Upcoming Auctions

Childhood passions grow into adult collections

January 17, 2011 | view archive

We’re pretty excited about the two auctions coming up at Antique Helper this weekend.

Both sales, though widely different, have something in common.

You might wonder what on earth a collection of superhero toys, costumes and memorabilia could have in common with an auction filled with fine art and antiques.

The answer is easy: It’s all about collections.

25 Superman comics and 1988 Convention program from the Superhero Museum Auction

It’s been well-publicized that the superhero auction represents a lifetime collection. The original owner began collecting when he was five years old, growing his passion along with his collection for 50 years.

Not all kids collect toys and superheroes, though.  A large consignment in Saturday’s Art and Antiques auction attests to this.

Very diverse items, including an historic scrimshaw depicting Abraham Lincoln, eight Picasso linocuts from the Henry Abrams 1962 portfolio and a Roycroft hammered copper plate all come from a single consignor, who, like our superhero collector, started collecting when he was just a kid. But, instead of toys and comic books, he gravitated toward fine art and antiques.

Historic scrimshaw piece depictiong Abraham Lincolm

Roycroft hammered copper plate and pair of Heinz sterling on brass candlesticks

Picasso lino cut, one of eight, from the 1962 Henry Abrams portfolio

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) 1935 white contour nude litho on black paper, signed in the stone.

There will also be items from the personal collection of one of Indiana’s most well-known and prolific collectors, Harrison Eiteljorg, whose legacy includes the Eiteljorg Collection of African and Ethnographic Art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The Eiteljorg Museum, located in downtown Indianapolis is devoted to his collection of Western and Native American art.

“Mane of Wind, Neck of Thunder,” George Arthur Carlson (b. 1940)
Bronze horse from Harrison Eiteljorg’s personal collection. Est. $6,000-$9,000.
Carlson also created the monumental deer sculpture that graces the entrance to the Eiteljorg Museum.

Both auctions will offer plenty of great pieces to get anyone who has ever aspired to be a collector well. We’re covering all the bases, from Asian art to Indiana artists, and plenty of great antiques and collectibles, too. Both sales are going to give everyone something to write home about.

Auction preview is Friday, from 4-8 PM.

The Art and Antiques Auction starts at 10 AM on Saturday, followed by the Superhero auction at 2 PM.

We hope you'll put on your collector hat and join us.