NEW MARKET, Md. (ACNI) – A 40-year-old sign identifying New Market, Md., as the “Antiques Capital of Maryland” will stay in its place after a proposal to change its wording was defeated last night by city council. The vote was 3-2 in favor of keeping the sign as is.
More than two dozen people attended the standing-room-only meeting to protest Councilman David Price’s push to replace the sign on I-70, which was erected sometime in the 1960s. Price wants the sign to reflect that New Market – population 427 as of the 2000 census – has more to offer than just antique shops.
According to a report in the Frederick News-Post, the two-hour meeting became “unruly” at times, with Mayor Winslow F. Burhans III even mentioning the possibility of calling in the police to remove one of the dealers in attendance.
Dealer Jim Higgs compared Councilman Price to a pallbearer putting the last nail in the coffin of New Market’s antiques businesses, according to News-Post writer Kate Leckie. “You’re attacking my livelihood,” he is reported to have said to Price.
Opponents to Councilman Price’s proposal argued that antiques are the very reason people come to New Market, which is in Frederick County, halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Downtown New Market is lined with many small, individually operated shops specializing in the sale of antiques and other goods. While antiques tourism occurs year round, New Market holds two annual festivals that highlight the town’s historic past. The “A Day in New Market” festival is held annually on the first Saturday in May. “Christmas in New Market” is held on the first Saturday in December every year as well. Both festivals celebrate the traditional life of 18th- and 19th-century residents.
Keith Spurgeon, owner of the Frederick, Md., auction company Mosby & Co., told Auction Central News, “I don’t understand what else there might be to promote in New Market. It’s known for its antique shops and always has been. From my standpoint, it’s the only reason why you’d go there.’
“How stupid is that, trying to get rid of whatever tax base they have,” Spurgeon continued. “Sounds like economic suicide to me.”
Copyright 2009 Auction Central News International. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
All original circa-1933 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees game-used flannel home jersey. Reserve: $225,000. Image courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions.
WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. – A circa-1933 game-used home jersey worn by the New York Yankees’ immortal Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig, tops an all-star lineup of sports apparel, equipment and memorabilia in Grey Flannel’s Holiday Auction, with absentee bids accepted now through Dec. 9.
While a fatal illness forced Lou Gehrig to retire in 1939 at the age of 36, his monumental achievements as a hitter and first baseman live on in the history books, with a career record of 23 grand slams that is still unchallenged. The first athlete ever to appear on a box of Wheaties, Gehrig is in a league of his own, and so is his game-worn apparel. His pinstriped Yankees home jersey offered by Grey Flannel is 100 percent original, with Gehrig’s long-retired number “4” on the back and the name “L. Gehrig” chain-stitched in red on the inside collar. Once part of the renowned Barry Halper Collection, the iconic jersey is entered in Grey Flannel’s auction with a $225,000 reserve. As is the case with all game-used jerseys auctioned by Grey Flannel, the Gehrig jersey is accompanied by a Grey Flannel Auctions Letter of Authenticity (LOA).
Another early game-used Yankees jersey dates to 1927-1930 and was worn by catcher Benny Bengough. The front of the jersey, which carries a $5,000 reserve, is emblazoned with the team name “YANKEES” in blue felt, while the name “Bengough” is embroidered in cursive inside the collar. The player number “42” appears in an identical style of stitching on the jersey’s front tail.
Jerseys worn by stars from the current world champion New York Yankees lineup are poised for the auction spotlight, as well. A 2009 pinstriped game-used home jersey from team captain Derek Jeter, who this year broke Lou Gehrig’s all-time record for hits by a New York Yankees player, features a Yankee Stadium Inaugural Season patch on the left sleeve and his player number “2” on the back. This coveted jersey, with photo match, commands a reserve of $10,000. A game-used road jersey from Jeter’s teammate, slugger Alex Rodriguez, is ornamented with both a “Yankee Stadium Final Season” and “2008 All-Star Game” patch, plus a black armband in memory of Yankees outfielder and broadcaster Bobby Murcer. A-Rod’s jersey has a $7,500 reserve. Both the Jeter and Rodriguez jerseys are accompanied by Yankees-Steiner LOAs.
Documenting an unforgettable World Series in 18K white gold is the 2004 Boston Red Sox World Championship ring with original box. On the left shank in raised relief is the phrase “Greatest Comeback in History 2004,” with a pair of red enameled Boston Red Sox “socks” beneath it. The ring is generously adorned with diamonds and rubies, as well as words and images symbolic of Boston. Reserve: $10,000.
Another premier lot is the 1971 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants game-used flannel road uniform described by Grey Flannel’s experts as “absolutely gorgeous…one of the finest Mays flannels we have seen.” The uniform is accompanied by a Grey Flannel LOA, and Mays’ signature on the uniform pants has been verified by James Spence Authentication. Reserve: $10,000.
Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Gibson’s 1969 St. Louis Cardinals game-used and autographed flannel road uniform features the pitcher’s surname “GIBSON” and player number “45” on the back in eye-catching red on navy blue felt. On the left sleeve is the Major League Baseball “100th Anniversary” patch. Gibson autographed the front of the jersey, adding the year “1969,” with verification by James Spence Authentication (JSA). Reserve: $10,000.
Ty Cobb might only have been remembered for his mean-spirited antics were it not for the fact that, along with Ted Williams, he was one of the greatest pure hitters in baseball history. The Baseball Hall of Fame charter inductee’s lifetime .367 batting average is still a standing record. Two important Cobb-related lots are entered in the sale, one of which is directly connected to the infamous “flying spikes” episode of 1947, in which Cobb sharpened the spikes of his shoes and cut the arm of an opponent, Philadelphia Athletics third baseman Frank Baker. In a hand-written letter to Joe Fisher (presumably a fan), Cobb elaborately explains his side of the story, blaming sports writers for exaggerating the circumstances surrounding “the so-called Baker spiking incident.” The two-page letter, written on personalized “Tyrus R. Cobb” stationery, is made even more desirable with the inclusion of an 8 by 10 inch black and white photo of the spiking incident, autographed and dated by Cobb. With an LOA from JSA, its reserve is $5,000.
Grey Flannel’s 869-lot Holiday Auction includes choice articles from all major sports. A remarkable limited-edition book titled XL Super Bowl The Opus documents 40 years of Super Bowl history, from 1967 to 2006. Exhaustively researched and lavishly produced, this leather-bound, gilt-edged edition with silk-covered presentation box contains 850 glossy pages and weighs an unbelievable 88 pounds. What makes the book extra special is the page of Super Bowl MVP autographs, with signatories including Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Chuck Howley, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman and many more. The book also features exclusive, never-before-seen Super Bowl images taken over 40 years by top sports photographers. There’s much more to know about this fully authenticated book, which is number 76 of an edition of 400. Read the full description in Grey Flannel’s catalog online. Reserve: $25,000.
Among the basketball items of note is a Dave DeBusschere New York Knicks game-used and autographed home jersey accompanied by multiple certifications, including a copy of a hand-signed LOA from DeBusschere himself, in which he states that he wore the jersey between the years 1969 and 1973. The late Dave DeBusschere was one of the most talented and feared power forwards ever to play in the NBA. His trim-style red, white and blue Knicks jersey is a connoisseur’s item and carries a reserve of $10,000.
Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, and if anyone deserved to drive a car like the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III offered in Grey Flannel’s sale, it was Nate. The vehicle’s spaciousness and luxury appointments perfectly suited the genial giant known for his classy wardrobe and champagne lifestyle. With “NATE 42” California license plates and other custom features such as a sunroof and factory air to U.S. specifications, this regal set of wheels comes with Hollywood provenance, since its original owner was singer Glen Campbell. The Rolls-Royce was previously offered by Grey Flannel; this time it is entered with a lowered $30,000 reserve, which is below the appraised value. The lot includes a priceless bonus: dinner with Nate Thurmond, who will personally turn over the keys.
Also within the selection of re-offered items – mostly Americana and pop culture pieces that have been re-consigned – is a coin-operated “Laffin’ Sal” automaton that was once part of the old Playland Amusement Park in San Francisco. Through a robust interior speaker, Sal’s raucous recorded laughter was a familiar sound not only at Playland but also at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, where she famously joined other carnival attractions on the midway. Reserve: $2,500.
Making its Grey Flannel auction debut is a circa-1960 bathing suit that was personally owned and worn by Marilyn Monroe. The black cotton blend one-piece suit is a classic style with four buttons placed vertically down the front. The provenance accompanying the item is impeccable. It comes with an LOA from Monroe’s former personal secretary, May Reis, who was allowed by the Monroe Estate’s executor to select articles from the star’s wardrobe as mementos. The bathing suit has a $2,500 reserve.
Bidding in Grey Flannel’s 2009 Holiday Auction closes on Dec. 9. View the fully illustrated electronic catalog online at www.GreyFlannelAuctions.com. Printed catalogs are free to all registered bidders. For additional information, call 631-288-7800, ext. 228 or 223; or email gfcsports@aol.com.
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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
2004 Boston Red Sox World Championship ring adorned with diamonds and rubies, as well as enameled “red socks” and other symbols of Boston and its hometown team. Retains original box. Reserve: $10,000. Image courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions. Circa-1969 Dave DeBusschere New York Knicks game-used and autographed home jersey. Reserve: $10,000. Image courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions. Derek Jeter New York Yankees game-used home jersey with Inaugural Season patch from 2009, the year in which he broke the all-time record for hits by a Yankees player. Reserve: $10,000. Image courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions. NBA superstar Nate Thurmond’s 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III outfitted with many luxury appointments, including a custom sunroof. Offered at auction with the bonus of dinner with Nate Thurmond. Reserve: $30,000. Image courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions. Circa-1960 bathing suit personally owned and worn by Marilyn Monroe, with written provenance from Monroe’s assistant. Reserve: $2,500. Image courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions.
Picture of tan and black 1927 Model T at Greenfield Village. Photo by rmhermen. DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) – Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is working to make its photographic collections more widely accessible.
The museum last month put a collection of photo booth portraits on the content sharing Web site Flickr. The photos give insight into the use of photography in everyday life from the 1930s to the 1970s.
The portraits join other historic photos that the museum has put online, including ads for Ford Motor Co.’s Model T.
Henry Ford Museum is part of The Henry Ford, a historical attraction that includes Greenfield Village.
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On the Net: The Henry Ford: http://www.thehenryford.org
The Henry Ford’s photos on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thehenryford
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) – A newly discovered dinosaur species that roamed the Earth about 200 million years ago may help explain how the creatures evolved into the largest animals on land, scientists in South Africa said Wednesday.
The Aardonyx celestae was a 23-foot- (7-meter-) long small-headed herbivore with a huge barrel of a chest, and the scientists told reporters it could prove to be a missing evolutionary link.
This is a species “that no one has seen before and one that has a very significant position in the family tree of dinosaurs,” said Australian paleontologist Adam Yates.
Yates, who is based at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Bernard Price Institute for Paleontological Research, led the research with a number of other local and international scientists.
Their findings were published Wednesday in the Proceedings of The Royal Society B, a London-based peer-reviewed journal.
The Aardonyx celestae species walked on its hind legs but could drop to all fours. Yates said the creature found in South Africa stood nearly 6 feet (about 1.7 meters) high at the hip and weighed about 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms). It was about 10 years old when it died, and its death may have been caused by drought.
Yates says the Aardonyx celestae species shares many characteristics with the plant-eating herbivores that walked on two legs. But the new species also has similar attributes to later dinosaurs known as sauropods, or brontosaurs, that grew to massive sizes and went about on all fours with long necks and whip-like tails.
“The discovery of Aardonyx helps to fill a marked gap in our knowledge of sauropod evolution, showing how a primarily two-legged animal could start to acquire the specific features necessary for a life spent on all-fours,” said Paul Barrett, a paleontologist at the British Natural History Museum who assisted on the dig that led to the finding but was not directly involved in the research.
The discovery of the new species was made by postgraduate student Marc Blackbeard, who was excavating two sites about five years ago.
Yates believes that the scientists may have stumbled onto a “paleontological oasis” in central South Africa that may yield further previously unknown dinosaur species.
Already they are working on the bones of two other specimens found at the site and said they also have unearthed some giant teeth believed to belong to a mysterious carnivorous dinosaur.
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On the Net: http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/Science/GeoSciences/BPI/
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
US Navy Battleship USS Arizona underway with President Herbert Hoover on board, March 1931. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons. HONOLULU (AP) – An Ohio auction house has decided against selling a partial silverplated serving set salvaged from the sunken USS Arizona in the wake of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
A spokeswoman for Cowan’s Auctions Inc. said Tuesday that the company “has no intention of selling the silver” at its Dec. 9 auction. She says the company is waiting for official notification from the Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps that the 24-piece serving set cannot be sold.
Some U.S. military veterans and others were dismayed that items from the USS Arizona might be sold to the highest bidder.
The company received the serving set on consignment from an heir of Navy diver Carl Webster Keenum. He collected the pieces in 1942 or 1943 during salvage operations. Keenum died in 1964.
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Information from: The Honolulu Advertiser, http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
AP-WS-11-10-09 1948EST
ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE
The only known photo of the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941.
