Philip Weiss Auctions’ sale rolled to record heights, led by an original owner collection of vintage railroad passes, which accumulatively fetched $70,000. The collection of approximately 950 passes, all from the consignor’s grandfather, who rode the rails as a railroad employee from 1865 to 1905, were kept safely in a large scrap album. Broken down into 38 lots, the collection was bid on by phone, Internet and onsite participants and averaged just over $2,000 per lot. The sale, which had more than 1,500 registered bidders, including eBay Live participants, broke the $500,000 mark and had a sell-through rate of 95 percent. Other highlights of the sale included another group oforiginal Charles Schulz art, including two rare Li’l Folkspages selling for $14,850 and $27,500, respectively. Twounpublished Peanuts dailies brought $12,100 and $13,200.Comic books fared well, with the “Big Apple” pedigree collection ofFantastic Four comics issues 1-49 bringing in just under$35,000. The first portion of the sale featured part one of a single-owner Civil War collection. Highlights included $3,080 for an enlisted man’s shell jacket; $3,300 for a partially restored Hardee hat; and $3,960 for a group of Civil War belt buckles. A presentation sword and scabbard with all documentation sold for $13,750. General Collectibles were also offered in this sale. A Harry Houdini-signed postcard brought $1,700, a scarce Millard Fillmore check sold for $3,080 and a Giuseppe Verdi letter signed brought $3,190. Featured in the sale was a single-owner collection of rockand roll posters and several autograph lots, including a group ofnotes and memos from George Harrison, which sold for $5,750. Asmall group of signed George Harrison record albums soldindividually and brought a total of $6,075. A Jumeau fashion doll with trunk and clothes realized $6,050. Overall, the sale featured a strong crowd, enormous absentee and eBay Live bidding and a tremendous amount of general interest, according to the auction house. Weiss will conduct a July 23 sale of general collectibles, and on September 23 will conduct a doll, toy soldier, toy, train, stamp and coin sale. Prices reported include 13 percent buyer’s premium. For information, 516-594-0731 or www.philipweissauctions.com.
21 Jul 2005 / 0 Comment
Antiques and The Arts Weekly is the nation’s leading weekly publication on the antiques and the arts trade, and is available both in print and online.
Each issue average between 100-200 pages and includes reporting on auctions, antiques shows and the arts while providing a platform for both buying and selling.
We have been providing breaking news and important information on the world of antiques and the arts since Publisher R. Scudder Smith started Antiques and The Arts Weekly back in 1963.