John G. Long of Slatington, Lehigh County, Pa., was a masterclass basketmaker specializing in split-oak baskets in the Pennsylvania German tradition. Family, friends, collectors, and folklorists lost this premier talent when Long died in 2002 at the age of 59. Thanks to historian and author Richard Shaner, Long’s work has
not gone unrecognized in published form. The late Shaner wrote a retrospective honoring Long in the “Historical Review of Berks County,” Summer 2003 issue, Vol. 68, No. 3. John Long learned the traditional craft and art of basket-making from his grandmother’s brother, Henry Smith, a farmer near Emerald in the Lehigh Valley (north of Bethlehem). During the
Unusual Japanese Antiques Auction Set
Carl Ocker To Hold Sale On May 17
By Karl Pass
Carl Ocker will hold a unique sale on Saturday, May 17, of the Harry Irving “H.I.” Gates collection. This grouping consists of 17th and 18th century Japanese warfare armor, samurai swords, a large assortment of antique Japanese woodblock prints, Russian icons, Buddha figures, furniture,
tramp art, and artwork/life size sculptures by H.I. Gates. Far from the average collection, this diverse and unique sale will start at 9 a.m. at 303 W. King St., Shippensburg, Pa. Contact Kenny’s Auction at 717-264-6578 or visit www.kennys auction.com for preview information or directions.
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winters, in order to supplement off-season income outside the growing season, Smith made split oak baskets from local white oak he cut down. At a young age, Long studied under Smith to learn the craft. In the beginning, he made large melon-shaped utilitarian potato baskets. The region has a long agricultural history of growing potatoes.
Long had a successful business in this revival art. Most of his work bears his signature written in ink under the rim handle. Both Long and Smith used an “X” style weaving technique at the handle base. Upon securing the circular rim to the handle hoop, an “X” design outside the handle on each side was framed with a crisscross. Extra ribs reinforced the handle juncture.
Like many craftspeople working in traditional methods,
Porcelain Garden
Installation Of Floral Sculptures Celebrates The Frick’s Reopening
Long was a fan of the famous “Foxfire” book series founded by Eliot Wigginton. More than a series of books, “Foxfire” was an outgrowth of the back-to-the-land movement, and the series is still considered sacred to anyone interested in Appalachian studies, folklife, and experiential education. Long demonstrated his revivialist craft at the Kutztown Folk Festivals and at fairs held at the Jacob Keim Homestead, among other places. He was fluent in the Pennsylvania German dialect and typically brought his shaving bench to craft fairs to work and demonstrate. Long also set up and sold at the short-lived Cherry Festival in Lobachsville in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, a traditional arts fair run by Shaner. He is listed in the index in the 1978 “Willow, Oak & Rye” by Jeannette Lasansky. His woven handled miniature buttocks baskets, some the size to hold an acorn, are of a mastercraftmanship caliber. It was in
Continued on page 7
In honor of the reopening of The Frick Collection’s renovated Fifth Avenue buildings, which occurred on April 17, the museum is presenting an installation of commissioned porcelain sculptures throughout its restored and newly built galleries. The display pays homage to a historical detail from the Frick’s original debut, which featured carefully curated floral arrangements, personally selected by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder, that enhanced key galleries when they were unveiled to the public in 1935. Inspired by her vision, this tradition is now reimagined with an installation of porcelain sculptures by artist Vladimir Kanevsky (b. 1951, Ukraine). Shown on both levels of the original Frick mansion, including in a suite of new second-floor galleries open to the public for the first time, the 19 lifelike installations by Kanevsky will remain on view for six months.
“As we reopen the Frick after a five-year closure, it felt only fitting to celebrate the occasion in a similar fashion to the 1935 opening,” stated Xavier F. Salomon, deputy director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator, who organized the installation. “Vladimir Kanevsky’s exquisite porcelain creations allow us to honor this tradition, along with the museum’s important collections of historic porcelain and ceramics. His artistry bridges past and present, echoing the museum’s long-standing dedication to beauty and innovation.”
“It is an honor to have my work featured during and beyond
John Long took part in many craft shows and festivals primarily in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Photo courtesy of Richard Shaner.
These nesting split oak baskets are by John G. Long. Courtesy Brian and Sue Hart.
A collection of John G. Long miniature baskets courtesy of a private collection.
The Force Returns To Hake’s
Part II Of The Jeff Jacob Collection Scheduled For May 15
Hake’s triumphant sale of the Jeff Jacob Collection Part I made history this past January as the first-ever action-figure-specific auction to surpass seven figures, cashing out at a hefty $1.45 million. And while the initial offering of 435 mostly AFA-graded lots from Jacob’s collection achieved a milestone that cemented it in history, the viral buzz throughout the toy hobby seemed to be just as focused on when Part II would be unveiled. The answer is Thursday, May
15, and bidding has already opened, with the full 515-lot catalog available to view now on Hake’s website. The array of “Star Wars” toys in the upcoming sale goes back to the beginning of the storied film franchise. The groundbreaking first wave of Kenner “Star Wars” toys issued in 1978 included figures of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi with a distinctive feature known as a Double Telescoping (or “DT”) lightsaber. However, only limited numbers of those figures
were produced before design changes were made and the DT lightsabers were eliminated. As a result, very few “DT” figures exist in their original state. One of the few surviving original Darth Vader DT 12 Back-A action figures, AFAgraded 80 NM, is the top highlight of the Part II offerings. It is only the fourth carded DT Darth Vader specimen to be offered by Hake’s and the first in such a high grade ever to be auctioned anywhere. At the time of cataloging, AFA’s Population Report indicated that only nine examples of its type had been graded, four assessed at AFA 80 (only one has been graded higher).
assign a pre-sale estimate. It has a required opening bid of $25,000, but we think it could sell for substantially more than that.”
From Kenner Canada’s 1985 “Star Wars: The Power of the Force” range, a Yak Face 92 Back AFA 90 Y-NM/Mint 4-inch action figure is blister-carded together with its matching aluminum collector’s coin. Representing the most desirable of the last 17 vintage issued “Star Wars” figures, the auction entry is one of only eight examples of its type in an AFA 90 grade, according to the current AFA Population Report at the time of cataloging. The first
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The Kenner “Star Wars” (1979) R5-D4 21 Back-A action figure, AFA 85 NM+, 2.5-inch figure is an example of what is known as the “Red Bar” variant because the vertical rectangle on right side of chest is solid red. In archival case, at time of cataloging, this was the highest-graded specimen of its type according to current AFA Population Report.
“Because this is the first time an AFA 80 Double Telescoping Darth Vader has ever appeared at auction, it was our unanimous choice for the catalog cover,” said Hake’s Auctions’ president, Alex Winter. “Also, it’s such a rare and important toy, with no past auction results for comparison, we decided not to
of its type in this incredibly high grade ever to be offered by Hake’s, it is estimated at $20,000-$35,000.
A Kenner “Star Wars” (1978) Jawa 12 Back-A action figure, 2.25 inches high, is from the toy company’s initial production run and therefore is a vinyl-cape variety. Later, Kenner switched from vinyl to cloth to be more consistent with the cape seen in the film. AFA-graded 85 NM+ on an unpunched card, the Jawa figure is expected to reach the $10,000-$20,000 range.
One of the most sought-after of all toys in Kenner’s “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) 12-Inch Series is IG-88, a replication of an assassin droid and bounty hunter in the film who is notable for his ruthless efficiency. Presented in its original window box, the toy is the highest-graded example ever offered by Hake’s, and at the time of cataloging, the AFA Population Report indicated only eight examples exist in AFA 85 grade, with none ranking higher.
In the famed galaxy “far, far away,” transportation was light years faster and the designs much more
The Kenner “Star Wars” (1978) Darth Vader 12 Back-A DoubleTelescoping (DT) action figure, AFA-graded 80NM, is only the fourth carded DT Darth Vader specimen to be auctioned by Hake’s and the first they have handled in its high grade. At time of cataloging, AFA’s Population Report indicated only nine examples of this type had been graded, four examples in an AFA 80 grade, and just one graded higher. Extremely rare, it has an open estimate with a required opening bid of $25,000.
A Kenner “Star Wars” (1978) Jawa 12 Back-A action figure, 2.25-inches, initial “vinyl cape” variety, AFA 85 NM+ unpunched card, is one of the first 12 “Star Wars” characters to be depicted as action figures.
imaginative than anything seen in Detroit’s jaw-dropping concept cars. In 1979, Kenner released its Millennium Falcon Spaceship, a toy depiction of the craft most famously used by smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca before, during and following the Galactic Civil War. The Millennium Falcon from the Jeff Jacob Collection is AFAgraded 75 EX+/NM in its factory-sealed box and is only the fifth sealed example ever to appear in a Hake’s auction. “Originally, this toy was very expensive, retailing at $29.95,” Alex Winter explained. “Due to the cost, few were sold, and over the years, even fewer survived, especially with unopened boxes. It’s an extremely desirable toy.” The auction estimate has been set at $10,000-$20,000.
A fine example of Kenner’s “Star Wars” (1979) Darth Vader TIE Fighter vehicle will
cross the auction block, with flashing “laser” light and “space sound” features, in its original factory-sealed box. AFA-graded 85 NM+, it is one of only seven known examples in that grade with none graded higher in the AFA Population Report as of the time of cataloging. The only comparable example Hake’s has ever handled came from the Russell Branton Collection, which the company auctioned in 2019 (note: this is not the same toy). Moving from a celestial setting to terra firma, the auction includes many dozens of super-high-quality “GI Joe” figures, vehicles, playsets and accessories. A Hasbro “GI Joe” (1984) Attack Vehicle (VAMP) and Heavy Artillery Laser (HAL) Series 3 Vehicle, housed together in a Sears-exclusive 2-pack, is AFA-graded 75 EX+/NM. This rare set is factory fresh
Collector Anecdotes And Antics
The Nintendo Switch 2 And The Future Of Physical Video Games
By Shawn Surmick
On April 2, Nintendo introduced its brand new Nintendo Switch 2 home video game system to the world via an online video presentation. The system had been confirmed as being in development for several years and is the followup to the hugely successful Nintendo Switch video game console that debuted in 2017. Anticipation was running high for a look at the new console and games, and overall, Nintendo did not disappoint, albeit with some controversy.
The home video game market has been in a constant state of transition thanks to readily available high speed internet access, as most games can now be distributed digitally online instead of in physical form. This benefits the manufacturer of these games more than the end consumer, however, as the company can directly control the price of the product, decide how it is distributed, as well as have no physical manufacturing costs. Over the past few years, collectors and enthusiasts of all forms of physical media have
been pushing back against the adoption of an all-digital future. Both Sony and Microsoft experienced this backlash firsthand.
Microsoft, creators of the Xbox line of video game systems, has been pushing for an all-digital video game future. Some of the games they have released for their newest Xbox platform require the owner to still download online content to be able to play the game, and the company has also been accused of limiting the amount of physical copies they make, causing consumers to have no choice but to buy digital copies instead. Sony, makers of the popular PlayStation 5 and Nintendo’s biggest direct competitor, have taken a softer stance to ensure physical copies of their games are readily available, but both companies have been pushing for an all-digital future. Both Sony and Microsoft make popular versions of their current video game systems without physical media drives should a user wish to simply play and purchase content online without the ability to play games in physical form.
Nintendo alleviated many physical media collectors’ fears when they confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 would still feature physical game cards and the system would be backwards compatible with most original Nintendo Switch games and accessories. There were, however, a couple of caveats with this announcement that caused a lot of diehard Nintendo fans to be disappointed. The first of these announcements was the fact
Spring Antiques & Bottle Show
MAY 18,
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M Rain or Shine
Historic Batsto Village - Wharton State Forrest Hammonton, NJ 08037
For information, Jim Hammell (856) 217-4945 (hammelljm@gmail.com)
that Nintendo is now increasing the cost of their video games across the board, with physical versions priced significantly higher than before. Mario Kart World is the long awaited sequel to the Mario Kart franchise and the flagship launch title for the new Nintendo Switch 2 system. Unfortunately, controversy erupted when fans learned that the game would have a retail price of $79.99 at launch. Up until this point the vast majority of home video games were priced at around $59.99 with a few handful of top tier titles being launched with $69.99 price tags. The long awaited Nintendo Switch masterpiece The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game debuted with a $69.99 retail price, but within months after its release it could be seen selling for a more acceptable $59.99. Video game manufacturers have quickly learned that collectors of physical media will pay a premium to get these games, and to be fair, even back in the 1990s there were top tier video games that sold for $79.99 on systems like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Nintendo 64. Factor in inflation, and those games would cost well over $100 today. Unfortunately, not all video game companies that will be making games for the Nintendo Switch 2 are on board with putting the full game on the game card, selling it for a premium, and calling it a day. There is a growing trend where certain publishers will put only part of the game on the game card and package it with a special online download key that requires the user to still go online to get the rest of the game. The problem here is that eventually the Nintendo Switch servers will be shut down just like the now defunct Nintendo Wii online shop was when that system was discontinued and, as a result, gamers and collectors will lose access to some of these games. This is causing a backlash from serious video game collectors
and preservationists who have vowed to never purchase these kinds of games. Unfortunately, these types of games are typically cheaper, and in a world where physical video games are starting to cost $80 or more, cash strapped consumers will most likely embrace this trend.
As a hardcore collector who used to own a successful collectible video game business, I obviously have a commitment towards true physical media. I have pushed back extensively against the music industry and even the online movie streaming platforms who have taken away the individual’s right to own actual complete physical versions of these relics. Furthermore, I have no problem with manufacturers charging a premium for these items if this is indeed a future we need accept, just as long as we can still collect and own these coveted artifacts going forward.
Incidentally, the final element of controversy surrounding the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console was outside of Nintendo’s control. Less than 48 hours after the console was shown to eager fans, the admistration announced an ongoing trade war that could likely increase the price of this console and its games when it debuts in the United States, now delayed to June 5. Nintendo has already priced the system at $449.99 for just the base system, or $499.99 for a version that is bundled with a digital copy of Mari Kart World. Nintendo cannot guarantee what the price will be
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Presented by Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc.
Signature Toy Auction Topped $2 Million
Althof Bergmann Santa Sleigh Brings $96,000
Arguably the most formidable alliance of high-level toy collections to appear in the marketplace in recent years, Bertoia’s 500-lot Signature Toy Auction confidently powered its way past the $2 million mark on March 15. The allstar lineup combined Part II of the renowned Curtis and Linda Smith Collection, Tony Cuff’s European toys and trains, Japanese tin cars from the Ira Bernstein collection, and choice Lionel trains from the Bradley Kaplan Collection.
After hammering the final lot, Bertoia Auctions’ president and principal auctioneer, Michael Bertoia, summarized the day’s highlights, “The results showed what the toy-collecting hobby has always known, that great items bring great prices.”
Linda Smith and her late husband, Curt, were prominent in the toy-collecting fraternity and active members of the Antique Toy Collectors of America. They were known for acquiring pieces with illustrious provenance. The centerpiece was a late-19th-century Althof Bergmann Santa in a Goat Sleigh. This rarity is regarded as one of the finest pieces of American clockwork tin ever produced because of its impressive 20-inch size, bright colors, and endearing Christmas theme. The toy appears in the Barenholtz/ McClintock book “American Tin Toys” as well as in “The Toy Collector” by Louis Hertz. When last seen at auction, it was hailed as the best of all known
original examples. Against an estimate of $70,000-$140,000, the classic American bell toy realized $96,000.
Also by Althof Bergmann, the only known complete, all-original example of a Fire Patrol Wagon displayed vivid handpainted colors and stenciled “FIRE PATROL” on its side. Large in scale at 16 inches long, the horse-drawn vehicle retained all five of its original firefighter figures in painted blue uniforms, yellow firemen’s hats and black boots. It blazed past its $6,000-$12,000 estimate to settle at $20,400.
The Smith Collection was also the source of one of the finest of all George Brown toys: a clockwork version of the Civil War boat the USS Monitor. Made around 1870, roughly eight years after the original ironclad Monitor was launched, the historically-important toy offered by Bertoia’s was a sizable 14 inches long and had survived in an excellent state of preservation. The Monitor toy’s design significantly appears in the George Brown sketchbook. It sold well above its high estimate, for $34,800.
The auction waters must have felt welcoming to fans of early ships and boats, as one antique craft after another set sail toward an above-estimate horizon. A gargantuan 1890s Jean Schoenner live-steampowered ironclad ship, 34.5 inches long, reflected the style of the most advanced warships of the mid-to-late-19th century, with a large cannon on its bow and several guns on port and starboard. A top prize from the Tony Cuff Collection, the
This ca. 1870 George Brown clockwork tin war boat reading “Monitor” pictured in the George Brown sketchbook is 14 inches long. It replicates the original ironclad Monitor that was launched in 1862. One of only a handful known and retaining well-preserved original paint and stenciling, it sold for $34,800.
The Althof Bergmann (USA) Santa in Goat sleigh, handpainted tin, clockwork, late 1800s, 20 inches long, with original rear toy receptacle intact, one of few known, sold for $96,000.
German behemoth surpassed pre-sale expectations, selling for $34,800.
Ives toys put in a strong performance, with a scarce ca. 1870s double-oarsmen boat achieving $28,000 against an $8,000-$16,000 estimate. This well-documented piece is featured in both Blair Whitton’s reference book “Clockwork Toys” and the aforementioned “American Antique Toys.”
Prior to the auction, there was a flurry of interest in a correct boxed set of four Bliss paper-over-wood battleships that pre-dated the Spanish-American War. The ships included the Cincinnati, the Iowa, the Maine, and a fourth vessel that was unmarked. The quartet came in its original cardboard box with a full pictorial label on the lid that was imprinted Toy Models of Uncle Sam’s Navy. In near-mint condition, it was chased to $14,400 against an estimate of $6,000-$9,000.
Alongside the perhaps more-familiar production toys with a marine theme, wooden folk-art boats also grabbed their fair share of attention. A
Continued on page 6
The Izannah Walker (Rhode Island) folk art doll, mid- to late 1800s, painted cloth head and lower arms, firm stuffed body, original shoes with later redressing, sold for $12,000.
Here is the only known complete, all-original example of an Althof Bergmann (USA) Fire Patrol Wagon, handpainted with stenciling, 16 inches long; it realized $20,400.
ILLINOIS
05/03/2025, Union - Sat 10 AM & Online, donley auctions.com. Civil War Auction. Donley Auctions INDIANA
05/03/2025, MertztownSat 9:30 AM. auctionzip.com #4715. Country Primitives & Antiques at this 19th Century Farmstead. George Miller IV Auction Company
05/03-04/2025, Palmerton - Sat 9 AM, Sun 10 AM. www. deanarnerauctions.com. Sat.: Approximately 300 milk bottles, large train collection, local advertising, cast iron doorstop collection, furniture, household & more! Sun.: Vehicles, firearms, John Deere zero turn mower & garden
CALENDAR S
A UCTIONS
tractor, snowblowers, tools, automotive advertising & more! Dean Arner Auctioneer
05/04/2025, Lehighton10am to 6pm Wed thru Sun & Online, liveauctioneers.com.
Advertising items including Planters peanuts, Jacobs 56 Pepsi machine, Moxie thermometer, Coca Cola wooden barrel, Elk Head grease can & more! Anthracite Vintage Mercantile & Auctions
05/06/2025, Glen Rock - Tues 9 AM & Online, wehrlysauction.com. Firearms & big boy toys. Wehrly’s Auction Service
05/10/2025, KutztownSat 9 AM. 1964 Pontiac GTO w/62,000 miles, large model train collection, vintage sports cards, silver, gold, Indian jewelry, textiles, quilts & more! George Miller, IV Auction Company
05/10-17/2025, Allentown - Sat 6:30PM - Sat 10PM. givergy.us/baumart auction40. 40th Anniversary Art Auction. Baum School of Art
05/10/2025, Mt Wolf - Sat 9 AM & Online, rentzels auctionservice.com. Primitives, coverlets, early books, tobacco & other nice advertising tins, beer trays & signs. bottle openers, country store items, Harley Davidson items, mid-century modern furniture, 1800s clothing, art, dolls & more! Rentzels Auction Service
05/10/2025, Gettysburg - Sat 9 AM, larryswartzauctioneer. hibid.com. College & University Milk Bottle Auction. Larry Swartz Auctioneer
05/10/2025, Ephrata - Sat 9 AM & Online, horstauction. com. Antiques, collectibles, comic books, toys, model trains, bicycles & parts, dolls,
household goods, tools & more! Horst Auctioneers
05/10/2025, East Berlin - Mon 6:00 PM. haars.com. Estate Auction Mower repair- High performance collection. Hardy’s Auction Service
05/10/2025, LancasterSat 10 AM & Online, boltz auctions.com. Barber Shop/ General Store Auction. Boltz Auction Company
05/15/2025, LandisburgThu 6:30 PM. markkeller auctioneer.hibid.com. 300+ lots antiques, collectibles, locals, miscellaneous from the Gladys McCracken estate. Mark Keller Auctioneer
05/16/2025, Lewisburg - Sat 9:30 AM. auctionzip.com. #47259. Historic Slifer House antique contents. Furniture, sterling silver dishes & flatware, early clothing, early Christmas ornaments, high wheel bicycle, and much more! David S. Brown Auction Service
05/17/2025, Shippensburg - Sat 9 AM. kennysauction. com. Harry Irving H.I. Collection. 17th & 18th century Japanese warfare armor, swords, H.I. Gates artwork/life sculptures, 17th century furniture, many rare & unusual pieces. Kenny’s Auction 05/29/2025, Denver - Thu. morphyauctions.com. The Tom Sage Sr Toy Collection. Morphy Auctions
05/31/2025, Honey Brook - Sat 8:30 AM & Online, auctionzip.com #25310. Good old farm related antique auction. Old farm equipment, 15+ antique gas engines, farm related antiques, hit & miss engines, farm toys & more! White Horse 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
Mother’s Day Gift Items On Sale
By Karl Pass
Mothers take center stage in the month of May for the special sales display at the Haddon Heights Antiques Center. Antiques and vintage items will pay tribute to the many hats that mothers have worn in the past and continue to wear today.
Babies and children immediately come to mind when one thinks about mothers, and there are many collectibles that feature them. There are ceramic planters that hold flowers to congratulate a new mother, vintage baby powder tins, baby and child care publications, framed prints, and more. And then there are the many tasks mothers perform to keep their families clean, healthy, and well fed. Think of vintage kitchen items and antique laundry items. Great items to decorate with will be for sale, such as rug beaters,
washboards, aprons and egg beaters all sharing space in the display area. Of course, unique gifts to please mom also abound throughout this two-story, multi-dealer shop. There is antique and vintage jewelry to fit every taste and every budget. There are beautiful linens, ceramics, and glass. Does mom like vintage
clothes and purses? The Haddon Heights Antiques Center has them.
This long-established shop is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays. It is located at 531 Clements Bridge Road right by the railroad tracks in Barrington, N.J. Call 856-546-0555 for more information.
GEORGIA
06/12-15/2025, Atlanta - Thu 10 AM - 5 PM, Fri & Sat 9 AM6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Road, Scott Antique Markets
07/10-13/2025, Atlanta - Thu 10 AM - 5 PM, Fri & Sat 9 AM6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Road, Scott Antique Markets
08/07-10/2025, Atlanta - Thu 10 AM - 4 PM, Fri & Sat 9 AM6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Road, Scott Antique Markets
09/11-14/2025, Atlanta - Thu 10 AM - 5 PM, Fri & Sat 9 AM6 PM, Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Road, Scott Antique Markets
MASSACHUSETTS
06/14/2025, Brookfield - Sat 10 AM - 3 PM, 19 Martin Road, Walker Homestead
NEW JERSEY
05/18/2025, HammontonSun 9 AM - 3 PM, 31 Batsto Road, Historic Batsto Village
05/18/2025, Ringoes - Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Route 179, Hunterdon County Antiques Fair
06/14/2025, Mullica HillSat 9 AM - 3 PM, 275 Bridgeton Pike, The Yellow Garage Antiques & June Festival of Antiques
Bertoia
Continued from page 5
massive 53-inch-long clockwork paddle wheeler, the Robert E Lee, charmed bidders with the accuracy of its rigging, smokestacks, and railings, as well as the artistic excellence of its hand-painted details. Against an estimate of $2,000$4,000, it cruised all the way to $18,000.
The sale featured a small but select grouping of cast-iron mechanical banks, including a J & E Stevens Boy Scout bank. Extremely colorful with golden highlights to its grassy base and tepee, this popular and well-detailed bank’s design depicts a Boy Scout encampment. The auction example was in pristine condition, showing no touchups or repair. Importantly, the Scout figures’ arms were correct and authentic to the bank. With provenance from the Smith Collection, it conveyed to its new owner for $19,200 against an estimate of $6,000-$10,000. An outstanding Mason bank made by Shepard Hardware Co. was complete with its original wooden factory box marked “ONE COMPLETE ‘MASON’ TOY SAVINGS BANK.” It took in $24,000, the highest price realized by any of the sale’s mechanical money boxes.
A fleet of large, candy-colored 1950s/’60s Japanese cars came from the collection of Broadway executive and industrial designer Ira Bernstein (1929-2023), who was hired by General Motors in 1953 as a stylist for Oldsmobile. Ira’s stellar Japanese cars were led by a Rock Valley tin rendition of a 1958 Chrysler New Yorker. A full 13 inches long with turquoise and pale lime-green motif, its tin seats were scrupulously lithographed to simulate red and white tufted
upholstery. The pristine largefinned beauty even retained its original “CH-19-58” framed license plate at its rear. Against a $1,200-$3,000 estimate, it swept the postwar toy competition, closing at $12,000.
On the Lionel side of the train tracks, a big winner was the rare 1910 “Knobby Roof” baggage car stamped “1910,” with red primer and threerivet trucks (the underframe foundation). The 15.5 inch-long car from the Kaplan Collection rolled to a final bid of $11,400, nearly four times the high estimate. Of the many tempting European trains with provenance from Tony Cuff, a Bing (Germany) handpainted gauge 1 Sir Sam Fay 14-inch clockwork locomotive and tender fared best. In pristine condition, the historical Sir Sam Fay train loco and tender was right on par with the Lionel baggage car, commanding $11,400 against an estimate of $800-$1,200.
For further information,
05/16-18/2025, Reinholds - Sat & Sun 7AM - 4PM. 607 Willow Street, Shupp’s Grove Antique Market
05/17/2025, Gettysburg - Sat 9AM - 3PM. 75 Cunningham Road, Gathering on the Farm 05/24-25/2025, Reinholds - Sat & Sun 7AM - 4PM. 607 Willow Street, Shupp’s Grove Antique Market
email toys@bertoiaauctions. com or visit www.bertoia auctions.com. All images courtesy of Bertoia Auctions.
A ca. 1905 Steiff (Germany) apricot long-mohair rod bear with elephant button, shoebutton eyes and pronounced nose with gutta percha tip, one of the earliest teddies Steiff produced, accompanied by an X-ray that confirmed its interior rod construction, sold for $22,800.
A Bing (Germany) handpainted gauge 1 Sir Sam Fay 14-inch clockwork locomotive with tender, named for a revered English railwayman born in 1856 who rose to become the last general manager of the Great Central Railway, pristine condition, sold for $11,400.
John Long
Continued from page 1
the fall of 2002 when Long passed away. A bachelor, Long’s estate was settled at a two-day auction held at the Emmaus Fire Company Hall. Well-attended by collectors, about 250 of his baskets were
sold. Some brought around $300, the majority around $100 each.
A popular art form, there have been a number of talented traditional basketmakers over the last 100 years. In this author’s opinion, Long was by far the greatest of his generation.
Frick
Continued from page 1
the Frick’s reopening celebrations. The museum, both presently and throughout its history, is an endless source
of inspiration,” added Kanevsky.
The Frick Collection is located at 1 E. 70th St., New York, N.Y.
To learn more, visit www. frick.org.
1951) “Cascading
2024-25, is installed
Vladimir Kanevsky’s (b.
Roses,”
in the Fragonard Room of the Frick Collection, New York, parian body, copper and terracotta, courtesy of the artist, photo by Joseph Coscia Jr.
This is John Long’s spot in the cider press building on the Jacob Keim farmstead. The 18th-century Hartman family cider press building was moved to the site in 1975. The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County owns the Keim property in Pike Township. In the 1970s, festivals were held on the grounds. Photo courtesy of Robert Walch.
Here is a nesting set of six split oak baskets all signed John G. Long. Courtesy of a private collection.
Measuring 2.25 inches high and 3 inches wide, this miniature buttocks basket with woven handle embellishment exhibits a level of craftsmanship. Courtesy of a private collection.
This buttocks style basket measures 3.5 inches high and 4.5 inches wide. It ranks among the finest I’ve ever seen. Courtesy of private collection.
Winchester Cartridge Display Boards Excel
Three Sold, Inverted V Board Brought $100,300
Three antique Winchester cartridge display boards from around the turn of the century combined for nearly $200,000 in an online-only Firearms and Sporting Auction, featuring the collections of Wayne G. Connor and the late Robert Warwick, held March 29 by Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd. In all, 211 lots came up for bid.
All prices quoted in this report are in Canadian dollars and include an 18-percent buyer’s premium. The sale was packed with early and rare firearms art and advertising, store displays, factory cartridge boards, fine Winchester rifles and shotguns, Colt percussion revolvers, flintlocks, Smith & Wesson cartridge revolvers, North American trade muskets, decoys, factory reloading tools, scarce ammunition boxes, and a sprinkling of iconic military rifles.
The American-made Winchester cartridge boards were the overall top three lots of the
auction, with each one easily surpassing its high estimate. They included a Winchester 1888 Inverted V cartridge display board, slightly altered from the 1886 introduced version by the addition of two additional rifle cartridges, the .38-56 WCF added on the left side above a primer tin and the .40-60 WCF added on the right side. It realized $100,300.
An 1897 Winchester Double W cartridge display board No 291, an oak framed lithographed backboard with the Winchester Repeating Arms Company displaying dummy inert samples of all the pistol and rifle cartridges and shotgun shells then being produced in their New Haven factory, brought $79,650.
A Winchester 1902 Double W cartridge board lithograph, the last of the early cartridge boards, entirely made up in a paper version and, unlike its predecessor 1897 board, no dummy cartridges attached,
The Winchester 1888 Inverted V cartridge display board, slightly altered from the 1886 version (and rarer) by the addition of two additional rifle cartridges, realized $100,300.
Wednesday, May 28 • 9 am
345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, IN Call 260-768-4129 for details on selling or buying. www.shipshewanatradingplace.com
was also sold. These 1902 boards don’t show up as often as the 1897 boards and are rarer. It sold for $18,880.
“It was a pleasure to handle the longtime collections of Wayne Connor and Robert Warwick, along with many other great individual consignments. The auction was a huge success, with excellent results across all categories. In advertising, some fine examples stand out. We now look forward to the next firearms auction,” remarked Paul Matheson of Miller & Miller. The auction grossed $723,930, and 71 online bidders placed a combined 6,629 bids. Ninety-nine percent of all lots were sold, while 48 percent of the top 50 lots exceeded estimates. Online bidding was via LiveAuctioneers.com and the Miller & Miller website.
An American-made Smith & Wesson factory engraved new model revolver with a factory letter confirming a December 1891 factory shipment, in a 44 S&W Russian caliber with 6.5inch barrel, smooth pearl grips and a gold monogrammed S&W logo, hit the mark for $14,160.
A 1929 Savage-Stevens Arms Companies calendar featuring artwork by Philip R. Goodwin, titled “Calling Big Game,” depicting a hunter with his Savage Model 9 rifle sitting in canoe while his guide is listening for a response to his moose calls, framed, went for $12,980.
A ca. 1902 Deluxe Winchester model 1885 low wall sporting rifle, in .22 RF short caliber with No. 2 weight, a 26-inch octagonal and round barrel, the factory sights Lyman No. 5B combination front and Winchester No. 24 rear barrel sights, plus peep sight, rose to $11,210.
A ca. 1863-65 New Haven
Arms .44 caliber rimfire ammunition box for the Henry rifle, containing 50 copper case rim fire cartridges with raised “H” headstamp in a dished circle and loaded with 26 grains of black powder and a 216-grain flat-nose lead bullet, went for $10,030. A ca. 1967 Winchester Custom Shop (Custom Grade) model 21 SxS double barreled 20 gauge shotgun with 26-inch barrels sold for $10,030. After the Model 21 factory production halted in 1959, only around 1,000 total were made in three grades. A Winchester cased set of long range vernier and wind gauge rifle sights made for use on, but not limited to Winchester Model 1885 single shot target/sporting rifles, in original condition, in a Moroccan black leather case with gold lettering, green velvet lined, shot to $10,030.
To learn more, visit www. MillerandMillerAuctions.com.
feed sacks from the estate of Sharon Stark, pedal car fire truck plus more!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
9:00 AM • Door open at 8:30 AM
Location: Beltzner Hall, Kutztown Fairgrounds, Berks Co., Kutztown, PA 19530
Check back for more information and photos. Also check out our Facebook page.
Terms: Full payment day of sale. Cash or guaranteed funds. No out-of-state checks. Most credit cards accepted.
Silver in Various Bulk Lots; Large & Small Currency Incl.
& Errors; Featuring a $500 FRN; Key Dates Incl. 1885 Nickel & ’32-D,S Quarters; Ayer’s Encased Three Cent Postage Stamp; 150 Plus Silver Dollar in Bulk & Singles; Early Copper Incl. Colonials; 7 Hobo Nickels.
This ca. 1856 Upper Canada Militia Colt Second Model 1851 London Navy percussion revolver, serial no. 34570, .36 caliber, with 7.5-inch octagonal barrel, sold for $15,340.
Continued from page 2
in its still-sealed box. At the time of cataloging, it was one of only six graded examples shown in the AFA Population Report, with only two examples similarly graded 75 (four
are graded higher). Hake’s online auction exclusively featuring Part II of the Jeff Jacob Collection of “Star Wars,” “GI Joe,” and other popular vintage action figures and toys is now open for bidding. For a free printed catalog or additional
The Kenner “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) IG88, 12-Inch Series, AFA 85 NM+ window box contains 15-inch tall action figure of the powerful assassin droid and bounty hunter and ranks among the most sought-after of Kenner’s 12-inch series and the highest-graded example ever offered by Hake’s. The AFA Population Report indicated only eight examples exist in AFA 85 grade, with none higher.
This Kenner “Star Wars” (1979) Darth Vader TIE Fighter vehicle with flashing “laser” light and “space sound” in original factory-sealed box, AFA-graded 85 NM+, is one of seven known examples in that grade, with none graded higher in the AFA Population Report. The only comparable example Hake’s has ever handled came from the Russell Branton Collection, which they auctioned in 2019, and this is a different example.
information on any item in the sale, call +1 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or +1 717-434-1600, or email hakes@hakes.com.
The catalog is online at www.hakes.com. All images courtesy of Hake’s Auctions.
This Kenner “Transformers” (1985) Series 2 Minicar Bumblebee, AFA 85 NM+ blister card, contains Autobot Bumblebee (robot form, yellow variety). The fourth release with registered mark, card art shows red vehicle and figure in robot mode. Mint on punched card, the AFA Population Report showed only nine examples in AFA 85 grade, with none higher.
Collector
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at the time of launch. Unfortunately, for avid video game enthusiasts the Nintendo Switch 2 could potentially be a very expensive proposition. But at least until the dust settles, we all have our original Nintendo Switch systems to hold us over until they too become collectible relics of the past. It certainly is a very interesting time to be alive, that’s for sure!
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.
A Kenner “Star Wars”
have survived, especially with unopened boxes.
A Hasbro “G.I. Joe” (1984) Attack Vehicle (VAMP) and Heavy Artillery Laser (HAL) Series 3 Vehicle, Sears-exclusive 2-pack AFA-graded 75 EX+/NM, is an iconic and rare set in its factorysealed box. It represents one of only six graded examples shown in AFA Population Report, with only two examples in grade 75 (four higher).
(1979) Millennium Falcon Spaceship, AFA 75 EX+/NM in factory-sealed box, is only the fifth sealed example to appear in a Hake’s auction. Originally, this toy was expensive ($29.95), and due to the cost, few were sold. Even fewer
Auctioneer AU2425-L
ESTATE ANTIQUES AUCTION
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 9:00 AM
To be held at 303 W. King Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257 HARRY IRVING “H.I.” GATES COLLECTION
17th & 18th Century Japanese Warfare Armor; Samoria swords; H.I. Gates artwork/life size sculptures; Russian Icons; 17th century furniture; Tramp Art; collection of Japanese wood block prints; Buddahs.
This auction features many rare and unusual pieces from the collection of H.I. Gates.
Ortrun Gates
**This is a live auction. We welcome absentee and phone bids, please have them submitted by end of day Thursday, May 15 please.
