COMPLIMENTARY COPY
The Kempton Show: 2018 Edition Regional Antiques Event Is A Shining Light In Southeastern Pennsylvania Market FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2018 • VOL. 49, NO. 47
Top-Notch Automobilia And Petroliana Draw Big Turnout Of Motivated Buyers At Morphy’s More Than 400 Of The 747 Cataloged Lots Graded Condition 9 Or Better The serious players in automobilia and petroliana collecting canceled any existing plans once the word got out that a spectacular private collection would be headlining Morphy’s Oct. 8 auction. “It was one of the biggest gallery turnouts for a gas and oil sale that we’ve had for years,” stated Morphy’s Automobilia and Petroliana division head John Mihovetz. “The attraction was the collection of more than 400 lots that were in 9 or 9-plus condition. There was a lot of buzz about the auction beforehand, and we sensed that bidding would be strong.” Several new records were set during the 747-lot sale, which grossed over $2.1 million. All prices quoted here include a 20 percent buyer’s premium, per Morphy’s pre-stated terms. Collectors tipped their hats to the envy-stirring porcelain gas sign that led prices realized at $66,000, a new auction record for a sign of its particular type. Publicizing Red Hat Royal 400 Gasoline, the richly colorful 48-inch-diameter sign had been held in the same private collection for more than 25 years and was “one of the better examples ever to be publicly sold,” according to Mihovetz. Also widely regarded as one of the most sought-after advertising items in the gas and oil hobby, a porcelain sign touting Houston Gasoline bore the striking image of Texas patriot Sam Houston on horseback. It drew 18 bids and swept past its $25,000 high estimate to settle at a record $33,600. Its next destination? “It’s headed for the Lone Star State,” said Mihovetz. The $21,600 price achieved by a
Bob Hohl asked $6,000 for this Ben Austrian painting of quail. The work read, “To my friend Cyrus Ream.” Ream owned the Mineral Spring Hotel in Mount Penn, Pa. (Reading), down the road from Austrian’s studio.
By Karl Pass It has been five years since the Antique Dealers Association of Berks County (ADABC) moved its annual show from Leesport to Kempton, Pa. Change can be healthy, and in a marketplace with plenty of challenges, sometimes necessary. The move was a positive one, and this little regional show is the real deal—a relevent show with the gate and sales to prove it. Mark your calendars for the third Continued on page 2
The Cosden Gasoline Liquid Gas Horsepower Plus Special porcelain sign with horse graphic sold for $21,600.
A Red Hat Royal 400 Gasoline porcelain sign with red hat graphic sold for $66,000.
very rare sign advertising Cosden Liquid Gas Horsepower Plus Special was “an absolute shocker,” said Mihovetz. “However, it’s the only example of this sign that I know of that has ever appeared at auction.” Emblazoned with a stylized image of four horses in bright primary colors, the sign approached the auction block with a $5,000-$8,000 estimate and attracted 28 bids before ending its high-octane bidding run. Other signage highlights included a very rare 30inch porcelain Marathon Gas & Motor Oil curb sign featuring the image of a classical athlete with the tagline: “Best in the Long Run.” Super-clean and retaining vivid colThis 1913 Indian Model 30.50 motorcycle, Serial Number E43213, oration, it set a sold for $45,000. Continued on page 6
AAN Current News Black Friday Weekend Holiday Sale Set For Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall on page 3
Don and Carol Buzzerd of Reinholds, Pa., work hard heavily marketing the annual Kempton show.
Brandywine Railroad Returns During Christmas Activities The magic of the holiday season on 2,000 feet of track and returns to the Brandywine River includes more than 1,000 pieces, Museum of Art during Brandywine including locomotives, passenger Christmas beginning Friday, Nov. 23, and freight trains, and trolleys and running through Sunday, Jan. 6. that pass through a small town, a This spectacular holiday experience farm, factories and even a for all ages includes a gallery filled carnival. with an expansive model train display, a special exhibition featuring a selection of enchanting illustrations from three seasonal children’s books, towering trees decorated with whimsical critter ornaments, and a wide selection of holiday events and programs for the whole family. T h e Brandywine River Museum of Art’s model train display, a holiday family favorite since 1972, offers something for everyone with This is a close up of the Brandywine Christmas model train display. its dazzling Photo courtesy of Carlos Alejandro. array of both toy and scale model The museum is located on U.S. trains made by Lionel, Williams, Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pa. Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line For more information, readers and others. The Brandywine may call 610-388-2700 or visit Railroad features trains running www.brandywine.org/museum.
Tracking Trends Through Cordier’s Fine And Decorative Arts Catalog Sale on page 4
Mad Hatter Turns 14 on page 10
When Is An Appraisal Not An Appraisal? on page 12
In This Issue SHOPS, SHOWS & MARKETS . . . . . . . . . . starting on page 3 SHOPS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . on page 5 EVENT & AUCTION CALENDAR . on page 8 AUCTION SALE BILLS . . . starting on page 8
FEATURED Results: Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates - October 12 and 13 in Mt. Crawford, Virginia - Page 7
AUCTIONEER DIRECTORY . . . . . on page 9 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . on page 15