased the Cushing painting was the wife of architect William Adams Delano of the firm Delano & Aldrich. After Howard Cushing died, Mrs. Whitney helped fund a gallery at the Newport Art Museum to memorialize Cushing’s work. Mrs. Whitney’s good friend, William Delano, was chosen to design the gallery.

“We’re also auctioning some beautiful New York City architectural prints by Chester Price, who, coincidentally, worked for Delano & Aldrich for many years,” Dowd added. “And bringing it full circle, the sale also includes a collection of artists’ books, one of which is filled with colorful plates depicting some of Leon Bakst’s Ballets Russes costumes similar to the one Gertrude Whitney wore for her Cushing portrait.”

A Gustave Baumann (American, 1881-1971) woodblock print titled “Cholla and Sahuaro” vividly showcases several varieties of cacti, some of them flowering, in a Southwestern desert setting. Pencil-signed with the artist’s chop mark, the 20- by 19-inch (framed) work is numbered 49/125 and expected to realize $10,000-$15,000 at auction.

Distinctly the work of Balcomb Greene (American, 1904-1990), a dramatic oil-on-linen artwork depicting craggy rocks and chilly waters is titled “The Cove.” It measures 60 inches by 54 inches and is artist signed and estimated at $4,000-$6,000. A more placid water scene is William Allyn Nichols’ (American, b. 1942-) signed, 53- by 78-inch (sight) oil on canvas titled “Japanese Foot Bridge,” which is entered in the sale with a $6,000-$8,000 estimate. Making it a marine trifecta, Emile A. Gruppe’s (American, 1896-1978) 1958 oil painting “Shelling Longboat Key” is offered with a $4,000-$6,000 estimate.

Alfonso A. Ossorio’s (American, 1916-1990) signed and dated 1952 freeform watercolor titled “Mononucleosis” measures 40 by 26¼ inches (sight) and could bring $3,000-$4,000 at auction. Another compelling contemporary work is the Louise Berliawsky Nevelson (American, 1899-1988) oil on canvas titled “Cats.” Signed but unframed, it is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

Heading the European art section is a Joan Miro (Spanish, 1893-1983) aquatint etching “L’aigrette Rouge,” signed and numbered 15/50, it is estimated at $10,000-$15,000. “It is unusual to encounter a Miro from such a small edition,” Dowd noted.

For more information about this auction, call 727.823.3249, e-mail to auctions@myersfineart.com or visit the Myers Fine Art website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

A large and important group of William Faulkner material, including personal letters, manuscript drafts and drawing, as well as the receipt of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950, will go up for auction on June 11 at Sotheby’s.

NEW YORK – Estimated to fetch over $2 million, the largest and most important group of William Faulkner material ever to appear at auction will cross the block on June 11 at Sotheby’s.

The sale, being called Property from the Descendants of William Faulkner, contains a highly personal selection of letters, manuscript drafts and drawing, providing a remarkable window into key moments of the celebrated author’s life, including his time in Paris in the 1920s as well as receipt of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950.

Further glimpses into the private life of this public figure are offered by intimate gifts the author prepared by for his wife and daughter. A portion of the collection was only recently discovered on his family’s property in Virginia, including a number of items previously feared lost. Highlights will be on view at Sotheby’s Paris in late May and in New York in advance of the June sale.

The highlight of the sale is an early handwritten draft of Faulkner’s highly acclaimed 1950 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, along with the Nobel medal and diploma, which is estimated to bring in excess of $$500,000.

“This archive is remarkable for the new insight it provides into how Faulkner explored his artistic future in 1920s Paris, how his principles informed the content of his novels, and how he struggled with life in Hollywood, among other topics,” said Justin Caldwell, vice president of Sotheby’s Books & Manuscripts Department. “The intimate nature of so many of these items speaks too Faulkner’s enduring relevance today, not only as one of the most important American authors of the 20th century, but as a writer who remains an essential figure to everyone from President Obama to Martin Scorsese, Oprah Winfrey to will.i.am, French President François Hollande and, most currently James Franco, who is currently starring in and directing a film adaptation of Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying.”

The highlight of the sale is an early handwritten draft of Faulkner’s highly acclaimed 1950 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, along with the Nobel medal and diploma, which is estimated to bring in excess of $$500,000. Faulkner conceived the draft while staying at the Algonquin Hotel in New York en route to the ceremony in Oslo, and the draft is penned on the hotel’s letterhead. The draft contains significant differences from the final draft he read from, and his spoken words were different still, illustrating the evolution of this important speech.

In contrast to Faulkner’s public and broad-ranging Nobel speech that addressed the troubled world of the time, the sale also includes highly personal texts such as the series of 16 letters and 10 autograph postcards signed from Faulkner to his mother and family members while he was living in Paris in the 1920s (est. $250,00-$350,0000). The author describes the literary scene and reveals more personal details, such as his discovery of French cuisine and the fact that he decided to grow a beard. Faulkner’s relationship with France is particularly poignant, as he would go on to be celebrated by the country (and still is today), receiving the Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur in 1951, also up for sale in June (est. $25,000-$35,000). A further highlight is 25 volumes of his work bound in blue morocco leather, given as a Christmas gift to his daughter Jill in 1953, which are inscribed and signed (est. $300,000-$400,000).

More pages of the 1950 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, written on letterhead from the Algonquin Hotel in New York.

The sale also includes letters and autograph postcards signed from Faulkner to his mother and family members while he was living in Paris in the 1920s.

Somme of the material in the sale was only recently discovered on his family’s property in Virginia including a completely unpublished 12-page short story entitled “The Trapper’s Story” (est. $30,000-$50,0000) about a young man from the country that falls in love and moves to the city. Also recently revealed is the original book of poetry called “Vision in Spring” that Faulkner wrote and bound for his wife, which was only published in 1984 from a poor quality photocopy; the original thought to be lost until now (est. $100,000-$150,000).

Another deeply personal item is Faulkner’s eulogy for Caroline Barr, known as “Mammy Callie”—the former slave who became his nanny and who informed so much of his outlook on racial politics (est. $20,000-$30,000). Although the eulogy was published in 1940, the present typescript with autograph corrections reveals subtle differences.

The sale will also include the manuscript for the short story “Hog Pawn,” with autograph annotations and corrections, which Faulkner originally wrote for the Knights Gambit Collection, although it was never included (est. $15,000-$20,000).

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Jackson Pollock’s “The Blue Unconscious” is estimated to bring between $20 and $30 million when it crosses the block at Sotheby’s. The monumental work will be shown at Sotheby’s Los Angeles galleries from March 22-24 ahead of exhibitions in London and New York prior to the May 14 auction.

NEW YORK – “The Blue Unconscious,” a monumental canvas painted by Jackson Pollock in the critical year of 1946—just prior to the establishment of the artist’s celebrated drip paintings—is expected to be a major highlight of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Sale on Tuesday, May 14.

The appearance of the work on the market comes just months after Sotheby’s set a new Pollock auction record with “Number 4, 1951,” which sold for $40,402,500 in November 2012, besting the presale estimate of $25 to $35 million. “The Blue Unconscious” is estimated to bring between $20 and $30 million. It will be shown in Sotheby’s Los Angeles galleries from March 22-24 ahead of exhibitions in London and New York prior to the May auction.

Pollock executed “The Blue Unconscious” in the famed Long Island barn studio he established after moving to East Hampton with his wife, Lee Krasner, in 1945 to escape the pressures of the New York City art world. The canvas has remained in the same private collection for nearly 50 years, having last appeared on the market in a 1965 auction at Parke-Bernet.

Pollock is widely recognized as a towering and transformative figure in mid-20th century art. By 1946, he was flourishing at Peggy Guggenheim’s Art of This Century and was at the forefront of the creation of the New York Abstract Expressionist movement. Paintings such as “The Blue Unconscious” embody Pollock’s quest to integrate imagery with abstraction during this watershed era of reinvention that saw him gain recognition as a modern master on par with the European artists of the day. The artist’s celebrity and acclaim grew throughout the late 1940s as he took his place as the standard bearer for American art on the international stage.

In the fall of 1945, Pollock and Krasner relocated to East Hampton on Long Island. Beginning in spring of 1946, Pollock worked feverishly on two series of paintings as he prepared for his fourth and final one-man exhibition at Art of This Century, scheduled to open Jan. 14, 1947.

The “Accabonac Creek” series—named for the harbor and waterway that could be seen from his Long Island property—was executed in the makeshift studio in the upstairs bedroom of his home. For the execution of the “Sounds in the Grass” series, which includes “The Blue Unconscious,” Pollock moved out to his newly-renovated barn studio in the summer of 1946, which would be the site of his greatest breakthroughs toward his signature style. The “Sounds in the Grass” canvases are triumphant examples of Pollock’s complete melding of figuration and painterly abstraction, with early “all-over’’ compositions of swooping and colorful brushwork.

In the monumentality of the canvases, one can feel how physicality abounds in Pollock’s thickly applied and gestural brushwork. When his canvases moved to the floor of his Long Island barn studio in 1946 and 1947, the exuberance, daring and sheer painterly verve that coursed through paintings such as the present work gave birth to the cataclysmic enamel drip paintings that followed in the coming months.

Of the seven works in the “Sounds in the Grass” series, five are in the collections of major museums including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Tel Aviv Museum and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice. Additionally, in the critical year of 1946, Pollock executed only seven paintings on a monumental scale (larger than 50 inches in either direction); two are in private collections, including “The Blue Unconscious,” which measures 84 inches by 56 inches. The others are all in institutions: three in the Peggy Guggenheim Foundation, Venice, and one each at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam.

“The Blue Unconscious” was previously owned by the esteemed Belgian collector, Philippe Dotrement, and last appeared on the market in a 1965 auction of his collection at Sotheby’s predecessor firm, Parke-Bernet. It was acquired from that sale by the present owner.

For more information about “The Blue Unconscious” or other items in the Contemporary Art Evening Sale, visit the Sotheby’s website.

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This high-grade Chinese Hunan government banknote for 100 coppers, 1908 issue, found a new home for $15,220 after a fierce floor competition at the first auction ever conducted in Hong Kong by Archives International Auctions.

HONG KONG, China – A high-grade Chinese Hunan government banknote for 100 coppers, 1908 issue, hammered for $15,220 after a fierce floor competition at the first auction ever conducted in Hong Kong by Archives International Auctions, a firm based in Fort Lee, N.J. The banknote was the top lot in an auction that saw 609 lots change hands and grossed $523,350.

Archives International Auctions, in association with Dynasty Auctions, Ltd., offered the Allen Berk single-owner lifetime collection of rare Chinese and Asian banknotes, plus other consignments, at the Harbor Plaza North Point Hotel in Hong Kong. The Berk collection and additional consignments of banknotes and coins marked the first day of what went on to become a spectacular three-day numismatic and philatelic event, with Dynasty hosting the following two days with a successful Asian philatelic auction.

Included in the Archives International Auctions portion of the auction (Jan. 26) were more than 1,000 lots of rare and highly collectible Chinese, Asian and worldwide banknotes, coins and scripophily (the collecting of stock certificates). Of that total, 609 lots sold, for a 57 percent sell-through. The Dynasty Auctions, Ltd., sale (Jan. 27-28) featured stamps and postal history.

“Our auction was a great success and was well received by a very enthusiastic live audience, as well as fierce competition from Internet and phone bidders,” said Dr. Robert Schwartz of Archives International Auctions. “This was our first Hong Kong auction, but it won’t be our last. Already we are laying plans for a second auction, either in late fall or early winter.”

This Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China, Tientsin Branch, $10 banknote, garnered $2,590.

Schwartz estimated the crowd in the room at about 40 people, while at least that many people registered to bid online. In addition, between 40 and 50 absentee bids were tallied, and five to 10 people participated by phone.

“We weren’t sure what to expect from this inaugural sale, but it was great,” Schwartz said.

Following are additional highlights from the auction (all prices quoted include an 18-percent buyer’s premium and are given in U.S. dollars):

Highlights from the Allen Berk collection are too numerous to list, but they included a Yu Ning Imperial Bank 1907 “Ch’eng Yang” copper coin issue in high-grade that sailed past its pre-sale estimate to realize $6,850; and an issued National Commercial Bank, Ltd., “Shanghai” Branch issue from 1923 that also easily outdistanced its pre-sale estimate to gavel for $3,040.

The second session included banknotes from the Hamtramck collection, as well as coins and other banknotes from various consignors. High points included a Board of Trade 1850s-issued banknote for 3 Taels ($6,090 for a 5-Tael note brought $8,370); two different 5,000 Cash Ching issues ($2,740 and $3,040); and a Commercial Bank of China $50 1920 specimen note ($3,350).

The Peoples Bank of China section of the auction did extremely well, with 23 of 26 lots selling for strong prices. Top earners included a 1949 200-Yuan high-grade issue that changed hands for $1,520; a pair of 1950 50,000-Yuan Uniface front-and-back specimens ($2,280); and a trio of early 1895 Taiwan official silver notes that sold for prices ranging from $1,220 to $1,670.

This Board of Trade issue, 5 Taels, realized $8,370. A 3 Taels version of the same issue brought $6,090.

A Thor Mohlen note from 1695, for 25 Rixdaler Croner, hammered for $4,870.

Two MS-66 uncirculated Japanese Coiled Dragon dollars (including this one) made $3,960 each.

A remainder Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China, Tientsin Branch $10 banknote hammered for $2,590; a private local issue District Bank of Shehung trio of banknotes coasted to $1,980; a Yu Fang Shang Banking Co., Chefoo, 1905 private reserve, brought a very impressive $7,610; and a Government of Hong Kong 1975 $20,000 specimen bond hit the mark for $1,670.

Coins proved to be popular crowd-pleasers, with nearly all coin lots selling. Japan put in a very strong appearance, with a pair of MS-66 uncirculated Coiled Dragon dollars changing hands for $3,960 each. Worldwide banknotes also did extremely well, especially the Hong Kong section. A Hong Kong $500 1931 Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China fetched $7,610.

Rounding out the list of top lots: a group of Mercantile Bank of India notes wowed the crowd, with a $50 1941 issue knocking down at $11,420 and a $10 1941issued in high-grade making $6,850. Also, a small but significant 1877 Southwest Battle military note topped out at $1,670; and a 1695 Thor Mohlen note 25-Rixdaler Croner hammered for a respectable $4,870.

Archives International Auctions’ next sale of U.S. and worldwide banknotes, scripophily and security printing ephemera will be held April 13, in the firm’s gallery at 1580 Lemoine Ave. (Suite 7) in Fort Lee, N.J. Consignments are also being accepted for an auction dedicated to U.S. and worldwide banknotes, scripophily and rare coins scheduled for June 4, also in Fort Lee.

For more information about this auction or to consign a single item or a collection, call 201.944.4800, e-mail to info@archivesinternational.com or visit the Archives International Auctions website.

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An important collection of 13 continental carved ivories from the 19th century, to be sold as one lot, is expected to realize between $250,000 and $350,000 in a small but dense auction offered by A. B. Levy’s on March 30.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – In a tightly packed auction that will include an exclusive collection of 40 pieces of art glass, an outstanding 13-piece collection of European ivory, French furniture—to include stunning pieces by Francois Linke—bidders will find just 175 lots to compete for at A. B. Levy’s West Palm Beach facility.

The small-in-size but big-on-value auction will also feature spectacular men’s and ladies’ watches and other jewelry items, as well as fine art prints by names such as Picasso, Miro and Chagall. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, at 5001 South Dixie Highway.

Previews will be held at A. B. Levy’s 211 Worth Avenue gallery in Palm Beach, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., right up until auction day. No merchandise will be on view at the West Palm Beach facility. All lots can be viewed online, where bidders are encouraged to register. The first gavel will come down promptly at 11 a.m. (EST).

In addition to Levy’s website, online bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers, Artfact and TheSaleroom.

“We are very excited about the merchandise in this auction,” said Albert Levy of A. B. Levy’s. “The pieces in the art glass collection are very exclusive and quite striking, the French furniture—headlined by Francois Linke—is remarkable in its condition and attention to detail, the watches are gorgeous and the European ivory collection could easily fetch the most money.”

Indeed, the continental ivory collection has a pre-sale estimate of $250,000-$350,000. The 13 pieces, all 19th century, include a pair of allegorical female figures of “Night and Day” with putti (31inches in height), a hinged cover tankard depicting a battle scene (15 inches tall), Perseus rescuing Andromeda on a turned ebony plinth base (22 ¼ inches tall), and a ewer (or narrow-necked jug) with a stylized handle depicting mythological stories (21 ¾ inches tall).

Other pieces in the group include a vase and cover depicting the “Birth of Venus” (21 ½ inches tall), a Bacchic putto (cherub) within grape vines on a circular stepped base and ebonized plinth (17 ¼ inches tall), a water nymph standing on a scallop shell on four dolphin feet (22 ¼ inches tall) and a pair of troubadours mounted on carved ebonized wood plinths (21 inches tall).

Francois Linke gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and satine regulateur de parquet clock, circa 1900, could bring $200,000 to $400,000.

Rare Emile Galle marqueterie de verre glass vase, circa 1900, double lined and signed Galle has a presale estimate of $50,000 to $80,000.

This Daum Nancy acid-etched and enameled glass “Rainy Landscape” vase, signed, made circa 1910 could find a new home at $15,000 to $20,000.

Francois Linke (1855-1946) was a renowned French furniture designer and maker, as well as a bronzier and ebeniste (or cabinet maker, the term originating from the use of ebony as veneer by 17th-century French furniture makers). Linke’s circa-1900 signed gilt bronze mounted kingwood and satine regulateur de parquet clock, 106 inches tall, should hit somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000.

Three other lots by Linke are also expected to generate intense bidder interest. One is a late 19th-or early 20th-century gilt-bronze mounted mahogany dining room table of oval form, with a set of 12 matching cane-back dining chairs (two arm chairs and ten side chairs). The table, which is signed “F. Linke,” plus three extension leaves and chairs, and carries a presale estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

The other two lots are a late 19th- or early 20th-century Louis XVI-style gilt-bronze mounted mahogany marquetry and parquetry bureau a cylinder (a type of desk, the front of curved quarter-circle form), stamped and numbered 100 (est. $40,000-$60,000); and a late 19th-century Louis XV-style gilt-bronze mounted marquetry display cabinet (est. $40,000-$60,000).

Headlining the art glass category is a circa-1900 Emile Galle (Fr., 1846-1904) marqueterie de verre (glass-making technique in which colored pieces of semi-molten glass are set into the body of a glass vessel before it hardens) vase. It is 17 ½ inches tall, with applied and carved foot detail and gilt foil inclusions (est. $50,000-$80,000). It also has the Galle signature.

All of the men’s and ladies’ estate wristwatches are gorgeous examples, but one watch in particular promises to be a standout. It’s a Swiss Chopard L.U.C. Tourbillon Titan SL wristwatch with dial, case and buckle all signed (est. $75,000-$100,000). The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, and it is a limited edition timepiece (24/100). It is boxed in a handsome titanium case.

Other show-stoppers include a Swiss-made Harry Winston 18kt white gold and zalium automatic chronograph calendar wristwatch, the “Ocean Diver,” No. 24, with fitted presentation box and papers (est. $40,000-$60,000); and a ladies’ diamond, sapphire and platinum hidden dial bracelet watch composed of 118 round cut diamonds weighing 6 carats (est. $8,000-$12,000).

This color etching and aqua tint on paper by Joan Miro (Sp., 1893-1983), titled “Grans Rupestre IV” is estimated to sell for $10,000 to $15,000.

This Patek Philippe 18kt yellow gold open face keyless lever pocket watch, signed Tiffany & Co. may hammer for $3,000 to $5,000.

Also in the fine watches group: a Swiss signed Cartier 18kt yellow gold wristwatch on a solid woven 18kt yellow gold bracelet (est. $5,000-$7,000); a Patek Philippe 18kt yellow gold open face keyless lever pocket watch, signed Tiffany & Co. (est. $3,000-$5,000); an IWC Swiss Portuguese stainless steel chronograph automatic wristwatch (est. 3,000-$5,000); and a Corum 18kt yellow gold and diamond wristwatch with 32 round-cut diamonds (est. $2,000-$4,000).

Fine art prints will feature two Picassos, a Miro and a Chagall. The Picassos include a signed lower right and numbered (46/50) lithograph, titled “The Knight and the Page,” 20 ½ inches by 15 inches (est. $8,000-$12,000); and a signed lower right, numbered (9/50) etching with aquatint and drypoint, titled “Dans L’Atelier,” 9 ¾ inches by 15 inches (est. $15,000-$20,000).

The print by Joan Miro (Sp., 1893-1983) is a color etching and aquatint on paper, titled “Grans Rupestre IV” (1979), signed lower right, 35 ½ inches by 26 ¾ inches (est. $10,000-$15,000). The print by Marc Chagall (Fr./Russ., 1887-1985) is a lithograph printed in color titled “Les Mimosas” (1968), signed and numbered, 29 ¾ inches by 21 inches (est. $15,000-$20,000).

For more information about this auction, call 561.835.9139, e-mail to info@ablevys.com or visit the A.B. Levy’s website.

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Until now, these butter crocks were not believed to be made by Red Wing. However, longtime Red Wing Pottery Dump digger Dennis Nygaard revealed in his MidWinter keynote presentation that he found shards to these pieces last year in an area where the Red Wing Potteries dumped early dinnerware shards. It was a great discovery, but collectors need to be aware that most Lambrecht butter crocks were not made by Red Wing—including the ones marked “USA” on the bottom.

DES MOINES, Iowa – About 300 Red Wing stoneware and pottery collectors got their winter fix by attending the Red Wing Collectors Society MidWinter GetTogether from Feb. 8-10.

Many attendees sold Red Wing wares from their hotel rooms, arriving as early as Wednesday, Feb. 6 to buy and sell stoneware and pottery, but the event officially kicked off with a reception on the evening of Friday, Feb. 8. The theme of this year’s event was a “Wild, Wild West: The Red Wing Watering Hole,” and many members participated by dressing in their best cowboy and cowgirl apparel. The RWCS also commissioned Maple City Pottery to make stoneware sheriff badges that members could purchase and wear during the event.

This year’s keynote speaker was longtime Red Wing Pottery Dump digger Dennis Nygaard, who revealed many new finds from his very productive 2012 dump digging season. The most surprising of Nygaard’s finds consisted of shards from advertising butter crocks made in 1930s for Lambrecht’s butter and a number of small Wisconsin dairies that weren’t previously recognized as Red Wing products.

Several educational sessions followed the keynote address, including in introduction to Red Wing Dinnerware, presented by Larry Roschen and Terry Moe, and dinnerware patterns by Mike Orgler. Mark Wiseman and Tom Southard spoke about the history of Boone, Iowa’s, Moingona Pottery, while Mark and Marie Latta discussed the 1920 art pottery experiment by Iowa State College (now Iowa State University). Young collectors also got into the act—about a dozen kids attended with their parents and participated in RWCS KidsView education program activities.

This Red Wing squatty crock that measured about 4 gallons—likely a special order piece—sold for $630. The lid sold separately for $75.	Despite carrying some damage, this 4 gallon salt glaze target crock back-stamped “Red Wing Stoneware Company” brought a healthy $230 bid.
This Red Wing brushware cemetery vase was a steal at $65.	These stoneware Albany slip pigs brought $425 and $290, respectively.

Representatives from the RWCS Foundation also held a question & answer session where they discussed plans to renovate the Red Wing Pottery Annex building—the future home of the Red Wing Pottery Museum. The Foundation purchased half a building located in Red Wing’s historic pottery district in December, with the Red Wing Area Seniors organization purchasing and occupying the other half. The Foundation is welcoming donations to help fund the project—whether monetary or items that can be auctioned off. The group is also seeking volunteers to assist with demolition and construction. To help out, contact RWCS Foundation President Dave Hallstrom at hallstromd@hotmail.com.

The always popular Saturday Show & Sale was followed by an independently sponsored auction, which was once again conducted by Richard and Todd Houghton of Houghton’s Auction Services of Red Wing, Minn. This year’s auction featured a wide variety of pieces for every collector’s taste, including stoneware, dinnerware and art pottery. About half of the items were donated by a couple, with the proceeds benefiting the RWCS Foundation.

A 5 gallon Red Wing beehive jug with upside down “Red Wing Stoneware Co.” oval in excellent condition was a great buy at $140.

The top piece of stoneware was a squatty Red Wing crock that measured about four gallons in size. Likely a special order piece, it sold for $630. Several dinnerware pieces with test glazes were also sold, ranging in price from $65 up to $210. Two collectors ran up the bidding a blue and green M3006 Chromoline vase; it finished at a surprising bid of $900.

The Red Wing Collectors Society was founded in 1977 in Red Wing, Minn. and is devoted to educating people about all American pottery. There are more than 4,000 members worldwide. The Red Wing Potteries had diverse pottery lines that included stoneware, dinnerware and art pottery. Annual membership costs only $25 and includes six full-color newsletters mailed to your home throughout the year.

Registration is now open for the big 2013 RWCS Convention in Red Wing this summer from July 11-13. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 800.977.7927, e-mail to membership@redwingcollectors.org or visit the Red Wing Collectors Society website. You can also find the RWCS on Facebook or follow the club on Twitter@RWPottery.

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This mid-19th century Constitution Bitters bottle, quite possibly the first figural bitters blown in America, gaveled for $7,840 in a sale hosted by American Bottle Auctions. The bottle was among the top lots in an auction that ended Feb. 22.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A museum-quality, mid-19th century Constitution Bitters bottle—quite possibly the earliest figural bitters bottle ever blown in America—sold for $7,840 in an Internet and catalog auction held by American Bottle Auctions. The bottle was among the top lots in an auction that ended Feb. 22 and grossed about $156,720.

The Constitution Bitters, a gazebo-shaped bottle, had a texture and patina that proved conclusively it was very early.

“To our knowledge there are only one or two other examples known,” said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. “It was cleaned by Lou Lambert, who did a masterful job. I believe it would have brought more if it were a color other than aqua.”

In all, 176 rare and vintage bottles changed hands in an auction that featured superb back bars, flasks, medicines, whiskeys, sodas, beers and more. A total of 272 registered online bidders submitted a little more than 1,440 bids.

“It was a strong sale considering we didn’t have any true superstars,” Wichmann said, “but what we did have were some nice pieces in many categories.

“The western whiskey fifths did very well, as did the historical flasks,” Wichmann added. “All the lots sold, and that’s mainly due to the fact that we don’t have reserves and the bidding starts at $10 per bottle. We purchased a real nice collection about a week before the sale, but it was too late to include it in this auction, so we’re saving it for the next one, probably in late summer.”

Wichmann said the market for bottles is “very strong” right now, and may get stronger, as he sees supply beginning to dwindle. “We’re in a state of flux, and at the end of a cycle that could see some exciting new product unleashed on the market very soon,” he said. “Lots of collections with some great stuff in them are sitting dormant, but I see them heading for auction.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction, (all prices quoted include a 12-percent buyer’s premium):

• Tied for top lot of the sale at $7,840 was a Wynkoop & Company Tonic Mixture bottle (“Warranted to cure fever and ague”). One of three examples found in an abandoned pharmacy in Indiana, the 6 ½-inch bottle boasted an applied top and open pontil and was very crude, with a stunning cobalt blue color. It was rated a perfect 10 for condition (the only perfect 10 in the sale).

• Right behind the two leaders with a final sale price of $7,280 was a Nixon & Company (Seattle, Washington Territory, circa 1883-1885) western fifth in terrific condition (rated 9.8) and colored medium to light amber. It took a black light inspection to reveal a ¼-inch by ¼-inch patch on the mouth, proving some repair work had been done, but it was virtually undetectable.

• A Kentucky Gem Sour Mash Copper Distilled Whiskey western fifth (T.G. Cockrill & Co., San Francisco, agents, circa 1872-1879) changed hands for $6,720. The Kentucky Gem is one of the most sought after western fifths today, and this example (found in a remote area of Nevada) is one of maybe 10 known. A ding on the corner base edge kept it from fetching more.

Wynkoop & Company Tonic Mixture medicine bottle.

J. C. Nixon & Co. western fifth.

Kentucky Gem Sour Mash Copper Distilled Whiskey bottle

• A Masonic Eagle pint flask (GIII-4), found in the safe of a Masonic temple and graded conservatively at 9.7, went for $5,600. The bottle was very heavy and colored a beautiful yellow green, with a tooled mouth with pontil. Its spectacular condition (attributable to the fact that it had been in the safe for many decades) caused the bottle to sail past the high estimate of $5,000.

• An R.T. Carroll & Company Sole Agents (San Francisco) western whiskey fifth, made circa 1875-1882 and graded near-mint at 9.8, went to a determined bidder for $5,152. The overall crudity of this exceedingly rare whiskey bottle was just about perfect. American Bottle Auctions has only seen a couple of these in the past 20 years, a real testament to its scarcity.

• A Jockey Club sixth-size western whiskey bottle (G. W. Chesley & Co., San Francisco), graded 9.6, found a new owner for $4,256. The bottle, one of the more popular sixth-sized western whiskeys, had been found under a house that was being demolished and the worker was smart enough to bring it home. This example, made between 1873-1878, had loads of whittle.

Masonic Eagle (GIII-4) pint flask.

R. T. Carroll & Co., Sole Agents western fifth.

Jockey Club sixth-size western whiskey bottle.

• A Pike’s Peak olive yellow pint (GXI-50), showing a walking man and a man shooting a deer on the reverse side, topped out at $3,808. The bottle was near-perfect, graded 9.8, with no real distractions of any type, to include high point wear or scratching. It also boasted an applied band and smooth base. Bidders rewarded the bottle by nearly doubling the $2,000 high estimate.

American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, call 800.806.7722, e-mail to info@americanbottle.com or visit the American Bottle Auctions website.

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Some of the character items include in a 1,600-lot Internet auction to be hosted Serious Toyz include these Lost in Space, The Munsters, James Bond 007, Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop and a rare Hamilton Invaders items.

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Serious Toyz will seek to cement its reputation one of the leading vintage toy and collectible auction houses in the United States with a colossus 1,300-lot auction featuring high-grade antique and vintage items in dozens of collecting categories. The auction will begin in mid-March and end on April 5 and 6.

Among the choice items offered in the auction will be outstanding groups of vintage robots and space toys, Barbies, 1960s rock posters and dozens of pressed steel vehicles, cast-iron toys, slot cars, character toys and collectibles, advertising and retail displays and more.

“This sale is certain to appeal to all kinds of collectors,” said Tom Miano, owner of Serious Toyz, based in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. “We have real in-depth offerings in many categories, with items that will speak to beginners through advanced collectors. And even with the wide variety of collecting categories, the common denominators are condition and rarity.

“This auction represents the long-term efforts of more than 40 serious collectors and will offer legitimately rare pieces, a term we do not use lightly,” said Miano, who added that the sale can be boiled down to three primary categories: Classic Toys and Collectibles; Character Toys and Collectibles; and Toy Vehicles. Within those broad categories are various sub-categories, all adding up to one huge auction packed with quality offerings.

The Classic Toys and Collectibles category is led by a nice group of vintage space toys, including almost 40 robots, many in the original boxes. Toy guns will feature Western, spy and a dozen early space and ray guns. The vintage Barbies are from a single longtime collection and include a mint-in-the-box Ponytail #1 and more than 30 early outfits, all complete on vintage dolls.

Figure and soldier collectors will pay attention to the plastic, composition and lead figures offered, featuring a beautiful, complete set of Manoil’s rare “Happy Farm,” along with dozens of Beton figures and sets.

The majority of the classic tin wind-up and battery-op toys offered are mint or MIB (mint-in-the box), and almost everything works perfectly (as does most every item in the auction). Vintage holiday collectibles will feature a late 1800s German “feather tree” with original ornaments, German ‘Putz’ Houses and classic Jack-O-Lanterns.

More than 30 early Barbies will be auctioned, all from the 1960s. A few examples are shown here.

Advertising collectibles will be led by a huge and rare 1950 Greyhound bus painted plaster display; a 1960s Tri-Ang “Spot-On” die-cast cars retail display and a 1950s Coca-Cola battery-operated penny bank, mint-in-the-box. The advertising collectibles will also include store-stock metal and cardboard signs, and manufacturers and travel agency plane models.

Moving on to character toys and collectibles, the auction will be packed with ’50s, ’60s and ’70s TV and movie characters, to include long-time collections of James Bond (including early movie posters) and The Munsters, plus The Flying Nun, Planet of the Apes and more. There will also be more than 50 lunch boxes of all types, including dozens of store stock samples.

Cartoon characters and super heroes will feature early Disney, Betty Boop, Little Orphan Annie, Popeye, The Green Hornet and Batman. Western characters will include Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers and a Hartland figure collection of almost 30 pieces (mostly boxed), including gunfighters and a rare case of boxed Mini figures. Space and sci-fi will include Universal monster toys, Lost in Space, Star Trek, Buck Rogers, Tom Corbett and early Star Wars. A last-minute addition to the auction is Remco’s incredibly rare “Hamilton Invaders” Playset, complete and near-mint, in the original box.

Rock ‘n’ roll collectibles will feature many rare concert posters, including this 1969 Jimi Hendrix, plus items from the Beatles, the Monkees and more.

Hundreds of vintage die-cast vehicles will roll off with new owners. All the major manufacturers will be represented.

Vintage rock ‘n’ roll posters from the ’60s and ’70s have never before been featured in a Serious Toyz auction, but they have broken into the category in a big way. Leading the group of more than a dozen pieces is a rare Jimi Hendrix poster from a Jan. 15, 1969 concert with dazzling graphics; plus tour and record store posters for The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Supremes, plus others. Other music-related lots will feature dozens of lots from Elvis Presley and The Beatles (including a second state stereo “Butcher” cover); plus The Monkees, the Mamas and the Papas and others.

Roughly half of the auction is devoted to toy vehicles of all descriptions, including many desirable pieces in tin, pressed steel, cast iron and more.

Pressed steel will be spearheaded by a spectacular selection of examples, including rare early toys from Keystone, Steelcraft, Turner, Sturdi-Toy and many others (including a rare 1929 Buddy L traveling overhead crane). Most everything is in beautiful, all-original condition, with a number in their original boxes. Many of these pieces, along with dozens of others in various categories, were consigned from the personal collection of the noted author and expert, Dr. Douglas Sadecky.

Dozens of tin vehicles will come up for bid, to include cars, trucks and motorcycles from makers like Strauss, Bandai, Marx, Jibby, Courtland and Schuco.

Cast-iron vehicles will feature a gorgeous 1895 Wilkins floor train, the largest one they made, and a large 1920 Arcade “Fageol” bus.

Slot cars will also be represented in a big way, with more than 70 Aurora “Vibrator” and “Thunder Jet” vehicles. Everything is near-mint or better, with more than a dozen store-stock pieces. There are even a number of beautiful promo cars, including a scarce 1971 Dodge Charger slot car set in the box.

Toy ships are led by a rare 1886 litho paper-over-wood battleship, “Columbia,” made by Reed. There is also a long-time collection of toy outboard motors, most in original boxes.

Vintage tin robots, rockets and ray guns are certain to be a big hit with collectors.

A wide range of advertising collectibles will be offered, including signs, retail displays, toys and more.

Serious Toyz auctions always offer a wealth of vintage die-cast vehicles. This sale has literally hundreds of mint-in-the-box and factory-sealed pieces from Corgi, Matchbox, Dinky, Tootsietoy, Hubley, Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Cigar Box and more.

Toy airplane collectors’ hearts will soar when they see the full offering of vintage planes, most in beautiful condition. There are a number of rare and desirable pieces, including travel agency and manufacturer’s models, plus tin, pressed steel, cast iron and more.

One of the most exciting aspects of a Serious Toyz auction is that most everything has low opening bids and there are never any reserve prices. Plus (as usual), hundreds of lots open at only $10, making this an auction that most everyone can participate in. There are always bargains to be had.

Online bidders may preview, register and bid live exclusively at serioustoyz.com. Bidders without computers can participate either by using their printed color catalog, or viewing the auction online at the public library or a friend’s home, then placing bids by phone. Serious Toyz auction rules are specifically designed to give both online and phone bidders an equal opportunity to get what they are after.

Every item is available for inspection at the SeriousToyz retail facility in Westchester County, N.Y., about an hour north of New York City. The address is 1 Baltic Place, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520 (call before traveling). A 15-percent buyer’s premium will be applied to all winning bids, with a 3-percent discount given to those paying by cash, money order or personal check.

For more information about this auction, call 866.OLD.TOYZ (866.653-8699) or visit the SeriousToyz website.

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This 18-inch Handel Jungle Bird table lamp with parrots and foliage in the shade is among the several pieces of antique lighting that will highlight the upcoming March 23 sale to be hosted by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – An auction featuring more than 400 quality lots of antique furniture, Arts & Crafts items, antique lighting—by Tiffany, Handel, Gorham, Moe Bridges and others—as well as paintings, bronzes and sterling silver is just of three scheduled for this year at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery.

The other two auctions, which will also be held at the firm’s spacious showroom located at 1485 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield, will be on April 27—which will feature antique clocks—and Sept. 21, which will be highlighted by music-related items.

Internet bidding for all three cataloged auctions will be provided by both Artfact and LiveAuctioneers. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

The March auction will also include porcelains, music boxes, art glass and cameo glass, marble statuary, jewelry and hundreds of related accessories. Previews will be held on Friday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, March 23, the date of sale, from 8 a.m. until the first gavel comes down around 11 a.m. Many items may be viewed online.

Furniture items in the sale will include a beautiful walnut Renaissance Revival credenza with oval artwork inlays in each door, a Gustav Stickley drop-arm Morris chair with slat-board design and black upholstered cushion, a nicely carved walnut slant-front desk in great shape and a heavily carved R.J. Horner figural oak sideboard with cupids and inlaid mirror.

This Carrara marble sculpture by G. Trentanove of a baby sitting on a pillow, clutching a flower, is another lot that should draw attention in the auction.

Antique lighting will feature an Austrian cold-painted bronze Arab lamp with a Middle Eastern man on a camel under a palm tree, a 20-inch Tiffany Studios Daffodil lamp shade accented in green and yellow, a Tiffany Studios hanging Acorn lamp shade with peach and gold accenting and a Handel 18-inch Jungle Bird table lamp with parrots and foliage on the shade. 

Decorative accessories will include a Joe Descomps bronze and ivory figural work titled “Throwing the Ball” and showing a blond female preparing her throw and wearing a black dress, a set of six “Chateau des Tuileries” Sevres portrait plates smartly housed in a cloth-lined wooden case and bronze figural group of two people (one of them on a horse) by Albert Moritz Wolf.

Addiitonally, a carrara marble sculpture by G. Trentanove of a baby sitting on a pillow and holding a chrysanthemum in its hand, a large French porcelain vase by N. Vivien with gold accenting and showing colorfully rendered birds and flowers, and a custom replica of the Heart of the Ocean diamond-studded necklace with a robust blue sapphire stone will cross the block.

For more information about these auctions, call 413.448.8922, e-mail to info@fontaineauction.com or visit the Fontaine’s Auction Gallery website.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth