On Feb 8, Witman Auctioneers conducted a multi-consignor sale at Enck's Banquet and Conference Center at 1461 Lancaster Road, Manheim, Pa. A record price at auction was achieved for an Abner Zook diorama. The large harbor/shipyard scene sold for $33,000. It was signed and dated “Abner Zook/Womelsdorf, Pa., 1978.” Prices reported include buyer’s premium.
The three-dimensional piece, a combination of intricate painting and sculpture, came from a consignor in Buffalo, N.Y., whose parents had commissioned Abner Zook (1921-2010) for three dioramas. Abner’s identical twin brother, Aaron, did the same work. He died in 2003. The consignor, wisely wanting to sell the three works in the area where they were made, reached out to Witman. The next Zook from the consignor, also a nautical-related scene/theme, will be sold by Witman on Saturday, March 7. Zook’s work has a unique auction-only market. Although contemporary, they are not seen at shows.
There were 375 in attendance at the auction, where a varied assortment of antiques and collectibles changed hands. A pair of Riverview Dairy (Conestoga, Pa.) milk bottles brought $650, and a G-man tin toy car, $750.
Although offensive, this region has long held a market for Nazi memorabilia. A German Nazi helmet realized $500; a dagger, $440; a knife with sheath, $330; and a Luger pistol, $935.
To contact Witman Auctioneers, call 717-665-5735.