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.
On September 24th at New York City's prominent Park Avenue Armory (Park at 66th Street), Guernsey's will be conducting an unprecedented auction of iconic objects the majority of which relate to famous people and/or historic events of 20th century America. This unique auction developed in the following way.
Over the last several years, Guernsey's - long known for producing focused events such as the John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Mickey Mantle and Jazz Legends auctions - received a series of offers of extraordinary items potential consignors wished to sell. In many instances, these consignors were intimately related to a well-known individual or in some way were closely involved with the material they hoped to consign. Despite the fact that indeed many of these objects would have been the "star attraction" of any typical auction, the auction house couldn't very well produce a themed auction for each and every one of these exceptional objects. So the offers were shelved.
One day several months ago, it dawned on us that these iconic objects did indeed have something in common, something that tied the items together in a way that would allow for a terrific auction. This common bond was indeed the fact that these things were all great and that once assembled, constituted a form of auction "all-star team." And so, the event was on.
Some of the auction items reflect on important moments in our nation's history. The only known recordings of sermons given by Martin Luther King, the poignant World Trade Center banner, artifacts from the Statue of Liberty and the Harley Davidson motorcycle that was part of the Dallas motorcade preceding John F. Kennedy are a sampling of these. Then there are treasured items relating to pop cultural legends from the worlds of music, motion pictures and sport. James Dean, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Mickey Mantle, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Jim Morrison and Marilyn Monroe are from that remarkable list. Although the items from the above categories would normally be more then enough to excite any auction-goer, this remarkable auction also includes diverse and very significant artwork. From the early part of the 20th century comes the original plaster of Frederic Remington's Mountain Man along with several Remington Bronzes. The masterwork of Louis Comfort Tiffany is evident in a beautiful lamp originally from the artist's home. In stark contrast, Keith Haring, at the recent end of the century, created several noteworthy works included in the auction. Add works by Andy Warhol, Maurice Sendak, Peter Max and a number of leading illustrators and one realizes that this is truly going to be a special event.
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.
Glossary of Terms Commonly Used in Describing Carousel Art
STANDER - Stationary horse with at least three hoofs on platform
JUMPER - Horse that goes up and down with no hoofs touching the platform
PRANCER - Stationary horse with rear hoofs on platform, front legs raised
OUTSIDE ROW - Row of animals closest to viewers; the most elaborately decorated figures
LEAD HORSE - The most outstanding horse on the carousel - lavishly embellished
MENAGERIE ANIMAL - Any animal other than a horse; rare compared to horses
ROUNDING BOARD - Long decorated boards on upper outer facade of carousel
SHIELDS - Decorative carved, mirrored, or painted plaques covering place where rounding boards meet
SCENERY/CARVED PANEL - Boards decorated by carvings, paintings, or mirrors covering the centerpole housing
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.
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.