T A C AUCTIONEERS BLOGGERS "Did You Know"

Great Estates Auction- Featuring Select Items From Dr. Caldwell Titcomb's Estate

2012-01-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

Tonya A. Cameron to auction Asian art, antiques and historical ephemera from estate of Boston theater critic Dr. Caldwell TitcombDecember 30th, 2011 Brandeis professor emeritus was noted African-American history scholar

Giant in Tower mechanical bank, 1902, John Harper Ltd., from a collection of cast-iron banks to be auctioned in the opening session. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.
SAUGUS, Mass. – Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers will present selections from the estate of theater critic, university professor and African-American history scholar Dr. Caldwell Titcomb in a Thursday, Jan. 12 evening auction at the company’s suburban Boston gallery. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

The 350-lot sale, which will be divided into two consecutive sessions, includes important archival documents and other ephemera from Dr. Titcomb’s historical research, as well as Asian art and bronzes; furniture and several paintings. Additional private consignments from New England residences include collections of antique mechanical banks and toys; 19th-century rifles, fine diamond jewelry and American sterling silver.

“There’s more than enough in this sale to keep people interested and on their seats, but we also enjoy playing host to our guests, so there will be a complimentary hors d’oeuvres smorgasbord and beverages available for all who attend,” said Tonya Cameron.

Session I, starting at 5 p.m., features a single-owner collection of approximately 20 cast-iron mechanical banks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among them are an Eagle and Eaglets, Humpty Dumpty, Trick Dog, Teddy (Roosevelt) and the Bear, full-figure Uncle Sam, Artillery, and Uncle Remus. A coveted English production known as the Giant in Tower bank was made in 1902 by John Harper Ltd.

The bank collector also amassed a number of amusing battery-operated toys from the 1950s and ’60s. The grouping includes Shoeshine Bear, Mambo Elephant, Drinking Monkey, Clown Playing Xylophone, and Sneezing Bear. A Bubble Blowing Monkey is similar in design to the battery ops but functions via an electrical plug. The opening session also contains a few boxed space-theme and wind-up toys.

File copy of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb’s 1966 letter to Amherst College inquiring about the dates during which “famous Negro abolitionist Robert Purvis” may have been a student there. Archive of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the 300-lot session featuring Dr. Titcomb’s estate items will commence. Tonya Cameron said she is honored that her company was chosen to auction the late professor’s collections.

“Dr. Titcomb was an intellectual fixture in Boston’s theater scene. He had been a professor at Brandeis University, was a longtime theater critic and a passionate musician and composer. On top of that, he was deeply interested in African-American history and left an extraordinary archive of letters – some historical and some his own – and other ephemera documenting decades of study in that field,” Cameron said.

A file copy of an Aug. 6, 1966 letter from the Titcomb archive attests to the late professor’s fastidious attention to detail. In that letter to Amherst College’s Alumni Records Department, Titcomb informs that he is researching “early Negro college students” and wishes to clarify a possible historical discrepancy. He asks if Amherst’s records can confirm whether or not “the famous Negro abolitionist Robert Purvis” attended, but did not graduate from, Amherst College prior to 1826. In his letter, Titcomb explains that he wishes to confirm a published statement he had seen regarding Purvis’ matriculation at Amherst, noting that the timeframe stated seemed “odd, since Purvis was not born until 1810.”
The ephemera highlights also include a typed manuscript for a play Titcomb wrote, and five personally assembled scrap albums of obituaries, biographies and other materials pertaining to theatrical luminaries from around the world. “It’s a remarkable time capsule,” Cameron observed.

Pair of large, bronze foo dogs, Estate of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.
Dr. Titcomb embraced many cultures and traveled extensively across Asia, acquiring 18th, 19th and 20th century antiques. The auction selection includes many bronzes in the $500-$1,000 range and several in the $200-$500 range. The top lot of this category is a pair of large bronze foo dogs estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Ceramics include Imari and Moriagi productions and a beautiful Kutani porcelain vase in an orange and blue colorway. Carved hardstone figurals will be offered in group lots.

Louise Davies Webber abstract watercolor painting. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.
Also coming from the Titcomb estate are abstract paintings by Maine landscape and still life artist Louise Davies Webber, a Chinese sword with decorated handle and scabbard; and an Indian sword with figural hilt.

Private consignments yielded an extensive Reed & Barton 24-place-setting sterling silver flatware set in the Burgundy pattern. While a few of the settings lack their salad forks, the silver suite includes desirable butter pats and knives; and many unusual serving pieces such as a stuffing spoon and large meat fork. The set is housed in a mahogany chest and carries a presale estimate of $4,000-$5,000.

Gorham 6-piece coffee, tea and water kettle set with tray, 1950s. Est. $4,000-$4,500. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.
Another silver highlight is a Gorham 6-piece coffee, tea and water kettle set. The midcentury service, complete with tray, is expected to make $4,000-$4,500.

Firearms are led by a G. Hyslop antique flintlock Kentucky long gun and Thompson/Center 50 caliber flintlock. Other collectible weapons include an 1880s-era Turkish flintlock pistol and an Allen Thurber & Co. pocket pistol with an 1845 patent. Civil War books and etchings complete the section.

1880s-era Turkish flintlock pistol and Allen Thurber & Co. pocket pistol with an 1845 patent. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.
The auction’s broad variety of goods also includes 18th century Spanish Colonial paintings, Abe Blashko drawings, bronzes by listed artists, a fine campaign chest on pedestal, five vintage Brunswick ivory-tipped pool cues with pearl and ivory inlay; and gold and diamond estate jewelry.

Tonya A. Cameron’s auction featuring selections from the estate of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at the company’s gallery at 113 Bennett Highway, Saugus, MA 01906, commencing at 5 p.m. Eastern time. Preview: Jan. 11 from 12-5 and Jan. 12 from 12-4:45.

All forms of bidding will be available, including telephone, absentee and online through LiveAuctioneers.com. Visit Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers online at www.tacauctioneers.com.

Bid online now at AuctionZip Live! - The Upcoming Live Auction Locator - Fast, Easy, and Free!

2011-09-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Bid online now at AuctionZip Live! - The Upcoming Live Auction Locator - Fast, Easy, and Free!

Did You Know The Exhibit ForJacob Neagle Was A Huge Success- Hosted by Tonya Cameron Auctions

2011-09-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

We Had A Wonderful Time 13 Paininting Were Sold At This Event

Other News: Triple H snaps up historical wrestling items at estate auction held for Killer Kowalski

2011-08-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Other News: Triple H snaps up historical wrestling items at estate auction held for Killer Kowalski

Boston Globe.Com-Wrestler’s auction draws tough bidding

2011-08-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

By Laura J. Nelson
Globe Correspondent / August 12, 2011

SAUGUS - The bidding battle was as tense as any wrestling match.
“We have $4,250,’’ auctioneer Tonya A. Cameron called into the microphone last night. “Do I hear $4,500? $4,500? I can promise you, you’ll never get your hands on a robe like this again.’’
Phil Castinetti, in the back of the crowded showroom, winced and shook his head. He had paid a pretty penny for other memorabilia from storied pro wrestler Walter “Killer’’ Kowalski.
But this was a price too high.
“Sold! For $4,250, to Buyer Number 700!’’ Cameron shouted, and assistants carted the teal crushed-velvet robe away. Castinetti was not Buyer 700.
The velvet robe was one of 300 lots Cameron’s auction company, TAC Auctions Inc., collected from Kowalski’s Malden estate. The wrestler, a Hall of Fame member made legendary during television’s early days, died in 2008 of complications from a heart attack. A portion of each sale went to Kowalski’s widow, Theresa Ferrioli, who has Alzheimer’s disease and lives in a nursing home.
At the showroom off Route 1, signed Killer action figures and wrestling posters were next to vases, glassware, and cameras from the Kowalski home. Some attendees bought merchandise to resell on eBay. Others just wanted to touch memorabilia.
“It’s kind of sad to me,’’ said Leonard Caplan, who runs a radio show called “Wrestling Talk.’’ Kowalski was the first guest, in June 1987. “All his belongings just spread out like that, as if he wasn’t a big deal.’’
A handful of close friends came to rescue those belongings from an uncertain fate.
Richard Byrne, who owns the Malden building where Kowalski ran a wrestling school, hoped to buy one of three ring robes, worn just before a wrestler begins a match, to display at the school. Instead, Buyer 700 - an anonymous Internet bidder - snapped up more than $6,500 worth of merchandise, including the $4,250 robe and a pair of wrestling boots ($650).
“It has to be Triple H,’’ Byrne said. “Who else could it be? Who else would have that deep of pockets?’’
“Triple H’’ would be Paul Michael Lévesque, World Wrestling Entertainment’s chief operating officer and an alum of Killer Kowalski’s Pro Wrestling School. He planned to bid remotely for his teacher’s belongings, Byrne said.
Other items fetched lower prices: trading cards and photographs sold for $50. Elaine Maxwell of Stoneham bought a Killer poster, a Christmas present for her 11-year-old grandson, Owen, for $25.
Castinetti, who met Kowalski on a softball team in the ’80s, had been holding out for a robe to display in a sports-themed room in his house. He balked three times: twice at price, and once ceding to friend Toby Peterson.
As Peterson gathered a purple velvet robe into his arms and wrote a check for $450, the auctions moved on to Chinese vases and household knickknacks.
Byrne, in the front row, smiled as Buyer 700 won bracelets, posters, and Ziplock bags stuffed with ticket stubs and photos.
“Don’t worry,’’ Byrne said. “They’re in good hands, going to a good home.’’
Laura J. Nelson can be reached at lnelson@globe.com.
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company.

Prestigious designer costume jewelry in Tonya Cameron’s Feb. 13 auction

2011-06-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Prestigious designer costume jewelry in Tonya Cameron’s Feb. 13 auction

Tonya Cameron’s June 7 sale: Tiffany gold to the Lone Ranger’s Silver

2011-06-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Tonya Cameron’s June 7 sale: Tiffany gold to the Lone Ranger’s Silver

Did you Know....We Posted Our June 7 Auction On A Video- Preview Live

2011-06-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Prestigious designer costume jewelry in Tonya Cameron’s Feb. 13 auction

2011-02-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

Prestigious designer costume jewelry in Tonya Cameron’s Feb. 13 auction

Did You Know a Cane is not just for walking?? It can be a Firearm?

2010-09-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

This Charlton MA Antique Shot Gun will be sold at our Sept. 23th auction -starting at 5:45 p.m.

Did you Know: Cane Guns were used as a last resort weapon and were made around circa 1850's

Did You Know ? My Thought?? I Think I Attended This Auction??

2010-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Did You Know....

2010-05-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

That shawls were around for 100 years? The first all-wool shawls were not made in Paisley until 1823.It was awkward to wear a coat with a crinoline frame or under wire. From 1840-75 shawls were made much larger to cover the widening skirt and frame. It was during this period that shawls really became popular. They are still considered beautiful textiles to this day.

Did You Know

2010-05-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

"A backlight is a great tool to use when inspecting antiques and collectibles. It can detect repairs, flaws, cracks and paint over’s on porcelains and paintings. It can also be used to detect new vs. old paint on items. It is not 100% fool proof but it is quite accurate most of the time. New paint will show as dark areas on a painting, or it will glow a deep dark violet. Old paint on an antique piece will not glow deep violet, it will be transparent or even change color. White will react with a bright purple, but old paint is more transparent.!"

Did you Know The Early Bird Catches The Worm is a Tag Sale Not an Auction?

2010-03-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Early Bird Catches The WormTM- is the name of our in house estate tag sales conducted on Wed. Morning every other month at 6:00 a.m. YES......6:00 a.m the doors fly open and you can purchase your items on the spot? Go ahead, shop, shop and shop. No junky stuff here.... items are held back from estate and house clean outs for our sales. Nice surprises.... You never know what you may find. One customer picked up an circa 18c painting at our DEC. Tag Sale. Why! because he was a early bird.
Another picked a large assorted jewelry lot and found a diamond.......treasures are still buried even at tag sales.

Sorry! No photos, no images, no mail outs-
CraigsList, e-mail ,word of mouth or a chance visit to our website's homepage is your means of notification. Upcoming Sale Wed. April 7, yes, 6:00 a.m. hummmmmm.....

Did You Know That TAC Animals Are All Certified Therapy Animals That Visit Area Nursing Homes And Schools On A Volunteer Basis.

2010-01-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

Check out one of our visits to a area nursing home

Did You Know

2009-09-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Ivory Scrimshaw to be sold at our Estate Auction Monday Sept. 21,-Auction at 6:15 p.m.

Did you know that the designs, executed on scrimshaw by whale fishermen were carved with either a jackknife or a sail needle and then emphasized with black pigments, mostly lampblack.

DID YOU KNOW-NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

DIAMOND HEART PENDANT APPROX. 2CT. TO BE SOLD AT OUR UPCOMING ESTATE AUCTION MON. SEPT 21, 6:15 P.M.

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND" IS ACTUALLY A SONG MADE FAMOUS VIA MARILYN MONOROE, CAROL CHANNING, EARTHA KITT...AND MANY OTHER ARTIST TO FOLLOW.

DID YOU KNOW- NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

NEWS YOU CAN USE

THIS LOUIS VUITTON SUITCASE WILL BE SOLD AT OUR ESTATE AUCTION MONDAY SEPT 21, 6:15 DID YOU KNOW THAT LOUIE VUITTON WAS A REAL PERSON ...HE FOUNDED THE BRAND IN 1854. VUITTON PASSED THE COMPANY ON TO HIS SON.

DID YOU KNOW THE SON INVENTED THE NOW FAMOUS MONOGRAM

DID YOU KNOW-NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-16T15:29:00.001-07:00

THIS SILK NEEDLEWORK WILL BE SOLD IN OUR UPCOMING ESTATE AUCTION MONDAY SEPT. 21 2009 6:15 P.M.

DID YOU KNOW THAT NEEDLEWORK CAN BE CONSTRUCTED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT STYLES? TAPESTRY, APPLIQUE, EMBROIDERY, CROCHET, KNITTING, SIMPLE, LUCET BRAIDS,TATTING, TASSEL BRAIDING AND QUILTING, JUST TO NAME A FEW.

DID YOU KNOW- HIGHLIGHTS FOR OUR UPCOMING AUCTION MON. SEPT. 21 ,2009

2009-08-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

PAIR 19C ORNATE BRONZE & ONYX CANDELABRAS ON BASE: TO BE AUCTIONED ON MON. SEPT. 21, 2009

Candelabra is the term traditionally referring to a pair (or more) of large/small, decorative candlesticks often shaped as a column

Did you know the plural term candelabra is a nickname for radio mast and towers?

Did you know that a single is called a candelabrum????

News you can use...

DID YOU KNOW-NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH TEA AND EVERYDAY TEA IS THAT HIGH TEA IS SERVED AN HOUR LATER THAN EVERYDAY TEA. I.E. 6- 6:30 INSTEAD OF 5.

DID YOU KNOW- NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

THAT THE WORD CHINESE IS OFTEN TIMES MISPRONOUNCED "CHI-NIECE"
INSTEAD OF "CHI-KNEES"

DID YOU KNOW -NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

ACCORDING TO AMY VANDERBILT-
THE HEIGHT OF FORMALITY IS A GOOD DAMASK TABLE CLOTH WITH MATCHING DINNER NAPKINS. IT SHOULD OVER HANG NOT LESS THAN 12 INCHES , NO MORE THAN 18INCHES. NO WRINKLES OR STAINS, IT SHOULD BE OVER A TABLE PAD OR SILENCE CLOTH. THE CENTER FOLD IS PLACED CAREFULLY AND EXACTLY DOWN THE CENTER OF THE TABLE WITH THE FOLD OF THE CLOTH TENTWISE TO THE SURFACE OF THE TABLE. AFTER ALL THIS, ALL THE ENDS AND SIDES MUST BE EQUAL.......................

DID YOU KNOW-NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

HALLMARK GREETING CARDS WERE INTRODUCED IN 1910 BY THEN 17 YEAR OLD JOYCE HALL....THEY STARTED OUT AS A POSTCARD MAIL ORDER COMPANY, THUS BECOMING THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD.

DID YOU KNOW-NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE BROWN AND YELLOW STAINING FROM PORCELAIN IS TO SOAK THE PIECE IN HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS?

2009-08-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

JADE COMES IN MANY COLORS DEPENDING ON THE EARTH'S ELEMENTS AND BURIAL LOCATION?

DID YOU KNOW-NEWS YOU CAN USE

2009-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW THAT AN ITEM HAS TO BE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD BEFORE YOU CAN CALL IT AN ANTIQUE?