Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 12

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Ethnic & Misc. Collectibles

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 733		Interesting and Exotic African Pipe. Perhaps Senufo or Cameroon, about mid 20th century. A highly ornate and symbol-laden artifact -- possibly a shaman's pipe. The pipe's shaft with ten cast bronze rings having animal heads, which are set to alternate between water buffalo and eland types. A wrapping of dark colored lizard skin holds these in place. Carved mouldings towards the stem, along with the bowl also being of cast bronze. This pipe is an actual used object, and not just merely a tourist piece. Overall, the condition is very fine. Length: 18-1/2". An eye catching display piece, and probably good enough for smoking whatever herbals one chooses. Estimated Value $150 - 225. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $92
Lot 734		Chinese Ivory Doctor's Doll. Early 20th century. Length of figure: 9½", length of stand: 11". Carved figure of a woman holding a rose reclines on a rosewood finished couch. The black paint over the figure's hair has flaked away and the ivory has yellowed somewhat, particularly on the portions of the figure in contact with the wood. Scattered areas on the stand where the finish has flaked away would be easily retouched. Very good to fine condition. Doctor dolls were used in China, and in Chinese settlements across the world, until recently. A woman, either modest or forbidden to show her body to anyone, would use the doll to indicate where there were physical problems. The doctor then made a diagnosis or prescribed traditional medicine without examining the patient, thereby protecting her modesty and honor. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $564
Lot 735		Headpiece and Belt. Two pieces in the style of Turkeman jewelry, mid 20th Century. White metal headpiece and belt, with carnelian and glass decoration. Belt: 25", headpiece: 27" (measurements include chain). Some greening on belt, which has one cracked stone, minor discoloration on dangles of both pieces. Displaying the characteristic shapes and symbols of Turkeman jewelry, these two pieces do not have the traditional fire-gilding of more elaborate jewelry from the region but are beautiful nonetheless and probably originated in Persia. The small center stone of the headpiece is inscribed "aliah" for good luck and may have been meant for a bride. The musical sound of both pieces as they move make them ideal either for the collector of ethnic jewelry or for the student of traditional dance which relies on the music of ornaments to enhance the steps of the dance. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $265
Lot 736		A Fascinating Antique Folding Strainer. From distant caravans and gypsy lands, we have this unusual space-saving device employed in ancient campfire kitchens. This straining spoon has a wide shallow bowl, pierced for draining liquids, and, most intriguingly, a collapsible handle to save space. The spoon's bowl with ornamental starburst pattern, surrounded by floral arabesques and hatching. The handle, with sliding lock, and geometric engraving. Intact and still usable, with green and rusty patina. Length: 10-3/4". For the collector of antique kitchen accoutrements, you shouldn't let this one slip by. Estimated Value $175 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $173
Lot 737		1830 Sampler. Beautifully stitched sampler, 17¼ x 12¼", framed to 20½ x 16". "Mary Hills 1830" is positioned at the top center, just above "Of him who did salvation bring / I could for ever think and sing / Arise ye guilty; he'll forgive / Arise ye poor; he will relieve" -- the first stanza of a then-popular hymn. Intricate foliate motif around the border and beautiful depictions of a deer, birds and lush lawn accent a large brick building (a school?) at the right of center. The two crowns and the moth positioned near the structure were probably symbols for the school or its patrons. A unique piece of early 19th century needlework. Overall, this sampler is in good condition with the expected minor soil, but there is noticeable fabric loss at the edges and minor loss scattered throughout the linen body of the piece (loss that could be camouflaged if it were mounted on a light background). Not examined out of frame. Wood is visible behind the missing fabric, obviously accelerating the fabric's deterioration. Its worn frame accents this beautiful piece more than anything new could, but re-mounting and professional conservation techniques would save a wonderful example of stitchery from further deterioration and we strongly recommend these steps be taken. Estimated Value $500-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $472
Lot 738		An Amusing Cigarette Box and Lighter, ca. late 1930's. One of the more unusual cigarette lighters we've encountered! Designed as a miniature of one of the grand console radios that were the entertainment centers of the American home in the 30's and 40's, this little box is reminiscent of the some of the classic items produced by Zenith. A cigarette box sits within the body of "radio," and lifting the lid also lifts the box upward for easier reach. There is a heating coil behind the radio's "speaker," and depressing the white button turns it on so that the cigarette can be lit. Made of dark brown bakelite, the radio set is complete, with original wiring and plug, and is in very fine condition but for a very small chip to the base. Size: 3-3/4 x 2-7/8 x 2-1/2". A fun little bit of Americana! Estimated Value $20 - 30. View details	Realized $35
Lot 739		Bronze Elephant with Ivory Tusks. Height: 10", length: 14". Realistic rendering of a striding elephant with a lowered trunk. In wonderful condition, this elephant conveys the strength, intelligence and majesty associated with the species. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. Ex: Superior Galleries, November 1997. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,035
Lot 740		Collector's Space Shuttle Ephemera. Lot of 90 pieces of ephemera related to flying and the Space Shuttle program. White album with pages of Shuttle publicity photos and decals from missions 1-15. Several loose photos and decals, along with several patches and newspaper articles featuring Space Shuttle hype. Several of the loose badges are duplicates. Eight tokens of appreciation from NASA to contributing personnel on various missions are also included, as is a token made of metal from the Columbia and Eagle spacecrafts. Varied condition, most very good. Estimated Value $150-UP. View details	Realized $92
Lot 741		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 742		*[Exposition] A Week at The Fair.* Rand McNally & Co.; 1892. Covers are loose but text is complete, some toning, minor soil, pencil remarks inside book. Good condition. An outstanding relic of the Columbian Exposition, published for the visitor who has a week to see the whole complex. An 18½ x 13" fold-out map is attached to the title page. The book includes a calender of events, drawings of various attractions and detailed instructions for getting to and from the fair. A lucky fair visitor has penciled comments at various points in the text and marked the map with sights visited. One can almost imagine "E. Borden" with book in hand, wandering through the huge Exposition. The quality of the book as a souvenir collectible is enhanced by the contemporary references found throughout. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $115
Lot 743		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 744		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 745		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 746		Meerschaum Cheroot Holders. Collection of thirteen vintage Meerschaum cheroot holders. Each of these petite pipe and cigarette holders is delicately carved in an array of themes, including the likenesses of a ram, owl, several horses, and architectural motifs. Each features an amber tip and corresponding case. Pieces range in size from just under 3" in length to 5" in length. Two of the larger pieces show heavy use with dark toning. Overall, the group is in fine condition. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $288
Lot 747		Microscope, circa 1860. Brass microscope, accessories and case. 14" tall in closed position. Signed "Henry Crouch / London / 1937" on the base (1937 refers to model number rather than year of manufacture). Rack and pinion coarse focus, fine focus controlled by a knob on the front of the optical barrel. Excellent movement. In its original mahogany case with a "Millikin & Lawley / 165 Strand London" label, beautiful dovetails, original hinges and lock. Apparently missing a few pieces, but two eye pieces and four objectives (with cannisters) are included. The objective cannisters are marked -- 2/3 objective is marked "Millikin and Lawley / 165 Strand", the 1½ objective is marked "Gas Microscope / Newton & Co / 3 Fleet St. / London" and the 1/12 is marked "Gundlach, Berlin / C. Baker / Agent / London". One empty, unmarked canister does not fit the 3" objective, which is also unsigned. A movable slide holder to slip over the stage is included. Four glass slides in small envelopes are also included in this lot and a disecting lens sits in its own niche. The microscope is in very good condition, with some wear to the brass finish, and a couple of small pits in the base. The leather handle to the case is missing, there are a few scratches to the outside of the case (it has obviously seen some real-life use) and the accessory holder needs to be re-affixed to the inside. A wonderful piece of scientific history. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,840
Lot 748		More Meerschaum Pipes. Here we offer an assortment of six pipes, five of which are delicately carved Meerschaum and the last, a simply elegant wood and brass pipe. Each of the Meerschaum pieces are crafted to resemble an assortment of characters, featuring a Victorian lady with elaborate hat, three bearded men, and a ferocious dragon. All are well used, and toning ranges. Overall in very good to fine condition. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $259
Lot 749		Pair Inlaid Knife Cases. Probably late 18th century (George III?), mahogany knife/flatware holders, 15 x 9 x 11½". Typically high-quality mahogany veneer with herringbone inlay along edges and six-pointed star with herringbone outline inside lid. Individual sections for utensils are surrounded by more herringbone and linear design inlay. Stylistically outstanding, there is unfortunate damage to both pieces: Case one exterior -- missing some of the inlay on the top and front, veneer on the top and on one side shows some buckling, hardware is complete; interior -- generally very good condition, with a small spot of buckling to the left of the star and two small chips to the edges. Case two exterior -- top and three sides show buckling of veneer, with one somewhat clumsy repair attempt, incomplete hardware; interior -- buckled across center of interior lid (bisecting but not damaging star design), other spots of buckling inside lid, ½" piece of veneer missing near front of interior and warping has pulled away the utensil holder from one edge. Inspection recommended. The unique beauty and outstanding design of both pieces promise to make restoration a worthwhile effort -- the base materials and construction of both pieces are of such high quality that they will easily lend themselves to that venture. Alternatively, the successful bidder might consider stripping the second case to refurbish the first. A wonderful opportunity to obtain beautiful pieces in one of the most striking design styles of the modern period. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604
Lot 750		Papal Postcard Collection. He we present a grouping of some 263 papal postcards. Vibrantly illustrated with rich patterns and vignettes, this extensive collection spans the history of the Catholic Church from St. Peter, St. Linus, and St. Clement I, through Innocent the XIII, Gregory XVI and Leo XIII. Many feature a Papal emblem printed on verso. Each Italian postcard measures 3½ x 5½". Includes duplicates. Cards are slightly toned, but the lot is in fine condition overall. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 751		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 752		Torsion Scale. "The Torsion Balance Company / New York", embossed on metal plaque affixed to front bottom of case, with style number "269", serial number "B75597", "120G" as capacity and Class "A". Scale is encased in glass with hinged lid providing access to the plates. There is some deterioration of the silver finish near the bottom of the case, and some of the trim needs a thorough cleaning, but this functional scale remains in very good condition. For well over 100 years, Torsion Balance Company scales have been sought after -- the quality of the instruments was their first claim to fame and more recently the older models have become quite desirable collectibles. The impressive instrument offered here would be a great decorative addition to any doctor, scientist or pharmacist's office. Estimated Value $100 - 150. Ex: Superior Galleries, November 19997. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $403
Lot 753		Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Display. Outstanding example of Winchester advertising. 57½ x 39¾" painted board with wooden frame. Dark green field with various outdoor motifs -- a moose, a mallard and a bear hunting scene. "Winchester Repeating Arms Co. / New Haven, Conn / New York San Francisco" painted in red, along with various trademark symbols. Winchester ammunition, grouped according to type, forms a "W" and decorative accents. A water spot at the top overlays, but does not obscure, the "W" in Winchester, various minor spots and abrasion throughout, two missing pieces of ammunition (the No. 12 Leader shell and the 32 Short bullet), a handful of other pieces of ammunition are missing their tips and one shotgun shell is broken. Overall, very good condition. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Please note the size and weight of this piece mean shipping costs will be quite high. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $7,475
Lot 754		Vintage Photographs of Canton, China. Fifteen photographs, circa 1890. Measuring 10½ x 8¼", the lot includes a variety of scenic views throughout China, including images of sacred temples, courtyards, and hillside landscapes. Also included are two photos portraying a mass beheading at the treaty port of Kowloon. The gruesome images show victims kneeling prior to the execution, as well as a shocking post mortem scene. A few images are lightly stained, with a few of the backings lightly folded or chipped. Overall, the group is in good condition. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $437