6 intriguing Americana items up for bid

J. Levine's Oct. 26 auction features several uncommon representations of Americana, including an Uncle Sam carved figure, fish decoys, and a couple lots of vintage carnival collectibles.

Author:
Antoinette Rahn
Publish date:
Oct 20, 2017

What's the saying 'variety is the spice of life?' If so, then J. Levine's is going to be bringing the 'heat' Oct. 26 during the firm's intriguing Americana, Art & Arms auction. Below are six American lots in the 396-lot offering that are receiving online bidder interest ahead of the live auction.

Classic Carnival Collectibles

If this carousel horse could speak, oh, what stories it might be able to share! Dating back to the 19th century, this model constructed by manufacturer Gustav Bayol, includes the iron horse with glass eyes, old carnival paint, and a tail made of real horse hair. It trots into the auction with an estimate of $2,000 to $3,000.

It certainly seems Dorothy Douglass, the woman whose collecting prowess is on display as items from her estate cross the auction block Oct. 26, was a fan of circus operations. This item, lot 73 in the sale, is a carnival barkers stand dating to the late 19th/early 20th century. It even includes the face of a cherub carved into the side. It also carries an estimate of $500 to $1,000 into the auction.

Carved Americana

Another uncommon item from the collection of Ms. Dorothy Douglass is this 8-inch tall carved Uncle Sam figure. It looks like Sam is about to say something profound. The piece comes into the auction with an estimate of $100 to $300.

This early 20th century carved striped tiger fish decoy is one of eight fish decoys featured in the Oct. 26 auction. This example measures 2 1/2 inches by 8 inches by 2 1/2 inches and carries an estimate of $100 to $300.

Sculptures to Shadowboxes

This 19th century miniature shadow box presents a very unique scene. It's more detailed than most shadow boxes I've seen, and far more intricate than anything I could develop. It measures 18 inches by 33 1/4 inches by 10 inches and it carries an estimate of $300 to $500 into auction.

This extensively intricate bronze sculpture is titled "Stampede." Sculptor Scott Rogers completed the work in 2004 and the base bears his signature. The 32 1/2 by 23 inch-sculpture heads into the auction with an estimate of $6,000 to $8,000.

To view more of the lots in this Oct. 26 auction, visit www.jlevines.com.