News

You will need to pay the piper a pretty penny or two to sample the tunes played on a nearly pristine 19th-century Swiss-made music box. Produced by the renowned Paillard Co. of Ste.-Croix, Switzerland, the one-of-a-kind melody maker is the real deal.

"This is the way a collector likes to find an item," says Jeff Constantine, of Constantine & Mayer. "It's in the original condition. There's no tampering. Everything is perfect. It's extraordinary."

Measuring 42 inches long, the ornately carved oak case holds 12- to 19-inch music cylinders that are stored in a drawer of a matching parlor table that acts as a stand for the box. Along with the music box and table, several interchangeable cylinders are for sale.

Although a CD jukebox might cost a buck or two these days to play a few tracks, this vintage player carries a presale estimate of $17,000 to $20,000.

The innovative musical genius of Orville Gibson, known these days for his company's legendary electric guitars, is evident in a 1920s-era mandolin. Gibson pioneered the modern flat-top and -back mandolin out of a dislike for the instrument's traditional gourd shape. Also stringing along is a maple violin made in Connellsville by John Shall.

While music headlines the sale, bidders will find plenty more to focus on in this collection of goods from the combined estates of John Meyers and Virginia and Paul Sullivan. The large selection of furniture includes an inlaid four-drawer cherry chest, made in western Pennsylvania during the 1780s. Adding to the local flavor are watercolors created by Nat Youngblood, whose work graced many a cover of the Pittsburgh Press Sunday Roto Magazine.

A pair of mechanical bisque dolls are interesting. While one of the babes appears to be a street urchin, the other shows the fine upbringing of a privileged child. The high-society lass appears a bit haughty and aloof, while the scruffier girl looks engagingly open.

Two nice pieces round out the lineup. A rare Ansonia crystal regulator clock continues a recent influx of fine timepieces on the block. Finally, a room-size Persian Heriz rug dating to the 1880s promises to look good under nearly any foot.

The sale is Aug. 19 at the Fireman's Banquet Hall in West View. The preview starts at 4 p.m.

Details: (412) 828-7015.

Two-for-one deals are hard to ignore. Especially when the combo offers a doubleheader sale of two Mt. Lebanon estates at Johnson Auction Services, on Flaugherty Run Road in Moon Township.

Starting at noon Sunday, the twinbill opener features a 60-year-old, hand-crafted Victorian dollhouse. Painstakingly assembled by a mother for her daughter, the not-so-miniature home stands a full 6 feet tall and includes many furnishings and accessories. The first-half offerings also include vintage dolls, posters, prints and paintings.

Round 2 features an interesting collection of gold and silver coins. Although nothing approaches the rarity of the 1933 Double Eagle gold $20 coin that recently sold for $7.6 million at Sotheby's, the selection of gold and silver should appeal to serious numismatists.

In addition, the second-half roster presents an interesting mix of furniture, including a 1920s, nine-piece mahogany dining room set with six shield-back chairs, table, buffet and china closet.

Previews begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, with the first sale starting at noon at Johnson Auction Services, 147 Flaugherty Run Road, Moon. The coin auction begins at 1 p.m.

Details: (724) 457-1100.

Forget about Henry Ford. When Charles and Frank Duryea crafted their horseless carriage in 1894, the Model T was just a pipe dream. Originally bicycle builders, the brothers Duryea turned their mechanical skills toward automobiles to produce the first manufactured car in the United States.

After much initial success, fraternal quarrels soon drove the boys to a bitter crossroads. Despite several solo attempts to jump-start their careers, their impact on the burgeoning auto industry stalled permanently.

While their names are little more than footnotes, the Duryeas' prototype is ready to rev up interest at Christie's Exceptional Motor Cars sale on Aug. 18 at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Pebble Beach, Calif.

To register to bid, call (212) 636-2436. Details: www.christies.com.

Bob Simon will tell you straight out that he loves the auction business. Maybe that's why he has postponed his summer vacation plans for nearly 30 years running. While many local auction houses watch bidding and turnouts wilt in warm weather, Simon is always ready to generate some auction heat. Although the Royal York Auction Gallery's upcoming sale doesn't boast a big-ticket seller, the auction will spark interest with a sizable collection of items in the $300-to-$800 range.

Arts and Crafts furniture is always hot, and a nicely maintained, compact fall-front desk certainly will heat up bidding. Produced by Limbert's of Grand Rapids and Holland, Mich., the desk features its original hardware, plus three pigeonholes and two drawers under its lid. Distinctively simple, the desk is perfect for the den or even a child's room.

You'll enjoy sitting a spell on an 1850s-era deacon's bench. With a thick coating of black paint, the bench stretches nearly 9 feet — an unusual length for such an item. Under the bench, the faded manufacturer's label reveals the name of "Wm. O. Haskell & Co." Despite no legible sign of the company's location, the bench bears an unmistakable Yankee look.

With the start of school just a few weeks away, a desktop student lamp is an appropriate buy. Dating to the early 19th century, the lamp originally relied on oil to provide light. Today, the fuel canister that separates two light fixtures is a quaint reminder of bygone times, as the lamp is wired for electricity.

A tasty novelty is a wooden barrel designed to hold 200 pounds of cocoa beans. While the barrel itself is nondescript, its lid sports a brightly painted scene showing South American natives roasting beans over open flames. According to a description on the barrel's side, the contents were intended especially for making ice cream. A sweet treat, the barrel and lid cap a summer sale that promises plenty of sizzle.

Previews are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Royal York Auction Gallery, 5925 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. The sale starts at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Details: (412) 661-1171.

Jewels in the attic add some sparkle to this sale. When the children of a longtime jeweler cleaned out Daddy's garret, they discovered a treasure trove of diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets, railroad pocket watches and other baubles. In addition, look for great buys on tabletop and mantle clocks, glassware and ceramics, quilts, 1920s and '30s furniture and more.

The Aug. 15 sale is at J.S. Dill Auctions, 360 W. Main St., Evans City. Doors open at 4 p.m., with the sale at 6 p.m.

Details: (724) 538-3700.

A 1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster raced to a $10,000 sale price at the Royal York's July 27 sales. The classic convertible topped off a sale that included a baby grand piano, Victorian furniture and a collection of brushes, mirrors and other ladies' accessories.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News