SKINNER TO HOST FIRST BOSTON AUCTION OF
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND TOYS & DOLLS
BOSTON, Mass. - July 11, 2006
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www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, one of the nation's leading auction houses, will hold a dual auction of Science & Technology and Toys & Dolls on Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 10 a.m. This combination sale, held for the first time by the auction house last year in Bolton, will move this year to Skinner's Boston gallery at 63 Park Plaza, a location in the heart of Boston's historic Back Bay, convenient to Logan Airport and various public transportation links.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Skinner is one of the few auction houses in the world, and the only major auction house in the U.S., to offer sales focused on Science and Technology. This specialty collecting category includes all manner of scientific material, including Edison artifacts, and early examples of phonographs, technological inventions, surveying instruments, medical instruments and artifacts, early photography and cameras, firefighting memorabilia, computer-related objects, mechanical music, automata (mechanical dolls), coin-operated machinery, etc. This material was truly the precursor to the high tech industry we have today.
Important offerings in this auction will include a Survey Compass by David Rittenhouse (1732-1796). One of the first American surveying instruments, this example is one of only about six by the maker currently known to exist, and is especially rare as it comes to auction from a private (as opposed to a museum) collection. Rittenhouse was an important clock maker, surveyor, and scientist of his day whose creations also included a compass made for George Washington (now in a New York museum), and a pair of lenses for Washington's spectacles. He also collaborated with Thomas Jefferson to devise a decimal system of measurement, and consulted with Benjamin Franklin on numerous scientific theories. This compass is engraved on the arm with the name of the original owner, Richard Scherer (b. 1767), a surveyor from Beaver County, Pennsylvania. In 1931, it was purchased from a second hand store in Frederickstown, Missouri by the consignor's father, an unemployed engineer laid off at the start of the Depression, and has remained in the family since then (lot 94, est. $15/20,000).
Cameras
A number of significant cameras also will be offered, including a Kwanon Prototype Camera, probably made in late 1934 or early 1935 (lot 376, est. $20/30,000). The Kwanon is the earliest form of the Canon camera. This particular camera is believed to be the only example of a functioning (ie. non- dummy) Kwanon camera to have survived. Its designer, Goro Yoshida (b. 1900), spent his early career repairing and modifying motion picture cameras and projection equipment. His skills, combined with the perception that the Leica and Contax Model I were beyond the reach of most people, inspired him to design the first quality Japanese 35mm camera. Yoshida's task was made more difficult by the fact that before 1945 Leitz held all of the major patents for 35mm camera production. The Leica patent on a coupled rangefinder and viewfinder under one roof presented a particular problem. With this in mind, Yoshida enlisted the financial backing of his brother-in-law, Saburu Ochida, and formed Seiki Kogaku (which became the Precision Optical Works) in 1933 for the development of his camera. He named his prototype "Kwanon" after the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the lens "Kasyapa" after one of Buddha's disciples. Although Yoshida claimed to have completed ten Kwanon cameras, the camera was apparently never put on the market (although there is a story that one was eventually sold in a Tokyo camera store). This may have been because Yoshida was ultimately unable to circumvent Leica's rangefinder-coupling patents. He was subsequently "fired" from Seiki Kogaku in 1934, and apparently played no subsequent part in the development of the Kwanon.
In 1934, Seiki Kogaku approached Nippon Kogaku, the largest manufacturer of optical equipment in Japan, in an effort to find a method of rangefinder coupling that would avoid the Leica patents on this feature. Eiichi Yamanaka was the Nippon-Kogaku technician who was primarily responsible for developing what became the Hansa lensmount; by contrast, the Kwanon offered at Skinner still retains a disc and lever assembly that couples with the lens Leica-style. With Nippon Kogaku supplying the optical system and Seiki Kogaku responsible for the chassis, the new design was ready for production before the end of 1935. The result was the Hansa Canon, the first production Canon camera, introduced to the market in 1936, a camera that owed much in styling and construction to the Kwanon. ("Kwanon" was eventually replaced by "Canon" for two reasons. First, the religious-based name - Yoshida's idea - was considered too esoteric. Second, the word "canon" has an English-language meaning of an established body of orderly fact; this appealed to Ochida and his partners.) Thanks in part to their experience with Yoshida and the Canon, Nippon Kogaku introduced their first 35 mm camera, the Nikon I, in 1948. The legacy of this landmark collaboration was the development of both Canon and Nikon into the two largest camera manufacturers today.
The Skinner auction also will offer a Nikon I Camera, no. 609339, with a Nippon Kogaku Nikkor-Q.C f/3.5 5 cm. lens no. 7052381 (lot 377, est. $15/20,000). The Nikon I was produced between March 1948 and March 1949. Although it was originally thought that around seven hundred examples of the Nikon I were produced (cameras with 700-prefix digits have been recorded), research by Robert Rotoloni suggests that only around four hundred units actually came to the market. Of the missing numbers, approximately two hundred may have been converted into Nikon M cameras in the factory. Nikon I No. 609339 would have been produced early in 1949, roughly halfway through the allocated serial numbers, and before the conversion from Nikon I to Nikon M began. Research suggests that, of the various combinations, only around one hundred examples of the f / 3.5 lens were made.
Other cameras include a rare Chronophotographe 35mm Cinematographic Camera, made c. 1896 by Georges Demeny (1850-1917), a chronophotographer, film maker, and an important pioneer of the early cinema (lot 274, est. $25/30,000); and a Historical Daguerrian Camera Outfit by Anthony (lot 359, est. $20/30,000).
Additional Highlights
Additional highlights in this portion of the sale include a 1916 Harley Davidson Twin Motorcycle, with a two-cylinder, 3-speed transmission and chain-drive. Coming to auction from a private collection, the vehicle has been professionally restored in gray with red, black and gold pin striping (lot 441, est. $30/50,000). The consignor is Joe T. Roberts of London, Kentucky, an attorney whose extensive collection also includes surveying instruments, vintage cars, toys, marine instruments, and bronzes, among other objects.
Also featured is an Edison North American Class M Electric Phonograph, No. 7028 (lot 468, est. $20/30,000). The Class M, driven from a wet cell battery, was Edison's first major improvement since the tinfoil phonograph of 1877. Initially leased through the North American Phonograph Company as dictating machines for business use, the Class M was eventually offered for sale for domestic use after the company went bankrupt in 1894. This example was discovered during recent renovations of the basement of a building in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Edison was the inventor of the phonograph in 1877, and the first person to have recorded sound using, essentially, the equivalent of tin foil. This phonograph was the first electric version of a tin foil phonograph - called the Edison Class M - and dates to 1888.
Approximately 50 automata will be offered, including lot 567, a rare early Magician Automaton by Théroude. The magician turns his head from side to side and then looks down at the table, his eyes moving from left to right and his mouth opening as though mumbling, as he lifts both cups simultaneously to reveal a sequence of six changes: nothing on the left and a die on right, nothing on the right and a die on the left, three balls and a loaf of bread, an apple and three balls, two pears, and then nothing. Active from around 1831-72, Alexandre Théroude was one of the earliest makers in the golden age of the French automaton. Although his work is sometimes mistaken for that of Phalibois, with which it shares some similarities, Théroude's automata are generally smaller and more delicate, and the unusual choice of items under this magician's cups is characteristic of Théroude's whimsical sense of humor (est. $12/18,000). Others include lot 593, a rare Ives General Grant Smoker automaton, whose early advertisements claimed that it was capable of blowing perfect smoke rings. Running for over an hour on one winding, the long duration of the mechanism would have made the General Grant Smoker an ideal (and very early) advertising automaton (est. $12/18,000). A Phalibois automaton from a traveling exhibition, titled "New Woman" (lot 600, est. $20/30,000), and a Singing Bird Box by Rochat, believed to be the earliest numbered singing bird box by Rochat to have been offered at auction thus far (lot 556, est. $10/15,000) also will be featured.
A fine Key-Wind Overture Musical Box by Humbert Brolliet highlights the selection of musical boxes in the sale. A renowned family of Swiss watchmakers, the Humbert name is occasionally found on musical boxes of exceptional mechanical quality and musical dexterity. The engraving of the serial numbers, the case hardware and the rich musical arrangements of this piece bear a strong similarity to early overture musical boxes by Ducommun-Girod, including one sold at Skinner in November 2005, lot 433, suggesting that Humbert Brolliet may have acted as retailer for this maker (lot 483, est. $14/18,000). Also important is the Key-Wind (Mandoline) Expressive Overture Musical Box by Langdorff. The diverse program features overtures by Balfe, Donizetti, Rossini and Auber (lot 490, est. $15/18,000).
Globes include a Cary 12-inch Celestial globe (lot 244, est. $3/4,000), and a Franklin 12-inch Terrestrial Library Globe by Nims & Knight (lot 252, est. $6/8,000), as well as a 2 3/4-inch Pocket Globe after Herman Moll (lot 253, $2/3,000), among others. Rounding out the selections are over 40 lots of telescopes, including early reflecting telescopes. Of particular interest is an Astronomical 4-inch Refracting Telescope by Alvan Clark, previously owned by Oliver Wendell Holmes (lot 222, est. $10/15,000). Several lots of mechanical music and coin-operated devices, a Wurlitzer band organ, and assorted militaria will be offered as well.
DOLLS AND TOYS
Approximately 300 lots of fine dolls and 100 lots of toys will be presented, following the auctioning of fine musical boxes, singing birds and mechanical music items. Dolls are expected to begin at approximately 3 p.m.
A wide selection of automata includes many with bisque heads, pieces by Vichy, Theroude, Roullet & Decamps, a charming Jumeau bébé emerging from a rose, an early premiere Jumeau lady, and a lovely FG perched amid a bower of flowers and sheep. An array of wind-up mechanical toys includes Lehmann items, a boxed Performing Sea Lion, a pheasant, billiard players and others. A group of Roullet & Decamps performing animals includes a rabbit in a cabbage and a cat's tea party among other interesting items. Also being offered is a selection of Steiff animals including several bears, one an early center seam and one an early brown bear on wheels. Toys will also include a fine American Flyer "President's Special" train set from the 1940s which retains its original boxes, track and transformer (lot 934, est. $2,5/3,000). A fine offering of Britains lead figures as well as many rarely seen World War I Manoil and Barclay figures will be presented.
The doll offerings in the sale are strong and diverse. A unique Schoenhut portrait doll of a boxer, probably representing Jack Dempsey who won the heavyweight title in 1919 is being offered (lot 878, est. $5/7,000). It is likely a one-of-a-kind special commission. The 14-inch doll features deeply sculpted black curly hair, black eyebrows, brown painted eyes, a retrousse nose, turned-down slightly askew mouth, five o'clock shadow and the suggestion of chest hair on his torso. Utilizing the "toddler" body with its chunkier proportions imparts to the doll the essence of a muscular man. The classic boxer's black lace-up boots are painted-on, and he wears white shorts and retains his boxing gloves. Several other Schoenhut child dolls will grace the stage.
On the other end of the portrait doll spectrum is a wonderful group of eleven crisp and clean Dorothy Heizer dolls (lots 716-726), including a magnificent Nefertete, Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus, Blue Boy and Pinkie, Bonnie Prince Charlie, George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and William Penn. The workmanship of Heizer's creations is impressive, with the elegant posture and sculptural attitude achieved with her painstaking needlework, her legendary infinitesimal stitches, and her remarkably delicate portrait painting. These dolls were purchased directly from Dorothy Heizer and have never been offered for sale since, having descended in the family once they were acquired in the 1940s-50s. Copies of letters from Dorothy Heizer to the family are included with the lot.
Additional Dolls
Additional highlights include earlier cloth dolls, led by a lovely Izannah Walker with long curls in front of her ears (lot 842, est. $14/18,000), a Kathe Kruse Doll I with her original wardrobe (lot 887, est. $6/7,000), and other Kruse dolls, Chase and a large Dean's Rag. Several elegant French fashion dolls will be offered, some in original outfits, one with a kid-over-wood body. These range from an elegant Barrois with its delicate facial painting, to a 32 inch portrait Jumeau lady with a powerful presence. French bébés include a Schmitt, Jumeau bébés including a large and lovely Long Face (lot 688, est. $14/18,000), bébés by ED, SFBJ, a kicking Steiner, and others. A large group of German dolls includes many wonderful characters, including a BSW 2025, Kley & Hahn, Kammer & Reinhardt, Heubach characters in many molds and sizes, a large and strong unmarked Kestner who appears to be a 182, and a Kestner 178, among others. Kestner offerings also include closed mouth girls and a fine Gibson Girl, two Kestner 162 lady-bodied dolls, interesting Oriental bisque dolls, and character babies from many manufacturers.
From the 19th century, a strong group of chinas includes many with brown eyes and unusual hairdos, a large and lovely 1858 Greiner (lot 648, est. $2/2,500) plus a small-sized one, and several wax and parian dolls. Additionally, a wonderful group of early dollhouse furniture including many lots of lovely and unusual ormolu pieces will be featured. A small section of paper items also will be offered. Featured in this group are several lots of valentines and paper dolls, including a boxed set of the Crosby, Nichols & Co., Boston, "Fanny Gray" from 1854. This is a sale that promises something for everyone, and is not to be missed.
Previews and Catalogue Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 12 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 28, and 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, July 29. In addition, a preview for dolls only is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the auction. Illustrated catalog #2345 is available by mail for $32 ($39 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $29. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For further information, contact Nick Hawkins for Science and Technology, Mechanical Music and Automata, and Dorothy McGonagle for Dolls and Toys at 978-779-6241, or visit www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, and order catalogues online.
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About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the nation's leading auction houses for antiques and fine art and the only major auction house headquartered in New England. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner's appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, and Discovery. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Bolton, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner's web site
www.skinnerinc.com.
