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Page 18 The Antique Shoppe November, 2018
What’s Selling on eBay?

by Deborah Abernethy and Mike McLeod

$2,805 (55 bids, 14 bidders): Antique American 1833 Ladies Anti-
Slavery Society Broadside Hamilton Penn. You can imagine my reaction when
a good friend and picker handed me this 12 ½" wide x 24" long x 4" tall top to a domed,
paper-covered, pine chest. I’m thinking, where is the rest of the chest? He said, “Turn
it over,” and then I saw this extremity rare American broadside. Slavery was abolished
in the British West Indies with passage of the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. This
broadside advertises for a picnic to celebrate the
British Abolition Act.
Organized anti-slavery sentiment in
the United States was just starting, and the
Ladies Anti-Slavery Society of Hamilton Village,
Pennsylvania, was one of the earliest American
organizations. You can find some information online $3,450 (23 bids, 10 bidders): Antique Wooden H.E. Boucher Live
about this society, but you will not find another example Steam Engine Toy Pond Boat Steamboat. It is a beautiful example, circa 1930s,
of this very rare 1833 broadside. It is possible that it is the and in very good original condition. It measures 38 inches long from bow tip to the
only example to exist. Measuring on the curve, this broadside is 12" wide x 20" long. back of the rudder. Complete with burner in place. This boat also comes with the cabin
Pieces of another poster were added to the curved ends, bottom and sides. You can see cruiser optional deck piece that has electrical wiring for lighting. Most of these boats
that this rare, American anti-slavery broadside is in clean condition. It is certainly very are seen with the open top configuration; the deck cabin is an original optional Boucher
important, but there is no way of determining its value. Some eBayer will win this piece part. The boat has not been run by myself, and probably not run for quite some time,
of American slavery history. (Photos courtesy of eBay seller wwolst12.) but with a little effort, it should be a running steamboat.
DBA: I think that this would have sold for more money if it had not been glued onto Also includes operating instructions. This is a very attractive, in original condition boat.
this lid. (But it may have not survived if it had not been glued to this lid.) Several anti- Overall, a wonderful example. (Photo, eBay seller gypsiegirlz)
slavery broadsides could be found selling for similar amounts, and one was found that DBA: This is market value or what similar steam toy boats have sold for at auction.
sold for $6,000 hammer price in 2016. I have not found dealers with these for sale since they are rare. I would think that it is
difficult to find toys in any great number that would not require restoration. Auction
$870 (40 bids, 11 bidders): Huge Antique Early Old 1890's Leather seems to be the most prevalent market to find or sell a similar one. The market for this
Melon Football, Vintage. Take a look at what we type of toy has not changed significantly in the last two decades. The condition is really
have here! Up on the auction block is a mid-to-late good for a toy that is from the 1930s.
1890's leather Melon football! The leather is in $5,865 (38 bids, 20 bidders): Antique Old Style Indian Wars Medal No
game-used but great condition! There are
lots of gridiron battle scars but no major 200 Red Ribbon + Button US Army. Medal #200 was issued to Hardin, Charles
damage. It is soft and supple and still very B., major, retired 16-Jul-08. Capt. Hardin was in the 1st Cavalry and was promoted from
strong! It has a great shine and a great look! Sergeant to 2nd lieutenant in the 18th Infantry. He made captain in 1898. Condition: no
The dark brown patina is 100% worn original! damage aside from normal wear. (Photo courtesy of eBay seller eastwooddenver.)
No dyes, colored polishes, or coloring of any kind DBA: There is a lot of incorrect information circulating about these medals. The
used. It has thick period leather laces that look great! Indian Campaign Medal is a decoration established by War Department General Orders
When we acquired this beast, it was stuffed with 12, 1907. The medal was retroactively awarded to any soldier of the U.S. Army who
old paper. We removed the paper and added a had participated in the American Indian Wars against the Native Americans in the years
seamless rubber bladder to bring it back to its original shape and look. This beast 1865 to 1891. These medals are being made
measures 11" long x a whopping 23'' round! There are no visible markings on the today, even though there is no one alive
ball, but we believe it to be a Reach. Reach was known for making 8-lace footballs in that would meet the qualifications to
the 1890s and into the early 1900s. Early period Melon footballs are getting harder receive one. Yet, these are still being
and harder to come by! When's the next time you will see a gem like this one? This made and not by the U.S. Government.
awesome 1890's Melon football will look killer displayed in your home, office, sports The ribbon looked suspect to me at
room, etc.! It will be the head-turner of your collection! (Photo courtesy of eBay seller first, but in doing research, I discovered
hammersportsrelics.) that the initial medal had all red ribbon
DBA: These are hard to find, and selling prices were all over the place. I did find (actually red with a darker red edging),
a 1902 Yale University used football with the name of the 1902 team that they beat and the black stripes were added in 1917.
offered for sale by a dealer for $1,200, and another one that was circa 1920 offered for It is hard to find the ribbon in good condition on
sale for $100. The highest price that was registered in past auction sales was $200. All these. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding
that being said, these just aren’t found for sale for long, so I would assume the market these medals which were essentially given for killing
is strong. Native Americans.
This is the highest price that I have seen for this
$1,299 (16 bids, 10 bidders): 19th C. Antique object.
Native American Indian Plains Cheyenne Another problem with valuing this type of medal is that
companies other than the U.S. Government were making
Beaded Doll Cradle Board. Late-19th century Southern these at the time they were initially being awarded, and a
Plains Native American child's doll cradle board, probably former soldier could buy one without going through the necessary government
Cheyenne Indian. Willow cane construction and partially paperwork. That is why there are huge variations in selling prices. These early ones with
beaded with geometric-and-cross motif on soft, brain-tanned, this ribbon sell for the most money.
sheepskin hide. Measures 10" in length. Very good condition
with minor bead loss and needle repair to cradle cover on one Deborah Abernethy is a certified appraiser with the
side. (Photo courtesy of eBay seller roundhouse-antiques.) International Association of Appraisers. She can be contacted at
DBA: The buyer got a tremendous deal. Even at auction, 404-262-2131 or Deborah@expert-appraisers.com.
these can sell for much more. Cowan’s sold one that was just a Her website is www.expert-appraisers.com.
little larger but similar in design for $16,000 hammer price! The
seller may have gotten a higher price if provenance had been
included. Most large auction houses state the provenance,
have items authenticated, and offer refunds if the item is
determined to not be as stated. More information on previous
ownership could make buyers more confidant.