I always delight when I see a gambler’s box. It probably has something to do with coming of age at the same time the World Series of Poker started airing on ESPN and remembering all the time spent trying to understand outs, analyzing plays and watching friends on their computer with eight windows open playing small stakes. Some of them would go on to play large stakes. Someone always had a silver aluminum case of chips in the trunk of their car, so if the time was right, a table would form around a dining table with two decks and good friends. That aluminum case is the Twenty-First Century version of a gambler’s box, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the originals. You’ll often see the older examples with pistols, and some of them have push daggers. Those were different times. Others have mini roulette wheels, most have dice, some came with a compartment for a gin bottle, glasses, a pocket watch, a corkscrew and a smoking pipe. A box of vices. Almost never included was a rule book; you knew the rules, and if you broke them, the consequences were evident. I admit I have never seen a gambler’s box like the one that approaches the block at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. Wrought and riveted to high heaven, this box looks like it was destined to be at the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker. Possibly Central American in origin, the details are just terrific: human faces on the corners, anatomical four-toed feet, twisted iron handles and the four ace cards affixed to the top. The box itself is empty — looted — a victim of the characters it hung around with. It joins other top lots from around the United States in this week’s picks.
FONTAINE’S AUCTION GALLERY
Sale Date: September 14, 2019
Lot 185
Wrought Iron Gambler’s Chest With Card Motif
Heavy gauge iron chest has painted metal playing card motif on the top of the hinged lid that includes aces from every suit, below the cards are the initials, “NB,” entire box is hand wrought and hand hammered, 21¾ inches wide, 37 pounds.
Estimate: $3/5,000
WESCHLER’S AUCTIONEERS
Sale Date: September 13, 2019
Lot 165
Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Serpentine Fold Top Five-Legged Card Table
Attributed to the apprentice workshop of Marinus Willett and Jonathan Pearsee, New York, circa 1770. The top opening to view square corner candleholders and concave money pockets enclosing a playing surface, 27¾ inches high. Property of a direct descendant of Chief Justice John Marshall (1755-1835).
Estimate: $30/50,000
ROBERT SLAWINSKI AUCTIONEERS
Sale Date: September 15, 2019
Lot 9089
Chinese Carved Soapstone Seal Stamp
Amber color, circa Nineteenth Century or earlier, 1-7/16 inches square.
Estimate: $2/3,000
MORPHY AUCTIONS
Sale Date: September 10-12, 2019
Lot 1005
Model 1817 US Martial Flintlock Pistol By Springfield Armory
With only 400 of the type 1 model 1817, this is the first handgun made in quantity at Springfield Armory. These later examples were made when Col. Robert Lee was the superintendent of Springfield Armory. The large and handsome pistol with round barrel, with viewed and proved marks, with eagle at left of breech, is dated 1818.
Estimate: $3/5,000
BRUNK AUCTIONS
Sale Date: September 13-14, 2019
Lot 1096
Reverend Russell Gillespie (1922-2019) Log Cabin Miniature
North Carolina, carved wood model of a log cabin with glass-paned windows, added interior light, accompanied with an original letter dated September 21, 1973, from Russell Gillespie to Mrs Donald Munson, indicated that he “finally got around to making” the log cabin that she had requested, 16¼ inches high.
Estimate: $300/500
BRIGGS AUCTION
Sale Date: September 13, 2019
Lot 186
Jorgen Hansen and Jens Thuesen Futura Bar Cabinet
Produced by Romweber Furniture Co. with unique propeller sculpted walnut bi-panel doors revealing a bar with glass shelves and illuminated mirrored back, 72 inches high.
Estimate: $1,5/3,000
APPLEBROOK AUCTIONS
Sale Date: September 12, 2019
Lot 180
Antique Raccoon Full Mount Taxidermy
Measures 15½ by 19½ inches.
Estimate: $300/600
LITCHFIELD AUCTIONS
Sale Date: September 15, 2019
Lot 3
Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co — Salamander Brooch
Set in 18K gold, containing eight green tourmalines measuring approximately 3.4 by 4.3 mm to 5 by 5.8 mm, two turquoise cabochon eyes measuring approximately 2.75 mm across, and 16 pave diamonds on the feet, 35.3 grams gross weight.
Estimate: $4/6,000
BLACKWELL AUCTIONS
Sale Date: September 14, 2019
Lot 218
Rare Linemar Tin Windup Mickey Mouse Unicycle
Very fine condition, 5½ inches high, functions smoothly, no evident paint losses anywhere. Intact ears, all original clothes and paint.
Estimate: $500-$1,000
