Rich Penn Auction
November 4-6
Waterloo Convention Center: Waterloo, IA
www.richpennauctions.com
Tel: 319-291-6688
Fax: 319-291-7136

WATERLOO, IOWA — History will repeat itself at the next Rich Penn auction, November 4-6, at the Waterloo Convention Center. This auction includes the return of what auctioneer Rich Penn believes is arguably the finest piece of cigar advertising ever sold. Said Penn, “We sold it on one of our very first auctions 20 years ago.” This advertising consisting of six panels of reverse paint and gold leaf on beveled glass measures 10 feet long. Signed by Fay, Minneapolis, this sign reportedly hung in a building in the Twin Cities for a number of years. It represents cigars distributed by W.S. Conrad, the largest wholesale tobacco business in the Northwest. In 1889, his business was at 341 Jackson Street in St Paul and his business, the Conrad Tobacco House, was selling an estimated 15 million cigars a year. El Paterno, Sight Draft and Juan de Fuca were three of the brands the firm distributed. The others were probably their own brands as well. This likely hung in the Conrad Tobacco House on Jackson Street.

There are many other examples of cigar advertising. One of the other featured lots is a sculpted metal Indian chief figure. Holding an arrow and bow, this figure stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and wears a feathered bandeau, leather leggings and a bear claw necklace, symbolizing bravery. It was crafted circa 1880 by the Wm. Demuth Co. of New York.

Along with the cigar and tobaccciana will be a wide selection of other advertising for popular beverages. Included is a round serving tray with a lady in elegant dress and plumed hat about to enjoy a glass of Jersey-Creme, “The Perfect Drink.” Equally charming are children as in a rare circa 1890 colorful litho on metal showing a blue-eyed blonde infant for The Black Crow Stocken. For chewing gum collectors, Kis-Me Gum is “The Popular Favorite.” So is the self-framed tin sign, circa 1910, by American Art Sign Co., Brooklyn, N.Y., with the young lady offering, “Kis-Me..if you wish.”

There are tin toys, windups, cast iron toys, mechanical banks, rare air rifles and cap guns. There’s a long list of early Daisy air rifles in this auction, including a “Golden Eagle” Model 50, copper plated 50th anniversary rifle, a Model 27, 1,000 shot nickle finish 1927-32, and a Red Ryder, No. 311 mod 40 var. 4, w/scope, wood stock and forearm grip. There’s an equally impressive selection of rare and early cap guns. Examples are from circa 1900 to the 1950s. The Peerless cast iron miniature pistol, circa 1905, is one of the more rare early cap guns.

Country store pieces are always a hallmark of a Rich Penn auction. Spool cabinets, ribbon cabinets, dye cabinets, cane cases, sack racks, scales and a large variety of rare candy jars will all be included.

More advertising across other categories includes breweriana, Coca-Cola and other soda fountain lines and brands. Coin-op machines include slots, Coca-Cola and 7Up machines as well as smaller candy and gum vendors. There are several Coca-Cola vending machines. Among them is rare restored Mills 45 machine and a rare Cavalier C-27. The Vendo 81 is an always a desirable machine, and a restored example is also included.

Rarity can also come in a small size. Fountain pens were a typical staple in drug stores and jewelry stores. Parker and Sheaffer’s fountain pens could be found in every home and office. On Friday’s session Penn will offer a collection of fountain pens covering 125 years of production from many of the most famous brand names; Conklin, Eversharp, Montblanc, Moore, Parker, Pelikan, Sheaffer’s, Waterman and others.

There’s a selection of Santas and many are early 1900s, others would be midcentury. If there’s no more room for Santas in one’s holiday setting, there’s always room for more Teddy Bears.

Other categories include original artwork, decorative items, furniture and a small selection of early firearms. Comprising approximately 1,900 lots, all selling without reserve, the sale offers multiple bidding options, including absentee, telephone and live bidding online.

Preview is Friday, November 4, from 8 to 10 am. Then from 10 am until noon, approximately 200 lots will sell to inhouse bidders only. There will be no internet bidding until the cataloged auction begins at noon.

The Waterloo Convention Center is at 200 West 4th Street. For information, 319-291-6688 or www.richpennauctions.com.