This auction reflects years of my gathering a varied and eclectic collection of antiques and collectibles. Containing a number of scarce and unique items the quality and condition of each item was evaluated prior to purchase.
This auction features many smalls that are highly collectible. These include a select assortment of Victorian era ceramic pots used for different items including toothpaste, cold cream, and an ointment used for treating gout and rheumatism. There is also a wonderful blue transfer toilet cream pot with the original label, the forerunner of Ponds cream. Equally interesting is a rare Atkinson’s Parisian toothpaste English and French Canada pot lid from the 1880’s.
This auction also contains an interesting collection of scales from different companies including Brantford and Toronto. One is a very rare 5lb Computing Scale made by the Computing Scale Co. of Toronto, with a patent date of 1898. It has an unusual cylinder chart that is used to assist in the quick computing of weighed material.
Collectors of early farm equipment will want to check out the very rare Cockshutt tractor seat or the Deering Harvester hand crank sickle grinder sharpener in excellent condition. A buggy jack with an attractive patina will also catch the discerning eye. The Cockshutt Co. is also seen in a decorative drill planter box end. A 1903 Black Hawk hand crank corn sheller, and two hay trolleys, from Ingersoll and Essex are also featured. The Wonder Rope Machine comes with a seldom seen original instruction booklet and rope tool.
Two very unusual items include a leather strip cutter or leather creasing machine patented in 1867. Extremely rare, it may have been used to make straps for harnesses for horse teams or in general for improvement in creasing, slicking, and skiving leather. The second item is a Templeton Cheese Cutter by The Computing Scale Company out of Toronto – circa 1901. It was invented by Rev. William G. Templeton (1851-1919).
Unusual and a conversation starter is a Guhl & Harbeck Jupiter 2 Pencil Sharpening Machine – circa 1905-1910. A hard to find item, friends won’t know what it is.
A select collection of bottles and tins are also found in this collection. Check out the Hamilton Glass Works clamp jar, circa 1865.Take a look at a superb Hamilton Beverages bottle as well as an excellent St. Lawrence Company Ivory Starch tin can and two lovely McCormick’s Biscuit Company tins. There is also a scarce seven colour Pride of Ontario Honey Tin. The William Davies Co. tins date back to a time when it was the largest pork packer in the British Empire. One of Toronto’s longstanding nicknames, “Hogtown”, is attributable to the millions of pigs processed annually by the Davies Company.
Sure to attract attention is an outstanding Corticelli Oak Spool Cabinet. Complementing it are three very early sewing machines, by Wilcox & Gibbs, Singer, and Jones. Another feature item is a very large Hemingray 303/310 Insulator or Muncie. Rarely seen in Canada, most are native to Montana.
Collectors will recognize the Bradley & Hubbard Mfg Co. name. A beautiful banquet lamp and an ornate wall pocket are two examples of this company’s creations. From the same time period there is a beautiful Edwardian Coal Hod or coal scuttle complete with a porcelain handled shovel.
Petroliana fans will appreciate the Imperial Oil Marvel and Shell oil bottles as well as a Jay B. Rhodes Motor Oil Bottle embossed with the Havoline name.
History buffs will be interested in a very scarce Bank of Hamilton building sign and numerous Caledonia Milling Company framed flour bags. Then there’s an original 1916 Simpson’s catalogue and copper embossed plaque that commemorates 60 years of Canadian confederation in 1927. Moving on to the 1930s, view a rare beautiful art deco style Shirriff’s Lime Rickey Soda dispenser.
Elvis fans might recognize one of two near mint microphones in the collection. The first is a 1957 Shure 55S Microphone often referred to as a “Fat Elvis”. Complete with its red velvet cover, base and cable. A real classic, it’s the same kind of mic Elvis used in his early days. The second mic is an iconic “lollipop”.
Nostalgia fans will appreciate a wonderful castle style spinning wheel from the mid 1800’s and a beautiful bentwood butter churn. This style of churn was created in 1877 and patented as a new design. May the pieces you purchase bring you as much enjoyment as they did me.
Bruce
