No one can dispute the power of the internet, and online bidding certainly isn’t going anywhere; however, Witman Auctioneers didn’t need it on Jan. 16 at their action-packed sale in Manheim, Pa. There was no internet bidding at their multi-consignor sale. Two of the stars were Abner Zook dioramas. One came from a Manheim collector, the other a collector in Lititz. Both were purchased from the artist. It’s a seller’s market for works by Zook. Abner Zook (1921-2010) and his identical twin, Aaron (1921-2003), were Amish sculptural artists who specialized in highly elaborate and intricate three-diamensional diorama models. The dioramas can weigh over 100 pounds, and special reinforced brackets are needed to hang them, not to mention a large space. It’s a unique secordary market for the work. You won’t find them offered at a show, only auction, and they are in demand.
An Abner winter snow scene with red covered bridge and two horses pulling a bobsled with people, and ice skaters in foreground, dated “1983,” overall measuring 30-by-43 inches, realized $34,650. It is believed to be an auction record for a Zook. Prices include a 10-percent buyer’s premium. The other was an Abner 1988 autumn mill scene with ox-drawn wagon, overall measuring 48-by-30 inches, selling for $33,000. Both went to different local collectors, underbid by local collectors.
Other items sold included a $20 gold piece selling for for $2,200; a Manheim $5 National Bank note, $1,430; and a five cent Mills table top gaming machine, $605.
To learn more, call Witman Auctioneers at 717-665-5735.