(ATLANTA, Ga.) – Red Baron – the premier auction house in the Southeast – has saved the best for last in 2010 with a fall auction that will be packed with over 2,000 lots that would impress even the most discriminating and seasoned collector. The weekend event will be held Nov. 6-7 in the Red Baron gallery, located at 6450 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, near Atlanta.

“This will certainly be our greatest event of the year, and possibly ever,” said Bob Brown of Red Baron. “We have gone to great lengths to assemble an array of items that would suit the taste of any connoisseur: architectural antiques, fine furnishings, fine art, rare and vintage guns, guitars signed by rock ‘n’ roll legends, jaw-dropping gems, killer cars, vintage wine and more.”

The auction will feature several important presidential items, to include a bench handmade and signed by Jimmy Carter (with a photo of Mr. Carter building the bench), Ronald Reagan’s yearbook from his senior year at college (The Prism, 1932), with an autographed message from Mr. Reagan, and a wax figure of Ulysses S. Grant, in full uniform, from Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in England.

Headlining the guitars category will be an acoustic guitar played and signed by the late musician Jimi Hendrix, a Galveston guitar signed by numerous rock legends, two Peavey Predator series electric guitars (signed by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia and others), a guitar signed in bold writing by blues legend BB King, and many vintage Gibsons and Martins.

Fans of royal couture will be amazed by a collection of clothing items from the collection of Princess Lucie Shirazi, a Belgian-born aristocrat who married Prince Ali Shirazi Parav of Iran. She died in 1994 at age 86. Pieces from the collection will include a Pauline Trigere’s tailored dress with bolero jacket, a circa 1930s black velvet opera coat and many other gorgeous items.

Rare, magnificent bars – a staple at most Red Baron sales and a wonderful addition to any fine home or office – will be led by “The Joker Bar,” an original back bar in Honduras mahogany, crafted for use on a Mississippi riverboat and so-named because of the four large joker masks integrated into the capitals. Also sold will be a nice towering antique Brunswick liquor cabinet.

Another jaw-dropping lot promises to be an original set of 15 stained and layered figural windows made in the late 19th century by the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company and still in their original wood frames. The set, titled Parable of the Sower, was commissioned by Noah Pomfrey’s children and installed in St. Paul’s Universalist Church in Meriden, Conn., in 1893.

Speaking of Tiffany, vintage lamps made by the renowned manufacturer will include a 10-inch Damascene shade on a hand-blown glass base (circa 1900-1910), a blown glass linen fold shade on a dore adjustable counterbalance base (circa 1910-1920), and a harp floor lamp with gold Favrile shade and signed, numbered base. Very nice Pairpoint lamps will also be sold.

From the fine art category, just a few lots of note include an oil on canvas by Jules Ghobert (Belgian, 1881-1971), titled Bath Time; two original oil on board works by Wayne Morrell (Am., b. 1923); an oil on canvas by Giuseppe Puricelli Guerra (It., 1825-1894), titled Hawking; and a grand scale oil on canvas by W. H. Smith, on the subject of “Eve” (circa 1900).

Wild and wonderful vehicles are another Red Baron trademark, and this sale will be no exception. Where else can you bid on a veritable fleet of 1960s Good Humor ice cream trucks? Other offerings will include a 1958 custom-bodied one-of-a-kind MG MGA hot rod, a 1963 Land Rover, a 1965 British armored scout vehicle, and restored Willys Jeepsters (1924, 1948).

From the open road to outer space, Red Baron has got it all. Sold will be a massive 397-pound meteorite that landed in Chile and will now be auctioned. Other finds will feature a rare white quartz crystal from Brazil weighing over 1,000 pounds, a large fossil of amenorites, and an authentic baby dinosaur skeleton from the Cretaceous period, originally unearthed in China.

Guitars won’t be the only musical lots on the menu. Other items of “note” will include a completely restored Wurlitzer jukebox (Model 850), a very nice signed harp in mahogany with a gilt edge, a rare musical clock in European walnut with fine carvings, and a large Regina 25-disc polyphone music box in a mahogany cabinet with foliate carvings and 12 additional music discs.

Red Baron Antiques is one of the oldest, largest and widely-known fine antiques sources in the Southeast. The firm is celebrating over 35 years of providing its customers with world-class service and unique inventory, displayed at its gallery facility, which is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9-6, and Saturday from 9-4. Red Baron is closed on Sundays.

Red Baron also has several affiliate operations, such as The Red Baron Collection, Gallery 63, King Galleries and Queen’s Garden. These are profiled in the ‘Affiliates’ tool bar of the firm’s website, at www.rbantiques.com. Red Baron also owns Southern Seasons Magazine, a high-society lifestyle publication dedicated to the arts, culture, entertainment, style and class.

Red Baron is always in the hunt for quality merchandise for future sales. If you have an item, estate or collection to be considered, you may call them directly, at (404) 252-3770. Or, you can e-mail them at info@rbantiques.com. To learn more about Red Baron Antiques and the Nov. 6-7 auction, log on to www.rbantiques.com. A free color catalog is available on request.

By MARK DeCAMBRE
New York Post
April 6, 2009

“Fallen auto giant General Motors has resorted to unloading its prized collection of classic cars as its newly installed CEO said yesterday the company will go into bankruptcy if that’s what Uncle Sam wants.

GM is auctioning a fleet of collectible cars from its so-called Heritage Collection, including a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 used in the movie “Runaway Bride” as well as a 1920 Chevy Model T truck.”

Read the full story >>

Diggin deeper, we find that GM is also offering up a 1978 Corvette Indy 500 pace car, one of four made – and one of two that GM owns.

The auction, which runs from April 9-11, 2009, also features some other notable cars:
- A rare 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 convertible
- a Lime Gold 1967 Shelby GT500 fastback
- a pair of 1968 Shelby GT350 fastbacks
- a trio of 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 fastbacks
- a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS5 convertible
- a 1970 Chevelle SS 396 convertible
- a 1969 Camaro Z/28 with an authentic “X77″ production code
- a 1954 Corvette convertible
- a 1962 Corvette FI convertible
- a 1969 Corvette convertible with a 427c L71 engine
- a 1957 Thunderbird “E” convertible
- a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville convertible
- a 1955 Bel Air convertible

Sun. Nov. 16 2008
Josh Max, ForbesAutos.com

“An antique auto show in the year 2038 probably won’t have many Chevrolet Malibus or Honda Accords on display, but some experts say you might find affordable, everyday vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Mini Cooper there.

These would seem out of place sharing a podium with exclusive models from Bentley and Ferrari, but they have enough appeal to keep from fading into the scrap yard of history.”

The list:

• BMW Z4 Roadster
• Mini John Cooper Works Clubman
• Chevrolet Camaro SS
• Dodge Magnum SRT8
• Ford Shelby GT Convertible
• Honda S2000 CR
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Pontiac Solstice GXP
• Smart Fortwo
• Toyota Prius

Ten future classic cars under $40,000

Financial News – Yahoo! Finance
Tuesday September 16, 11:41 am ET
Co-Branded Classic Car Appraisal Guidebook on Sale Now, Sold at Thousands of Retail Locations

COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Buyers of classic, collectible and special interest cars now have access to a new pricing guide, made possible by a partnership between NADA Appraisal Guides, the world’s largest publisher of classic car pricing and specification information, and Trader Publishing, the nation’s largest publisher of classified advertising magazines. The new pricing guide, entitled Classic Cars & Parts Price Guide, is on sale now at more than 16,000 retail outlets across the U.S. and is available wherever the magazines Corvette & Chevy, Mustang & Ford and Classic Cars & Parts are sold.

Read the Full Press Release here

www.wired.com
By Tony Long
09.04.08

“In an industry celebrated for its spectacular failures, the Edsel still takes the cake. Although as mechanically sound as other Ford products, the car was criticized from Day One for being too ugly, too expensive and vastly overhyped.

The 1958 Edsel was intended to be an intermediate-level brand, bridging the gap between the cheaper Fords and pricier Mercurys and Lincolns. The most-affordable Edsel (the Ranger) cost 70 bucks less than Ford’s top-end Fairlane, while the most-expensive model (the Citation) cost more than a Mercury Montclair.

…In one of those little logic-defying ironies, the Edsel today is a prized collector’s item, fetching as much as $200,000 for a rare 1960 convertible.”

Read the Full Story >>

CNNMoney.com
By Peter Valdes-Dapena,
CNNMoney.com staff writer
May 19, 2008

“NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — A 1961 Ferrari California Spyder (once owned by actor James Coburn) sold for $10,894,900 at an auction in Maranello, Italy, Saturday. It was the highest price ever paid for a vintage car at auction, according to RM Auctions and Sotheby’s, the companies that organized the sale.

The previous record was set in 1990 when Sotheby’s sold a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO in Monaco for $10,756,000.”

Read the Full Story >>

CLASSICS | Most powerful U.S. car that year is at top of the class, and worth lots if in great shape

April 7, 2008
BY DAN JEDLICKA
Chicago Sun-Times Auto Editor

“Chrysler’s 1955 300 coupe was America’s first mass-produced 300-horsepower car and was its first big, brash, luxurious 300 “letter-series” model. The 300s had become a strong Chrysler image builder by 1961, when the new 300G model arrived as the America’s most powerful car with its 375-horsepower V-8.

…Count your blessings if your garage houses a 300G in excellent condition. No other 1961 American car compares to it. The 300G came as a $5,411 coupe and $5,841 convertible, making them Chrysler’s most costly models. But a 300G coupe now is valued at $72,000 and the convertible is at $159,925 if in top shape, says the Collectible Vehicle Value Guide.”

Read the Full Story >>

(Atlanta, Ga.) – Fine estate jewelry, antique guns and other weaponry, rare and vintage automobiles, artwork by important artists and more will be sold in an anniversary estate sale to be held Sunday, March 16, by Gallery 63. It’s been just about a year ago to the day that Gallery 63 relocated from its previous location about five miles away, as rapid growth dictated the need for more space.

“It’s been quite a year,” said Paul Brown of Gallery 63, surveying the building that once housed a church fellowship hall, at 4577 Roswell Road in the fashionable Buckhead section of Atlanta. “In just twelve short months, we sold a $300,000 diamond, uncovered a previously unseen Civil War document and moved hundreds of pieces of furniture, paintings, jewelry and other estate merchandise.”

The March 16 sale will be in keeping with the Gallery 63 tradition of offering outstanding items in a broad range of categories. “As usual, we’ll be offering fresh-to-the-market, world-class art, antiques, furniture, architecturals, jewelry, collectibles and decoratives,” Mr. Brown said. “We’ll have dozens of antique weapons, fine jewelry and watches, some beautiful carpets and select automobiles.”

Where to start? Why not rare and vintage cars – a staple at most Gallery 63 sales. Sure to jump-start the crowd will be a snow crest white 1959 Corvette with red interior, 4-speed transmission and (perhaps most important) matching numbers. The Corvettes made between 1956-1962 are deemed by collectors the most desirable, and this one – in outstanding condition – is even fully dated correctly.

Another show-stopper is a bright red 1939 Ford Tudor Standard, completely rebuilt and restored to better-than-new condition. The motor looks like it’s auditioning for a spread in Hot Rod Magazine (and likely cost a small fortune to build). The paint was lovingly applied by a master, right down to the “ghost flames” on the fenders. “This one won’t take long to cross the block,” Brown said.

Other cars in the sale include a bright red 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible – one of the grand-daddies of the muscle car class, and a rag-top no less – with black hood trim, new black top, 350 cu.-in. engine and a full frame-on restoration; and a 1984 Mercedes 380SL with low miles and in super clean condition. The car isn’t old, but the 1984-85 Mercedes Benzes are considered classic collectibles.

One of the stars of the weaponry and militaria category promises to be a Colt Bisley single-action revolver with mint ivory grips and finely detailed engraving on a nickel finish. The classic Colt single-action was introduced in 1873 and it remains in production today. Theodore Roosevelt once remarked, “Every ranchman carries a revolver, a Colt or Smith & Wesson — by preference the former.”

Another revolver certain to attract keen bidder interest is the cased Tranter in near mint condition that once belonged to Confederate Gen. Francis T. Nichols. The gun, still sporting the New Orleans Agent’s mark engraved at the top of the barrel, was presented to Nichols by his wife. He lost an arm in the Civil War, but recovered well enough to eventually serve as the Governor of Louisiana.

Other vintage weapons to be offered include a late 18th-century silver mounted Flintlock pistol, long barrel, inlaid at the stepped breech with silver and gold signature in the inlaid panel; a rare Civil War musket made by Savage and stamped 1863, with excellent stock and beautiful patina; and a Short Cavalry single-shot trap door Remington rifle, a favorite with Indian fighters and buffalo hunters.

Also to be sold will be a rare 1863 Confederate infantry tower musket (a favorite with CS sharpshooters); a matched pair of early 18th-century Italian dueling pistols by the famed gun maker Vincenzo Comminazzo, converted to percussion in the early 1800s; and American Indian weapons (circa 1870-90), including a hand-forged tomahawk, hand-forged Chief’s knife and decorated war club.

Marvelous estate jewelry pieces will include a 3.86 carat cushion cut sapphire set in 18k white gold and flanked by 2.5 carats of trillion cut diamonds; a 4.50 oval cut emerald in 18k white gold with 48 diamond bezel setting; a 3.25 carat, H color VS round brilliant diamond in an 18k necklace; and an 18k white gold designer pendant with 2.50 carat sapphire and 3 carats of emerald cut diamonds.

The sale will also feature an exceptional collection of men’s collector and designer watches, to include a Cartier Santos in platinum; a Patek Philippe in 18k gold; and a Corum watch with $20 gold coin face. And collectors will be hot to bid on a pair of Pippo chronographs, both in gold and both with diamonds. The consignor reportedly chose to buy these watches rather than make a mortgage payment!

Fine art will include a signed pastel-on-paper by the American Impressionist Arthur Clifton Goodwin (1864-1929); an original hand-colored drypoint pencil etching by Louis Icart (French, 1880-1950); several works by the British-born Atlanta visual artist Paul Chelko (1934-2008); and original oil paintings by John Grabach (American, 1886-1981) and Alfred Thompson Bricher (British, 1837-1908).

Rounding out the day’s offerings will be an original 45 rpm record commemorating the sale of the song “Eight Days a Week,” signed by all four Beatles; a Harry S. Truman signed letter; a Grace Kelly autograph on the cover of Time magazine; a rare piece of original scrimshaw on a sperm whale tooth; an all-original Louis Vuitton valise and suitcase; and a John A. Broadwood & Sons grand piano.

The sale will begin at 11 a.m. and end around 7 p.m. A preview will be held the entire week prior, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Gallery 63 has begun backing up its bigger Sunday auctions with smaller, follow-up sales on Tuesday evenings. They are generally held the second Tuesday following a regular Sunday auction. So, after the March 16 Sunday auction the next Tuesday night sale will be March 25.

The Tuesday evening sales have a start time of 4 p.m. and usually end around 9 p.m. They are held across the parking lot from where the Sunday auctions are held, in a converted church facility. For details and directions, click on the website at www.gallery63.net. Gallery 63 is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. Call (404) 252-2555, or e-mail to rbaron2@bellsouth.net.

The News Item
By Greg Zyla
03/02/2008

“Here’s what Terry Michaelis, of ProTeam Corvettes in Napoleon, Ohio, had to say:

“If money is no object, at the top of my Corvette list is the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, of which only five were ever built. Next would be the 69 ZL1 all-aluminum 427 of which GM made only two, and then the 67 L88 427, which GM made just 20 of.”

Michaelis also adds the 1971 ZR2, an aluminum head 454 of which only 12 were ever built, and then the L88s from 1968 and 1969, of which 196 were built.”

Read the Full Story >>

Some of the prices mentioned:
“The last 1963 Grand Sport traded hands three years ago for $4.4 million, and you wouldn’t touch it today for less than $6 million.
…a 69 ZL1 all-aluminum 427 Corvette should fetch close to $4 million easy; and a 1967 L88 is in the $1.7 million and up range.
…’68-69 L88s are bringing between $350,000 to $750,000.
…1971 ZR2′s go for $350,000 to $650,000.”

Yahoo! News
By Jeremy Lovell
Tue Dec 4, 2007

“LONDON (Reuters) – The world’s oldest surviving Rolls-Royce revved up two new records on Monday when a private British collector paid 3.5 million pounds ($7.22 million) for it at auction.

The price makes the veteran vehicle not only the most ever paid for a pre-1905 car but also the most for a Rolls-Royce.”

Read the Full Story >>