The year was 1983. As a young New York City-based auction house, Guernsey's initial focus was primarily on folk art. It was at that time that we were approached by a gentleman who was in desperate need to raise funds. He offered us his collection of ninety six carousel figures. And the rest was history.
Prior to that moment, there had never been a carousel auction. For decades carousel figures had been suffering a terrible fate as many fine old machines were intentionally destroyed to make way for newer, more challenging amusement park rides. Although the owner's expectations were modest by modern standards (he was hoping to get $50-60,000 for the collection), that was by no means a sure thing. But we had great enthusiasm for the project and embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign which has since become a Guernsey's trademark. Working closely with experts including Charlotte Dinger (who had used the auction to launch her landmark book), the auction attracted great attention. It was previewed on the Today Show, which proved to be the first of many such appearances we have made over the years. And in the end, the collection sold for what was then an astounding $1 million!
Following that initial event, Guernsey's went on to produce approximately twenty five carousel auctions over the next decade. Collectively, the results of those auctions far exceeded all carousel auctions produced by other firms put together.
September 25, 2010 at 2pm
Unlike various other forms of painted antiquities, the condition of the painted surface of carved wooden carousel art can vary greatly while not affecting the value of the carving significantly. This is due in large part to the fact that it was standard practice to have the carousel figures repainted annually, always presenting a fresh appearance to the patrons of the amusement center
Animals exist in four stages:
Original Original paint used at the time of the carousel's operation.
Park Paint Park Paint can consist of many layers of paint having been applied annually as described above. Park Paint can at times appear to be crudely applied as it was customarily considered a chore to repaint the carousels each Spring and relegated to young helpers.
Stripped Many collectors choose to carefully remove all the paint from a carving. When layer after layer of Park Paint is applied, subtle details and intricate carving can be lost. By completely stripping off the paint, the beautiful carving and many trappings, laminations of the wood and fine delineation of muscles and sinew can be appreciated.
Restored An exacting process involving careful removal of as many as thirty layers of paint before original colors are discovered, recorded and duplicated. Restoration includes gluing, doweling, and recarving worn and missing parts; filling and sanding;l replacement of glass eyes and jewels; and finally painting, often embellishing with pin striping and gold leaf trim.
September 25, 2010 at 2pm
September 24, 2010 10am - 8pm
September 25, 2010 9am - 2pm
The Park Avenue Armory
66th Street and Park Avenue
New York City
A Carousel Auction catalogue depicting each of the auction lots will be available via an interactive CD in late July. Please click here to pre-order, or send payment to Guernsey's. Pre-ordered catalogues will be sent out as soon as they are available.
Click here to download the Bidder Agreement form (pdf).
If you cannot attend this unprecedented auction in
person, you can bid by mail, email, or fax;
the Absentee Bidding form can be downloaded below:
Click
here to download the Absentee Bidding form (pdf).
To arrange for telephone bidding please call 212-794-2280, or email Susan Jaffe at sjaffe@guernseys.com
Guernsey's, 212-794-2280
Cash, certified check, wire transfer.