Rare stock ticker top mantique at Miller & Miller

NEW HAMBURG, Ontario, Canada – A rare antique printing telegraph was the top mantique at a recent Miller & Miller auction.

Invented by John Burry and made by The Stock Quotation Telegraph Company of New York, the stock ticker sold for $11,800. Complete with correct base and glass dome, it was patented in the 1890s and used in the early 1900s by Canadian National Telegraphs.

Nearly 600 lots of manly memorabilia came up for bid at the auction. Categories included advertising, signs, automobilia, petroliana (including gas pumps, air meters, ephemera), coin-ops, militaria, railroadiana, aviation and sports memorabilia.

Another auction highlight was a National Cash Register Company (Dayton, Ohio) Model 3 cash register, also from the 1890s, which brought $11,500. The register has a rare, cobalt cut-to-clear glass-top sign, burled walnut sides and rear panels and the correct key. A label on the underside indicated it was shipped to a J. A. Banfield in Toronto, Ontario.

It was Miller & Miller’s second Mantiques! auction, and it was just as successful as the first, as 175 people attended in person and hundreds more bid online in a sale that grossed $373,516 (all figures quoted here are in Canadian dollars). Men, and the women who love them, turned out in full force. It was a one-stop shop for anyone looking to equip their man caves in style and fashion.

“Rarity and historical significance are the main factors that drive value,” said Justin Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. “We often bring select lots to shows to promote our upcoming auctions. The items that generate the most discussion at these events are often likely to generate bidding action on the block as well. People want conversation pieces — things others don’t have. They’re usually willing to pay dearly for these pieces. We’re more than happy to offer them up.”

Three signs also stirred up a lot of interest. A 1930s-era Red Indian porcelain dealer sign, 5 feet by 5 feet and among the most sought-after dealer signs in Canadian gas and oil, gaveled for $8,850; an Oldsmobile two-sided porcelain car dealer sign, made in America in the 1950s and also measuring 5 feet square, brought $4,720; and a 1940s-era Canadian Goodyear Tires single-sided porcelain sign, showing exceptional deep color and high gloss, 72 inches by 24 inches and unrestored, brought $4,600.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium:

What man cave is complete without a vintage car, truck or motorcycle parked outside? A 1971 Harvester International pick-up truck, D-Series 1010, repainted and with a reupholstered interior, 304 ci V-8 engine, manual steering and brakes, roared off for $9,200, while a 1972 Triumph “Tiger 650” motorcycle, an all-original survivor with 3,266 miles, knocked down for $7,080.

A large-scale Trans-Canada Viscount cutaway model airplane, 1:24 scale, featuring a transparent acrylic body that allowed someone to view the cabin and cockpit, landed safely for $9,000. The model plane, 47 inches long, would have been on display in an airport lobby or corporate office, with features that included upholstered seats, luggage and even a rest room.

A 1942 Wurlitzer “Victory” jukebox – an Art Deco form masterpiece and one of Wurlitzer’s most recognizable models with stunning carved pedestals, burled veneers and carved feathers forming a “V” on the grille, changed hands for $6,900. Speaking of music, a 1958 Gibson J-50 natural acoustic guitar, made in America with a spruce top, mahogany backs and sides, in the original fitted case, with the original adjustable bridge saddle as an option, commanded $4,130.

A Canadian, circa 1890s Tuckett T&B “Two Boys” framed lithograph – one of only two known and a spectacular example of early chromolithography featuring “two boys” with expressions of “pain” versus “luxury” in smoking other brands as opposed to T&B, made $5,750.

A 1930s oil on board painting by Homer Ransford Watson (Canadian, 1855-1936), in one family since its original purchase in December 1935 rose to $5,310.

A rare McCormick’s figural truck biscuit tin, made in England for the Canadian market and meant to be used as a toy after the contents were consumed, earned $4,800.

Miller & Miller has several auctions planned through the end of the year, also online and in the New Hamburg gallery:

October 19: fishing lures (featuring the Rick Seymour collection).

November 23: watches and jewelry.

December 7: Antiques and collectibles (featuring the John McKenty CCM collection).

To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection with Miller & Miller, call 519-573-3710 or 519-716-5606; or e-mail info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions and the upcoming auctions, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.