According to Rich Penn, the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 2 to 4, auction event will offer collectors an exceptional variety of unusual material, all without reserve. "This May, in Des Moines (Iowa), we're bringing collectors an outstanding first class gathering from country store, soda fountain, and petroliana collections." Penn said, adding, "We're especially proud to be offering a small "tribe" of period cigar store Indians. It's a rare occassion when three high quality carved Indians appear in the same auction. A 71-inch-tall Indian princess, with early paint and attributed to the shop of Thomas Brooks, is sure to attract interest. She has a lovely maiden sister, too. The maiden is well carved by an unknown artist and stands 66 inches tall. They are joined by a handsomely statuesque 82-inch-tall brave. He is highly detailed with attributes from a number of artists, but also from an unknown carver. The brave shows expertly restored paint. The three period pieces are worth coming to the auction, just to see."
The Rich Penn Auction Event also includes a nice selection of salesmen's samples such as Coca-Cola coolers, Karr and Qualified Range cook stoves, and a John Deere plow and Adams grader. The circa 1900 John Deere Gilpen Sulky plow salesmen's sample is one of the most rare and desirable farm implements. The Adams Tilting Wheel grader is another classic. This one, in excellent condition, could be the most complete one offered in recent years. It comes with the case, display stand, pullies and weights.
For those with a "sweet tooth," there's a wonderful selection of ice cream items, including a superb Cushman ice cream scooter and a 1950s Acorn ice cream vendor bicycle. Both are sweet, indeed, and if that isn't enough for a collector that has been "cabin bound" all winter, there are gas and oil signs; excellent Coca-Cola porcelain, tin and cardboard signs; syrup dispensers, including a very rare Hires "Ugly Boy" urn; and a complete set of the three figural Wards Crush dispensers."
The three-day sale also includes neon signs, early stoneware, spool cabinets, a small fleet of children's wagons and sleds, display cases, furniture, lighting and decorative items. Penn went on, "But, of course, our friends expect all that. There's more. We have some great coin-operated machines, slots, trade stimulators and arcade games; Native American pieces; Black Americana; and some other very exciting surprises!" He concluded, "We have a couple very special collections this time. We'll be selling some great pieces that have our younger collectors in mind."
Several iconic comic offerings like Amazing Fantasy #15, better know as "Introducing Spiderman," with cover art by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko and story by Stan Lee, will be offered. It's no wonder this is considered the top comic book of the Silver Age. The selection also includes Spiderman #16 and The Fantastic Four #7. For those who followed Super Heroes on horses, there's Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and even a Hopalong Cassidy #2! With over a hundred comics, there will be books for all budgets.
If it's rock-and-roll legends that warm you up, Penn will be offering over 100 selections from Steve Pilchen's rock-and-roll and autograph collection. For over 20 years Mr. Pilchen pursued some of rock and roll’s biggest stars. As an on-air talent, "The Round Guy," for radio station KGGO in Des Moines, Iowa, Steve was backstage at concerts and attended personal appearances and meet-and-greets. He personally gathered signatures for charity auctions put on by the station and for his own collection. Steve was fortunate enough to spend time with some of rocks brightest stars. Bidders will have opportunities to obtain autographed posters, drum heads and over 40 hand-signed guitars. Steve obtained these signatures himself. A few of the guitars include REO Speedwagon, Journey, the Eagles, Boston, Warrant, .38 Special, Alice Cooper, Buddy Guy and more. The guitar collection also includes 1980s hair metal bands like Poison, Ratt, Def Leppard, Tesla and others. Many items are signed by former and/or deceased members.
Pilchen's collection includes other big names. He has a friendship with Muhammed Ali, and his collection includes pieces signed by him. There are also several Michael Jackson-signed pieces. This collection represents a rare opportunity for bidders to purchase items with detailed provenance and without the typical confusion associated with the often tricky autograph market.
As with all Rich Penn Auctions, there will be live bidding on-site in addition to online bidding through LiveAuctioneers, iCollector and on Penn's website. Go to www.RichPennAuctions.com to register or to preview the auction. Absentee and phone bidding are always welcome.
For additional information, call Rich Penn Auctions at 319-291-6688 (CST).
All images courtesy of Rich Penn Auctions.