Elvis Presley never needed an introduction – to millions around the world he was simply ‘The King’. Almost 35 years after his death he remains one of the world’s most popular and successful artists, with sales of more than 1 billion records to date.
A Harris poll conducted in 2002 suggested that ten percent of all Americans have visited Graceland, and nine percent Elvis memorabilia. He may be gone, but his legacy remains – and it seems we still all want a piece of The King to call our own.

On September 9, 1956 Elvis made his first groundbreaking appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was watched across American by an audience of more than 60 million people, and was pivotal in his meteoric rise to the top.

To celebrate this anniversary, the users of Wikicollecting.org, the open-source collectibles encyclopaedia, have compiled their list of the most expensive items ever sold from the King’s wardrobe.

10. 1970′s purple robe – $5,445

A 1970′s Elvis-worn purple terrycloth robe, monogrammed with “EP”, sold for $5,445 at a Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction in July 2011.

9. US army shirt – $5,069

A US army shirt worn by Elvis while on military service in Germany during the 1950′s achieved $5,069 at July 2011′s Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction. It bears a stamp of his name on the inside, as well as a Spearhead squadron badge.

8. 1950′s Lanksy Bros shirt, waistcoat and trousers – $13,798

A 1950′s Lanksy Bros shirt, waistcoat and trousers combination made $13,798 at a Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction in July 2011. It is accompanied with publicity photographs showing Elvis in the get-up.

7. Lanksy Bros suit and shirt – $25,725

A Lanksy Bros suit and shirt, which Elvis was pictured wearing on the back of the 1956 Elvis Presley album, produced by RCA, realised $25,725 at a Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction in July 2011. The items all included the “Lansky Brothers Memphis TN” label.

6. Promotional RCA photo red shirt – $28,000

A red shirt sported by Elvis in a giant pin up picture released by RCA in 1963, achieved $28,000 at a Leslie Hindman Auctioneers sale in October 2009.

5. Mohair suit with Verde boots and scarf – $36,722

A stage worn International Costume Company mohair suit, with a scarf and Verde boots, was sold for $36,722 at a Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction in July 2011.

The garments were worn by Elvis during his long run at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, between 1969 and 1976.
The comparatively sober items suggest that they come from the earlier portion of his return to the stage, as his outfits became increasingly flamboyant in later years.

4. 1974 buff-colour North Beach leather suit – $47,000

A 1974 buff-colour North Beach leather stage-worn suit, worn by Elvis during 1974, made $47,000 at a Regency Superior sale in January 2006. The bell bottomed trousers feature an American football style fly, while the jacket includes sweat stains.

3. Sweat stained 1975 dark blue suit – $105,000

A dark blue International Costume suit, worn by Elvis at a number of concerts in 1975, sold for $105,000 at a Regency Superior sale in January 2006.

It comes complete with sweat stains courtesy of the King.

2. 1974 North Beach Leather suit – $120,000

A two piece bespoke custom leather suit, worn by Elvis at gigs at the Las Vegas Hilton during the summer of 1974, achieved $120,000 at Heritage Auctions in October 2008.

The cream suit, one of four very similar outfits produced by North Beach Leather for Elvis, features bloodstains from where he received B-12 vitamin shots before going on stage.

1. Elvis’s nail mirror jumpsuit – $175,000

A 1974 nail mirror jumpsuit worn by Elvis at a number of shows during 1973 and 1974 made $175,000 at a Regency-Superior auction in January 2006.

Elvis wore the suit at his largest ever concert, to 44,000 fans at the Houston Astrodome on March 3, 1974.
If Elvis’s two Aloha jumpsuits from his Hawaii concerts were ever sold by the Graceland museum, they could well exceed this figure.

Wikicollecting.org is an online, open-source encyclopaedia written by collectors, for collectors. It features information, how-to guides and listings for every type of collectible, from art and antiques to trading cards and memorabilia. Anyone can create a page, and it’s completely free to use.

For more information on how you can get involved with the Wikicollecting project, visit http://en.wikicollecting.org/ or contact them at info@wikicollecting.org.

“So much mystery and speculation surrounds the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart that when personal items belonging to her become available—which is a very rare occurrence—it rekindles the public’s imagination about her and the spirit of American aviation,” says Clars President Redge A. Martin. “For the items to surface in Northern California is a significant historical event, and one that brings an intimate, personal focus to this pioneer of flight.”

The auction house had the following to relate:
“The Amelia Earhart Luxor No. 6 flying goggles were a gift to a relative of the consignor by Neta Snook, the aviator who taught Amelia Earhart to fly. The goggles include the original aluminum storage case. Reportedly the goggles are from Amelia’s first crash at Goodyear Field while learning to fly with Neta Snook, July 1921, in her Airster.

Neta Snook (1896-1991), to whom the items at auction belonged, was Amelia Earhart’s first aviation instructor and the first woman to run an aviation business and to run an airfield, among a long list of firsts. Her 1974 autobiography, ‘I Taught Amelia Earhart to Fly‘, recounts how a young Earhart and her father walked on to Snook’s airfield and Amelia announced to her “I want to fly. Will you teach me?” For $1 in Liberty Bonds per minute of flight time, Snook taught Earhart to fly. Her early flights were fraught with mishaps, prompting Snook to reflect “Perhaps I misjudged her abilities…”

Clars also reports that the 18 unpublished Amelia Earhart gelatin silver photographs offered were a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart. The photos have been forgotten in storage for 40 years and were re-discovered recently by the seller in a manila envelope in a Northern California storage locker. These images include the famed Lockheed Electra 10E, the plane that was used for the circumnavigation attempt in 1939, with navigator Fred Noonan. There are also personal images of her packing for the flight, and her getting her hair cut at a barber’s shop.

Paul Fraser Collectibles (www.paulfrasercollectibles.com) says that the pre-sale estimate on the lot is $20,000 to $40,000 (goggles and a signed book), but that if the price achieved on a pair of Earhart flight goggles at the Profiles in History auction in 2009 is any indicator, these goggles could likely go for much more. At that auction the price soared to $141,600.

UPDATE: Here are the final prices realized at the auction:
Amelia Earhart Luxor No.6 flying goggles, left lens cracked, includes aluminum storage case, marked Luxor
Goggles No.6, E. B. Meyrowitz, the goggles were a gift to a relative of the consignor via Neta Snook, the
aviator who taught Amelia Earhart to fly, goggles 8”w x 2”h, case 2”h x 4.5”w x 2”d, note: reportedly the
goggles are from Amelia’s first crash at Goodyear Field while learning to fly with Neeta Snook, July 1921, in
her Airster. Sold for $15,000.

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting Amelia Earhart reviewing the map for the
circumnavigational flight of 1937, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the
consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $400

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting Amelia with her husband George P. Putnam, note:
provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly
by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $375

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting the Lockheed Model 10 Electra, taking off from
Oakland airport, California, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the
consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $350

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, (left to Right) depicting Paul Mantz, Amelia Earhart, Harry
Manning and Fred Noonan, Oakland, California, March 17, 1937, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift
from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $400

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, portrait of Amelia Earhart, note: provenance, the photograph
was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $325

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting Amelia Earhart and Paul Mantz, in the cockpit of the
Lockheed Model 10 Electra, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the
consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $350

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting Amelia Earhart exiting the cockpit of the Lockheed
Model 10 Electra , note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s
mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $375

Photograph, gelatin silver print, Amelia Earhart, 1937, signed (autograph) and inscribed by Amelia Earhart,
and dated 1937 (upper left), sight: 8.5”h x 6.5”w, frame: 12.5”h x 10”w. Sold for $1,800

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, Harry Manning, Amelia Earhart and Paul Mantz, note:
provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly
by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $300

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, Amelia Earhart packing her clothes and map case for the
circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia
Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w. Sold for $300

(lot of 4) Books, Amelia Earhart collection, including Neta Snook Southern, I Taught Amelia To Fly, signed and
inscribed, an Aviators’ Equipment Catalog, Amelia Earhart Aviation Pioneer, and Amelia, My Courageous
Sister, Muriel Earhart Morrissey and Carol Osborne. Sold for $325

Autographed photograph, gelatin silver print, Amelia Earhart, inscribed and signed, ”To my friends of the
radio audience, Amelia M. Earhart”, 10”h x 8”w. Sold for $2,750

Photograph, Amelia Earhart, depicting her supervising and document maintenance of her aeroplane, 2.75”h x
4.5”w. Sold for $300

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, portrait of Amelia Earhart leaning back on a sofa, note:
provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly
by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w $ 300

Photograph, gelatin silver print, Amelia Earhart and Charles Otis, bottom right of image has ballpoint pen
notation, ”Photo Meli”, photographers stamp verso, ”James J. Meli, 8228 Euclid Ave, ENdicott 1313,
Cleveland, Ohio”, also ball point pen description verso, ”Charles Otis and A Earhart”, sight: 10”h x 8”w $ 300

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, portrait of Amelia Earhart addressing envelopes for her
circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia
Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w $ 300

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, portrait of Amelia Earhart having her haircut at a barber shop,
note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was taught
to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w $ 325

Letter, George P. Putnam, signed (autographed) hand written letter, with reference to Amelia Earhart his
wife, addressed to Mr. Meli the photographer, on The Westlake, Cleveland, Ohio letterhead, ink on paper,
provenance: from a relative of Meli, sight: 10.5”h x7.25”w $ 500

Negative, Amelia Earhart, 4” x 5” negative, on Agfa film stock, depicting Amelia Earhart in a plane cockpit, 4”
x 5” $ 400

Negative, Amelia Earhart, 4” x 5” negative, on Agfa film stock, depicting Amelia Earhart, Harry Manning,
George Putnam, and R.D. Bo Mcinelly $ 450

Negative, Amelia Earhart, 4” x 5” negative, on Agfa film stock, depicting Amelia Earhart looking at maps $ 500

Negative, Amelia Earhart, 4” x 5” negative, on Agfa film stock, depicting Amelia Earhart and Harry Manning $ 450

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting the Lockheed Model 10 Electra, being fueled at
Oakland airport, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother,
who was taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w $ 300

Photograph, Amelia Earhart gelatin silver print, depicting Paul Mantz, Amelia Earhart, Elmer Dimity and Nellie
G. Donohoe, Oakland Postmaster, loading the last package of flight covers into the Lockheed Model 10
Electra, note: provenance, the photograph was a gift from Amelia Earhart to the consignor’s mother, who was
taught to fly by Earhart, 8”h x 10”w $ 300

I don’t think you’ll be finding anything like that on eBay, but here are some current auctions for Amelia Earhart memorabilia:

:

• Lockheed Vega of Amelia Earhart “Little Red Bus” Wood Model Aircraft Airplane

$139.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 15:04:46 PST Buy It Now for only: $159.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lockheed Electra 10E of Amelia Earhart Wood Model Aircraft Airplane first woman

$134.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 15:04:48 PST Buy It Now for only: $154.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lockheed Vega of Amelia Earhart “Little Red Bus” Wood Model Airplane Aircraft

$139.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 15:04:48 PST Buy It Now for only: $159.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Last Flight Signed Amelia Earhart With Clipping Nice!

$950.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 10:58:33 PST Buy It Now for only: $1,500.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Amelia Earhart in 1937 “Debris” Purdue University yearbook, excellant condition!

$85.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 12:01:23 PST Buy It Now for only: $95.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Large Viintage Amelia Earhart 8 x 10 Autographed Photo

$2,500.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 19:39:29 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• AMELIA EARHART HUSBAND GEORGE PUTNAM 1948 DEATH VALLEY

$45.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 14:36:36 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lockheed Vega of Amelia Earhart “Little Red Bus” Wood Model Aircraft Airplane

$139.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 11:43:16 PST Buy It Now for only: $159.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lockheed Electra 10E of Amelia Earhart Wood Model Aircraft Airplane first woman

$134.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 11:43:18 PST Buy It Now for only: $154.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lockheed Vega of Amelia Earhart “Little Red Bus” Wood Model Airplane Aircraft

$139.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 11:43:18 PST Buy It Now for only: $159.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list

One item that caught our eye was the Superman vs. The Robot lunch box up for auction – last year at around this time, a mint condition lunchbox sold for $11,865. This one doesn’t appear to be close to that condition, but this lunch box has been called the “Holy Grail.”

At any rate, there are a lot of nice pieces up for bids, so check it out:
PAIR OF MONSTER THREE-DAY SALES, PLUS A ONE-DAY ESTATE AUCTION, WILL FILL THE PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

The auctions – slated for Sept. 15, Sept. 23-25 and Oct. 21-23 – will be held in Oceanside, N.Y.

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – Most auction houses can brag about having maybe one three-day sale per year, if that, but Philip Weiss Auctions has two such events planned for back-to-back months — on Sept. 23-25 and Oct. 21-23. A one-day estate sale is also slated, for Sept. 15. All of the auctions will be held in the Philip Weiss Auctions showroom, at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside.

Just a few of the many noteworthy lots that will change hands this fall are an important family archive of Titanic memorabilia, from a survivor’s family; 1930s-era original comic art (to include Herriman Krazy Kat and Foster Prince Valiant examples; a nice Disney Snow White cel on a master background; and a pair of rare Dickson pistols from the Charles Gordon collection.

The Saturday, Sept. 15 estate sale, while fitting into just one day, shouldn’t be dismissed. Featured will be Part 1 of a 700-piece Royal Doulton figurine collection, a nice grouping of Oriental vases, a monumental late 19th century crystal vase and other fine consignments, drawn from prominent local estates and collections. The auction will get underway at 2 p.m. (EDT).

The first of the three-day mega-sales will kick off on Friday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m., with a session dedicated to Hollywood and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. Offered will be a large collection of original early rock ‘n’ roll master recording tapes of such stars as Chuck Berry, Vanilla Fudge, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and a rare early studio demo recording of Billy Joel.

Also featured that day will be Hollywood photos and other material from the Lester Glassner estate, plus additional Hollywood items from other estates (posters, negatives, etc.). Then, on Saturday, Sept. 24, a second session will begin at 10 a.m., this one packed with toys, toy trains, dolls, door stops and Part 1 of a huge, single-owner pressed steel truck collection.

Also offered will be Part 1 of a single-owner Courtenay and Britains collection (with over 100 Courtenay and Greenhill figures), a standard gauge train collection (Lionel, American Flyer, etc.), die-cast Dinky toys, cast-iron door stoppers, vintage lunchboxes (including Superman vs. the Robot) and dolls and bears (to include a rare Knickerbocker ‘Kewtee Bear’ with original tag).

The final day of the sale (Sunday, Sept. 25, also with a 10 a.m. start time) will see comics, comic art, Disney items and animation take center stage. Highlighting the day will be the ‘Adirondack Collection’ of comic art, plus a fabulous selection of 1930s-era original comic art (to include Herriman Krazy Kat, Foster Prince Valiant, and other early Sunday and daily pages).

The Sept. 25 session will also feature three wonderful Charles Schulz original Peanuts comic strips (including an early 1952 daily), a great run of high-grade King Comics (from #1 on up), Part 2 of the Joel Cohen Disney Collection, a gorgeous Snow White cel on a master background, and an ‘Operator 5’ premium ring in the original red box (one of only two known).

The October three-day sale will begin on Friday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m. in the afternoon, with a session loaded with transportation, aviation, maritime, militaria and posters. Featured will be over 100 World War I and II helmets and goggles, a unique Mexican/Civil War trunk belonging to Maj. William Schoonover (176th PA Infantry), identified daguerreotypes, books and photos.

The hit of the session, though, promises to be an important family archive of Titanic memorabilia, directly from a family member of John & Nelle Pillsbury Snyder, who were rescued when the Titanic sank. Archive includes a letter on Titanic stationary dated April 10, 1912, photos of the Snyders, another letter dated April 18th that tells of the confusion from news sources and the White Star Line at the time of the sinking, a group of original photos taken from the Carpathia, newspaper clippings, family mementos, collectibles and more.

Also offered will be a rare World War II German SS Totenkopf H. Himmler honor ring, engraved and dated (Sept. 11, 1941), with a certificate of authenticity; very important percussion pistols and shotguns (including a pair of Dickson pistols from the Charles Gordon collection); maritime and nautical material from the Bushnell estate; and World War I/World War II posters.

Sandwich day – Saturday, Oct. 22, starting at 10 a.m. – will feature sports items, stamps and coins, rare books, autographs and maps. Highlights will include a trove of 1930s and ‘40s baseball and non-sports cards, jockey Willie Shoemaker’s first signed contract as an apprentice, a Pittsburgh Pirates signed team baseball (with a nice Roberto Clemente signature), a baseball signed in 1934 by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, a contemporary Yankee Stadium painting by William Feldman, a 1948 Olympic torch and more.

Stamps will include Part 5 of the Great Lakes Collection, plus many additions from other prominent estates. Coins will feature a single-owner estate collection of ancient gold and silver coins. Books will include a rare copy of Treasure Island, with original drawing by N.C. Wyeth.

The final day of the auction –Sunday, Oct. 23, also with a 10 a.m. start time – will have toys, toy trains, toy soldiers and pressed steel. Offered will be Part 2 of a single-owner Courtenay and Greenhill collection, Britains, pressed steel trucks, toy trains and other desirable collectibles.

Online bidding for all sales will be facilitated by Proxibid.com. Previews will be held during the week leading up to the three-day auctions (or by appointment), as well as the morning of the date of sale for all auction dates. Images for some of the items to be sold may be seen on the Philip Weiss Auctions website, at www.WeissAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

What’s in the Attic?
Linda Hamer Kennett

The Fisher Price Toy Company was formed in 1931 by Herman Fisher, Irving Price, and Helen M. Schelle. While none of the three had much experience in the field of toy manufacturing, they shared a vision to produce a line of toys that would stimulate the creativity of a child. As stated in their first catalogue it was the goal of Fisher-Price to manufacturer toys with “intrinsic play value, ingenuity, strong construction, good value for the money and action.”

The company, that would one day grow into the world’s largest producers of children’s toys and furniture, started in a 3 room concrete-block building in East Aurora, New York with 16 toys. The very first toys ever sold by Fisher-Price were the Doctor Doodle and Granny Doodle pull-toys. These brightly colored ducks made of Ponderosa Pine with steel construction, were decorated with non-toxic lithographs and quacked and waddled as they were pulled. This pair of ducks have been known to bring $1,500-$2,000 each MIB {mint in box}.

The 1950′s saw the introduction plastic toys when “Buzzy Bee” hit the market. Realizing that plastic could help the company manufacture a product that would be brighter colored and longer-lasting, they expanded their new line to include 39 plastic toys by the end of the decade. Do any of you remember the “bubble mower” which produced a stream of bubbles when pushed, the “popcorn popper” with it’s bright colored balls that flew around inside a plastic dome, or the pull-toy trains driven by Mickey Mouse? These, and many other of the toys from the 1950′s are considered “Fisher-Price Classics” and are still being produced today.

In 1959 Fisher-Price manufacturer a group of little figures with animal and human characteristics that would evolve into the longest-lived line of toys in modern history. These tiny wooden figures ,with no arms and no legs, remain one of the most collectible of all the companies efforts and they were simply called… Little People.

The Little People have undergone six major body configurations since their inception. Early figures were wooden. All had a cylinder shaped body with females identifiable, for the first years, only by their eye make up. After 1965 you will find a wider shape used for boys and men and a conical upper shape for girls. The first group of figures were sold in 1965 as the Lacing Shoe with Play Family. The set, containing a Mom, a puppy, and four child figures, is a “must have” for any serious collector.

In 1968, Fisher-Price introduced the first Little People playset, the Play Family Barn which featured doors that “moo-ed” when opened. It was followed in 1969 by the Play Family House, the Play Family Action Garage in 1970, School is Cool in 1971 and the Little People Discovery Airport in 1972. Playsets, with all of their pieces, may take a while to assemble but are of considerable value.

In spite of their popularity the Little People faced the threat of extinction in the mid-1980′s when a picture of three of the characters were featured on the cover of the Edward Swartz publication “Toys that Kill”. The book addressed the choking dangers to small children presented by many popular toys of the day. It was taken very seriously by the major toy companies and Fisher-Priced replace their Little People with a larger version called the “Chunky People” in 1986.

For a good over view of Fisher-Price through the years, check out www.fisherprice.com, where you will find a virtual tour, a timeline of production, and many other very useful tools. Until next time… Linda

{Linda Hamer Kennett is a professional liquidator specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the valuation of estates and may be reached at 317-3556-7856 or lkennett@indy.rr.com}

Some current live auctions on eBay for Fisher Price Collectibles:

:

• Fisher Price Allie Gator #653

$30.00 (3 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-9-2012 15:34:12 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Fisher Price Toy Wagon 131

$75.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 5:32:22 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• 1939-40 Fisher Price Granny Duck Pull Toy #540

$49.99 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 7:22:11 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Fisher Price Bunny Bell Drummer 508

$50.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 7:47:11 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Fisher Price Bunny Drummer 512

$75.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 7:53:31 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Fisher Price The Toy Wagon 171

$75.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 8:00:44 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Fisher Price Snoopy Pull Toy #181 with Original Leash

$49.99 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 10:17:25 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• 1942 FISHER PRICE DONALD DUCK CART WOOD PULL TOY

$99.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 19:52:02 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• 1942 FISHER PRICE THE TOY WAGON HORSE PULL TOY MINTY

$199.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 19:52:10 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• ONLY 1 ON EBAY RARE REDUCED FISHER PRICE ANTIQUE 1949 RABBIT

$45.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 6:44:37 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Memorabilia from John Wayne’s Personal and Professional Archives now being Cataloged by Heritage Auctions for Los Angeles Public Auction, Exhibitions in Dallas and New York

John Wayne's Golden Globe for True Grit

(Dallas, TX) April 5, 2011 — The family of legendary actor John Wayne will be offering an expansive collection of never-before-released personal and professional memorabilia from the movie star’s personal archives for public auction this fall. Among the items in the collection are one of the iconic black eye-patches worn by John Wayne in his 1969 Academy Award® winning role in True Grit, the cowboy hat he wore in the film’s 1975 sequel, Rooster Cogburn, and more than 400 other costumes, scripts, personal documents and awards that will be available to fans for the first time.

John Wayne Enterprises (www.JohnWayne.com) has appointed Heritage Auctions (www.HA.com), the world’s third largest auction house, to conduct the first ever single-owner auction from John Wayne’s personal archive. Public exhibitions of the John Wayne collection will be held in Dallas, Texas, September 16 – 18, 2011, and in New York City, September 23 – 25, 2011. The auction will take place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and online, October 3 – 6, 2011.

“My father’s fans were very important to him. He was open and accessible to them, and making these items accessible to the public is something that feels right,” said Ethan Wayne, President of John Wayne Enterprises. “Museums have large collections of my father’s personal property, and our family has had a chance to select and keep items sentimental to us. There is no need to keep this memorabilia locked away when it can be enjoyed by his fans.”

“The John Wayne collection is a time capsule of classic Hollywood and U.S. history that has remained carefully preserved by his family since John Wayne died 32 years ago in 1979,” added Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. “We anticipate attracting a wide range of people to the auction, from serious collectors and loyal fans to movie fans and the simply curious.”

Among the additional items in the auction are John Wayne’s Golden Globe award for Best Actor for his role in True Grit; costumes from such movies as Sands of Iwo Jima and The Green Berets; and more than 50 movie scripts from such celebrated John Wayne films as True Grit, The Green Berets, Stagecoach, Rio Lobo, Hellfighters and The Sons of Katie Elder. Many of the scripts are annotated with John Wayne’s handwritten notes.

Personal items include John Wayne’s cowboy boots and cowboy hats; saddle and stand; personal correspondence with U.S. Presidents and Hollywood’s biggest stars of the era; correspondence and awards related to his affiliation with the University of Southern California; John Wayne’s driver’s license, passport and American Express card.

Pre-sale estimates range from $100 to $50,000 each depending on the item. Items offered in the auction will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Wayne family and Heritage Auctions.

For more information on the auction and exhibitions, contact Heritage Auctions at (800) 872-6467 or visit www.HA.com.

Some current live auctions on eBay ifor John Wayne collectibles:

John Wayne -plate -plates -breyer -collector (Category: Collecti: John Wayne -plate -plates -breyer -collector (Category: Collectibles )

• Zippo Lighter John Wayne Cowboy 2005 Limited Edition used very little new flint

US $35.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 16:55:03 PST Buy It Now for only: US $45.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• Lot of 14: John Deere Crown Massey Texaco Gearbox Collectible Wayne Gravity Pump

US $50.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:00:20 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• FRANKLIN MINT: John Wayne on Horseback Bronze Sculpture

US $248.50 (21 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:39:55 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Chestnut Bone Handle Gunstock Knife Item Nr. 07459

US $47.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 19:22:58 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Gray Bone Handle Stockman Knife Item Nr. 07485

US $54.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 3:05:05 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Natural Bone Handle Peanut Knife Item Nr. 07472

US $49.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 3:05:55 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Chestnut Bone Handle Stockman Knife Item Nr. 07451

US $55.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 3:08:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Chestnut Bone Handle Muskrat Knife Item Nr. 07452

US $49.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 3:09:28 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Chestnut Bone Handle Tiny Trapper Knife Item Nr. 07454

US $47.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 3:10:21 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Case XX John Wayne Chestnut Bone Handle Gunstock Knife Item Nr. 07459

US $47.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 3:25:13 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

It was just the 51st auction for the young firm, and it may have been their best sale ever.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – An outstanding, mint condition Brown’s Celebrated Indian Herb bitters bottle, patented Feb. 11, 1868, sold for $36,960 in an Internet and catalog auction held Oct. 29-Nov. 13 by American Bottle Auctions (www.americanbottle.com). It was the 51st auction held by the young firm, which has become synonymous with vintage bottle collecting.

“Overall I felt the sale was a great success and may have been our best auction ever, based on the fact that nearly all of the 375 lots sold,” said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions, “and the eleven bottles that didn’t sell found new homes after the auction. We had over 100,000 hits on the catalog page and over 400 bidders.” The auction grossed around $300,000.

The Brown’s bitter was by far the top lot of the sale. Graded 9.9 out of 10 for condition and boasting a perfectly flat lip, the bottle was consigned by a woman who collected for fun years ago. “When she bought it, she was offered the choice of an amber or clear example, and thankfully she picked the clear one,” Mr. Wichmann said, adding it is likely flint, not lead glass.

“Bitters and flasks are hot sellers right now,” Mr. Wichmann observed. “I have to believe they are entering a new age. People are beginning to realize they just aren’t coming up at auction like they did, and everyone is scrambling to get the rarest and most perfect examples out there. Whether this is a tulip craze or real people with real money in it for the long haul, I don’t know.”

The auction featured bitters and historical flasks, but also Western whiskey bottles, sodas, medicine bottles and other offerings. Most of the bottles dated from 1850-1900, the period most desired by collectors, when superior embossing techniques were used. Bidders were encouraged to use the online catalog, where large photos and full-color videos of each bottle were shown.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 12 percent buyer’s premium.

The surprise lot of the sale was an Eagle/Grapes one-quart flask that soared to $19,600, against a pre-sale estimate of $1,000-$2,000. The crudity, condition (mint) and color (a brilliant turquoise) combined to spark a bidding war. Also, a GI-40 Major Ringold Rough ‘n’ Ready pint flask in a very light aqua color brought $15,680 (it would have hit $20,000 except for a lip chip).

Another surprise happened when a pair of Fells Point/Sloop GVI-2 half-pint flasks came up for bid. One was puce, a very common variant, while the other was topaz — much rarer and possibly unique. But when the final hammer fell, the puce bottle realized $12,320 and the topaz one fetched $5,152. “Should have been the other way around,” Mr. Wichmann said. “Go figure.”

A California wine bitters (M. Keller, Los Angeles), made in 1863 (the only year of production), a beautiful pastel green with loads of whittle and super strong strike, graded 9.8, gaveled for $10,080; and a Fish bitters (W. H. Ware, 1866) finished at $9,520. “I think it could have gone a bit higher,” Mr. Wichmann said, “but a small postone scared some bidders away.”

An original Pocahontas bitters (Y. Ferguson), aqua blue with an applied top and completely covered in a Benicia film, one of the finest Benicia bottles ever seen, graded 9.8, coasted to $7,280; and a Dr. Wosner’s USA Indian Root bitters, very popular with collectors and having a deep amber coloration, lots of tiny bubbles and overall whittle, graded 9.7, hit $6,720.

Two bottles went for identical prices of $6,160. One was a Lancaster Glassworks Cornucopia urn (GIII-16), with a sheared lip and open pontil. The pint flask was sapphire in color and graded 9.8. The other was an Old Pioneer Whiskey bottle (A. Fednkhausen & Co., Sole Agents, S.F.). The 1880s bottle had a gorgeous amber color and a super strong strike.

A Dr. Robertson’s Family Medicine bottle (prepared by T.W. Dyott, circa 1809-1815), made by Kensington Glass Works, rose to $4,704. It is believed to be the first ever embossed medicine bottle made in the United States. Also, a Bear Grass Kentucky Bourbon western fifth (Braunschweiger & Bumsted, Sole Agents, S.F., 1883-1884), graded 9.5, hammered for $4,256.

Rounding out the sale’s top lots: a Double Eagle GII-91 green flask with applied band and smooth base, graded 9.2, changed hands for $4,032; a Dr. Henley’s Wild Grape Root bitters with super heavy whittle and beautiful green color, graded 9.8, went for $3,808; and a Wister’s Clubhouse bottle, made circa 1851-1855, a beautiful teal color, graded 9.8, finished at $3,360.

American Bottle Auctions was founded in 1990 by Jeff Wichmann, a native Californian who has been collecting antique bottles for 40 years. Over time, the firm grew and underwent a name change, but the focus has always remained the same: to specialize in appraising, brokering, consigning and auctioning antique bottles and glass. Bottle collecting is enormously popular.

Mr. Wichmann has researched, appraised and estimated the values of thousands of antique bottles and related items. He is often called on to appraise antique bottles and glass for individuals and businesses. In 1999, he wrote and published The Best of the West – Antique Western Bitters Bottles, a research guide. He has also written many articles on antique bottles.

American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free, at 1-800-806-7722; or, you can e-mail them, at info@americanbottle.com. To learn more about American Bottle Auctions and the firm’s next scheduled Internet and catalog sale, log on to AmericanBottle.com.

Some current live auctions for collectible bottles on eBay:

bottle (Category: Bottles & Insulators ): bottle (Category: Bottles & Insulators )

• Hand-blown Swirrled Amber Bottle MUST SEE Mexico?

US $400.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:23:51 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• antique usa inkwells ink glass bottle

US $39.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:46:47 PST Buy It Now for only: US $49.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• L HOUSE antique dug Stoneware Beer Bottle

US $52.51 (7 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:51:02 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• TRPQ REISS Sikeston MISSOURI Mo. quart dairy milk bottle RHYME Mrs. E. F. Finch

US $43.00 (16 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:51:43 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Matching Cream Top Milk Bottles with Wire Carrier

US $189.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:53:41 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Emerald Green Carter’s Master Ink Bottle C.1880

US $53.00 (10 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:57:57 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• TRPQ 1940′s SHIVELY Chambersburg PENNSYLVANIA quart PA. dairy milk bottle 2COLOR

US $248.50 (22 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:58:28 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Riga BLACK BALSAM in CERAMIC Bottle 750ml Herbal MAGIC NEW EXTRA RARE

US $40.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:12:32 PST Buy It Now for only: US $50.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• TRPQ 1943 WAR SLOGAN St Louis MISSOURI Waterloo ILLINOIS dairy milk bottle WWII

US $169.50 (26 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:16:21 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• TRPQ Alamito CREAM TOP Omaha NEBRASKA Nebr. Neb. NE. dairy milk bottle CREAMTOP

US $46.55 (9 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:29:03 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

(RAYMOND, Ill.) – An outstanding Texaco Marine Lubricants single-sided porcelain sign, made in 1959 and rated 9.25 out of 10 for overall condition, sold for $6,325 at a two-day, three-session sale held Nov. 6-7 by Matthews Auctions, LLC, based in Nokomis, Ill. The auction was held at the gallery of Gavin Pope Auction, with whom Matthews Auctions often partners.

The sign – measuring 15 inches by 30 inches and featuring a ships and speedboats graphic, with great gloss and color – was the top lot in an auction that saw a staggering 1,500+ lots cross the block over the course of the three rings (sessions) and two days. And since many of the lots were sold in multiples, the final tally of items sold may actually have hit the 3,000 mark.

Headlining the event were the estates of Joe Srholez of Sussex, N.J., and Art Childers of Evansville, Ind., plus Part 2 of the sale of the oil bottle collection of Ron Throckmorton. The Nov. 6 session had 500 lots of petroliana and automobilia signs (to include porcelain, painted steel and cardboard), gas pumps, globes, soda machines, oil and additive cans, and other items.

Nov. 7 was split into two sessions, each one comprising around 500 lots. Session 1 featured a variety of oil and additive cans, original Packard artwork for magazine ads, several radiator mascots, Model A and other brand showroom posters, postcards and various automotive-related literature. Session 2, held later the same day, was dedicated almost entirely to toy cars.

These included nearly 50 lots of promotional toy cars, Metal Craft trucks, Steelcraft blimps and Mack pedal trucks. The session also featured over 100 lots of Japanese tin litho cars, trucks, airplanes and more (some new in the box), German toys (including Bing, Lehmann and others), an Arcade gas pump, toy gas stations and an original Scwhinn Black Phantom bicycle.

“This was a successful auction by any measure,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions, LLC. “Attendance was high both days, the phones were ringing and around 45 percent of the successful bids were either online or absentee. The Internet bidding, facilitated by Proxibid and LiveAuctioneers.com, attracted winning bids from Europe, Australia, Canada and the U.S.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 10 percent buyer’s premium.

Three lots from Nov. 6, Session 1 (aside from the Texaco sign) topped the $4,000 mark. A Ford anniversary crest neon single-sided porcelain rolled edge die-cut sign, rated 8.9, made $4,950; a United Motor Service single-sided porcelain die-cut arrow sign with early touring car graphic rose to $4,950; and an Oilzum Motor Oil single-sided tin sign, framed, broight $4,510.

A Francisco Auto Heater “Summer Here All the Year” single-sided tin sign with great cutaway car graphics, framed and rated 9+, breezed to $3,410; a Genuine Ethyl gas globe with great graphic, a 9.5-rated 13-inch lens and a new Capco globe body gaveled for $3,300; and a Hoosier Pete 100 Regular Gasoline glass gas globe with 13.5-inch lens, rated 6.5, hit $3,310.

A Texaco Certified Lubrication die-cut cardboard sign, 37 inches by 24 inches, with Marfak cardboard easel back display, rated 8.9, topped out at $2,970; a Weed Chains “As Necessary As Gasoline” single-sided tin sign with wood back, rated 7.5, with price wheel, rose to $2,530; and a Gulf Gasoline and Supreme Auto Oil single-sided tin sign, rated 8, hit $2,420.

A “We Sell Socony Motor Gasoline” porcelain flange sign, 24 inches by 20 inches, both sides rated 9, garnered $2,310; a Michelin Bibendum, 11 inches tall, sitting on top of a small air compressor, in very good condition despite a broken dial, realized $1,430; and a Defiance Spark Plugs “Your Engine Knows” double-sided tin flange sign, both sides rated 9, went for $1,430.

The top lots of Session 2 (Nov. 7) were a Sinclair Opaline Motor Oil 1-gallon flat metal can with an early open wheel race car graphic, with good color; and a Manhattan Trop-Artic Oil half-gallon flat metal can with early sedan graphic, rated 9. Both pieces brought a respectable $3,300. Also, a 1910 print on oil cloth of an Oldsmobile Racing A Train commanded $2,475.

Also from Session 2, Nov. 7: A Standard Oil of Indiana Polarine Motor Oil one-gallon flat metal can with early touring car summer-winter scene, rated 7/8, brought $1,980; an oil on canvas rendering of a Packard Phaeton Deluxe convertible car, for a magazine ad, coasted to $1,760; and a Standard Oil of New Jersey Polarine Gear Oil one-gallon flat metal can hit $1,650.

A Wonder-Mist Cleanser and Polisher half-gallon flat metal can with limousine graphic, both sides rated 9, climbed to $1,072.50; a 1957 Chevrolet full-line showroom catalog filled with color plates, rated 9, fetched $770; and a 1922 framed print of a “Careful Crossing Campaign” showing a car about to be hit by a train at a train crossing, 30 inches by 36 inches, rose to $770.

The top lot of Session 3, Nov. 7 (all toys), was a West German-made Gama 300 Cadillac four-door sedan tin litho friction-power toy car, 12 inches long, rated 8.5 with good paint. It sold for $852.50. Runner-ups were an Arcade “Andy Gump” cast iron car, rated 7 with paint wear ($770); and a Marx Sparkling Rocket fighter ship tin litho wind-up toy, 12 inches long ($715).

Other star lots from Session 3 included a Fontaine Fox Toonerville tin litho wind-up trolley by Dent, new in the box, 5 inches long ($632.50); a large 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air 2-door Japanese tin litho friction car, 15.5 inches long and rated 8.5, with very light wear ($605); and a tin litho wind-up toy Vespa Scooter with sidecar and riders, 6 inches long, rated 6.5 ($935).

Matthews Auctions, LLC’s next big auction will be held Saturday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. (CST), also at the Gavin Pope gallery (at 823 North O’Bannon in Raymond, Ill.). Offered will be hundreds of antiques, toys and advertising items, many of which would make excellent holiday presents. Online bidding again will be facilitated by Proxibid.com and LiveAuctioneers.com.
Matthews Auctions, LLC is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or a collection, you may call them toll-free, at (877) 968-8880. Or, you can e-mail them at danm@matthewsauctions.com. To learn more about the firm and its calendar of events, to include the big Dec. 11 auction in Raymond, Ill., log on to MatthewsAuctions.com.

Some current live auctions for oil and gas signs on eBay:

sign (Category: Gas & Oil ): sign (Category: Gas & Oil )

• MSA Service Station porcelain sign

US $350.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:44:43 PST Buy It Now for only: US $425.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• sinclair gas sign

US $67.00 (7 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:48:06 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Atlas Tires Accessories Batteries Tin Sign

US $330.00 (4 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:56:12 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• EXTREMELY RARE RPM GAS MOTOR OIL MICKEY MOUSE DISNEY VINTAGE TIN GAS SIGN

US $1,299.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 16:29:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage White Rose En-Ar-Co Roller Oil Can Not Porcelain Gas Pump Sign

US $65.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 16:42:01 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• GULF GASOLINE REPRODUCTION VINTAGE SIGN HEAVY BAKED EMAMEL 25.5 INCHES ROUND

US $70.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 16:44:32 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Antique 1920s Shell Gasoline Porcelain Clam Shell Sign 25″

US $350.99 (32 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 17:26:01 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• SUPER PYRO SNOWMAN ANTIFREEZE SIGN

US $89.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:11:19 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• VINTAGE ,ANTIQUE, RED CROWN GAS & OIL USA PORCELAIN STEEL PUMP SIGN

US $400.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:36:40 PST Buy It Now for only: US $500.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• LARGE ED ROTH RAT FINK SIGN

US $80.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:41:24 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Gold and silver coins hidden for years in a garage bring $88,000 in Philadelphia

After reading this, you may decide that clearing out your garage isn’t such an unappealing idea after all…

Read the Full Story >>

Magnificent ‘Washlady’ dollar stars at Heritage’s $9.42m COINFEST auction

The ‘finest known’ Washlady brought $161,000 as the market for rare coins remains ‘very strong.’

…The equally rare and collector-coveted VF30 NGC. M. 4.2-F.6, W-2360, R.8., from The W Philip Keller Collection of US Colonials, took the second spot on the auction podium in Stamford, realising $115,000.

Read the Full Story >>

Worth more than the poker chips… a set of silver playing cards brings $554,500

The extraordinary deck headed a $3.8m sale of fine silver at Christie’s New York. The top lot of the sale was as expected the extremely rare set of German engraved and parcel-gilt silver playing cards, signed Michael Frommer, Augsburg, 1616, realising $554,500, doubling its estimate of $150,000 – $250,000.

Despite their popularity among noble clientele – silver cards were supplied to the courts of Bavaria, Tuscany, and Brunswick among others – only five sets of silver playing cards are known to survive today.

Read the Full Story >>

AND MORE From Elsewhere:

Rare Bugatti could fetch record price at Monterey Auto Week auction

A 79-year-old Bugatti Type 51, which was raced in 17 European Grand Prix events and is considered one of the finest surviving vehicles of its kind, may set an all-time auction record August 14 during Monterey Auto Week.

The Bugatti, boasting its original bodywork, engine and gearbox, is predicted to sell for $4.5 million, which would be the highest price ever paid for a grand prix racing Bugatti.

Read the Full Story >>

UPDATE: The Bugatti failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $2,750,000 – not reaching it’s estimate of $3,500,000-$4,500,000 US.

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – A 1954 Superman vs. The Robot lunch box in mint condition – widely regarded as the Holy Grail of rare and vintage lunch boxes – soared to $11,865 at a three-day multi-estate sale conducted Oct. 22-24 by Philip Weiss Auctions. Around 1,200 lots changed hands at the event, held in the Philip Weiss Auctions showroom at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside.

The lunch box, by Universal, showed Superman flying at The Robot on the front. The reverse showed Superman carrying an airliner, breaking a chain across his chest and smashing through a brick wall. The piece tied for top lot with a 1901 Caille New Century Puck upright 5-cent slot machine in good working order. The highly collectible machine also brought $11,865.

Overall, the auction grossed nearly $500,000. “There were a few surprises, hardly any disappointments, and by and large I was very pleased with the results,” Philip Weiss said of the sale. He estimated 200 people attended the event in person over the course of the three days. Phone and absentee bidding was also brisk, while online bidding was facilitated by Proxibid.

“With regard to Internet bidding, it’s quite remarkable what we see happen,” Mr. Weiss said. “At the start of the auction, we may have 100 or so registered online bidders, no more. But as the sale goes by, hour by hour, more and more bidders log on. And a lot of them are first-timers. This has been a trend, and it’s a good one. I love that our auctions are on the Internet.”

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

An extremely rare Planter’s Mr. Peanut coin-operated scale, standing 44 inches tall and made by the X-Cello Scale Company (Toledo, Ohio), went for $9,040, key included. Also, a pair of Pennsylvania Railroad posters from the 1930s promoting Atlantic City, by the illustrator Edward M. Eggleston (1883-1941), both 23 inches by 33 inches, garnered $7,345 and $5,368.

A Tete Deposse French bebe doll, 25 inches tall with composition body, closed mouth, fixed eyes, finely painted brows and lashes, pierced ears, a ball jointed body and leather shoes went for $4,294, despite the worn and dirty dress. Also, a turn-of-the-century monkey automaton, 20.5 inches tall, with a baby monkey on its back, possibly German, brought $3,673.

A mechanical “Baker Boy” Sanitary Chewing Gum machine, patented by the Manikin Vendor Company (Portland, Ore.) and with the instructions printed on the brass name plate (“Drop penny – turn crank clear over”), breezed to $4,068, while a Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty circus tent with animals set in beautiful condition and showing only minor paint loss hit $2,712.

A single lot consisting of four albums loaded with assorted size photos and ephemeral material pertaining to the career of actress Linda Darnell made $2,938. The archive included images of Ms. Darnell during shootings as well as before, after and home shots. Also, another multiple lot – of stills, press photos, ephemera and negatives from various movies – hit $1,582.

From the toy trains category, a brass locomotive and tender by Tenshodo, made in Japan, HO scale with the railroad name “Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railway,” in mint condition in the original box, never run, sold for $2,317. Also, a Lionel pre-war 700E scale Hudson 5344 with tender, both showing some wear with scuffs but overall in excellent shape, made $1,187.

Philip Weiss Auctions will conclude 2010 with two more blockbusting estate sales, the first of which is planned for the weekend of Nov. 20-21. The Saturday, Nov. 20 session will be dedicated to a full day of Disney, animation art, comic art, comic books and sports memorabilia – over 600 lots in all. The Disney items will feature convention pieces, rare posters (to include two 1939 Mickey Mouse posters, Standard Gasoline and National Credit Card), animation art, Lladro and other porcelains, and Snow White animation cels with Courvoisier backgrounds.

Nov. 20 will also feature vintage comics and comic art (including a Peanuts daily and a Sunday page featuring Snoopy), sports cards (including complete sets from the ’40s, ’50s and up, early sports cards by makers like Sports Kings, Play Ball, Goudey, Topps, Bowman and more), sports autograph memorabilia (including jerseys, helmets and photos), and balls (to include a single signed Babe Ruth baseball with PSA letter, and a 1942 golf benefit pass signed by Ruth.

The Sunday, Nov. 21 session will present fresh material from a fabulous Park Avenue estate, to include high-end original paintings, part of a large single-owner Hummel collection, tobacco jars, sterling silver, Armani figurines, a Toulouse Lautrec poster (La Revue Blanche), an Alphonse Mucha JOB poster, Part 2 of a collection of pig-related collectibles, fine porcelains, a Chagall china set, sconces, bronzes, and period furniture, such as a Louis XVI-style card table.

The December auction will he held the weekend of Dec. 17-19. The three-day event will kick off on Friday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m., with approximately 200-300 ocean liner items, to include Part 2 of the Bushnell Collection, with additions. Featured will be tin signs, lithographs, prints, posters, models, paper ephemera, books, china and other assorted ocean liner memorabilia items.

Saturday, Dec. 18, beginning at 10 a.m,, will be dedicated to toy soldiers, toy trains, Fisher Price toys and more. Featured will be Part 2 of the Edward Ryan Collection, including paper toy soldiers, plus sets by Parker Brothers, McLoughlin and other makers. Toy soldiers from a variety of estates will be offered, including Britains, Manoils, Barclay, Durbar and others.

The day will also feature Part 2 of the Lawrence Kozsey “HO Brass” train collection, to include locomotives, cabooses, tenders and passenger cars by Samhongsa, Dongjin, Atlas, Tenshodo and others. Also included will be a miniature elevated railway that was built in the ’20s or ’30s, which features a power house, switching control house, floodlight towers and track. The Sunday session (Dec. 19, also starting at 10 a.m.), will be highlighted by Part 2 of the Great Lakes Collection of stamps and covers. Also featured will be four major estates loaded with album collections, a Midwest estate housed in special albums and more. Also sold will be currency, silver and gold coins (sold as single and group lots), rare books, autographs and maps. Previews will be held on the days leading up to, and including, the auction dates, for both upcoming sales.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731, or e-mail them at phil@prwauctions.com. To learn more about Philip Weiss Auctions and the firm’s calendar of upcoming auctions, to include the Nov. 20-21 weekend event, log on to www.prwauctions.com.

Some current live auctions for vintage lunch boxes:

lunch (Category: Lunchboxes, Thermoses ): lunch (Category: Lunchboxes, Thermoses )

• 1980 Vintage Dukes of Hazzard Metal Lunch Box with Thermos

US $66.00 (15 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 15:05:53 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Hogan’s Heroes metal Lunch box & Thermos 1966 beautiful cond

US $300.00 (33 Bids) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:11:22 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Assortment Of Collectible Lunch Boxes And Thermoses!!! (FREE SHIPPING)

US $99.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:12:29 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck 1954 Metal Lunch Box

US $150.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:14:21 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Hot Lock&Lock Lunch Box Set LocknLock Conatiners Lock n Lock bento picnic set

US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 20:48:46 PST Buy It Now for only: US $44.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• Hot Lock&Lock Lunch Box Set LocknLock Conatiners Lock n Lock bento picnic set

US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Feb-09-2012 20:49:19 PST Buy It Now for only: US $44.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• 1977 KISS Lunchbox W/THERMOS AUCOIN MANAGEMENT & KING-SEELEY lunch box

US $44.00 (7 Bids) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 8:33:19 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Vintage Bozo The Clown Tin Lunch Box

US $150.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 9:08:34 PST Buy It Now for only: US $225.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• VINTAGE ROUGH RIDERS METAL LUNCH BOX WITH BONUS EXTRAS!

US $55.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 9:11:03 PST Buy It Now for only: US $61.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• Vintage 1952 Hopalong Cassidy Metal Lunch Box

US $275.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 9:29:23 PST Buy It Now for only: US $345.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Released from the famed Todd Feiertag Collection; Graphic stunner could set world record, Nov. 12, with $700,000+ estimate; currently on view at Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills, 9478 West Olympic Boulevard

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The tantalizing combination of rarity, quality and sheer artistry could all merge to create a world record price at public auction when the only known The Bride of Frankenstein (Universal, 1935) teaser one sheet Style E movie poster, from the renowned Collection of Todd Feiertag, comes up for auction as part of Heritage Auction Galleries Beverly Hills Signature Movie Poster Auction, Nov. 12. It is estimated at $700,000+.

Read the Full Story >>

UPDATE: The poster failed to sell, but is now being offered in a post auction sale. So if you have some spare pocket change, you can pick it up for $717,000 until November 22, 2010. You can view the poster here at Heritage Auction Galleries >>

Looking for a reproduction Frankenstein movie poster? Check movieposter.com or allposters.com.

Interested in owning your own, not so pricey, original “Frankenstein” movie posters? Check out the following current eBay auctions:

Frankenstein (Category: Originals-United States ): Frankenstein (Category: Originals-United States )

• ORIGINAL 1957 I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN & BLOOD IS MY HERITAGE Trade Poster

US $145.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 6:58:37 PST Buy It Now for only: US $185.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• FRANKENSTEIN COMQUERS THE WORLD ’66 – Reynold Brown art

US $79.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 17:06:39 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Sexy Rosalba Neri Vintage LADY FRANKENSTEIN Poster Not a Reproduction 1971

US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 19:00:20 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Rare Midnight Spook Show Dr. Silkini Huston Magic Halloween Frankenstein Dracula

US $69.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 7:58:59 PST Buy It Now for only: US $89.95 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• Universal Horror GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN 1942 window card CHANEY Lugosi ATWILL

US $3,999.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 9:34:59 PST Buy It Now for only: US $4,500.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• MAD LOVE 1935 window card PETER LORRE Colin “Frankenstein” Clive MGM horror

US $2,999.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 10:12:51 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• BORIS KARLOFF Universal BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN orig REALART Lobby Card 4 horror

US $650.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 10:13:06 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• BORIS KARLOFF Universal BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN orig REALART Lobby Card 3 horror

US $650.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 10:13:24 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• BORIS KARLOFF Universal BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN orig REALART Lobby Card 2 horror

US $599.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 10:15:19 PST Buy It Now for only: US $750.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

• BORIS KARLOFF Universal BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN orig REALART Lobby Card 1 horror

US $899.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 10:15:35 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1,199.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list