FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR SELLS FOR $22,000 IN CORDIER ANTIQUES & AUCTIONS’ FALL AUCTION Cordier Antiques & Auctions recently sold a rare Fender Stratocaster electric guitar during their Two Day Fall Antique & Fine Art Auction held November 7 and 8. Consigned by a local musician, the gui
recorded several albums and were featured on stage, radio and television. They were even invited to sing at the Grand Ole Opry. A photograph showing Mr. Hippensteel with the guitar and his band mates added to the provenance. The guitar was purchased new by Mr. Hippensteel on Hanover Street in Carlisle for $225 in 1954.
Other lots of interest in collectibles included a Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig signed baseball obtained by the consignor’s maternal grandfather who ushered at Ebbets Fields. The ball, which hammered down at $4,500, was signed at an exhibition game at Dexter Park. A 19th century fireman’s helmet marked for the Southwark Fire Company sold well above its $300 to $600 estimate to realize $1,000 from a New Jersey collector. Collectibles also included single owner collections of rolling pins and canes, all selling within estimate.
Toys saw somewhat depressed prices overall compared to Cordier’s other recent catalog auctions. An American Flyer 20510 freight set in the original box sold just over low estimate at $525 while a Lionel 390E standard gauge freight set realized $225 on a $600 to $800 estimate. Among several tin windups was a Unique Art Jazzbo Jim with the original box. Estimated at $400 to $600, the toy sold to the Internet for $350.
In sharp contrast, silver prices continued to be strong with bidders paying top dollar for quality items. Not to be outdone by the Fender Stratocaster, silver featured the second highest item of Saturday’s session, a Russian 88 silver jeweled and enameled cigarette case circa late 19th century. Decorated with an elaborate scene of two swans on a tree lined stream, the case was marked for the well known Bolin family of court jewelers and hammered down at $13,000 to a phone bidder in Washington state. Ellen Miller, senior catalog specialist and apprentice auctioneer with Cordier Antiques, was on the block when the case sold. She noted that selling the cigarette case was “very exciting”, adding “it’s great to see such strong competition for high quality items.” Many fine sets of sterling silver flatware were sold including a large set in the ornate Cluny pattern by Gorham. Featuring 91 pieces, the set realized $6,750 (estimate $2,500 to $5,000). A unique sterling presentation box presented by the 19th century actor Lawrence Barrett to actress Mary Anderson sold within estimate at $625 to a local dealer.
Saturday’s session concluded with over one hundred lots of jewelry and watches. Several fine lots of diamond jewelry were offered including a 2.71 ctw diamond and platinum ring featuring a center .97 carat diamond and a custom made 14K gold wrap. Estimated at $2,500 to $3,500, the ring hammered down at $2,600. A 3.50 ctw diamond bracelet realized $2,800 (estimate $1,000 to $2,000) while a 2.45 ctw diamond bracelet by Jabel sold for $1,500. A 1.50 ctw diamond and platinum ring went to the room at $2,250 while an out of state bidder in the room was successful on a large 14K enameled Masonic badge
