“I wasn’t going to let it go,” mentioned the proud new owner of the “Tulip Shop” sign when Witman Auctioneers conducted the Barbara Strawser estate at the Lebanon Expo Center in Lebanon, Pa., on Oct. 25. The large double-sided tin with wooden frame mid-20th century sign advertised Hattie Brunner’s antiques shop. The buyer, Amy Brunner Moore, is a descendant of Hattie Brunner. An interested and active steward of family history, Brunner Moore and husband have an extensive archive of family information, much of it pertaining to the famous antiques dealer and folk painter.
Any regular reader of Antiques & Auction News knows the name Hattie Brunner (1889-1982), one of the most well-known dealers of American antiques to ever live. The Reinholds, Pa., native operated a shop on Rt. 897 in the village for roughly half a century and used this sign periodically down the block to advertise the shop in the 1960s and ‘70s. The sign was kept in a carriage house outbuilding following Brunner’s passing and inherited by Strawser, also connected to the family. It sold for $13,800. Prices reported include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.
A folk painter, Barbara Strawser (1944-2024) of Schaefferstown, Pa., passed away unexpectedly last year at age 79. From
a family of folk artists, her grandmother’s sister was Hattie Brunner. Barbara’s parents were Walter (1921-2018) and June (1920-2021) Gottshall. Her grandparents were Luke (1899-1993) and Fannie (18911976) Gottshall. Fannie and Hattie were sisters. Barbara was the former wife of the late Daniel G. Strawser, Sr. The two divorced in the early 1980s. Dan Strawser (1943-2023) passed away at age 79.
Luke and Clarke Witman of Witman Auctioneers conducted the estate sale. It was in-person only bidding, and a sizable crowd attended. Among the items sold
were country antiques, Barbara’s artwork, Gottshall folk art, Foltz pottery, Breininger pottery, Hopf artwork, and much more. The sale ran all day, and buyers stayed until the end.
For a marketplace that many attest is all over the map today, prices as a whole held up. To be an appraiser in 2025 is akin to throwing darts; you can try and make an educated assessment, but prices are more uncertain that ever in the market. At the heart of it all is the balance of supply and demand. If a particular category
Continued on page 7
“The
Tavern Cook”
Food Historian Marc Meltonville To Present Lecture On Nov. 21
On Friday evening, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m., Historic Rock Ford will welcome internationally renowned food historian Marc Meltonville, author of “The Tavern Cook: Eighteenth Century Dining Through the Recipes of Richard Briggs,” for an engaging look at what was cooked, poured, and celebrated in the 18th century, from kitchen hearths to tavern punch bowls. Discover the receipts, rituals, and real stories behind the flavors of the era at Historic Rock Ford. This lecture is free but advance registration is strongly recommended to assist with seating accommodations. Limited copies of Meltonville’s “The Tavern Cook” will be available for purchase.
By Karl Pass
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Christmas Antiques Show in Oldwick, N.J., returns following a six-year absence. This country show will be run by Bob Lutz and Tori Hill. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission will be $10 per person and $9 with a show card, ad, or this press release.
As before, the Tewksbury Township School District has granted permission for the one-day show to take place at the Turnpike Road
The large double-sided painted tin Hattie Brunner Tulip Shop sign sold for $13,800 to a descendant of Brunner. Pass photo.
The largest and likely most elaborate Walter and June Gottshall bird tree the artisan couple ever created sold for $2,500. Pass photo.
A Luke Gottshall (1899-1993) folk art horse-drawn wagon sold for $750. Pass photo.
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.
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December 5, 2025 issue
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A Treasure Trove Of Toys, Banks And Holiday Antiques Await
Bertoia’s Annual Fall Auction Set For Nov. 21 And 22
Bertoia’s annual Fall Auction is always one of the most keenly anticipated events of the year for collectors of toys, banks, advertising or holiday antiques. The lineup of featured collections entered in this year’s edition, which is slated for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22, offers bidders a level of quality and variety that rivals anything seen in Bertoia’s past pre-Thanksgiving sales. The opening session is packed with rare toys, banks and trains, while the artful selection chosen for day two will usher in the gift-giving season with beautiful Christmas and other holiday antiques, as well as early 20th-century advertising and posters.
Auction headliners include Ives and AMRR trains and an incredible Kenton Coca-Cola truck. The toy truck is possibly the only example of its type known to exist. Also sharing the spotlight are the prints, posters and automobilia, and lithographed paper-on-wood toys.
A collection of cast-iron automotive toys came to Bertoia’s in such immaculate condition, the task of assessing them for the auction catalog proved to be a challenge for even the company’s president and principal auctioneer, Michael Bertoia. “You just don’t see cast-iron toy collections with contents so close to flawless, there’s no other way to accurately describe them than ‘mint,’ or at the very least ‘mint.’ Cast-iron fans are going to pounce on them. They really do live up
Leading the cast-iron highlights is an Arcade “Hathaway’s Bread & Cake” truck and several outstanding taxi cabs, some of which are even accompanied by their factory boxes. Several choice figural cast-iron doorstops will cross the auction block, along with a dozen or so premium-quality castiron horse-drawn toys. That particular grouping is led by a fine and highly desirable Pratt & Letchworth combination wagon.
Lithographed paper-onwood toys, comprising boats, trains, carriages and other vehicles, come from the late Richard Mueller’s collection. A member of the Antique Toy Collectors of America (ATCA) and the host of the club’s past annual convention in New Orleans, La., Mueller accumulated one of the world’s largest collections of vintage pull toys. At an early age, he developed a love for collecting model trains, and later in life, pizza stores. While he was a student, he began working for Domino’s Pizza. This led to a successful four-decadeslong career during which he operated the largest number of Domino’s locations of any single franchisee in the country.
Mueller and his wife, Linda, restored their Castle Farms property in Charlevoix, Mich., as well as the nonprofit Hungry Ducks Farm. Also, he and his brother Glenn founded the nonprofit TrainTastic in Gulfport, Miss., the largest model train museum in the U.S.
The Marklin (Germany) Schlitz Beer refrigerator train
a dazzling Lincoln Imperial and a large Atom race car.
Day two will be a festive affair, as it is primarily reserved for the sale of antiques with a Christmas, Halloween or other seasonal theme. This session is anchored by highlights from the collection of the late Ed DeGarbolewski and his wife
A large
During the sale, Bertoia’s gallery will serve as a crossroads for all sorts of rare trains, including sought-after Marklin productions. A Marklin Schlitz Beer Car from a Midwestern consignor is fresh to the market following Michael Bertoia’s on-air appraisal of the piece on a 2025 episode of “Antiques Roadshow.” Another top prize is a rare Marklin 0-gauge car richly emblazoned with “Anheuser-Busch Budweiser/ King of All Bottled Beers” and “Anheuser-Busch Beer Car.” Additionally, there are some larger-gauge German trains. European tin automotive and wind-up toys are featured on day one, as are Japanese tinplate autos of the 1950s and ‘60s. Among the postwar Japanese vehicles set to make a big splash are
first glimpse into his diverse assemblage of motoring-related items and vast collection of fine posters, prints and other artworks associated with transportation. Part two of his extensive archive of art posters was reserved for the November sale. An automotive theme is seen throughout Bausch’s posters. Some of the French productions are doubly exciting because they cross over into the holiday realm as Christmas advertisements for toy stores. All over the world, interior designers, owners of high-end
This ca. 1910 Fernand Martin (France) Parisian Woman / L’Entravee (the Hobbled One, referring to the hobble skirts women wore in the early 20th century) is in all-original condition with its original factory box and estimated at $3,000 to $6,000.
Brenda. This comprehensive Christmas cache includes Santas, nodders, reindeer, sleighs, belsnickles, ornaments and trees, plus skittles sets, Heubach bisque candy containers, and artful terracotta items.
David Bausch is a retired Lehigh County, Pa., politician, lifelong toy collector, ATCA member, and founder of the Allentown Antique Toy Show and Sale, which is in its 47th year. At a Bertoia summer auction, collectors got their
restaurants and bistros, museum curators, and private collectors avidly pursue these posters from the time period when lithographic art was at its peak.
The annual Fall Auction will be held live at the company’s gallery located at 2141 Demarco Drive, Vineland, N.J., starting at 10 a.m. ET. Auction goods may be previewed the week before the sale by appointment only. In addition to live gallery bidding,
car, one gauge, hand-painted and nicely detailed, was appraised by Michael Bertoia on a 2025 episode of “Antiques Roadshow.” Consigned by the granddaughter of the Reading Railroad employee who was the toy’s original owner, it is estimated at $12,000 to $20,000.
Gunthermann (Germany) bi-wing airplane of painted tin and wire construction with authentic canvas-covered wings, a classic early-aviation form displaying incredibly well-preserved condition, will be estimated at $6,000 to $10,000.
The Masudaya (Japan) Kamen Rider bus, lithographed tin, friction powered, with hero imagery along the sides, pristine condition, in working order, and accompanied by its original box, will be estimated at $1,500 to $2,500.
Collector Anecdotes And Antics
Collectible Trading Cards Are Once Again In A Massive Speculative Frenzy
By Shawn Surmick
If we get in my special DeLorean time machine and journey back to the year 2021, that was a crazy time in the collectibles trade. It was at this time that the economy was still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and the government was dolling out economic stimulus checks. This in turn helped create a lot of asset bubbles, most notably in certain pop culture collecting markets. Graded video games, “Pokemon” cards, comic books, and even luxury watches were directly affected by this influx of cash. High-profile auction companies like Heritage Auctions had several good years with multiple record-breaking auctions taking place during this time. Just a few years later, a lot of these once popular collecting categories would experience a correction. Luxury watches can still be a good investment and are selling, but demand has dropped exponentially. The market for graded video games nearly crashed with prices down almost 50 to 90 percent across the board. Even the market for vintage comic books, which was once thought to be unstoppable, cratered by about 30 percent on average. “Pokemon” and sports cards were much more resistant to the downturn, but prices for vintage offerings fell modestly.
In the few short years that followed the direct aftermath of the pandemic, worldwide inflation took hold, and economic uncertainty set in. But more traditional asset prices still soared. The real estate market priced most new home buyers out of the market, and the effects of this are still evident today. The S&P 500 index recently closed at an all-time high, and gold, a precious metal generally hoarded in times of uncertainty, has seen record breaking prices trending above $4,000 an ounce for the first time in history. Even the market for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has also seen its price soar to more than $100,000.
Unfortunately, these gains in traditional asset prices are spilling over into the collectibles trade at an alarming rate, and it is having a tremendous effect on certain collecting categories more than others. The market for vintage and graded factory sealed action
figures and toys from the late 1970s and 1980s is on fire right now, as is the market for certain collectible coins, thanks in part to the high prices being paid for gold. However, these two markets fail to compare to what has happened to the market for collectible trading cards. Collectors, speculators, and high-profile investors have been piling into this market like never before, and prices for all things trading card related are now on fire. I have commented in previous articles the insane demand for graded sports cards and nonsports trading cards such as “Pokemon” and “Magic: The Gathering.” It would appear, however, that was just the start because now we are seeing this record-breaking demand spill over to other forms of collectible trading cards as well.
Case in point, on Oct. 24, Heritage Auctions held the first part of its Fall Sports Catalog Auction. Please don’t let the name of the auction fool you, as there were a lot of non-sports cards listed in this auction that complemented some of the sports offerings as well. The first part of the auction consisted of some vintage Topps “Star Wars” trading cards that debuted in 1977 to coincide with the release of the first “Star Wars” film. Some of the offerings in this auction were top notch like the PSA graded (Professional Sports Authority) Luke Skywalker #1 card in PSA 10 condition from the series 1 Topps “Star Wars” trading card set. This card has an interesting price history, and it should be noted that there are only nine other examples graded by PSA in the coveted PSA 10 condition at present time. Going back to 2010, you could have bought one of these cards in PSA 10 condition for $958, and another sold in 2015 for a mere $311. However, fast forward to several years past the pandemic, and in 2023 an example brought $78,000 at auction. But, I do hope you are sitting down, because that $78,000 price was eclipsed by a wide margin when this card came up for bid on Oct. 24, as it sold for $268,400! In this same auction, other PSA 10 graded vintage 1977 Topps “Star Wars” trading cards also sold for new record prices. A Princess Leia card (#5 in the same set) in PSA 10 condition ended at $50,020. There are 15 of these cards in PSA 10 condition total in existence according to the current population report put out by PSA.
The Topps “Star Wars” trading cards were never all that coveted as major collectibles. These cards were popular for their time, and the series is quite massive with the vintage cards spanning multiple series throughout the original trilogy’s life span. Topps not only made “Star Wars” collectible trading cards, but there are sets devoted to
“The Empire Strikes Back” and “The Return of the Jedi” as well. In fact, Topps still has the license to produce these cards today, and there have been multiple releases of various collectible “Star Wars” cards the last few decades. Obviously, the most coveted are the very first set that was released alongside the movie in 1977. This first set contained a total of 66 cards and 11 stickers. The cards are easily identifiable by having a unique blue border with white stars. Ironically, for many years, these cards were deemed somewhat of a novelty and were not as popular as collectibles as the coveted vintage Kenner Toys “Star Wars” toy line. However, in a world where cardboard collectibles are king, this is quickly changing.
So what do these sales tell us? With the popularity of collectible trading cards at an all-time high, does this mean more esoteric trading cards will start soaring in value and demand? Ironically, this is exactly what the speculators and high profile investors playing in this market are hoping for. This is why caution must be employed if you are attempting to invest in this market right now. With modern era “Pokemon” cards continuing to sell out at retail markets across the country and now vintage cards seeing record-breaking sales, I think it is safe to assume that collectible cardboard is the new gold rush! Will these prices hold over the long term? That is anyone’s guess, but those of you who are old enough to remember the late 1980s and 1990s saw similar market dynamics in relation to sports trading cards. However, it is worth noting that back then manufacturers were overproducing modern-era products with disastrous results. Still, where this leads no one knows as we are
in uncharted territory here. Collectors please use caution. 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.
Bertoia
remote bidding options include absentee, by phone,
or live online through Bertoia Live, LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable. All images courtesy of Bertoia Auctions.
The Kingsbury (USA) pressed-steel “Huckster” covered delivery truck in factory green paint with orange hubs and cream rubber tires, the cab side marked “Kingsbury Motor Driven,” original paint, will be estimated at $2,000 to $3,500.
This is possibly the only known example of a Kenton Hardware (USA) Coca-Cola stake-bed delivery truck. It is speculated that Kenton made this toy prior to having an official licensing agreement in place with the soft drink company. The presumption is that no deal was ever consummated, since no other examples of this particular truck have ever surfaced, to the best of anyone’s knowledge at Bertoia’s. It will be estimated at $20,000 to $35,000.
The extremely rare Ventura (Italy) 38-inch “Giulio Cesare” clockwork battleship with layered superstructure, twin funnels, multiple turrets, lifeboats and deck fittings, an all-original boat in need of a good cleaning to increase its condition by a grade, will be estimated at $3,000 to $6,000.
This J&E Stevens (USA) “Boy Scout Camp” cast-iron mechanical bank, deeply-cast details, appealing colors and superb original paint, will be estimated at $4,000 to $7,000.
The George Borgfeldt Co., Mickey Mouse Fun-E-Flex (USA) Boat No. 28 with seldom-encountered original box in crisp condition, very colorful and early licensed piece with strong character graphics, will be estimated at $2,500 to $5,000.
This is a Pratt & Letchworth Combination Fire Wagon. An exceptional example with bright white horses, original figures, and strong paint throughout, it is estimated at $5,000 to $8,000.
Collection Of Edwin A. Dawes, Part IV Realizes $314,000
Posters Conjured Many Of The Top Lots
Potter & Potter Auctions is pleased to announce the results of this 477 lot event held on Oct. 25. The auction had a 94 percent sell through rate. All prices reported include 20 percent buyer’s premium.
“Our final sale of material from the Dawes collection brought closure to a century-spanning career in academia and the magical arts. Eddie Dawes was a consummate collector, but also a respected authority on the history of magic and its allied arts. We’re thrilled with the
strong results for the items from his storied collection (offered by us across some four auctions) and happy, too, that other collectors showed such great enthusiasm for Eddie’s treasures,” according to Gabe Fajuri, president of Potter & Potter Auctions.
The top lot in this sale was a poster titled “Leon & Co., the Wonder Workers Present Fire and Water.” Estimated at $10,000 to $20,000, it delivered $28,800. This framed, linen backed poster measured 87-by39 inches and was published in London by Haycock-Cadle
around 1910. This very scarce example is the only known full-color lithograph advertising The Great Leon’s whirlwind vaudeville show.
The poster “Chung Ling Soo/Has Reached the Highest Pinnacle of Fame” was estimated at $4,000 to $8,000 and sold for $11,400. This ca. 1915 linen backed, color stone lithograph was illustrated with Chung Ling Soo (b. W.E. Robinson, 1861-1918) standing atop a mountain at sunset with a sword in his right hand and his left arm extended. It was published in London by J. Weiner. John Gaughan and Jim Steinmeyer’s book “The Fantastic Orange Tree” was estimated at $100 to $200 and traded hands at $7,200. This publication, a prospectus for Gaughan’s reimagining of Robert-Houdin’s incredible effect, was inscribed and
signed by the authors inside the front wrapper. It was published in Los Angeles, Calif., around 1988.
A suitcase of magic apparatus, music, and ephemera from the British performer
Continued on page 8
The poster “Chung Ling Soo / Has Reached the Highest Pinnacle of Fame” was estimated at $4,000 to $8,000 and sold for $11,400.
The “Leon & Co., the Wonder Workers present Fire and Water” poster was estimated at $10,000 to $20,000 and sold for $28,800.
John Gaughan and Jim Steinmeyer’s “The Fantastic Orange Tree” was estimated at $100 to $200 and sold for $7,200.
Words To Live By: Those Wooden Wall Plaques
Smack Dab In The
By Donald-Brian Johnson
“A penny saved is a penny earned.” “A stitch in time saves nine.” “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Some folks call them mottos. Or proverbs. Folk sayings. Adages. Often, they have a definite ring of truth (after all, if you save a penny, then you do indeed have one more than you started with). Other times, maybe not so much. (I’m pretty sure that “apple/doctor” thing doesn’t really work.)
“Words to live by” like these creep their way into our consciousness and often into our conversations. If you tell someone “every cloud has a silver lining,” you know exactly what you’re saying, and they know exactly what you mean. You’ve taken a short cut on the road to communication. Kinda trite?
Well, maybe, but hey, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Words to live by have been with us for a long, long time. Proverbs have been found on tablets carved by ancient Sumerians in 2000 B.C. There are plenty of proverbs in the Bible (and not just in the Book of Proverbs). Ben Franklin loved them. And, in the 19th century, seamstresses perfected their needlework by stitching proverbs into
Middle:
Design Trends Of The Mid-20th Century
samplers. By the mid-20th century, those words to live by made their way into American homes, thanks to wall plaques. When folks found themselves in need of advice, encouragement, a smile, or a just a pick-me-up on a dreary day, there it was, staring them right in the face.
Gazing at a wall plaque from the 1930s or ‘40s, you can’t help but admire the hand-carved lettering and images, often highlighted with color accents, on burnished wood backings. But even though the plaques looked hand-carved, and of “real” wood, they actually weren’t. The plaques were actually molded, pressed wood creations, putting them within the reach of almost every pocketbook.
Many companies specialized in these items (Burwood, Ornawood, Orn-ACraft, Multi-Products), but leading the pressed wood pack was “Syroco,” the
Syracuse Ornamental Company of Syracuse, N.Y. Due to its dominance, “Syroco” has since become generic shorthand for all types of pressed wood products, regardless of maker.
In 1890, the skills of Syroco founder, accomplished carver Adolph Holstein, were in great demand, as homes of the time called for ornately carved woodwork. More master carvers were hired, but the time-consuming process of hand-carving limited the number of orders that could be accepted. The solution? “Syrocowood!” Holstein and staff would create a master carving, cast a mold, then cast replicas from that. Since only one master carving was required for each design, both production and affordability were greatly enhanced.
The “authentic wood” effect was enhanced by carving each master from the specific type of wood
its replicas were intended to resemble. A lead mold was cast from the carving, with the surface textured as per the grain of the original
wood. The mold was then filled with a mixture of wood flour, waxes, and resins, and compressed. After removal from the mold, sanding
removed mold lines, and the piece received either multicolor decoration or a natural wood stain.
CALENDARS
A UCTIONS
DELAWARE
11/19/2025, Lewes - Wed 5 PM, Online only, amauctions.com. Firearms, shooting accessories, vintage electronics, vintage gaming systems, tools, equipment, billiards table, gun safe, enormous selection of Hot Wheels cars, comics, Christmas & holiday decorations & more! A & M Auctions
12/09/2025, Parsonsburg - Tues 5 PM, Online only, amauctions.com. Nice selection of estate coinage to include 33+ US, UK, France & Prussia gold coins, US & foreign silver coinage & more! A & M Auctions
11/15/2025, Portland - Sat 10 AM, Auctionzip.com #1731. Advertising signs, blue decorated stoneware, salesman sample brass .38 caliber, JE Caldwell Philadelphia Grandfathers Clock, orientalware & more! United Auctions & Antique Purchasing
OHIO
11/28-29/2025, DelawareFri & Sat, ameliajeffers.com. Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Americana Auction at the Barn. Amelia Jeffers Auctioneer PENNSYLVANIA
10/31-11/15/2025, Sinking Spring - Sat 3 PM, Online only, bid.geyerauctions.com. Antique toys, G scale trains, advertising & more! Geyer Auctions
11/15/2025, Ephrata - Sat 9 AM & Online, horstauction. com. Over 580 lots of antique tools. Horst Auction Center 11/16/2025, Dover - Sun 6 PM, Online only, topgunauction house.com. Tuskegee airman group, antique engraved firearms, art deco, canes, named Civil War artifacts, Confederate items, King Ludwig I horse bridle & sword, antique powder horns & bags, bayonets, Civil War items & more! Top Gun Military 11/16/2025, Pineville - Sun 12 PM & Online, locatillc.com. Fine art & furniture. Locati LLC 11/17/2025, York - Mon 4 PM, gilbertauctions.com. Vintage advertising, antiques, coins, wildlife mounts, Fiestaware. Gilbert & Gilbert Auctioneers 11/17/2025, DillsburgMonday 6:30 PM, ww.haars. com. New Snowblower, 34 Roadster body parts, Toyota Prius, tools, box lots & more! Hardy’s Auction Service 11/18/2025, Glen Rock - Tues 9 AM & Online, Glen Rock, PA wehrlysauction.com, Indian artifact collection, Redware & other pottery, 1918 Foust calendar, York County items, lanterns, cast iron animals, pans & kettles, primitives, furniture & more! Wehrly’s Auction Service
11/18/2025, Dillsburg - Tues 6 PM, haars.com. Boyds Bears & other collectibles. Hardy’s Auction Service
A Syroco master carver at work in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of Syracuse Ornamental Company archives.
An oval tribute to the “Little Things In Life.”
“A woman’s work is never done.” Judging by the illustration, Mom’s next task involves needle and thread.
What would Mom like more than a plaque in a modified heart shape?
A memento for Mother and Dad, complete with a remembrance of Colorado’s Pike’s Peak and Garden of the Gods.
An anniversary wish, framed in flowers.
Witman
Continued from page 1
had five serious buyers and one passes away, two begin to downsize, and one is on vacation during a particular sale, that leaves one active participant left, until a new audience enters the fray. The generation who bought quality Pennsylvania German folk art such as the material in this sale were active during the golden era around the bicentennial in the mid 1970s and are now downsizing. The majority of their children have not followed their parents’ passions in collecting or decorating. A related example of how a market changes over time is that of David Ellinger paintings. Ellinger (1913-2003) was a folk painter whose work, citing auction prices realized, have cooled off. Following his passing, record
prices were paid, but as time passed, not enough buyers have continued to support the market, and prices have fallen. Yet, Hattie Brunner remains relevant and as popular as ever today. Her watercolor paintings have an active audience. An original winter farm scene sold for $8,400. Brunner’s brother-in-law Luke Gottshall (1899-1993) was a folk artist on Mechanic Street in Reinholds. One of his horse-drawn wagons sold for $750. Brunner sold his folk art in her shop. Her sister and Luke’s wife, Fannie, made folky fabric spool chickens and collages. They sold well at this sale. A Walter and June Gottshall (Reinholds) large rooster carving brought $800; a tall crane, $480; and their incredible 6-foot tall bird tree realized $2,500. A Dan Strawser Jr.
large Schimmel-influenced spread-wing eagle realized $750. A Luke and Fannie primitive farm scene painting was $520; a Barbara Strawser pumpkin patch painting sold for $700; a Barbara painting of rabbits and cat, $630; and a farm scene from the 1970s was $600. Another Barbara Strawser painting reading “Chow Chow” was $330, and an auction scene painting, $500. A 1950 Stahl redware molded rooster was $350, and an unusual three-scene vertical reverse painting on glass with
gilded walnut shells embellishing the frame by John F. Long (1894-1984) of Reinholds sold for $300. This John Long is not to be confused with John G. Long of Slatington, Pa., who passed away in 2002 and was a master basketmaker. One week later, on Nov. 1, Witman held an on-site sale at Strawser’s house in Schaefferstown, Pa. It was another all-day event. The real estate brought $289,000. Much of the material sold on-site had damage, but her friends were there and
bought, marking the end of an era in this chapter of Pennsylvania German folk art. Barbara is dearly missed
by many who loved her. For more information, call Witman Auctioneers at 717-665-5735.
ANTIQUE AUCTION
FRIDAY,
NOVEMBER 28 • 9:00 A.M.
Location: Rowe’s Auction Barn, 2505 Ritner Hwy., Carlisle PA Between exits 44 (Allen Rd.) & 37 (Newville) off Int. 81
40 Pieces decorated stoneware incl. Cowden-M&T Miller-Irvine-NY & others, Redware incl. 15 pieces signed Shippensburg pottery, 18thC. Walnut inlaid bible box, Pr. Jacob Maentel portraits, folk art, painted & hardwood boxes, wallpaper boxes, baskets, signed copper tea kettles, large group early Cumberland Co. printed broadsides & fraktur, early Am. Map, rare Christopher Sauer set of religious cards (1744), early Carlisle books/paper/photographs early iron-wood-tin items, early sewing balls, samplers, fraktur & watercolors, cast iron, political, 19thC. Glass & china, early kitchen items, butter prints, signed bleeder, powder horns, decoys, miniature furniture, hobby horses, paintings & prints incl. J.A. Beck, cast iron & tin toys, stools, wooden signs, weathervanes, painted sleds, wood coffee bin, contemporary folk art. Furniture incl. 18thC walnut Shrank, 18thC walnut inlaid York Grandfathers clock w/ pewter dial, Chester Co. tall chest, 18thC. Stretcher base table, early walnut & painted wall cupboards, corner cupboards, bucket bench, Rank decorated blanket chest, 18thC. Inlaid walnut blanket chest, other early blanket chests, Cumberland Co. Sheraton walnut secretary desk & Tea table, pie safes, slant lid desks, tea tables, nice dry sink, 7’ pine table, Hepplewhite & Empire chests, Trifid foot & Hepplewhite dropleaf tables, misc. stands, Contemporary Windsor chairs & tables incl. Drew Losch, Chippendale & Q.A. mirrors, signed Rupp stand, etc.
Preview: Wednesday, November 26, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. morning of auction Terms: Cash or PA check, major credit cards w/ 3% surcharge, out of state checks with prior approval.
Note: Featuring the collection of Terry Drachbar & other local collectors. Furniture mixed @ 12:00, absentee & phone bidding provided.
Witman Auctioneers of Manheim, Pa., sold the 2 1/2 story Victorian era frame house with detached garage at 108 S. Market Street, Schaefferstown, Pa., just off the square, on Nov. 1. Witman photo.
The real estate sold on Nov. 1 for $289,000 to Kyle DeJesus of Manheim, Pa., who plans to restore the property. Pass photo.
An original Hattie Brunner watercolor winter farm scene painting realized $8,400. Witman photo.
It was an all-day sale. Pass photo.
This large Ned Foltz redware Easter egg realized $630. Pass photo.
Reinholds, Pa., potter Ned Foltz is in masterclass status when it comes to sgraffito work as seen on the giant Easter egg. Pass photo.
Christmas
Continued from page 1
School, located at 171 County Road (Rt. 517), Califon, N.J. (GPS directions). The Turnpike Road School is three miles north of the village of Oldwick. Once again, the sponsor will be the Tewksbury
Historical Society. Around 40 dealers will be offering for sale a variety of antiques, such as vintage holiday decorations, country antiques, silver and jewelry, among other categories.
For further information, call Bob Lutz at 609-865-9846 or Tori Hill at 908-295-0088.
Rock Ford
Continued from page 1
This lecture will be held in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn. Please park in the area located behind the barn.
Historic Rock Ford, located at 881 Rock Ford Road, Lancaster, Pa., is comprised of the General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery. It is owned and operated by the Rock Ford Foundation, a private, not-for-profit corporation.
To learn more, call 717-392-7223.
Potter & Potter
Continued from page 5
Stanley Collins (1881-1966) was estimated at $800 to $1,200 and realized $6,600. The leather case contained conjuring materials of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. These included a set of Bakelite Cups and Balls, a hand-painted Troublewit, a card production frame, a single black wooden billiard ball, Collins’ own Spirit Slates, a variety of playing cards, sheet music, programs and other small articles essential to Collins’ shows. For more information, visit www.potterauctions.com.
The poster “Thurston’s Greatest Mystery. The Vanishing Whippet” was estimated at $1,500 to $2,500 and sold for $4,080.
Check www.haars.com for pictures and updates. Office 717-432-8246
HARDY’S AUCTION SERVICE AH000010L 717-432-8246 or 717-432-3779
ALL DAY OUTSTANDING BLACK FRIDAY AUCTION
MARK YOUR CALENDARS, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS AUCTION! BRONZE STATUES, 30 PCS. BLUE DECORATED STONEWARE, GRANITEWARE, VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ITEMS, SWISS CYLINDER AND DISC MUSIC BOXES, MANY CLOCKS, WOOD BUCKETS, DECORATED TINWARE, MINIATURE FURNITURE, DECORATED BOX, FLAG CIGAR FANS, CIGAR STORE INDIAN, ARMOR, COOKIE CUTTERS, POWDER HORNS, CHOCOLATE MOLDS, PAINT DECORATED SLEDS, FACE BANJO, NEEDLEWORK PCS., SIGNS, WEATHER VANES, FRACTURS, 1786 SIGNED BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
LAND GRANT FOR MT. JOY BANKS, TOYS, SIGNED LEWIS MILLER DRAWINGS, FRAKTURS, INDIAN ARTIFACTS, STERLING SILVER TO INC. SEVERAL SETS OF FLATWARE, POSTCARDS & MORE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025 STARTING AT 9:00 A.M. TOOMEY AUCTION CENTER 240 HATCHERY ROAD IN HELLAM TOWNSHIP, PA
19TH Century copper garden fountain, tall 5 over 4 chest of drawers, Mid Century dining room and bedroom furniture, set of 6 decorated Ebersol chairs, wooden wash bin, blanket chests, Chippendale style writing desk, Hoosier cabinet, red paint bucket bench, wall corner cabinet, beautiful sounding Regina disc music and discs and Swiss cylinder music box w/bells and drum, face banjo, Warners Dairy signs, wood Key to the City from Lebanon, PA, Oct. 12 & 13, 1900; Moser & Steigel glass pcs, Kola 1895 etched glass, powder horns, 3 lg. hand puppets inc: devil & chinaman, 25 pcs. blue decorated stoneware to inc: Cowden & Wilcox, F.H. Cowden, Whites Utica, Harrington & Burger, Pfaltzgraff & The P.S. Co.; Dy-O-La dye cabinet, blue, grey and brown graniteware pcs, 8 drawer spice cabinet, Majolica oil lamp, cigar store Indian, Senator wood wagon, Frederick Remington and other bronzes, vintage German blown glass animals, vintage Santa’s, sheep, ornaments and other items, jointed bears, cookie cutters, cigar flag fans, slave shackels and bracelets, blown glass decantors, 2 clockwork roasting jacks, quilt, handbags, plated coffee and tea servers, flow blue, BB cards to inc: Mickey Mantle, Al Kaline, Roger Maris, etc., samplers, Foust pretzel, GWTW lights, yellowware molds, marble busts, painted wedding box, eagle flag pole topper, mechanical banks, rooster weathervane, early tin toys, 3 Lewis Miller drawings (1 signed), flintlock pistols, Fracturs, spatterware plate, 2 sets of Stieff sterling flatware, other sterling flatware, candleholders, S & P’s, serving pcs, etc., Y.H. Manchester, Mt. Wolf, York Haven sign, Union State Bank bronze sign, Indian dolls, arrowheads, clubs, hatchet, rug, pottery, etc., wood carving of Chief Sitting Bull, E.C. Eichelberger York squat top beer bottle, sev. tin type & glass photos, old photo albums, Havana High Grade Cigars Happy Heine match dispenser, vintage Halloween decorations, glass eye cement birds, horse weathervane, Model T policeman whirligig, barber shop signs, Walt Disney gumball machine, fancy fireplace crane, tramp art comb box, MGM Universal Studio prop of Custer’s Last Stand, Civil War swords & other items, New Freedom drug store sign, York Co. fire & police hats, pom pom tree, brass eagle scales, butter prints, several German bisque dolls, Clark’s spool cabinet, 1776 Colonial currency printed by Paul Revere, 9 stained glass windows, Richard Chester Hanover PA grandfather clock, 1880 grandfather clock, 20+ antique clocks of all types, German enameled glasses, umbrella stands, Stauffer’s wood boxes, 1786 Benjamin Franklin signed land grant for Mt. Joy, PA and was stated that it was to be called “Felicity” and much more not listed. 1980 Honda C70 scooter w/5454 miles, 1966 Corvette Sting Ray 427 with frame up restoration. Many original parts saved, including original orange valve covers, 9 consective 1st place trophys at Corvettes at Carlisle. Selected as one of twenty chosen for the 50th Anniversary tent which received a celebrity award. Matching # engine, teak wood steering wheel, original knock offs (no lug nuts) side pipes, original radio, power windows and antenna. One of a Kind! A real show stopper. Lots of documentation. Car cover and assembly manual. (3% Buyers Premium on car). Statues and Sterling sell at 11:00 AM. Stoneware sells at noon, Painting and pictures sell at 1:00, Corvette will be offered at 2 PM. Clocks sells at 2:30 Furniture sells at 3 PM. Preview: Wednesday Nov. 26th from 5 - 8 PM. Terms: Cash or Approved PA check, VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC. 10% Buyers Premium.
6 Ft. Copper Fountain Folk Art Weathervane
Folk Art Violin
Folk Art Eagle- Several Folk Art Carvings
1966 Corvette Stingray 427
Several Remington Bronzes
20+ Antique Clocks
Mount Joy Land Grant Signed & Sealed by Benjamin Franklin
20+ Pieces of Blue Decorated Stoneware
3 Lewis Miller Drawings
Food historian Marc Meltonville will present a lecture at Historic Rock Ford on Friday, Nov. 21.
Holy Batfans!
Adam West And Burt Ward’s Original “Batman” Costumes Bring $575,000
Television history made waves on Oct. 24 as Heritage’s The Stewart Berkowitz Television Treasures Hollywood/ Entertainment Signature Auction hit the block. It resulted in $3.17 million in sales (with buyer’s premium), headlined by the original costumes worn by Adam West and Burt Ward in the classic “Batman”
series, which together sold for $575,000. The auction saw a nearly 99 percent sellthrough rate and welcomed nearly 1,500 online and phone bidders from across the globe. The event opened the vault on one of the most extraordinary private collections of classic television memorabilia ever assembled,
the late Dr. Stewart Berkowitz’s Television Treasures Collection. “Batman,” “Wonder Woman,” “Happy Days” and “Star Trek” original series took the top results and proved the enduring legacies of these series.
Henry Winkler “Fonzie” signature leather jacket from “Happy Days” sold for $87,500. Another jacket used in the original show, which ran from 1974 to 1984, realized $75,000.
“Managing my father’s collection after his passing was a daunting task, but the Heritage Trusts and Estates team simplified the process and guided us every step of the way,” said Dr. Berkowitz’s son, Jordan Meddy. “I believe my father was smiling down from above seeing all the interest in classic television and helping so many other collectors build their collections!”
“As one of the most comprehensive and passionately assembled collections of vintage television memorabilia ever brought to market, this auction represented a lifetime of love for these shows,” stated Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions.
That original “Batman” television series took center stage, as seven of the top 12 sellers were costumes and
Jackie Gleason’s bus driver uniform from “The Honeymooners” (1955-56) sold for $42,500.
props from the show. Cesar Romero’s “Joker” ensemble sold for $212,000, and Yvonne Craig’s “Batgirl” costume sold for $87,500. The Batscanner receiver console, a signature of Batman’s Batcave, sold for $150,000. Julie Newmar’s signature “Catwoman” costume brought $68,750, and Burgess Meredith’s “Penguin” costume sold for $46,250. Batman’s Batarang and holster realized $50,000.
Lynda Carter’s signature “Wonder Woman” costume, complete with red, white and blue corset, golden cuff
Continued on page 10
The original costumes worn by Adam West and Burt Ward in the classic “Batman” series sold together for $575,000.
Cesar Romero’s “Joker” ensemble, worn during the “Batman” television series, sold for $212,000.
Plaques
Continued from page 6
As highly ornamented furniture and molding trim fell from favor, Syroco sought new avenues for its
product. In the 1930s, the Syroco line of wood-like novelty items made its debut. Soon, Syroco (and its competitors/imitators) flooded the market with knickknacks ranging from pressed wood
book ends and brush holders to coin trays and corkscrews, pipe racks, and plaques.
Billed as “just right for elegant living and gracious giving,” pressed wood plaques made great souvenirs. On many, there was a molded circular space for a decal heralding the specific vacation spot where it had been purchased. Inexpensive in their day, pressed wood wall plaques still remain a very affordable collectible. Plenty offer up their words of wisdom daily on eBay, with most averaging under $25. Collectors should appreciate that. After all, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”
Plaques courtesy of Mark Dickmeyer.
Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann.
All photos by DonaldBrian Johnson. Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous books on design and collectibles. His favorite words to live by are “the ultimate inspiration is the deadline.” Please address inquiries to donaldbrian@msn.com.
Heritage
Continued from page 9
bracelets and her golden “Lasso of Truth,” sold for $225,000. Two of Henry Winkler’s “Fonzie” leather jackets from “Happy Days” brought $87,500 and $75,000, and two of William Shatner’s “Captain Kirk” costumes from “Star Trek,” one his Starfleet uniform, the other his “Mirror, Mirror” episode alternate-universe ensemble, sold for $62,500 and $52,500, respectively.
“This auction was a love letter to the golden age of television,” followed up Maddalena. “Stewart Berkowitz built this collection out of pure passion for the shows and characters that defined an era. To see collectors from around the world respond so enthusiastically, and to watch iconic pieces from ‘Batman,’ ‘Wonder Woman,’ ‘Happy Days’ and ‘Star Trek’ find new homes, was incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms that the stories and heroes of classic TV continue to inspire generations.”
To learn more, visit www. HA.com.
Leather Love Seat; Ottoman; 2 piece sofa; Oak 2 Drawer File; Wicker Nightstands; 5 Drawer Chest; Bar Stools; Modern Corner Cabinets; 2 Wicker Childs Chair; Youth Rocker; Twin Beds; Day Bed; Jelly Cupboards; Wash Stands; Glider Rocker; Sectional Bookcase; and more. VINTAGE/DÉCOR: Large Assortment of Harley-Davidson Shirts and Other Items; Leather Tools; Bird Sculpture; Costume Jewelry; Copper Boiler; Collection of Shot Glasses; Vintage Typewriters; Mantel & Wall Clocks; Vintage Strollers; Dolls; Pyrex; Corning Ware; Cup/Saucer Collection; Baldwin Brass; Glassware; Crockery; Tiffany Style Lamps; Art & Prints; Large USS Constitution Model; 45 RPM Records; Albums; and more. PERSONAL PROPERTY: (2) E. Tricycles; Luggage; Sweepers; Spotting Scope; Flat Screen TV; Nice Selection of Christmas Décor; Ladders; Heaters; Garden Tools; Trailer Hitches; Drones; VCR’s; Table Lamps; Lawn Cart; Metal Racks; Kitchen Items; Baldwin Piano & Bench; Fanx Wicker Patio Set; Safe; Misc. Hand Garden Tools; Gun Cabinet; Jukeboxes; and other items.
AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Live auction begins at 9:00
A more optimistic version than usual of the familiar “Night Time Prayer.”
This “Welcome” plaque comes all the way from Jamestown, Va.
This Boy Scout has a lot to live up to; this plaque features the “Scout Oath.”
NO RESERVE!
HIGHLIGHTS: Several Very Good Advertising Signs & Thermometers, Early Trains & Accessories, Skeleton Keys, Redware & Primitives, Lots Of Early Ephemera & Birth Certificates. Large Selection Of Very Good Pennsylvania Quilts & Homespun, Early Teddy Bears, Rare Peter Derr Bible & Book, Large Selection Of Early Baskets, Spun Cotton Christmas Ornaments & Mercury Glass Ornaments. Large Selection Of Native American Artifacts & Arrowheads, Geodes, Crystals & Fossils, Some Of The Finest German Marbles We Have Ever Sold To Include: Onion Skin, Ribbon Core Swirl, Bennington Clay, Sulphide’s, Some Original Marble Boxes & Native American Indian Marble Pouch. Cast Iron Toys, Large Selection Of Rare Victorian Wall Clocks, Enterprise Large Cast Iron, Country Store Grinder, Several Exceptional Primitive Store Display Countertops, Early Wooden Wheelbarrow, Mills Slot Machine. Exceptional Artwork To Include Rare Farmall Tractor Painting By Glen Eshelman, Lebanon Artist C.A. Bleistein Painting, Disney Cels, Rare Mid Century Modern Signed & Numbered Eyvind Earle Serigraph, Exceptional Mid Century Modern Signed & Numbered Peter Max Psychedelic Pop Artist & Many Other Items Too Numerous To Mention!
November 28th & 29th
November 28th & 29th
November 28th & 29th
Day 1, Session 1:
November 28th & 29th
Weekend Americana Auction at The Barn
The Lifetime Collection of the late Deb Fisher, Lebanon, Ohio
November 28th & 29th
1, Session 1:
Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Americana Auction at The Barn
Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Americana Auction at The Barn
1, Session 1:
Collection of the late Deb Fisher, Lebanon, Ohio Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Americana Auction at The Barn
Day 1, Session 1:
The Lifetime Collection of the late Deb Fisher, Lebanon, Ohio
Day 1, Session 1:
The Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH
Lifetime Collection of the late Deb Fisher, Lebanon, Ohio
The Lifetime Collection of the late Deb Fisher, Lebanon, Ohio
The Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH
Day 1, Session 2:
Day 1, Session 2:
Day 1, Session 2:
The Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH
The Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH
2, Session 3:
2, Session 3:
Thanksgiving Weekend Americana The Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH
Day 2, Session 3:
2, Session 3:
Day 2, Session 3:
& Folk Art from Various Collections
& Folk Art from Various Collections
Day 1, Session 1: Day 1, Session 2: Day 2, Session 3: Day 2, Session 4:
2, Session 4:
Day 2, Session 4:
Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Americana Auction at The Barn The Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH Americana & Folk Art from Various Collections The Lifetime American History
Day 2, Session 4:
Day 2, Session 4:
Collection of Peggy McClard & Randy Segotta, Houston, TX & Weare, NH Americana & Folk Art from Various Collections The Lifetime American History Collection of the late Ken Hanna, Chester, NJ
Americana & Folk Art from Various Collections The Lifetime American History Collection of the late Ken Hanna, Chester, NJ
Seat
Seat reservations are recommended.
Seat reservations are recommended.
Seat reservations are recommended.
Note: This is just a selection from each of the lifetime collections. Additional sessions for all three are scheduled for 2026. Contact us for future dates.
Note: This is just a selection from each of the lifetime collections. Additional sessions for all three are scheduled for 2026. Contact us for future dates. Online bidding available at ameliajeffers.com
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS for Spring 2026
2,
4: The Lifetime Collection of the late Deb Fisher, Lebanon,
Seat reservations are recommended.
& Folk Art from Various Collections The Lifetime American History Collection of the late Ken November 28th & 29th
Online bidding available at ameliajeffers.com
Note: This is just a selection from each of the lifetime collections. Additional sessions for all three are scheduled for 2026. Contact us for future dates.
Note: This is just a selection from each of the lifetime Additional sessions for all three are scheduled Contact us for future dates. Online bidding available at ameliajeffers.com
Contact us today to discuss including a single item or entire collection. Recent references always available.
Online bidding available at ameliajeffers.com
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS for Spring 2026
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS for Spring 2026
History Collection of the late Ken Hanna, Chester, NJ
Contact us today to discuss including a single item or entire collection. Recent references always available.
Contact us today to discuss including a single item or entire collection. Recent references always available. Day 1, Session 2:
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS for Spring 2026
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS for Spring
Contact us today to discuss including a single item or entire collection. Recent references always available.
Contact us today to discuss including a single item or entire collection. Recent references always available.
Collection of the late Ken Hanna, Chester, NJ
Americana
The Lifetime American History Collection of the late Ken Hanna, Chester, NJ
Day
The
Americana & Folk Art from Various Collections
The Lifetime American History Collection of the late Ken Hanna, Chester, NJ
