Date: Fri 10-Jul-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Riewe

Full Text:

Dentzel Cat Fetches $27,000 At Riewe Weaver Auction

w/3cts

By Rita Easton

ADAMSTOWN, PA. -- Billed as "The Fourth Annual Auction Under the Big Top," a

June 20 sale at Stoudt's Black Angus held by Gordon Riewe and Ken Weaver

featured carousel arts and circus collectibles.

Various consignors were represented by the 125 lots offered, with attendance

at approximately 400, "and it's a bigger audience every year" said Weaver.

"This was the largest selection of Dentzel horses offered at auction in

memory, and they were all strong, and indicated an upsurgence in the carousel

market. About half of the figures went to collectors who were new to the

carousel market."

"On Friday night, preceding the Saturday auction," he continued, "there were

15 or so vendors and restorers at the preview who set up and had an excellent

show. They all picked up commissions. Many [bidders] who purchased at the

following day's auction brought their items to the repair vendors for

immediate touch-up attention."

An East Coast museum won the most sought-after lot in the sale, a Dentzel

carved carousel jumping cat, circa 1910, its tail up, holding a fish in its

mouth, at $27,000. The same museum, which preferred to remain nameless,

purchased a circa 1895 E.J. Morris giraffe at $15,000.

A circa 1895 Dentzel standing "listener" horse fetched $18,000, to be featured

at the new carousel in Lahaska, Pa.

"Listeners have a cocked ear," Weaver explained, "and appear to be

understanding the words. We're not sure if this piece is actually going to be

used at Lahaska, or just displayed."

An E.J. Morris deer and a Dentzel deer both sold at $12,000 each, to a

Minnesota buyer and to a California buyer, one in the attitude of a

gazelle-like leap. A group of early circa 1910 to 1940 circus posters did well

in the $50 to $200 range. "There were numerous Alan Herschells, Armitage

Herschells, and Parkers selling in the $2,000 to $5,000 range," Weaver noted.

The next Riewe and Weaver auction is scheduled for October 31, to be held in

Livonia, Mich. Prices quoted do not reflect a required 10 percent premium.