Thomaston Place hails ‘Curious Collector’ in June 20 auction

Folk Art mermaid made entirely of bits of driftwood, 12½ x 30½ in. on a metal base, good condition. Estimate: $200-$300. Thomaston Place Auction Galleries image

THOMASTON, Maine – Now through Wednesday, June 20, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ latest online-only sale, “The Curious Collector,” will satisfy yearnings to acquire rare and unusual vintage treasures. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

One of the fascinating items in the auction is a 30½-long folk art figure of a mermaid (above) composed of small pieces of driftwood. Unsigned, this 20th-century work features a carefully sculpted face and is mounted on a metal stand (est. $200-$300).

Lake scene with boats and mountains, oil on panel, in black sand painted box frame, 13¾ x 21 in. Estimate: $300-$400. Thomaston Place Auction Galleries image

Also featured will be large selections of early toys and games, vintage radios, African and Asian artifacts, rare books and documents, furniture, china, glass, and other collectible items – all with modest opening bids.

Circa 1930s cast-iron toy horse-drawn wagon by Kenton Hardware, Kenton, Ohio, 4½ x 10 x 2½ in. Estimate: $100-$200. Thomaston Place Auction Galleries image

“Many of the objects in this sale are from the estate of an eclectic and prolific Brunswick, Maine, collector. He had a great eye, so there should be a lot of interest in these pieces,” noted Thomaston Place owner and auctioneer Kaja Veilleux

Circa 1925 Freshman Masterpiece battery-operated radio made by the Charles Freshman Co. of New York, N.Y. Estimate: $300-$400. Thomaston Place Auction Galleries image

The live auction will commence at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on June 20, and registered participants may place bids on items as they come up for sale.