Heritage-Slater Americana Auction Posts Outstanding Results!

Dallas, Texas: Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers (HG&A) latest Grand Format Signature Auction of political memorabilia and Americana, held December 15 & 16, 2005 in their Dallas, Texas headquarters, posted results of $922,503. After auction sales are still ongoing, and are expected to push the total even higher.

"This was a very strong auction with many exciting results," said Tom Slater, Director of Political Memorabilia and Americana auctions for HG&A.

"Bidding on truly rare items was extremely aggressive," Slater said, "with the trend of items in top condition 'pulling away from the pack' in terms of price clearly continuing. For example, a large sulfide picturing Wm. Henry Harrison sold for a record price of $11,950. It is perhaps the finest known example, and brought nearly double the average selling price of the last several perfectly respectable examples sold at auction. Also, an especially choice example of one of the standard varieties of 1860 Lincoln/Hamlin ferrotypes brought $1,553, while a very nice, well above average example of a nearly identical variety sold for $687."

"However, there were still occasions when collectors were willing to compromise on condition," Slater continued. "The auction included an example of the 1860 Bell-Everett Currier Grand National Banner, perhaps the rarest of this series of jugate prints produced by the famed lithographers for every election from 1844 through 1876. These Grand National Banners are widely collected in series, and this Bell example realized $15,086 on an estimate of $5,000 - $7,000, despite being significantly trimmed and having some other minor condition problems. This was the first example to appear on the market in years, and obviously collectors were willing to make allowances accordingly."

Slater continued, "A highlight of the auction was a rare 1924 jugate button with the slogan 'Coolidge and Dawes [Coolidge's Vice-Presidential running mate] for the Nation's Cause'. One of the most desired jugate varieties of the tough 1920's era, it sold for $10,157 against an estimate of $7,500 - $10,000. Interestingly, this was consigned by a non-hobbyist who had just this single political pin, and who originally had no idea of its rarity or value. He discovered from our web site that Heritage is the leading auctioneer in the field of political Americana, and the rest is history!"

"In the area of general Americana," Slater said, "the auction featured a significant selection of nearly 1,000 colorful World War I patriotic posters, ranging from the most modest to some of the most sought-after varieties. The entire collection was formed at the time of the War and has remained intact ever since. Despite significant condition problems on many, owing to improper conservation and handling, the group as a whole brought an impressive $83,355. The well-known James Montgomery Flagg Uncle Sam 'I Want You' poster brought $3,107 despite damage and tape marks, while a group lot of 11 examples of Howard Chandler Christy's familiar 'Clear the Way!' poster proved an excellent buy for an enterprising dealer at $2,629, barely $250 per poster! Most had condition problems that could be easily addressed by proper linen backing to make them highly saleable individually."

"One of the most intriguing items in the auction was Amelia Earhart's leather flying cap, which brought $16,730 against a pre-sale estimate of $2,500 - $3,500. It was the most popular item from an ensemble of jacket, cap, and goggles, all worn and flown by the famous aviatrix. These evocative relics were given by Earhart to Mariette Lydis, a well-known artist and Earhart's close personal friend."

"A collection of some 40 popular Coca Cola advertising trays, some dating back as far as 1910, did well," Slater said, "generally performing at or above their pre-auction estimate ranges. Most impressive was an example of the beloved 1916 'Elaine' serving tray, which, despite being described only as in 'very good to excellent' condition, sold for $956, more than double its pre-auction estimate."

"All in all, this was another highly successful auction," Slater said. "Not surprisingly, the political material showed the greatest strength, as Heritage has clearly established itself as the market-maker in this popular and growing field. Since November 2004, Heritage has held three major auctions featuring political memorabilia, and each time total sales have well exceeded $500,000, grossing more than any other political item auction previously held."

"I'm very much looking forward to our next event," Slater said, "featuring rare books, autographs and manuscripts, which will be held February 20 & 21 in Dallas, with a live simulcast in New York City. This auction will also include the famous Henry Luhrs - Lincoln Library Collection, and will no doubt be the auction event of 2006!"

Highlights of the December 15 & 16 Auction included:

• The Ultimate Jugate Button Rarity- the 1920 Cox & Roosevelt. REALIZED: $17,925.
• Silver Railroad Pass 1892. REALIZED: $13,145.
• An Extremely Rare and Important Large 1856 Campaign Flag for John C. Fremont, the First Republican Presidential Candidate. REALIZED: $11,352.
• Incredibly Important War of 1812-Era Bandana, Picturing James Madison, James Monroe, and Henry Clay. REALIZED: $11,352.
• Exceedingly Rare 1852 Pierce & King Jugate Silk Ribbon. REALIZED: $10,157.
• 1889 Silverton Railroad Pass. REALIZED: $8,962.
• Roy DeCarava Signed Cover Photo From "Sweet Flypaper of Life". REALIZED: $7,767.
• Gorgeous Full-Color Version of the Classic 1 1/4" Button Picturing William Jennings Bryan Shaking Hands With an American Laborer. REALIZED: $7,170.
• Paramount Celluloid Button Rarity for the 20th Century's Toughest Candidate, 1924 Democratic Nominee John W. Davis. REALIZED: $7,170.
• Fabulous C. 1830 Mantle Clock With Reverse on Glass Portrait of Andrew Jackson on Horseback. REALIZED: $7,170.
• Extremely Rare Smaller Variety of George Washington Inaugural Shank Button. REALIZED: $7,170.
• Magnificent 1860 Lincoln & Hamlin Jugate Ribbon With Portraits Taken From Mathew Brady Photos. REALIZED: $7,170.
• A Choice Example of the Largest Lincoln Ferrotype Variety. REALIZED: $7,170.
• Key 1848 Van Buren & Adams "Free Soil Banner" Currier. REALIZED: $6,572.
• Sought-After George Washington "Long Live the President" Liverpool Tankard. REALIZED: $6,572.

For more information about Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HeritageGalleries.com.

Potential consignors are invited to contact Tom Slater, TomS@HeritageGalleries.com, or by phone at 800-872-6467, ext. 441 or contact John Hickey at JohnH@HeritageGalleries.com, or by phone at 800-872-6467, ext. 264.

To reserve your copy of a catalog for any upcoming Heritage auction, please contact Nicole Jewell, c/o Heritage Galleries, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219, or call 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272.