Samuel Robb Cigar Store Indian fetches $94,400 at Showtime Auction Services A rare Cigar Store Indian figure, beautifully carved in the 1880s by the renowned artisan Samuel Robb, sold for $94,400 at an auction held March 30-April 1 by Showtime Auction Services in Michigan.
by 2 feet, with some tattering at the edges, the only one known, realized $22,420; and a Red Indian Stogies “3 For 5” cigar tin (for 50 cigars), made by the Meekin Can Co. (Cincinnati) for David M. Zolla, Distributor (Chicago) garnered $15,400.
A Rock-Ola jukebox, Commando Model 1420, one of the most dramatic and colorful of all the jukeboxes ever produced, hammered for $20,650. The reverse painted example with glass pilasters was nearly all original and had been nicely restored by John Papa. Other jukeboxes sold included a Rock-Ola Model 1426, a Wurlitzer Model 1400 and the popular Wurlitzer Model 915.
A Keystone No. 980 “Ride 'Em” toy Greyhound bus, mint in the box and made by Keystone Mfg. (Boston, Mass.), in all original condition, with electric headlights, 22 ½ inches long, sped off for $15,400; and an optometrist's trade sign for Dr. R.A. Esslinger (circa 1910), with the proprietor's name attached to a par of glasses, cast zinc with original paint, hit $10,450.
A 30-inch in diameter round porcelain ice cream sign for H. P. Hood & Sons, featuring beautiful color and a cow graphic, in overall great shape save for a few minor flaws, commanded $9,350; and a Watling “Guess Your Weight” nickel scale, made by the Watling Mfg. Co. (1902), 69 inches tall, oak with nickel trim and with the original gambling mechanism, went for $8,800.
A coin-operated 10-cent cigar vendor with original stenciling on the sides, in excellent all-original working condition, 6 inches by 9 ½ inches by 16 inches, topped out at $8,800; and an exceedingly rare cast iron umbrella stand depicting a swashbuckling figure and complete with an original tray and with most of the original paint intact, in excellent condition, coasted to $8,250.
A “Used Car Department” outdoor two-sided tin sand sign, with each sign mounted on inner support boards, in 100 percent original condition, 33 inches by 24 ½ inches, hit the mark for $7,975; and a rare National Cash Register Model 6 barbershop-style cash register with an extended oak base, professionally restored and in fine working condition, cashed out at $4,675.
Showtime Auction Services has two events lined up – one in the summer and one in the fall. A Summer Internet Auction will go online in early July and conclude Saturday, July 28, at 6 p.m. (EST). The auction will feature mainly smalls in a range of different categories. Then, on Oct. 5-7, Showtime will conduct a live, telephone, absentee and Internet auction, in Ann Arbor.
That sale will feature Part 2 of the Ed and Christy Ramsey pedal car and toy collection and the 50-year collection of Bob Potter, a dedicated hobbyist who accumulated hundreds of items in many fields: fire-related memorabilia, country store, saloon, advertising, barber shop, tobacciana and much more. The event will take place at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.
Showtime Auction Services is always accepting quality items for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call Michael Eckles
