Holabird Pioneers & Patriots Auction Featured 1,700 Lots
An original newspaper account of the gunfight at the OK Corral from 1881 sold for $5,000, and an 1876-CC (Carson City) U.S. Liberty Head $20 gold piece for $4,518 in three days of auctions titled Pioneers & Patriots held March 1 to 3 by Holabird Western Americana Collections LLC. The first two days were held online and live in the Reno, Nev., gallery.
Day three was a timed-only session, with no live gallery bidding. Around 1,700 lots came up for bid across the three days, in categories that include Americana, militaria, mining, numis matics, Wild West, phila telic and more.
Doc Holliday) against members of a group of cattle rustlers and horse thieves. It lasted less than a minute but is still a major part of Wild West lore.
The 1876-CC U.S. Liberty Head $20 gold piece was rare, one of just 138,441 minted in Carson City. It was in Fine-Very Fine condition, a ding above Liberty’s ear its only noticeable blemish. Other top-selling lots from the numismatics category included a 1934 $1,000 Federal Reserve Note (Fr 2211-L), produced in San Francisco and having the signatures of Julian and Morgenthau.
A rare 1876-CC
Online bidding was provided by iCollector.com, LiveAuctioneers. com and Invaluable.com. Telephone and absentee bids were also accepted. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium.
“We chose the name “Pioneers & Patriots” to honor notable Western figures such as lawmen, outlaws, generals and presidents, as well as military figures from conflicts such as the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Mexican Revolution and the French Revolution,” said Fred Holabird, president and owner of Holabird Western Americana Collections. “The sale was a huge success.”
The account of the gunfight at the OK Corral in the town of Tombstone in the Arizona Territory was chronicled in the copy of the Tombstone Daily Nugget dated Nov. 24, 1881. The gunfight pitted lawmen (including Wyatt Earp and
The bill, one of 90,600 printed,
An account of the gunfight at the OK Corral in the town of Tombstone in the Arizona Territory was chronicled in this copy of the Tombstone Daily Nugget dated Nov. 24, 1881, and sold for $5,000.
The Morgan’s Centennial Exhibition Will Feature Exciting
New Acquisitions
The Morgan Library & Museum will present “A Celebration: Acquisitions in Honor of the Morgan’s Centennial,” an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Pierpont Morgan Library as a public institution. On view from May 9 to Aug. 17, the exhibition will highlight a selection of extraordinary acquisitions made in honor of the Morgan’s centennial, showcasing the institution’s continued commitment to enriching its world-renowned collection. Ranging from the Middle Ages to the present, the exhibition includes two manuscripts related to the publication of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Treatise on Painting,” Renaissance and modern bookbindings of exceptional
showed a vignette of former U.S. President Grover Cleveland and was in VF-EF condition ($2,750).
A three-album collection of Morgan silver dollars, 56 coins in all, contained in blue Whitman albums, in dates ranging from 1878-86, mostly in VG-EF condition. There were lower-grade San Francisco coins in the group, but none from Carson City ($2,125).
An 1891-CC Morgan silver dollar in About Uncirculated condition, one of 1,618,000 struck and boasting nice luster, with no bag marks, sold for $1,000.
The first session contained over 500 lots dedicated to general Americana; minerals (including gold and turquoise) and mining; and stock certificates. Top lots included 21.4 grams of placer gold nuggets weighing a total of 0.686 troy oz., from a volcano claim in an ancient stream bed above Goler
A receipt for $26.16 from the outlaw Frank James, plus a letter penned in 1875 on American Express letterhead by the detective assigned to track down and capture the James Gang, sold for $1,187.
Wash in the El Paso mountains near Death Valley, Calif. ($2,125); and a group of nuggets of turquoise, a mix of cut and hand-cut, hand selected for color, weighing 5.4 pounds ($1,125).
Antique stock and bond certificates proved to be popular with bidders. A few examples were a United States Centennial International Exhibition (Philadelphia,
Continued on page 11
The brand new exhibit catalog, “Valley Culture: Constructing Identity Along the Great Wagon Road,” is now available for purchase from Historic Trappe. Co-authored by Lisa Minardi, executive director, and Christopher Malone, curator, this is a major contribution to the study of Pennsylvania German folk art.
The catalog is available at the museum store in Dewees Tavern, 301 W. Main Street, Trappe, Pa., and
(Carson City, Nevada Mint) U.S. Liberty Head $20 gold piece, graded F-VF condition, from a mintage of just 138,441 coins, realized $4,518.
The Spring Elverson Show Strong Sales At
By Edie Wilhide
Premier Antiques Show
The Spring edition of the Elverson Antique Show was held March 22 and 23 for the second time in its “new” location, the Honey Brook Elementary School. In its 60-year history, the show has moved from its original location in the Elverson Firehouse to Twin Valley High School and now its present location. Honey Brook is a small borough in Chester County, a 10-minute drive from Elverson and off the Morgantown exit of I-76. Nestled on a ridge between the east and west branches of the Brandywine Creek, Honey Brook is in close proximity to Lancaster and Berks Counties. It provides visitors with an opportunity to shop for antiques that reflect the rich heritage of the area and has become one of the region’s premier antique shows.
York. One dealer comes from Vermont. Categories such as stoneware, redware, folk art, furniture, fraktur, paintings, quilts, coverlets, butter
prints, baskets, toys, painted smalls, historical china, and advertising were well-represented. The layout of the Continued on page 10
The majority of the 40-plus dealers are from Pennsylvania, with others coming from Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, New Jersey, and New
PUBLISHER: Jocelyn Engle
EDITOR: Karl Pass kpass@antiquesandauctionnews.net 717-278-1404
DISPLAY SALES: Tim Moore tmoore-ant@engleonline.com 717-492-2534
Antiques & Auction News is distributed at shops, shows, markets and auctions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Every Thursday at 11 A.M. Issues are mailed one week prior to publication date.
Antiques & Auction News is
weekly. We reserve the right to edit material submitted for publication to conform to the editorial guidelines of Antiques & Auction News. Reproduction of artwork, editorial or advertising copy is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.
Antiques & Auction News PO Box 500 Mount Joy, PA 17552 ANTIQUESANDAUCTIONNEWS.NET
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Fine Objects Society To Meet First Multi-Day Program Will Take Place In Philadelphia On
April 25 And 26
go unnoticed, but it can’t be ignored. Our programming is about giving attention to objects, their influence, and their potential to make us better and happier people.”
of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.
For years, members of the community who work in and appreciate decorative arts have struggled to invigorate the field with interest from new audiences. Just six short months ago, however, a group of 12 creative and skilled professionals from across the decorative arts world came together and launched Fine Objects Society (FOS) with Please Touch, an exhibition in New York City. The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic with a rapidly growing membership including decorative arts professionals, collectors and people simply curious about the power, beauty and meaning of objects. Monthly member events as well as special programs held during January’s Americana Week in New York City drew people of all ages who are passionate about historic craftsmanship and the unique ways in which objects can become part of their daily lives.
On Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, this new group (FOS) will travel to Philadelphia for its inaugural weekend of immersive, behindthe-scenes experiences, private tours and engaging conversations with designers, decorative arts specialists and visual artists. These events will serve to launch an FOS community in Philadelphia and ultimately in other cities around the country.
“We’re excited about the future of antiques. This is a cultural moment when physical connection is more important than ever,” said Ben Miller, president of Fine Objects Society and “Curious Objects” podcast host. “Unique, handcrafted objects invite our imagination and fill our lives with stories and meaning, not to mention beauty and comfort. FOS is about connection between people and things. The influence of these objects, like the influence of political structures, social institutions, and built environments, can
In bringing FOS to Philadelphia, this organization, which believes the future of decorative arts lies in building bridges to a much larger world, will introduce the community to objects found at some of the city’s most prestigious venues for exploring decorative arts. From a welcome party hosted by Freeman’s/Hindman on Friday evening with a preview of their upcoming auction to a behind-the-scenes excursion to the Clay Studio, one of the nation’s largest and most respected centers for ceramics, participants will enjoy hands-on experience of craft and design across centuries through today. Events will continue with an exclusive tour of Mount Pleasant Mansion in East Fairmount Park, currently closed to the public, which John Adams described as “the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania.”
The afternoon will conclude with a fascinating panel discussion in collaboration with The Philadelphia Show featuring unique and insightful perspectives from Amber Cowan, glass and sculpture artist, Peter S. Seibert, president and CEO of Independence Seaport Museum, and Steven W. Spandle, founding principal of Steve W. Spandle Architects, speaking about how historic objects inform their work and their lives. The panel discussion, moderated by Ben Miller, will be an engaging look at antiques and the stories they tell. The weekend will culminate with a reception hosted by The Philadelphia Show that will offer attendees an opportunity to mix, mingle and converse with dealers and specialists about the exceptional material on view. The Philadelphia Antiques Show will be held on the East Terrace
David Walker, principal at Walker Decorative Arts in Philadelphia and Fine Objects Society board member, commented, “I think that hosting events in Philadelphia, particularly in tandem with The Philadelphia Show, is a natural progression for the Fine Objects Society. Philadelphia has such a wealth of important public and private historic homes and collections, including Stenton, Cliveden and Andalusia, as well as a rich history of furniture making commensurate with the city’s political prominence in the 18th century.
Much of the most rare and
valuable 18th-century American furniture was made in Philadelphia. Thus, it makes sense for FOS to engage with the active network of Philadelphia-based collectors, arts and antiques dealers. There is great opportunity for enthusiasts of historic objects to find things they love here.”
For people interested in joining FOS in conjunction with registering for the Philadelphia Experience, annual membership (normally $120) for the first year will cost $95. Whether a seasoned collector or antiques enthusiast, the FOS Philadelphia Experience will be a celebration of culture, creativity and connection.
07052 West Orange 973-323-1711 VALLEY VINTAGE 168 S. Valley Rd., West Orange- Open 7 days ANNEX 411 Ridgewood Rd., MAPLEWOOD: ThuSun. Follow us on Instagram @valleyvintage168 for updates and Store Hours.
An Art Deco Boch Freres vase was from Artistoric and a Cherokee rivercane basket, ca. 1920, from Ben Miller. Photos courtesy of Fine Objects Society and Michael Assis, Terra Orbis.
This miniature chest, England, ca. 1810, was from Thistlethwaite Americana; the Stone Celt, Caribbean Islands, Taino People, ca. 800-1200, was from Walker Decorative Arts. Photos courtesy of Fine Objects Society and Michael Assis, Terra Orbis.
Collector Anecdotes And Antics
Why Vintage Pinball Machines Are Highly Collectible Today?
By Shawn Surmick
One of the greatest things I miss about growing up the 1980s and ‘90s is the plethora of
in
My
game arcade growing
in the King of Prussia Mall (located in King of Prussia, Pa.) and was called Space Port. Space Port was a national chain of video game arcades, and the inside was designed to represent the inside of a space station, hence the name. During the 1980s and ‘90s arcades dominated the video game scene, with home video game consoles getting home translations of the most popular arcade games. Ask any vintage video game enthusiast who grew up in the 1990s what the date “Mortal Monday” was and they will gleeffully answer Sept. 13, 1993. It was on this date that one of the most popular arcade games of all time, Mortal Kombat, was released for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo home video
game systems. At that point in time, most home video game consoles like the Sega Genesis, the Super Nintendo, or the TurboGrafx-16 were not on par with the graphical capabilities of actual standalone arcade video game machines. As such, popular games were first released into the arcades, then translated (or ported) to home video game consoles. In most cases, the home game was inferior to the arcade counterpart, and this was one of the many reasons video game arcades dominated the 1980s and 1990s. Then around the late 1990s something fascinating happened: home video game consoles became much more powerful and popular and, sadly, the decline of video game arcades started. Make no mistake, there are some companies out there (looking at you, Sega) that still produce arcade video games. Most notably, however, video game arcades either closed or transitioned to offering skill games like Skee-Ball and other similar games that offer tickets that players can redeem for physical prizes. But there was one
popular video arcade mainstay that really never died out. In fact, it was the decline of video game arcades that gave rise to its collectibility on the secondary market.
Pinball machines were a mainstay in video game arcades thanks to their established popularity long before Computer Space, PacMan, and Mortal Kombat became household names. The modern era pinball machine dates back to the late 1930s with the creation of Bally Hoo, which was the very first coin-operated pinball machine. After video games became a mainstay in the 1970s, pinball manufacturers started to add flashy lights and electronic backboards that incorporated some of these same mechanics into their machines. These solid state machines were the future, and today if you ask any pinball enthusiast what their favorite pinball machine is, chances are likely you will get a response regarding a machine that was made in the 1980s or 1990s. For me, it was Pinbot (released in 1986) with FunHouse (released in Continued on page 14
Catnip For Collectors: Siamese Cat Figurines
Smack Dab In The Middle: Design Trends Of The Mid-20th Century
By Donald-Brian Johnson
“We are Siamese, if you please. We are Siamese, if you don’t please.”
“The Siamese Cat Song” Peggy Lee & Sonny Burke, 1955
Sneaky. Sly. SelfAbsorbed. Stand-offish.
B oy, do “Si” and “Am” have a lot to answer for.
Once audiences saw those two sinister Siamese slinking their way through Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp,” the consensus was clear: “Hmmm. Maybe not the ideal family pets.”
Pshaw. Let’s talk about what Siamese cats are really like.
Due to their sculpted appearance, these regal and intelligent felines are often associated with ancient Egypt, and the cat-headed Bast, goddess of the moon. However, Siamese actually made their first documented appearance in the mid-1300s, in, where else,
Beating their bad rep? This is “Si” and “Am,” the
and
as they slink across a dictionary page, 8.5-by-11 inches, placard, est. $5-$10.
Siam (modern-day Thailand). There are two distinct t ypes: “Traditional” (“Old Siamese”), and “Modern.” Coloring and behavior are similar, although traditional Siamese are somewhat larger and are distinguished by their rounded, appleshaped heads. Modern Siamese (like “Si” and “Am”), ar e identifiable by their wedge-shaped heads and more sinewy build.
Favorites of the royal family of Siam, the cats even figured in mythic lore. Early Siamese cat traits (since uncommon) included crossed eyes and crooked tails. According to legend, this came about when a royal Siamese was assigned the task of guarding Buddha’s golden goblet. Dedicated to this mission, the Siamese wr apped its tail around the cup, and stared intently. The result: a crooked tail and crossed eyes, passed on for generations to come.
Unlik e their “Lady and the Tramp” counterparts, real-life Siamese cats are noted for their affectionate natures, and devotion t o their human companions. The first Siamese to p ad its way onto American shores arrived as a gift t o President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. Siamese cats are record-setters, too: “Scooter,” a 30-year old Siamese, made it into the Guinness Book of World Records i n 2016, while in 1971 a Siamese cat mother gave birth to a litter of 19 kittens!
Thanks to their sleek angularity and enigmatic expressions, Siamese have proven reliable subjects for artists working in v aried media, including ceramic, glass, wood and stone. During the postwar vogue for Asian influences in modern design, which reached its heyday in the 1950s, Siamese cat figurines could be found languidly reclining on household shelves throughout America.
Design names of the era
Keeping close watch, a pottery Siamese, marked “Doge,” measuring 7 inches high, est. $20-$30.
offered buyers varied interpretations. There are realistic Goebel Siamese, futuristic Howard Pierce Siamese, and eerie Roselane Siamese . Other designers weren’t content with just creating one or two depictions. Take California ceramist Brad Keeler, who offered up an entire cattery, and often put his creations to work. While some Keeler cats lounge about in typical Siamese leisure, there are also plenty of Brad Keeler Siamese serving dishes and ash trays.
Particularly eye-catching are Keeler creations that pr esent his ceramic Siamese among accouterments in the artist ’s signature “Ming Dragon Blood” glaze. Prior to Keeler’s development of that glaze in the mid-1950s, true red coloration in ceramic was nearly impos sible to achieve. Cold-painted red, added after firing, often chipped
Continued on page 7
Siamese hepcats immortalized in Disney’s “Lady
the Tramp,”
An elegant Siamese duo by deLee Art, tallest cat, 12 inches high, est. $75-$100/pair.
This is a fused glass Siamese plaque by Higgins Glass Studio, measuring 9 inches high and 5 inches wide, est. $100-$125. Photo by Hank Kuhlmann.
Smack Dab
Continued from page 6
away. “Ming Dragon Blood” remedied the situation, and Keeler’s Siamese, nestled among deep red pillows, or watching over ruby red trays, are some of his most arresting pieces. Also embracing usefulness were Siamese cat figurines designed by Betty Harringt on and Ulle Cohen (“Rebus”), for Ceramic Arts
Studio of Madison, Wis. Each of the studio’s three Siamese pairs was released as a s alt-and-pepper set. The CAS Siamese also offer good contrasts in their representations of “Traditional” and “Modern ” Siamese. Harrington’s “Siamese Mother and Kitt en” are fuller and more rounded. Rebus’ “Peek & Boo” and “Thai & Thai-Thai” are exercises in Modern angularity. Prices of Siamese cat
figurines are as varied as the companies that released them, with those by “name” designers in greater demand than unmarked imports. Fortunately, almost all remain readily available at well under $ 100. And, as so many appealing Siamese cat figurals were mass-produced o ver the years, finding those most appealing (and affordable) is never a financial cat-astrophe!
“Nationa l Siamese Cat
Day” was observed on April 6, 2025.
Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann.
All photos by Donald-Brian Johnson.
Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous books on design and collectibles, including “Postwar Pop,” a collection of his c olumns. “Asia,” a traditional Siamese, allows him full run of the house. Please address inquiries to: donaldbrian@msn.com.
Spring Into Easter Sale Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall To
The Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall will host its annual Spring Into Easter Sale from Saturday, April 12, through Saturday, April 19. Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall is located at 3371 Lincoln Highway East in Paradise, Pa., on Route 30. It is
four miles west of Route 41 and six miles east of Rockvale Square Outlet Mall in Lancaster County.
The huge, 26,000-squarefoot facility houses a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, displayed by over 125 dealers. Merchandise
Run Sale From April 12 To 19
A huge assortment of merchandise is displayed for sale by over 125 dealers.
featured includes items such as furniture, glassware, sterling silver, clocks, advertising, jewelry, fine china, toys, books, postcards, trains, Christmas items, pottery, linens, primitives, kitchenware and much more.
Housed inside the antique mall is an Old Time General Store including a pharmacy, barber shop, tool supply and haberdashery store full of collectibles for sale. Cackleberry
Farm Antique Mall offers convenient parking for over 100 vehicles, with a spacious area for campers, trailers, and tour buses. The shop is clean, climate-controlled, brightly lit and carpeted.
Shop-goers may also want to visit the stores out in front of the mall. Not Just Baskets of Cackleberry Farm is a unique gift shop filled with quilts, baskets, candy,
Continued on page 8
SI 8: The suggestion of Siamese: abstract figures by Howard Pierce. Tallest, 10 inches high, $75-100/pr. (Photo by Hank Kuhlmann)
Betty Harrington’s “Traditional” Siamese, titled “Mother Cat and Kitten” from Ceramic Arts Studio, tallest figure, 4.5 inches high, est. $40-$50/pair.
All set for summer: a sunglassed Siamese enjoys those lazyhazy-crazy days, fabric wall hanging, unmarked, measuring 12-by-8 inches, est. $20-$30. Photo by Hank Kuhlmann.
She’s the real thing: “Asia,” a traditional Siamese, welcomes spring from her Omaha, Neb., home. Photo by Hank Kuhlmann.
The old time general store is full of vintage merchandise for sale.
CALENDARS
A UCTIONS
ILLINOIS
04/10/2025, Union - Thu 11 AM Online only, donley auctions.com. Knife auction. Donley Auctions
04/12-13/2025, UnionSat & Sun 10 AM & Online, donleyauctions.com. April All Must Go Auction. Donley Auctions
INDIANA
04/23/2025, Shipshewana - Wed 9 AM, shipshewana tradingplace.com. Antique toy auction. Shipshewana Trading Post
04/19/2025, Mt. Wolf - Sat 9 AM, gilbertauctions.com, Real Estate, Subaru Outback, Star Wars collectibles, clocks, pocket knives, oriental rugs, antiques, furniture, lawn & garden items & more! Gilbert & Gilbert Auctioneers
04/19/2025, Reading - Mon through Sunday, game7 auctions.com. Basketball, baseball, football & hockey cards & memorabilia. Game 7
Auctions
04/19/2025, Ephrata - Sat 9 AM, horstauction.com. Antiques, New Holland advertising collectibles, Walt Disney collectibles, Longaberger baskets, political memorabilia, child & adult bicycles & parts, cast iron, model trains & accessories, household goods, tools & more! Horst Auction Center
04/23/2025, West ChesterWed 10 AM. barrdavis.com, Quality antiques, collectables, furniture, glassware, sterling silver items, tools & household goods. Real estate at 1 PM. Barr Davis Auctioneers, LLC
05/06/2025, Glen RockTues 9 AM & Online, wehrlys auction.com. Firearms & big boy toys. Wehrly’s Auction Service
06/07/2025, New Providence - Sat 9 AM, auctionzip.com #50152. Public real estate & personal property. 3 Bed, 3 Bath 14 acre farmette. Timberline Auction Services
SHO W & FLEA MARKET CALEND AR
GEORGIA
04/10-13/2025, Atlanta - Thu 10 AM - 5 PM, Fri & Sat 9 AM6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Road. Scott Antique Markets
MARYLAND
04/12/2025, Elkton - Sat 10 AM - 3 PM, 4640 Telegraph Road, From the Farmhouse Spring Antique Show
04/12/2025, North East - Sat
8 AM - 2 PM, 211 Brick Meeting Road, East Nottingham Antiques Barn Sale
MASSACHUSETTS
06/14/2025, Brookfield - Sat
10 AM - 3 PM, 19 Martin Road, Walker Homestead
NEW JERSEY
04/27/2025, Wayne - Sun
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 1 Pal Drive, Mechanical Music Extravaganza
05/18/2025, HammontonSun 9 AM - 3 PM, 31 Batsto Road, Historic Batsto Village
Robinson Crusoe On Mars: Classic Martian Movie Memorabilia
By William Felchner
The 1950s and ‘60s produced a plethora of outstanding science fiction movies. One of the best was a relatively forgotten film titled “Robinson Crusoe on Mars,” released in 1964. A minor cult classic with Baby Boomers and the dedicated sci-fi crowd, “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” generated a wealth of memorabilia for today’s collectors. Produced by Aubrey Schenck for Paramount Pictures, “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” was directed by Byron Haskin with a screenplay by Ib Melchior and John C. Higgins. Winton C. Hoch served as cinematographer, with Nathan Van Cleave providing the music. The cast was sparse, starring Paul Mantee as Commander Christopher “Kit” Draper, USN, Vic Lundin as Friday, Adam West as Colonel Dan McReady, USAF, and Barney the Woolly Monkey as Mona.
Inspired by the 1719 novel “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe, “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” was budgeted at $1.5-$2 million and shot on location in California’s rugged Death Valley.
This half-sheet poster realized a top bid of $155.35.
Death Valley proved to be the ideal locale, where the desolate desert landscape doubled as the savage Red Planet. Filming commenced on Dec. 2, 1963, in the California-Nevada border region, with most of the movie shot at Zabriske Point in California’s Death Valley National Park. The film’s stunning special effects were expertly rendered by Lawrence Butler and Osc ar-winning matte artist Albert Whitlock. Designer Albert Nozaki created the three alien spacecraft miniatures prowling the Martian atmosphere. They might look familiar to sci-fi movie fans, as they resemble the deadly Martian war machines
The Morgan
Continued from page 1
craftsmanship, an extraordinary group of manuscripts related to Queen Elizabeth I, Marie de’ Medici, Edgar Allan Poe, and John Coltrane, groups of photographs by Emmet Gowin and Frederick
used to such chilling effect in the 1953 classic “The War of the Worlds,” which had also been directed by Byron Haskin. The movie begins with American astronauts McReady and Draper (and Mona, of course) orbiting the Red Planet aboard Mars Gravity Probe 1. Following a near-collision with a large met eoroid and now running low on fuel, the space explorers are forced to abandon ship and descend in their single lifeboat pods. Only Commander Draper and Mona survive the landing, however, as McReady’s lifeless body is later found in the wreckage.
Continued on page 9
Sommer, and drawings by Parmigianino, Annibale Carracci, Cy Twombly, Helen Frankenthaler, Giuseppe Penone, and Bridget Riley. The Morgan is located at 225 Madison Ave. in New York City. To learn more, visit www. themorgan.org.
NEW YORK
04/12-13/2025, BinghamtonSat 10AM - 5AM, Sun 10AM4PM, 907 Upper Front Street, Binghamton Shriners
gifts for pets, candles, framed prints, and other gift items.
The antique mall is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Tuesday. It is also closed on Easter Sunday. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and debit cards are accepted. Gift certificates, layaway, and shipping are also available.
For additional information, call 717-442-8805 during business hours or visit www. cackleberryfarmantiquemall. com.
Leonardo daVinci’s (1452-1519) “Trattato dellapittura (A Treatise on Painting)” is a manuscript fair copy, produced in the workshop of Cassiano dal Pozzo, ca. 1638-41), owned by the The Morgan Library & Museum, purchased with the T. Kimball Brooker Foundation Book Purchase Fund in honor of the Morgan’s Centennial, MA 23895. Image by Janny Chiu.
This one-sheet poster brought $216.
This Australian Daybill poster sold for $143.40.
Robinson Crusoe on Mars
Continued from page 8
Mars proves to be a hostile environment, with Draper and Mona barely surviving the planet’s thin atmosphere with the assistance of their supplemental oxygen tanks. When the tanks are finally depleted, things look bleak, until Draper accidentally discovers coal-like rocks which release oxygen when heated. Draper later solves their food and water problem as well when the ever-curious Mona discovers an underground cave filled with fresh water and edible, sausage-like plants.
Mars’ isolation sorely tests Draper’s sanity over the ensuing months. In one hallucination Draper imagines that his partner McReady is still alive, begging his dead friend to speak. Draper eventually encounters a fleeing slave who is being pursued by his alien captors via the electronic bracelets attached to the man’s wrists. Draper names his new acquaintance “Friday,” teaching him English. Friday in turn shares his oxygen pills with the American astronaut, forging a bond of mutual trust.
Draper, Friday and Mona attempt to evade the alien spacecraft as they make their way north through the Red Planet’s underground canals. At the polar icecap, Draper is finally successful in sawing off Friday’s electronic tracking bracelets, but the trio are still in danger of freezing to death until Draper’s portable radio detects an English-speaking voice orbiting in a spaceship overhead.
“Robinson Crusoe on Mars” received a number of positive reviews upon its release in June of 1964, though that hardly translated to equal success at the box office. Eugene Archer, film critic for The New York Times (8/27/64), reported,
“This clever yarn follows the famous Daniel Defoe story with old-fashioned fidelity, down to the introduction of Friday and time out for the lonely hero’s neurotic dreams. Merely placing it in space gives it a fresh a nd unexpected quality, particularly when the planetary elements are handled with the inventiveness displayed here.
Credit Byron Haskin, the experienced director, with the enjoyable result.”
“Robinson Crusoe on Mars” generated a small galaxy of memorabilia for today’s collectors. Leading the way is the film’s standard one-sheet poster (27-by-41 inches), which features the blurb, “A lone U.S, astronaut pitted against all the odds beyond this earth!” One example in folded, very fine condition sold for $216. These are all auction prices courtesy Heritage Auctions.
Always one of my favorites, the eight-card lobby set, which was originally displayed in theater lobbies to promote the picture, is another fine piece of memorabilia. The set features colorful, fantastic scenes from the film, most of which picture star Paul Mantee in his titanic struggle to survive the Red Planet. One set in fine/very fine condition went for $204.
The movie’s half-sheet poster (22-by-28 inches) is another collector favorite. One example in folded fine/very fine condition realized $155.35.
Foreign movie posters are a real treasure for collectors.
The Australian Daybill poster (12.5-by-29 inches) is always in demand. One example from Down Under in folded fine+ condition went for $143.40.
The Belgian poster (14-by-21 inches) is another fine foreign entry. One example in very
fine+ condition sold for $119.50.
One of the most interesting items in the “Robinson Crusoe” Martian sweepstakes is the film’s pressbook and merchandising manual. These manuals, which contain the movie’s entire promotional campaign in the form of press releases, sample posters, stills, etc., were issued by Paramount Pictures to theater owners. One example in uncut folded very fine+ condition brought a reasonable $31.
Oddb all items were also produced for the picture. A lot of 22 black-and-white matte finish proof photos in very fine condition brought $109.
The movie also generated its own theme sheet music, “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” with lyrics by Earl Shuman and music by Leon Carr. One example, autographed by both Paul Mant ee (1931-2013) and Vic Lundin (1929-2013), sold for $50.
In 2017, the “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” production archive assembled by screenwriter Ib Melchior (1917-2015) w as offered for sale. A real treasure trove, the archive contained handwritten notes, a story outline, script pages with illustrations, magazine articles and news clippings, a signed Laser disc from stars Paul Mantee and Vic Lundin, and a vintage radio spot on a 10-inch LP record, among other items. The group realized $1,536.
Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas.
William J. Felchner is a graduate of Illinois State University. His work has appeared in a number of periodicals, including Hot Rod, True West, Corvette Quarterly, Sports Collectors Digest, Old West, Movie Collector’s World and Pennsylvania Magazine.
& PARTS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, DOLLS, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, TOOLS SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M.
Preview Times - Friday, April 18 from 2:00 P.M. thru 5:00 P.M. and Saturday, April 19 from 7:00 A.M. *The following is just a very general list of items to be sold. Photos representing the entire auction will be posted on our website www.horstauction.com on Friday, April 18. Sale to be held at the Horst Auction Center, 50 Durlach Rd., EPHRATA, PA 17522
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES; SEVERAL C. MESSNER HORSE & WAGONS; NEW HOLLAND ADVERTISING COLLECTIBLES; WALT DISNEY
chest of drawers; nice patio set; bed; sofa; drop lid desk; nice kitchen cabinet; shelves; washer/dryer; REAL NICE Husqvarna (YTH 22V46) riding mower; HONDA HS724 snowblower on tracks; OLD TOWN
Train Set; primitives; retro; antique items; etc. NOTE: Only a partial listing, STILL MUCH MORE TO UNPACK and set up! Check www.haars.com for pictures and updates. Office 717-432-8246 or Doug & Vickie Hardy auctioneers 717-432-3779.
APRIL 13TH AT NOON
Continued from page 2
show, utilizing the gym, cafeteria, and adjoining hallways, led shoppers through
well-designed attractive booths as they searched for that unique item to add to their collections. The opening crowd was strong on the first day as
dealers welcomed old customers and interacted with those new to attending an antiques show. Dealers enjoyed meeting new customers and answering their
questions about the items. Prices ranged from $10 to five figures; there was something for everyone. Taking a break from shopping, patrons were able to sit and enjoy sandwiches from the food truck at the show.
For those who want to experience the atmosphere
of a small show with outstanding antiques at affordable prices and friendly dealers, the Elverson Antique Show is a “can’t miss” show. The majority of dealers reported good sales, indicating a healthy marketplace. Photos representing some of the items for sale at the show accompany this story. The Fall show will be back at the Honey Brook Elementary School on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2. For further information see the show’s Facebook page, website, or call 707-310-4488.
PUBLIC AUCTION
Holabird
Continued from page 1
Pa.) stock certificate, issued to The Dairymen Association for 50 shares at $10 per, dated October 30, 1876, and signed by treasurer Fred Fraley and president John Welsh, in nice condition ($2,125). A rare Combination Gold & Silver Mining Company (Inyo County, Calif.) stock certificate printed in red with yellow background, issued to B.F. Whiten for
40 shares on Jun 26, 1862, signed by James T. Jones as president, CS Higgins secretary, sold for $1,062. A hard-to-find complete set of 12 different postcards by Alberto Martini, each one of them signed by the artist famous for illustrating famous literary works, including producing 132 ink illustrations described as “macabre” for the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, commanded $1,500. To learn more, visit www. holabirdamericana.com.
The United States Centennial International Exhibition (Philadelphia, Pa.) stock certificate, issued to The Dairymen Association for 50 shares at $10 per, dated Oct. 30, 1876, brought $2,125.
Public
This $1,000 Federal Reserve Note from 1934, printed in San Francisco with a green seal, with a Grover Cleveland vignette, one of 90,600 printed, in VF-EF condition, sold for $2,750.
Public Auction
Public
Auction
Public Auction
Friday, April 25th • 9am
Friday, April 25th • 9am Live & Online
Friday, April 25th • 9am Live & Online
Over 700 lots to include Redware & Yellowware, Stoneware, Glass & China, Contemporary & Antique Folk Art, Woodenwares, Metalwares, Various Books, Sterling Silver Flatware, Kugels & other Christmas Ornaments & Decorations, Tubular Lanterns, Paintings, Fraktur, Bronze Sculptures, Quilts, Coverlets, Braided Table Mats & Hooked Rugs, Needlework Samplers, & American & Pennsylvania Furniture.
Over 700 lots to include Redware & Yellowware, Stoneware, Glass & China, Contemporary & Antique Folk Art, Woodenwares, Metalwares, Various Books, Sterling Silver Flatware, Kugels & other Christmas Ornaments & Decorations, Tubular Lanterns, Paintings, Fraktur, Bronze Sculptures, Quilts, Coverlets, Braided Table Mats & Hooked Rugs, Needlework Samplers, & American & Pennsylvania Furniture.
Over 700 lots to include Redware & Yellowware, Stoneware, Glass & China, Contemporary & Antique Folk Art, Woodenwares, Metalwares, Various Books, Sterling Silver Flatware, Kugels & other Christmas Ornaments & Decorations, Tubular Lanterns, Paintings, Fraktur, Bronze Sculptures, Quilts, Coverlets, Braided Table Mats & Hooked Rugs, Needlework Samplers, & American & Pennsylvania Furniture.
Over 700 lots to include Redware & Yellowware, Stoneware, Glass & China, Contemporary & Antique Folk Art, Woodenwares, Metalwares, Various Books, Sterling Silver Flatware, Kugels & other Christmas Ornaments & Decorations, Tubular Lanterns, Paintings, Fraktur, Bronze Sculptures, Quilts, Coverlets, Braided Table Mats & Hooked Rugs, Needlework Samplers, & American & Pennsylvania Furniture.
Preview: Thursday, April 24th • 1pm-5pm
Preview: Thursday, April 24th • 1pm-5pm
Furniture, Antiques & Collectables: Loft bed, bar stools, rolltop desk, dressers, chest of drawers, queen size bed, full size beds, carved teak marble top bar, treadle sewing machine, smoking stand, dinette table & 4 chairs, dining room table & 4 chairs, toleware stand, leather sofa bed, chair inlaid w/ mother of pearl, South Africa chair, guilded mirror, peacock wall mirrors, recliners, China cabinets, China hutches, marble top stands, oriental rugs & runners, cedar chest, inlaid stand, oak & metal rocker, hand carved Russian eagles, jade figurines, red amber resin Chinese birds, beaded purses, beaver coat, beaded & lace wrap, framed butterfly collection, Belek Mille form globe w/ stand, Imperial punch bowl set, Murano pieces, 200 year old Bible, sterling silver, swords, axe, cameras & equipment, mixing bowls, Fenton bowl, cast iron ducks, duck boot scrape, duck decoys, H O German trains, German train houses & boxes, cranberry glass condiment set, stemware, crystal, large amount of oriental figurines, ginger jars, Carnival glass water set, amber glass perfume bottles, disco ball, Rolling Rock mirror, Inarco mood indigo blue dishes, wrist watches, blow mold Santa, Halloween & Christmas decorations, large assortment of Hess trucks, Nascar, Matchbox, Hot wheels, children’s books. CI Mickey & Minnie Mouse & Donald Duck banks. CI Mickey & Minnie Mouse on motorcycle, cookie jars, horse book & prints, Native American prints & statues, albums of early photos, coffee grinder, copper molds, inland mother of pearl wall hanging & much more.
TERMS: No buyer premium for cash, PA checks, or out-of-state checks w/ bank guarantee letter. 4% buyer premium for credit
Preview: Thursday, April 24th • 1pm-5pm
Preview: Thursday, April 24th • 1pm-5pm
717-664-5238877-599-8894
717-664-5238877-599-8894
717-664-5238877-599-8894
717-664-5238877-599-8894
AY000253L
The ca. 1950 three-reel Mills Bell-O-Matic slot machine with bright red metal case and wooden sides, the “A-C-E” in clubs the jackpot, 26 inches tall, sold for $1,312.
These 21.4 grams of placer gold nuggets weighing .686 troy oz., are from a volcano claim in an ancient stream bed above Goler Wash in the El Paso mountains near Death Valley, Calif., and sold for $2,125.
A large vintage turquoise bolo, purchased in New Mexico about 50 years ago, with two .75-inch stones on the bottom, sold for $1,187.
Decorating For Easter
By Karl Pass
Bunnies, chicks, and all things related to Easter decor and Spring have taken up residence in the special sales display at the Haddon Heights Antiques Center during the month of April.
For shoppers looking for vintage holiday items to add to a seasonal collection, they will find 1950s plastic toys and candy containers, figural egg cups, Victorian blown glass eggs, colorful cardboard eggs made in Western Germany, postcards, and more. There are baskets and porcelain bunnies and
chicks, as well as ceramic rabbits and eggs painted chocolate brown to resemble treats found in Easter baskets.
As always, in addition
to the concentrated selection found in the sales display, there are Easter-related objects throughout the store, not to mention a wide selection of vintage table linens, place settings, serving pieces, and glassware to complement an Easter brunch or dinner table.
The Haddon Heights Antiques Center has been around for over 30 years offering a wide variety of antique and vintage items at affordable prices. Customers love exploring the two floors of booths and cases in the multi-dealer shop. They also love the generous discount
policy when they check out. The shop is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays. For GPS purposes, use 531 Clements Bridge Road, Barrington, N.J., as the address. For additional information, call 856-546-0555.
Continued from page 5
1990) being a close second. Both pinball machines were created by Williams, a well known manufacturer of pinball machines at the time.
Pinbot was especially memorable for me because as a kid I was really impressed with the digitalized voice that would say upon starting the game, “Pinbot circuits activated.”
Sadly, Williams exited the pinball machine business in 1999, which coincided with the slow demise of video game aracdes.
Today, pinball machines are highly collectible and can command tidy sums on the secondary market. Actual arcade video games can now be translated to home video game consoles almost flawlessly due to extremely powerful home consoles like the Nintendo Switch, the Sony Playstation 5, and the Microsoft Xbox. However, in order to enjoy an actual game of pinball and play it the way it was meant to be played, you would have to buy the original pinball machine in question. This is giving rise to increasing demand for these relics, and Gen-Xer’s like myself are Collector
Fine Objects
Continued from page 4
Pricing for the events is $145 for nonmembers for the full Philadelphia Experience and $95 for members; the panel discussion and reception is $60 for nonmembers and $45 for members. To purchase tickets and/or to become a member, visit
willing to pay large sums on the secondary market to not only experience the games we grew up with, but also get a nostalgic rush of excitement that cannot be gained through any other means. Sadly, pinball machine collecting is a niche market for most enthusiasts, but also impractical. The cost of maintenance and repairs can be staggering, and finding a true classic machine in working or refurbished condition can easily set you back $5,000 to $10,000 for one classic game. Storage and display also becomes an issue because collecting pinball machines is not like collecting something small like graded coins or trading cards that can easily be stashed away in a safe deposit box. Still, owning one or two machines is doable if the enthusiast is motivated enough. There are now a lot of companies that cater to this growing market and refurbish and repair these coveted relics of the past and resell them online. Just be aware that shipping and transportation charges can be quite substantial to get these behemoths delivered to your door! The same is true
www.fineobjectssociety.org. About Fine Objects Society
Fine Objects Society is an association of forward-thinking professionals and enthusiasts who share a devotion to fine, handcrafted historic objects. The group sees a strong future for the discipline that looks different from its past and aims to achieve that future
when selling. You really have to find a motivated buyer. As one of my friend’s wives already lamented, “I don’t want that thing in my house!”
In conclusion, the future of pinball machine collecting looks very bright when compared to collecting actual arcade video game machines from the same era. Video games were killed by the fact that they can be translated and played on home video game consoles. With pinball games, however, that is just not possible. In a future article we will look at some of the most popular pinball machines of all time and their secondary market values. Until that time, may I recommend a game of Pinbot to hold you over? Seriously, if you ever see a Pinbot machine available for play, it is well worth the coins you’d be giving up. I just wish I could go back in time and play it at the Space Port arcade in the King of Prussia Mall.
Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa., and is a passionate collector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.
by building a mutually supportive network of connoisseurs, creating ambitious and imaginative projects, pursuing unconventional partnerships, supporting scholars and entrepreneurs, upholding ethical and connoisseurial standards, improving access and transparency, and, above all, fostering community.
Saturday, April 19,
Continued from page 1
online at www.historictrappe. org/shop. The museum store is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment.
The exhibit, “Valley Culture: Constructing Identity Along the Great Wagon Road,” explores the evolution of Pennsylvania German folk art as settlers moved west. From the Perkiomen Valley of southeastern Pennsylvania to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, locally distinctive forms of material culture emerged. This exhibition will help viewers understand how German settlers transformed artifacts of daily life, including fraktur, painted furniture, boxes, and other artifacts, as they settled along the Great Wagon Road.
Drawn from nearly a dozen private collections, the exhibit features exemplary works of American folk art, including the iconic “leaping stag” cupboard painted by Johannes Spitler of Shenandoah (now Page) County, Va.; exuberantly painted boxes by John Drissell of Bucks County; and fraktur by Durs Rudy, Jacob Gottschall, and Andreas Kolb of Montgomery County. Other highlights include
painted boxes from the Brothers Valley of Somerset County, a newly-discovered chest of drawers from the Mahantongo Valley, plus painted furniture and fraktur from the Tulpehocken Valley of Berks and Lebanon counties.
The exhibit “Valley Culture: Constructing Identity
Along the Great Wagon Road” reamins on view through August 2025 at the Center for Pennsylvania German Studies at the Dewees Tavern, 301 W. Main Street, Trappe, Pa. Lead support for “Valley Culture” is by Pook & Pook Inc. Auctions and Appraisals. For more information, call 610-489-7560.
Preview 8:00 AM • Auction starts promptly at 9:00 AM Antietam Shopping Center 2900 St. Lawrence Ave., Reading, PA
Abbottstown, PA. Ask for John: 717-797-9194
Complete sets include 1964 Topps &1959 Fleer Ted Williams. There are also complete sets of 1975-1986 Topps football. Vintage Stars galore including a 1953 Topps Bob Feller, 1948 Exhibit Jackie Robinson, 1963 Jell-O Mickey Mantle, 1969 Reggie Jackson Rookie, 2 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan cards & many more. We’ll have JSA certified autographed baseballs of Willie Mays, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Joe Torre, Juan Marichal & many others. Partial listing: Large lots of 1960s and 1970s baseball, football and hockey cards; Unopened baseball wax and cello boxes; Roy Halladay signed Phillies Jersey, JSA; Topps baseball complete sets from 1974-1986; Topps football complete sets from 1975-1986; Topps football starter sets from 1968-1976; Topps hockey starter sets from 1971-1980; 1981-82 Topps hockey set; 1961 Fleer baseball near set (139/154) incl. Babe Ruth; 1965 Topps Hank Aaron; 1965 Topps Roberto Clemente; Rookie cards of Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Pedro Martinez; Murad Tobacco
T6 Cards, Harvard & Kansas; 1967 Topps baseball set break; 1971 Topps baseball set break; Game used bats & jerseys; 25th Anniversary Hartland baseball statues.
APRIL
ONLINE ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA AUCTION
ALL SELLING NO RESERVE! ONLINE AUCTION: Sat., April 19, 2025 @ 1pm
PREVIEW: WED., APRIL 16, 2025 FROM 1-5PM
HIGHLIGHTS: Knights Of Columbus Ship Models, Lionel Pre-War Train Set, Several Very Good Sterling Silver Flatware Sets, Very Good 1900s Cherry Quilt, St. Lawrence Dairy Thermometer, Planter Peanuts Store Display Jar, Redware Pottery, Stoneware To Include: Very Good Remmey 4 Gallon Blue Decorated Crock, TH Wilson Harrisburg Jug, Exceptional Pair Of Pennsylvania Kentucky Rifles Lancaster County & Baltimore, Two Exceptional Extremely Fine & Rare Heavily Engraved & Inlaid Presentation Colt Pistols, Very Good Selection Of 18th & 19th Century Ephemera Most From Schaefferstown, PA, Large Cast Iron Coffee Mill, Possibly The Finest Carl Bleistein Lebanon, PA Painting Ever Sold Large Size Early Date, Very Good Selection Of Knights Of Columbus Items, Antique Gaming Wheels, Monumental PA Dough Box, Swiss Music Box, Chinese Porcelain, Hershey Crystal Items, Antique Bronze Oil Lamp, Fraternal Carved Oak Chairs, 19th Century Wooden Casket, 1880 GAR Lodge Armchairs, Excellent PA Painted Jelly Cupboard, Oak Hall Tree, High Grade Oriental Rugs Removed From A Hershey Mansion To Include: 19th Century Caucasian Rug, 19th Century Heriz Room Size Rug, Northwest Persian Room Size Rug, Tabriz Finely Woven Rug, Turkish Floral Kashan Room Size Rug, Palace Size Sarouk Rug, Exceptional Pair of 19th Century Flemish Tapestries & Much More!
Lot # : 2141 - RARE Colt Model 1851 Navy Presentation Revolver
Lot # : 2142 - RARE Colt 3rd Model Dragoon Presentation Revolver
