Stevens Auction - Three Prominent Old Family Estates From Across The Deep South Will be Sold

THREE PROMINENT OLD FAMILY ESTATES FROM ACROSS THE DEEP SOUTH WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION SATURDAY, MAY 2nd, BY STEVENS AUCTION IN ABERDEEN, MISS.

Then, on June 13th, the living estate of Katherine Creamer, an antiques lover from Mobile, Alabama.
After that — a pair of important on-site estate and property sales, in Oxford, Miss., and Macon, Miss.

(ABERDEEN, Miss.) – The antique collections of three prominent old family estates from across the Deep South will be sold Saturday, May 2, by Stevens Auction Company, at 10 a.m. The auction will include rare antique furniture, fine clocks, lighting, china, silver, glassware, rugs and fine porcelains. The event will take place in the Stevens Auction showroom, at 609 North Meridian Street in Aberdeen.

“Most auction houses would be thrilled to have any one of these fabulous consignments,” said Dwight Stevens of Stevens Auction Company. “To have all three in one day is kind of like hitting the trifecta for fans of quality antiques and collectibles. These estates – from homes in or near Savannah (Ga.), Baton Rouge (La.) and locally here in Mississippi — are packed with the very best of everything.”

The estate located just south of Savannah boasts about 20 furniture pieces by John Henry Belter (to include a rosewood laminated three-piece bedroom suite in the Milwaukee pattern); and another dozen or so by J. & J.W. Meeks (to include an unusual Rococo wash stand with dressing mirror); as well as rare and vintage clocks, monumental bedroom suites, fine art and outstanding decorative accessories.

The bedroom sets include a pair of half tester beds (one rosewood and one mahogany); a full tester plantation bed; and a six-piece rosewood Victorian bedroom suite. The clocks include an R.J. Horner grandfather clock with signed Tiffany works; a French clock with bronze ormolu and cupids; and a porcelain clock signed by Jacob Petit. The giant mantel mirrors are truly huge, up to 8 feet tall.

Fine art will include some wonderful original oil on canvas paintings, plus small paintings on ivory and porcelain (typically 6 inches by 12 inches, and marvelously detailed). Decorative accessories will feature fantastic light fixtures (“the best we’ve ever had,” Mr. Stevens remarked); Sevres vases; a KPM painting on porcelain (9 inches by 11 inches); and an 8-piece cobalt Sevres Napoleon tea service.

Also from the Savannah area estate: a bronze student lamp, 29 inches tall with a 10-inch shade, attributed to Tiffany; an 80-piece Royal Vienna hand-painted china dinner set; a 130-piece Kirk & Son repousse pattern sterling service, with extra pieces; a Sevres table with 19 plaques (one in the center and 18 others surrounding it); a parlor grand piano, mahogany, in playing condition; and many other items.

The estate located just outside of Baton Rouge also contains many original oil paintings, fine period furniture and antique accessories for the home. Offered will be a Federal mahogany tester bed; a Federal mahogany banquet table, 10 feet long, attributed to Querelle; a cellaret up on legs (circa 1790); a mahogany Empire mint julep marble-top cabinet; and a rare rosewood Belter vanity stool (circa 1850s).

Also from the Baton Rouge area estate: numerous lamps and light fixtures, certain to get paddles wagging; a mahogany Rococo marble-top server (circa 1855), with Sienna marble; a Federal-style mantel mirror with egliomiese and bulls-eye (circa 1820); a bronze Art Nouveau lamp; a 6-piece J. & J.W. Meeks laminated rosewood parlor set in the Hawkins pattern; and other quality estate merchandise.

The Mississippi home will feature a burl walnut parlor cabinet, attributed to Potter & Stymus (62 inches tall, circa 1870); a marble clock with bronze statue on top (36 inches tall, circa 1880); a large collection of American Brilliant Cut Glass (about 35 pieces); several nice astral and aragon lamps; a 1939 Seeburg jukebox with records; and a walnut Victorian bedroom suite attributed to Thomas Brooks.

Also to be sold on May 2 will be a 2002 Mountain Air motor home by Newmar, 36 feet long, in excellent condition and with just 55,000 miles on the odometer. Features include a Chevrolet V8 360hp engine; custom chassis; electric door step; King Dome satellite system; washer and dryer; rear view camera; three TVs and a DVD player; new Bilstein shocks; full body paint; ice maker; and a CB radio.

On Saturday, June 13, also at 10 a.m. in Aberdeen, sold will be the living estate of Katherine Creamer of Mobile, Ala., to include the contents of her mansion and beach house. The mansion – a 9,000-square-foot colossus, with 11-foot ceilings and huge rooms – was constructed specifically to house her many wonderful, high-end antiques, including a spectacular pre-lamination Belter collection.

Also from the Creamer estate: a rosewood 5-piece Victorian bedroom suite; a C. Lee half tester rosewood plantation bed; a rosewood full tester plantation bed; a nice collection of Victorian cranberry glass (30-40 pieces); a large étagère by Daniel Pabst; great light fixtures, lamps, mantel mirrors and gasoliers; a Tiffany grandfather clock, with Westminster chimes; and a nice selection of antique rugs.

Other offerings from Mrs. Creamer’s estate: a large rosewood Victorian baby’s cradle; a two-piece bedroom suite by Elijah Jones (Cincinnati, circa 1855), with 9-1/2-foot-tall bed and 9-foot-tall dresser; a marble-top étagère by Belter; and several pieces by Prudence Mallard, to include a wardrobe, bed and dressing table. The mansion and beach house will also be sold in property sales on another date.

On-site auctions will be held on Saturday, July 11, in Oxford, Miss., and Saturday, July 25, in Macon, Miss. Both will comprise fine furnishings and antique items from the living estates of two prominent interior decorators. The July 25 auction will be held in a huge antebellum home, built in 1844 for Judge Jernigan and later owned by prominent landowner Zack Brooks. The home will also be sold.

Stevens Auction Company is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (662) 369-2200; or, e-mail them at stevensauction@bellsouth.net. To learn more about Stevens Auction Company, and the upcoming sales (to include photos of many of the lots described here) you may log on to www.stevensauction.com.

Featured items:

Belter sofa:
Sofa from a rosewood laminated 3-piece parlor suite by J.H. Belter, in the Milwaukee pattern.

Meeks chairs:
Arm chairs from a laminated rosewood 6-piece Rococo parlor suite by J. & J.W. Meeks (circa 1855).

Sevres table:
Stunning porcelain Sevres portrait table (circa 1870), with 19 plaques.

Motor home:
It’s not an antique, but it sure is a beauty: a 2002 Mountain Air motor home by Newmar (55,000 miles).

Mayo Auction & Realty - The Living Estate Of Trucking Industry Legend Jim Graves - To Be Sold May 2

THE LIVING ESTATE OF TRUCKING INDUSTRY LEGEND JIM GRAVES – COMPRISING VINTAGE VEHICLES, TOOLS, SIGNAGE AND MORE — TO BE SOLD MAY 2 IN KANSAS

(OVERLAND PARK, Kan.) - The living estate of trucking industry pioneer Jim Graves – one of the founders of Graves Truck Line, Inc., known throughout the Midwest for its big rigs with the bright red cabs – will be sold Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m., by Mayo Auction & Realty, based in Kansas City, Mo. The sale will be held in a building Mr. Graves owns, on Merriam Lane in Overland Park.

“Mr. Graves is a legend in the true sense of the word,” said Robert Mayo of Mayo Auction & Realty. “He helped build a hugely successful trucking company from the ground up, and was a dedicated collector of vintage cars and trucks. He owned and operated a vintage cars and trucks museum in Kansas City, while his brother Bill also operated a vintage cars museum in Salina, Kansas.”

The brothers sold the museums in 1989, but not all of Jim’s vehicles were included in the deal. Two from his earlier museum that will be sold include a 1911 Model T, red, beautifully restored, with 28,900 miles on the odometer since the restoration, a Bosch magneto, engine #51877; and a 1930 Model A roadster, tan, fully restored, with just 1,121 miles on the odometer since the restoration, complete with rumble seat.

Also offered will be a 1926 Model T touring sedan, green, fully restored, with 10,698 miles on the odometer since the restoration. The original engine was replaced with a rebuilt 1926 Ford engine in 1998 (#14876416). That vehicle was not from the museum and was acquired later on. Many of the museum cars were purchased by Mr. Graves from the Jerry Smith Collection. Mr. Smith was an area auto dealer and legendary vintage car collector.

Also to be sold will be a 1926 Ford Model T, converted for use as a tractor (a common practice at the time); a 1955 Howe Defender fire truck, with an original, older Waukesha engine and a Chevy chassis and flat-bed for a rear; a Model T engine and drive train; and other items, to include tools, a parade trailer; die-cast collectibles, Graves Truck Line signage and memorabilia; and Model T and Model A parts.

Newer vehicles will also cross the block. These include a 1979 Chevy Silverado Big 10 truck; a 1988 GMC 3500 SLE Sierra truck; and a 1995 Ford Bronco. Restoration information, special features, vehicle histories and modifications are available by calling Mayo Auction & Realty, at (816) 699-9883. Photos of the vehicles to be sold and other items are shown on the website, www.AuctionByMayo.com.

Mr. Graves today is 90 years old, retired and living in Prairie Village, Kan. It was in 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, that Jim (then a teenager), his father, William Preston Graves (who had just lost the family farm) and Jim’s three brothers (Bill, Dwight and John) formed Graves Truck Service, which hauled crops, vegetables, livestock and coal in the Salina area. Their lone asset: one 1933 Dodge truck.

A couple of years later, they doubled their fleet — buying a second truck — and the seeds of a regional trucking giant were sown. The firm grew into a multi-state colossus, with an operating territory that stretched from Sioux City south to Dallas and from Kansas City west to Denver. Sad to tell, Jim’s father died in 1939, well before the empire had been built, but the company was left in his sons’ capable hands.

In 1978, the brothers sold Graves Truck Line, Inc., to American Natural Resources, based in Detroit. At the time, the firm was providing direct service to over 600 communities, was operating 40 terminals, had over 2,600 rigs and employed over 1,500 people. Eventually, American Natural Resources’ truck line division was acquired by the Coastal Corporation, and soon Graves trucks disappeared from the nation’s highways. Remarkably, to this day, former employees of the company still gather, to reminisce about their jobs, their co-workers and the company they loved.

For 43 years (1935-1978), Graves Truck Line, Inc., dotted the nation’s midsection with its big trucks. And its co-founder and executive vice president, Jim Graves, was as colorful as the vehicles he presided over. His love for cars and trucks ran deeper than just a desire to make money. When his museum was sold, it was Kruse International, the high-end auction house, that won the consignment.

Jim is the last of the four Graves brothers still alive today. John passed away in 1976, Dwight in 1980 and Bill in 2005. Three of the brothers served in World War II (Dwight stayed home and took care of the family business). Jim was in the Army infantry and was shot in the leg during combat on the island of Saipan, in the Mariana Islands. Bill was recently inducted into the Salina Business Hall of Fame (posthumously). Bill’s son (also named Bill) was Governor of Kansas for eight years (1995-2003). Before that, he was Kansas’ Secretary of State. He is now the president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations.

Mayo Auction & Realty is one of the premier auction and real estate firms in Kansas City and Missouri. The family-owned business is a team of professional auctioneers and Realtors. It conducts real estate and personal property auctions, with an emphasis on on-site auctions of real estate, firearms and guns, estates, antiques and collectibles, specialty collections, and benefit and fundraising auctions.

Mayo Auction & Realty also conducts auctions in a spacious, 7,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, in the heart of Kansas City. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (816) 699-9883, or you can e-mail them at robert@auctionbymayo.com. The firm is based at 8253 Wornall Road in Kansas City.

To learn more about Mayo Realty & Auction and the May 2 living estate sale of Jim Graves, and to view photos of the vehicles to be sold, log on to www.AuctionByMayo.com. Bidders will be able to participate live and in real time while the sale is underway. Visit the website for details.

Featured items:

1911 Model T:
1911 Ford Model T, red, beautifully restored, with 28,900 miles on the odometer since the restoration.

1926 Model T:
1926 Ford Model T touring sedan, green, fully restored, with 10,698 miles on the odometer since the restoration.

1930 Model A:
1930 Ford Model A roadster, tan, fully restored, with just 1,121 miles on the odometer since the restoration.

Model T tractor:
1926 Ford Model T, fully restored, converted for use as a tractor – a common practice at the time.

Howe Defender:
1955 Howe Defender fire truck, with an original, older Waukesha engine and Chevy flat-bed rear.

Graves Logo:
For 43 years (1935-1978), Graves Truck Line, Inc., dotted the nation’s midsection with its big trucks.

Jim Graves:
Jim Graves, in a dated photo, standing alongside one of the many trucks in his fleet.

Graves truck:
Graves trucks were known throughout the Midwest for their great big rigs with the bright red cabs.

Michael Jackson auction canceled, exhibit continues

Michael Jackson auction canceled, exhibit continues

BEVERLY HILLS (Reuters) - A huge auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia scheduled for next week was canceled on Tuesday and auctioneers agreed to return all the items to the singer.

Auctioneer Darren Julien told Reuters the cancellation of the planned April 22-25 sale was the result of an agreement with Jackson, who had filed a lawsuit in March demanding the return of certain items.

A public exhibit of the 1,400 lots which opened on Tuesday in Beverly Hills will continue until April 25.

“The auction isn’t going to take place. We wanted to reach an agreement (with Jackson) and we have reached one today that is mutually acceptable and beneficial,” Julien said.

Julien said all the items — including a single crystal white glove worn in the singer’s “Billie Jean” performances and the gates to his Neverland Ranch in California — would be returned to Jackson when the exhibit closes.

Jackson’s spokesman, Tohme R. Tohme, said in a joint statement with Julien the two groups “are pleased” with the agreement and that it “allows Michael Jackson to retain ownership of the Collection of Michael Jackson.”

Julien signed agreements with Tohme and removed hundreds of items from Jackson’s shuttered and sold Neverland Ranch for the sale, which was expected to fetch about $10 million.

It would have been the largest authorized auction of items associated with the self-styled King of Pop, who has been a virtual recluse since his 2005 acquittal on charges of molesting a young boy at Neverland.

But on March 4, Tohme and Jackson’s production company filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles seeking the return of unspecified items. Although a Los Angeles judge ruled earlier this month the auction could proceed, the two sides continued talks to settle the dispute.

COLLECTION TO BE SHARED WITH PUBLIC?

Julien said earlier this month he had spent some $2 million preparing the sale and the exhibit.

He did not say how much Jackson had agreed to pay under Tuesday’s settlement but added; “We are very happy. We are happy because he is happy.”

Tuesday’s statement suggested the items would find a permanent public home in the future but gave no details.

“There was so much interest from so many of Jackson’s fans that instead of putting the items in the hands of private collectors, Dr. Tohme and Julien’s Auction House have made arrangements that will allow the collection to be shared with and enjoyed by Jackson’s fans for many years to come,” the statement said.

The 30,000 square-foot (2,787 sq meter) exhibit includes Jackson’s red, gilded throne, his Rolls-Royce stretch limo, sequined costumes, portraits of Jackson, pictures of Peter Pan, and toys from the Neverland ranch.

Abby Marie, a Jackson fan visiting on Tuesday, told Reuters earlier it would be a pity to see the items sold off to separate bidders. “I hope one person buys it all and puts it in a museum,” she said.

Jackson adopted a low-profile after his 2005 molestation trial, but in March he announced a run of 50 comeback concerts in London starting in July that sold out within hours.

Slotin Auction - Rare Colored Pencil On Paper Work By Swiss Folk Artist Adolf Wolfli (1864-1930) Commands $40,480

RARE COLORED PENCIL ON PAPER WORK BY SWISS FOLK ARTIST ADOLF WOLFLI (1864-1930) COMMANDS $40,480 AT SLOTIN FOLK ART AUCTION HELD MARCH 28th

(BUFORD, Ga.) – A colored pencil on paper rendering, done in 1917 by Swiss self-taught artist Adolf Wolfli (1864-1930), titled Blatt Aus Heft #15, sold for $40,480 at a folk art auction held March 28 by Slotin Auction. The framed piece, inscribed throughout, measured 11.25 inches by 16.25 inches and was in excellent condition. It was the top earner of the sale.

“This was one of only a few Wolfli pieces we’ve ever offered at auction, and it made a very strong showing, probably stronger than a gallery sale,” said Amy Slotin who, along with her husband Steve, oversees what has become the premier folk art auction firm in the country. Twice a year, collectors mark their calendars and pour in from around the world to attend their sales.

The March 28 event was fairly typical, in that nearly 1,000 lots crossed the block. Not so typical, however, was the turnout. “Usually we start a sale with more staff than bidders,” Amy remarked, “but this time it was standing-room only from the start, with every one of the 200 chairs filled. The room was overflowing. I had to double up on my orders for lunch and dinner.”

She continued, “People really did want to be part of this auction, despite the dismal economy. I did notice that where people used to bid on 30-40 items in the past, this time they were much more focused on their selections. But I really appreciate the fact that they are still in the game and enthusiastic about the genre.” She added phone and absentee bidding was strong.

Additional highlights from the sale follow. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.
A paint on board work by the late folk art icon Howard Finster, executed in 1981 and titled Hope Beyond This World is Power of Life, soared to $16,100. The painting contained hundreds of faces, animals and images to make it one of Finster’s most elaborate and powerful pieces. The signed work measured 51 inches by 21 inches in a wood-burned, decorated frame.

A terrific pair of three-dimensional carved and painted wooden figures by S.L. Jones, titled Couple in Blue, hammered for $12,650. The figures – a man and a woman – were carved in 1973. Each measured eight inches long and exhibited some natural wood splitting. Jones’ carved signature was at the base of the woman, and “S.L. Jones” was stamped on the back of the neck.

A two-sided work by Charles A.A. Dellschau (1830-1923), titled Card Gander #4307 and #4308, brought $10,235. The piece was framed to display either side, both of which were similar, showing a cutaway view of a futuristic flying vessel or land vehicle. People were shown in various components of the traveling ship. The side had a newspaper clipping from Feb. 1919.

An acrylic on cardboard painting by Slotin Auction fan favorite Sister Gertrude Morgan, titled The Revelations of Jesus Fan, topped out at $9,775. Morgan signed her name and even included her home address on the 1971 work, which was in excellent condition. The double-sided archival frame measured 21 inches by 22.5 inches and allowed for display on either side.

Two pieces went for new world auction record prices. An acrylic on canvas by B.F. Perkins, titled Cherokee Love Birds in Orange and with the artist’s thin wood frame, climbed to $6,900. The large 1991 piece measured 50.5 inches by 60.5 inches. And Bernice Sims’s early oil on canvas rendering, titled New Hope Church (circa 1989), 36 inches by 36 inches, made $3,450.

A late 1970s/early 1980s Devil Jack O’Lantern by the renowned Georgia potter Lanier Meaders (another Slotin Auction favorite) rose to $6,325. The signed piece, in mint condition, had holes in the back, mouth, eyes and ears, allowing light to stream through. The piece featured clay teeth, a glossy glaze at the top and matte glaze on the bottom half. It was 9.75 inches tall.

Clementine Hunter’s paint on artist board painting, titled Tending the Corn on Melrose Plantation (circa 1960-1965), fetched the identical price as the Meaders pottery, $6,325. The wide work, measuring 36 inches by 9 inches (framed), was twice signed. Also, a circus banner from the 1940s or ‘50s, titled African Gorilla, hand-painted on heavy canvas, achieved $4,025.

Two very different pieces realized identical prices of $3,450. The first was a tramp art frame with glass mirror by an unknown artisan, decorated with pyramids in the corners and a highly stylized picket fence effect. The other was a hand-carved African-American bed frame, carved and stained wood, Carolina in origin. The unique piece had an alligatored patina varnish.

Rounding out the top lots, a charcoal and pastel on paper work by Thornton Dial, titled Nudes and Birds Over Shacks (36 inches by 49.5 inches, framed) changed hands for $3,680; and a carved and painted wood depiction of a fish by Phillippe Sirois, titled Pike, gaveled for $2,070. The oval-shaped work measured 28 inches by 11 inches and was initialed and dated on the back.

Slotin Auction has been in business for about fifteen years. The firm conducts its sales in a 6,000-square-foot converted grocery store in downtown Buford, located just north of Atlanta. But don’t be fooled by the unassuming venue. Buyers and sellers include some of the folk art world’s most respected collectors, such as film directors Jonathan Demme and Penny Marshall.

Folk art is a rambling but rapidly burgeoning genre. For a long time it was dismissed by highbrow critics, mainly because it was created by untrained, often uneducated and sometimes eccentric artists. But today, folk art has found a place in some of the most well-respected art institutions in the world. The High Museum in Atlanta has acquired pieces through Slotin sales.

Slotin Auction’s next big event will be a November Masterpiece Sale (Nov. 7). Quality consignments are now being accepted. To consign a single piece or an entire collection, you may call them directly, at (770) 532-1115 or (404) 403-4244. Or, you can send them an e-mail, to auction@slotinfolkart.com. To learn more about Slotin Auction, click on www.slotinfolkart.com.

Featured Items:

Adolf Wolfli:
The top lot of the sale was this colored pencil on paper rendering by Adolf Wolfli ($40,480).

Phillippe Sirois:
Carved and painted wood depiction of a pike fish, by Phillippe Sirois, titled Pike ($2,070).

Bernice Sims:
Early oil on canvas rendering by Bernice Sims, titled New Hope Church ($3,450, a record).

B.F. Perkins:
Acrylic on canvas by B.F. Perkins, titled Cherokee Love Birds in Orange ($6,900, a record).

S.L. Jones:
Pair of carved and painted wooden figures by S.L. Jones, titled Couple in Blue ($12,650).

Howard Finster:
Paint on board work by the late folk art icon Howard Finster, executed in 1981 ($16,100).

Circus Banner:
Circus banner from the 1940s or ’50s, titled African Gorilla, hand-painted on canvas ($4,025).

Lanier Meaders:
Late ’70s/early ’80s Devil Jack O’Lantern by renowned Georgia potter Lanier Meaders ($6,325).

SOLDUSA.COM - EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER TRIANGLE MOBILE-STYLE DIE-CUT POSTER SELLS FOR A RECORD $13,080

EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER TRIANGLE MOBILE-STYLE DIE-CUT POSTER SELLS FOR A RECORD $13,080 AT SOLDUSA.COM ONLINE AUCTION THAT ENDED MAR. 21-22

(MATTHEWS, N.C.) – An extremely rare Winchester three-panel triangle mobile-style die-cut poster soared to $13,080 in an Internet and catalog auction held by SoldUSA.com, the premier hunting, fishing, militaria and collectibles site. The auction went online in February and concluded March 21-22. It was a new world auction record for a Winchester three-panel triangle mobile-style die-cut poster.

“This sale supported my belief that there’s no evidence the economy is affecting tangible investments whatsoever,” said Chris Roberts, president of SoldUSA.com. “High prices, and in some cases record prices, were paid across the spectrum. Also, we had more than 10,000 individual bidders –the most we’ve seen in 20 years — and took over four million hits across the last two days of the sale.”

The auction featured over 300 lots of fishing lures and collectibles; 150 lots of advertising; and over 1,000 lots of militaria and firearms – about 1,600 lots in all. “Nearly every item saw very high, in many cases above-retail, prices paid,” Mr. Roberts noted. “Some new world records were posted. The lots were superior and the activity was strong. I attribute that to great product and advertising intensity.”

The Winchester three-panel die-cut was patented on Feb. 9, 1909 by John Ingelstroem Co. It featured a quail, a rabbit and a big horned sheep, measured 15 inches by 21-1/2 inches and had never been folded. There was one panel each for shotgun shells, .22 ammunition and big game cartridges. The rare poster had the original instructions on the reverse side and even had the original string still attached.

Following are additional hunting highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include a 13 percent buyer’s premium.

The auction’s top lot was a Winchester Model 1890 bullet board, completely untouched in the original frame and with the original backing. It soared to $22,600. The board had all the factory original cartridges, including the famous 70-150 round. The lithograph was in great condition, with no damage and no fading or missing paper. And the six primer tins were original and untouched – not replacements.

A rare and unusual Winchester neon hanging clock (circa 1930-1933) rose to $6,215. The clock and neon were both in good working order. It was meant for probable use in a large Winchester store or distribution house (possibly for one of the two anchor stores, in San Francisco or New York). The clock would be hung at the corner of a store (most likely outside) so it would be visible from both directions.

A Winchester Store Guns & Ammunition poster, depicting two men hunting and a large buck, hit the mark at $3,237 (against a pre-sale estimate of $2,000). The blue, yellow, green, red and white poster measured 12 inches by 18-1/4 inches and had bands top and bottom. It was printed by the International Sign & Letter Co., of Cleveland, Ohio. The edges showed some light wear; otherwise, it was near-mint.

A Peters promotional fold-out store window poster (circa 1935), in three parts with the lower two mallards not attached to the center piece, climbed to $1,305. The lot also included the original mailer with instructions on how the poster should look when displayed. The piece measured 27 inches by 36 inches, unframed, and was in near-mint condition. Very few of these unusual posters are in existence.

A Peters advertising counter-top die-cut sign – reading “Peters Complete Line of .22’s,” “Smokeless, Rustless, Gildkote, Lubricated Lead, Semi-Smokeless” — garnered $1,243. The sign showed all of the cartridges of the period, as well as a full-box Peters High Velocity .22 caliber long rifle (No. 2254). The easel on the reverse side had never been used. Overall, the piece was in fine shape.

Following are some militaria and firearms highlights from the sale (also reflecting a 13 percent buyer’s premium).

An original World War II SS Allach 10-inch German SS rune wall-mount china plate hammered for $2,996. The 10-inch diameter white plate had the SS runes in the center, surrounded by oak leaves. The reverse side was marked with SS runes and the word ‘Allach’ in green lettering. Also, a World War II Nazi police officer’s sword with scabbard, 39 inches long and made by Alosco, topped out at $771.

A World War II Kriegsmarine Nazi naval dagger with scabbard, made by WKC with Portapee, went for $785. The dagger, with a twisted celluloid grip, featured a 10-inch blade etched with extra fancy scrolls. It was in very good plus condition. Also, a World War II Luftwaffe 1st Pattern 12-inch double-edged dagger with hanger, made by Puma with no markings on the obverse, gaveled for $706.

A World War II German SA early type dagger, made by C. & R. Linder Solinger, unit marked WM and with the motto “Alles Fur Deutschland” on the obverse side of the blade, changed hands for $593. Also, a World War II German Luftwaffe raw-edge M42 single decal combat helmet, size 62 shell, with complete liner and full correct chin strap, clean and unplayed-with, found a new owner for $536.

An Imperial German era hunting knife with a hunting scene engraved on the blade commanded $427. The knife, made by Garantiert, Solingen, had a 13-inch double-sided blade, leather scabbard and wonderful age patina. Also, a Rhode Island veteran’s Civil War kepi cap in original condition brought $374. The size 7-1/4 kepi with intact liner was heavily embroidered on the top and front with oak leaves.

A World War II German double decal lightweight black-painted Nazi Civil Police helmet, with bordered police eagle and swastika national color shield, in overall very good condition, hit $279. Also, a World War II German Luftschutz Gladiator 3-piece air defense construction helmet made $226. The all original helmet had blue paint with spread winged eagle decal, clean liner and original draw string.

SoldUSA.com is one of the oldest Internet companies in the world. It was launched in 1990 as the brainchild of Ronnie Roberts, who started the firm as Dixie Sporting Collectibles. Mr. Roberts very shrewdly took note of the young company’s success with Internet sales and grew it into what it is today: SoldUSA.com, the premier hunting collectibles Internet auction site, with over 30,000 registered users.
SoldUSA.com’s next big sale will go online sometime in May and feature hunting and fishing collectibles, firearms, militaria and other quality collectibles. Consignments are still being accepted for this and future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (704) 815-1500; or e-mail them at croberts@SoldUSA.com. For more info, log on to www.SoldUSA.com.

Featured items:

Winchester triangle:
This Winchester triangle mobile-style die-cut poster soared to $13,080, a new world auction record.

Bullet board:
The top lot of the sale was this Winchester Model 1890 bullet board, in the original frame ($22,600).

Winchester clock:
Unusual and rare Winchester store neon hanging clock, probably made in the early 1930s ($6,215).

Winchester poster:
Winchester Store Guns & Ammunition poster, with bands top and bottom, extremely rare ($3,237).

Peters poster:
Peters promotional fold-out store window poster (circa 1935), in near mint condition ($1,305).

Peters Die-Cut:
Peters advertising counter-top die-cut, showing the cartridges of the period plus a long rifle ($1,243).

LELAND LITTLE - RARE CAMM MOORE NORTH CAROLINA SURVEYOR’S COMPASS (CIRCA LATE 18th C.) HITS $28,750

RARE CAMM MOORE NORTH CAROLINA SURVEYOR’S COMPASS (CIRCA LATE 18th C.) HITS $28,750 AT LELAND LITTLE AUCTION & ESTATE SALES, LTD., MAR. 21 AUCTION

(HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.) - A rare North Carolina surveyor’s compass, made around the late 18th century by Guilford County artisan Camm Moore (1755-1845), soared to $28,750 at a quarterly cataloged auction held March 21 by Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. It was the final sale held in the firm’s South Nash Street location. Next month, it moves into new digs, at 620 Cornerstone Court.

“With the success of this cataloged auction, we were able to end on a very positive note at our present address,” said Leland Little, owner of the firm, “but we very much look forward to our move in April into a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that is ideal for our needs.” An inaugural sale is slated for Saturday, April 11, and the next cataloged auction will be held the weekend of June 13-14.

The surveyor’s compass was in working order, with an untouched natural patina. It had a silver (or silvered brass) dial, engraved with “Made by Camm Moore, Guilford” around the center ring. Four quadrants were marked “0-90” and the compass was set in a brass housing, with a lid and two hinged sighting posts. Moore was primarily known as a silversmith, but he also made surveying instruments.

Mr. Little estimated about 250 people packed his showroom to participate in the final sale of a ten-year run on South Nash Street. “It was standing room only all day long,” he said. “As usual, it was a strong collaborative effort that carried the day. We have a wonderful team and support staff.”

Following are some top earners of the more than 600 quality consignments that crossed the block. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.

The top lot of the sale was a spectacular 84-piece sterling service in the “Aztec” motif by the renowned Mexican silversmith Hector Aguilar. The set, crafted sometime between 1940-1945, brought $37,950. If this sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because a similar service by Aguilar – a 72-piece set, also in the “Aztec” motif – fetched $41,400 at Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.’s Dec. 6-7 auction.

Other silver sets and pieces that did well included a coin silver tea service, comprising a teapot, cream jug with hinged cover, lidded sugar bowl and repousse tea ball, totaling 70.1 troy ounces ($4,830); an American coin silver ewer of Southern interest, 14.75 inches tall and 30.6 troy ounces ($2,760); and a 17th-century-style sterling silver chalice bearing the Coat of Arms for James I ($1,495).

Original works of art by noted, listed artists included a pastel on silk by Elizabeth O’Neill Verner (S.C., 1883-1979), titled Mary ($28,750); an oil on canvas painting by Margaret Dovaston (English, 1884-1955), titled Minuet ($19,550); an oil on board by Sheldon Parsons (N.M., 1866-1943), titled Springtime ($5,750); and a still life oil on board by George H. Hall (N.Y., 1825-1913) hit $4,370.

A vintage Louis Vuitton trunk (circa 1915), originally owned by a French Rear Admiral, rose to $8,309; a Jugtown Chinese blue stoneware footed punchbowl (circa 1930), with overall turquoise blue glaze, climbed to $5,750; an American Arts & Crafts period frame, hand-carved by Walfred Thulin in 1921, reached $2,875; and a Tennessee sampler done by Elizabeth C. Goodner in 1834 reached $2,530.

A nice Oriental 4-panel rosewood folding screen (circa 1900) wowed the crowd for $10,235; a 19th-century porcelain and gilt bronze Chinoiserie mounted mantel set, with a globular clock and 8-day French movement by Japy Freres, coasted to $7,475; a set of four gilt metal and silver tone putti wall sconces (circa 1900) realized $1,495; and three 19th-century Tibetan bronze Buddha figures hit $1,265.

High-end estate jewelry is abundant at most Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. auctions, and this one was no exception. A gorgeous emerald and diamond ring, with a 3.12 ct. emerald and a 1.05 ct. diamond, slipped on a new finger for $6,037; and a platinum and diamond ring (circa 1930s), with one bead set old European cut diamond and 28 bead set brilliant cut diamonds, fetched $1,265.

A lovely 131-piece Minton service in the “Riverton” pattern, from a private collection in North Carolina, brought $5,290; a 74-piece assembled set of Royal Crown Derby china in the “Imari” pattern realized $3,335; a tall tapered stoneware decorated vase by Mrs. F. W. Hilton of North Carolina topped out at $2,415; and a pair of Art Glass vases by Charles Lotton (1990, 1989) rose to $1,150 and $1,093.

From the furniture category, a French Empire Revival ormolu mounted rosewood bedroom set (early 20th century) commanded $2,990; a George III linen press (circa 1800), mahogany veneer with oak secondary, hit the mark at $2,990; a Classical mahogany sofa, made in Philadelphia around 1830, earned $1,380; and an American Classical marble-top mahogany pier table (circa 1830) rose to $1,093.

Returning to fine art, an oil on canvas painting by Leon Gordon (N.Y., 1899-1943), titled The Soldier’s Tale, went for $4,600; an Italian micro mosaic plaque from the late 19th century, housed in the original frame and titled Madonna della Salute, reached $4,140; and several Portraits Imaginaires color lithographs on Arches paper after Pablo Picasso, signed and dated, realized up to $2,645 each.

Rounding out the top lots, a vintage 1965 Fender Jaguar electric guitar (serial #90262 on the back plate), with a light green custom finish, strummed a sweet tune for $2,990; a rare official book from 1796, of speeches to both Houses of Congress by George Washington, chalked up $978; and a signed first-edition copy of the Truman Capote best-selling book In Cold Blood (1965) made $690.

Important consignments have already been secured for the June 13-14 quarterly cataloged sale. Two days prior (on Thursday, June 11), Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., will hold a preview party and gala, to officially celebrate the new gallery facility. The next day (Friday, June 12), Johanna Brown from MESDA (The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts) will deliver a guest lecture.

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (919) 644-1243, or e-mail them at INFO@LLAUCTIONS.COM. To learn more about the company and its calendar of upcoming auctions, log on to www.LLAUCTIONS.com. The April 11 sale’s online catalog has been posted.

Featured items:

Surveyor’s compass:
Rare North Carolina surveyor’s compass, made in the late 18th century by Camm Moore ($28,750).

Oriental screen:
One of the sleeper items of the sale was this lovely Oriental four-panel folding screen ($10,235).

Punchbowl:
Jugtown Chinese stoneware footed punchbowl (circa 1930), with turquoise blue glaze ($5,750).

Margaret Dovaston:
Original oil on canvas painting by Margaret Dovaston (English, 1884-1955), titled Minuet ($19,550).

Elizabeth Verner:
Original pastel on silk work by Elizabeth O’Neill Verner (S.C., 1883-1979), titled Mary ($28,750).

Hector Aguilar:
84-piece sterling silver service in the “Aztec” pattern by Hector Aguilar, circa 1940-1945 ($37.950).

Asian Delights continue to mystify collectors even today: Are you a fan?

Asian Delights continue to mystify collectors even today: Are you a fan?

The Japanese folding fan, or commonly known as sensu in Japanese, is presently a mainly decorative item that is highly prized for its reflection of Japanese art and tradition. Originating in roughly the sixth century, the sensu were used by aristocrats throughout the Heian period, and they were a sign of prestige and wealth.

These folding fans were crafted by skillful hands, with paper attached to ribbed frames made of bamboo. For rarer and more exquisite fans, the bamboo frames were replaced with ivory ribs, and instead of paper, a beautiful silk surface was attached. In traditional times, these fans were an indication of status and rank; the number of ribs depicted one’s rank, and they ranged from three to up to eighty ribs, the latter showing one of high position.

Artists would decorate the paper or silk surfaces with beautiful paintings of famous people, animals, and sceneries, while others have inscribed lines of poetry with calligraphy. These are often carefully done in ink, and because of their unique craftsmanship, are considered unique and one of a kind.

Since then, there have been many adaptations and modifications of the sensu, with the Chinese modeling their own versions of the folding fan, as well as the Europeans, after their contact with the Japanese. Some of the folding fans had colorful peacock feathers attached, and these were associated with Japanese samurais.

For upcoming collections and auctions that feature Chinese and Japanese artifacts, please visit www.icollector.com and register to have an alert sent to you when an item of interest comes up for sale.

Many of the antique folding fans are delicate, having been used and sometimes worn; it is rare to find one that is still in good to perfect condition. Today, the sensu fan is still being produced in Japan, ranging in various sizes, and are often are collected for decoration or display. Many stores in Japan are dedicated exclusively to the sale of the Japanese folding fan, and they are popular among tourists.

Today, in traditional dances and tea ceremonies, the sensu fan is commonly displayed, while many formal courts and events also feature the use of the folding fan. The Japanese folding fan is also a common wedding gift, as an indication of prestigious art and tradition, and some are worth very high values if they are decorated by the work of famous artists.

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New York - BMW Art Car Collection To Be On Display

From March 25th to April 6th, the BMW art car collection will be on display in New York, showing four of the prestigious collection of sixteen cars. Painted and decorated by some of the most renowned artists from across the world, these cars merge together the best of auto and art.

The first car, that initiated this project, was Hervé Poulain’s BMW 3.0 CSL, which was painted by his friend Alexander Calder. Calder was accustomed to painting airliners, and his work sparked the tradition; since then, BMW decided to continue this artwork, with the most recent piece completed in 2007.

The four cars that will be displayed in New York are works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Robert Rauschenburg.

Andy Warhol is an American artist whose work ranges from filmmaking to illustrating to painting. His piece was finished on a 1979 BWM M1, and it combines brilliant basic colours in a modern art design.
Painting a comic-strip inspired design, Roy Lichtenstein’s piece was crafted on a 1977 BMW 320i. Lichtenstein’s work featured the use of Ben-day dots, creating a simple yet stunning artistic effect.

Frank Stella designed a complex graph-paper like design, which was modeled on a 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, and Robert Rauschenburg included Bonzino’s “Portrait of a Young Man” with Ingres’ “La Grande Odalisque” in his piecing of images, decorating the 1986 BMW 635 CSi.

Since 1975, many different artists worldwide have painted on various BMW cars, including Japanese artist Matazo Kayama, Spain’s Cesar Manrique, and Austrailian artist Ken Done. Evidently, they colour their diverse artistic backgrounds onto their models, displaying artwork that reflect techniques from South African painting traditions, to metal cutting on airbrushed surfaces, to collages and depictions reflective of primitive cave paintings.

The most recent work, completed by Olafur Eliasson in 2007, is a contemporary auto art that was crafted on a 2007 BMW H2R. His piece features a unique frost-covered version of the Hydrogen car that remains in a refrigerated display.

For a video on these art cars click here.

Ruth Handler’s every “girl’s best friend”

Who is known to the world as the ultimate fashionista, and is seen to play roles from ballerina to princess, to doctor and cheerleader? This is none other than the famous Barbie doll, who celebrates her fiftieth birthday this year.

Made in 1959, Barbie was created by Ruth Handler as the doll that would become every “girl’s best friend”. Debuting at the American Toy Fair in New York City, Barbie was an instant hit.

Barbie’s male counterpart, Ken, was invented in 1961, and since then the two has been joined by a full cast of various friends and family members.

Barbie has also been seen modeling various outfits and themes. She has even been re-created as famous celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, while her boyfriend, Ken, has been modeled after the likes of none other than Elvis.

If she were to be present in real life, Barbie would be about five foot six, weighing in at 110 pounds.
From the vintage pre-1972 dolls to the more modern versions, Barbie has been adored by collectors worldwide. In fact, a mint condition 1959 Barbie doll was auctioned last year at a worth of over twenty-five thousand dollars in United States currency.

Barbie’s current production company, Mattel, offers the doll with various themes for a range of occasions. In 2004, the company also introduced a four-tier system for collectors, each level ranging in rarity.
At the bottom tier is the Pink level dolls, which are known as “keepsake dolls.” The Barbie “Dolls of the World” is an example of a line of dolls in this tier, and they are normally sold at many retailers.

Next in line are the Silver dolls, which offer less than 50,000 of its kind worldwide. Ranking second on the tier are the Gold level dolls, which are distinct with 25,000 or less produced worldwide; at the top, the Platinum Barbie dolls are prized rarest with production ranging from 1,000 to one of its kind made.
Mattel has also invented a grading system, which varies from C-1 to C-10, marking dolls from the poorest condition to a never-been-removed-from-the-box state.

This year, for her fiftieth birthday, designer Roger Best was appointed to create a fiftieth anniversary version of the Barbie doll. For this event, she models a beautiful gold sequined evening gown, with a bracelet that is embellished with the number “50” to mark the special edition.

To mark her anniversary, Barbie has also been dressed by fifty famed designers, such as Versace, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Baby Phat, to name a few. These dolls were modeled at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. In addition, Volkswagen has produced a special version of the Beetle in Barbie’s favourite colour, pink, to display a life-sized version of the doll’s automobile.

Matthews Auctions - Spectacular Lifetime Single-Owner Collection of Toys, Motorcycles, Advertising items and more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured items:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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