The Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates Winter Americana Auction on Feb. 28 and 29 was an anticipated event and produced strong prices, along with a few surprises, in multiple categories. The two-day format consisted of 1,560 lots of diverse material that generated near record-breaking levels of participation for the firm, a strong indication of vigor in several segments of the marketplace. Bidding was intense throughout each day, with over 5,000 registered bidders from 25 countries participating in house and online. Session one featured the important bottle collection of Doris and the late Russell Evitt of Jackson, Calif. Starting the weekend off with a bang, the Evitt collection included a broad array of fresh-to-the-market historical flasks, California bitters and whiskies, Willington and other pickles, pitkins, globes, snuffs, and figurals that were well received, with most examples greatly exceeding pre-sale expectations. The 572-lot offering on Friday sparked significant presale interest, with bidders traveling from across the country to attend the sale. The top lot from the first session was a California pictorial fire grenade in medium amber, retaining original label and contents, which garnered $16,380. Prices reported include a 17-percent buyers premium. This exceptional example, nearly mint, was chased by in-house and online bidders to what is believed to be a record price for the form. Other noteworthy results included an amber Willington Cathedral/Gothic pickle jar at $16,380; a Lacours Western figural bitters bottle in brilliant yellow green, $15,210; and a Dr. Henleys Western IXL Wild Graperoot Bitters bottle selling for $10,530. Session two on Saturday consisted of the firms usual diverse selection of antiques and collectibles and produced strong results with numerous categories demonstrating signs of sustained energy. Featuring more material from the estate collection of Russell and Doris Evitt, as well as property from the collection of Fil (John) and Robbie Graff, St. Thomas, Pa., Saturdays session included a number of coveted objects, most notably a garage-kept 1912 Cadillac Model 30 Touring Car with older restoration. The weekends top lot at $22,230, the rare brass-era vehicle, thought to be the oldest of its type, sparked a tremendous amount of pre-sale interest and was purchased, after heated bidding, by a determined phone bidder. Another surprise early in the sale included a fine pair of historic California leaded and stained glass windows from the Evitt collection. Believed to have been a part of the historic Eureka Hotel in Sutter Creek, Calif., the rare pair generated intense interest, ultimately going to a Golden State phone bidder for $16,380. Other noteworthy results included a fine pair of figural eagle cast-iron and glass apothecary show globes selling for $7,020; a Baltimore, Md., brewing company reverse-painted advertising sign, $4,680; and a Colt Model 1849 pocket revolver with Civil War history, which realized $3,802. This sale generated robust interest across the board, from bidders near and far. The overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and quality of the merchandise offered. In addition, the auction was 99.9 percent unreserved, so the results are a true and honest gauge of the current market, said Jeffrey S. Evans. We already have several fine collections in house for our June Americana Auction, so that sale should be another great event. For complete auction results, a schedule of upcoming sales, or more information, visit www.jeffreysevans.com, email info@jeffreysevans.com, or call 540-434-3939.