Specialists of the South to host Aug. 27 multi-estate auction
Extremely rare Orange Crush soda dispenser to be auctioned by Specialists of the South on Aug. 27, 2011. Image courtesy of Specialists of the South.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – A whopping nine local consignors, together boasting hundreds of lots in an eclectic mix of categories, will be packed into a one-day multi-estate sale on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Specialists of the South’s gallery. The auction will commence at 9 a.m. Central time, and Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
The items to be offered are as varied as the consignors themselves. One consignor was a prominent educator named Linda Stallings Grantham (1937-2010). As a one-time elementary school teacher, Grantham naturally loved children, and many of the items in her collection reflect that. Pieces include children’s wicker, toys and Madame Alexander dolls, as well as a vintage sewing machine in a cabinet, Nippon, milk glass and an older wicker rocker.
Dolores and Rod Buckley, originally from Peoria, Ill., were in charge of an antique flea market there for 10 years before launching an annual antique and doll show. In the 1980s, Delores worked for the United Federation of Doll Clubs, traveling to Atlanta, New Orleans and elsewhere, appraising dolls and conducting doll seminars. Rod was more into glassware, but the two worked hand in hand, carving out a nice life for themselves in the antiques business during their 50+ years of marriage. They both retired in 1982 and moved to Panama City, where their interest in antiques and collectibles remained strong.
The Buckleys collected clear Iris and Herringbone Depression glass, and advertising memorabilia, including black Americana selections. Those items will be auctioned, as well as their dolls – Kewpies, two KISS dolls, a “Fonzie” (from Happy Days) doll, a Little Miss Sunshine, celluloid and bobble head dolls. Additionally, their estate produced vintage Kewpie postcards, mantel clocks, a rare Orange Crush soda dispenser, small older slot machines, vintage mechanical and still banks and advertising memorabilia.
Keewatin Berg was quite the colorful character and world traveler. Part Cherokee Indian and a native Oklahoman, Berg was a member of the 99ers, an elite club for the first 99 female pilots in the United States. Berg’s adventurous spirit took her to over 30 different countries, where she snapped up artifacts, artwork and other exotic objects. She loved Mexico and Canada, but her favorite destination was Asia
Items from the Berg estate include many Native American and African objects, to include terracotta pieces from Mexico, ethnic artwork, receptacles and hats fashioned from natural materials, carvings, and items she acquired from the World Museum in Tulsa, Okla., at their liquidation sale in the 1970s.
The living estate of another resident is the source of a beautiful Hoosier cabinet and collection of fine crocks, china and glassware. But one item certain to pique bidder interest is the long Oriental belt (or wrap), possibly for holding a weapon and worn into battle, and with large Oriental characters at one end and along one edge, plus fine chop marks at the other end. The item was given to her by her uncle, who served in the Philippines during World War II.
Margaret “Peggy” Beck and Bert Whitbread operated Fernleigh Antiques in Panama City for 17 years before the BP oil spill forced them to close their doors last year. The couple specialized in nautical items, often selling to restaurants and the trade. Items from their estate includes an 1875 ship’s sextant, an oil painting of Joan of Arc, majolica, a circa-1918 dental cabinet and about a half-dozen Scottish sporrans (men’s purses) made to be worn over kilts.
One other noteworthy consignment is the estate of the late Catherine Railey, with its large collection of boxed Royal Doulton figurines and an equally impressive collection of Desert Rose dinnerware.
For additional information on any item in the sale, call 850-785-2577 or e-mail specialists@knology.net. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE
Extremely rare Orange Crush soda dispenser to be auctioned by Specialists of the South on Aug. 27, 2011. Image courtesy of Specialists of the South.
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