Online Only Auction
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Price Realized:
3,000.00 USD
12 Bids
Time Remaining: Bidding Closed -
Shipping Available
Reserve Met
Date(s)
8/30/2024 - 9/16/2024
Bidding Notice:

Online Only Auction. Sliding Scale Buyer’s Premium on all Lots payable to the Auction Company. 7% Sales Tax on all Lots. Shipping available on select lots. Bidders must READ & UNDERSTAND the Terms & Conditions, Payment Information and Shipping/Pickup.

Auction Notice:

Contact us with questions. Good luck and have fun bidding! Email: RyanCateBHG@gmail.com Phone: 765-960-5708 IN License #AU12300006. OH License #2024000006.


Information
Lot # 2
Group - Category Antiques & Collectibles - Collectibles - Cast Iron
Lead Authentic Dark Town Battery Mechanical Bank
Description
Included with Bank: Framed Patent Drawing, Original Cabinet Card/Trade Advertising Card/Product Instruction Card in excellent condition and 10 turn of the century coins (1884 Indian Head Penny, 1891 Indian Head Penny, 8 Lincoln Pennies dated 1908, 1910, 1911, 1919 and 4 with hard to read dates). Working condition! This has been passed down within one family from generation to generation and without a member of the next generation, is ready to be passed to a new conservator. Originally purchased in 1888 in Cincinnati, Ohio as a birthday present for the Seller's Grandfather, L.H. Wente, on his 6th Birthday. The original bank/coin plug in the bottom of the bank remains and the mechanisms still work to this day. Some History on L.H. Wente (the 6 year old boy mentioned above): L. H. Wente (of Wente Electric Company) was the inventor of the first electrically powered refrigerator. He sold the manufacturing rights to what would come to be Fridgidaire. (Alfred Mellowes of Guardian Frigerator Company in Fort Wayne, IN). Designed by James H. Bowen and distributed by the J. & E. Stevens Company, the Darktown Battery bank is a famous if not controversial piece of 19th Century Americana. While some see it as as a tribute to America’s first professional Negro Baseball League, others point to the heavily stereotyped appearance of the figures, common for the racial insensitivity of the time. The “National Colored Baseball League" was formed in 1887. It was the formation of this league that probably influenced the Stevens Company to produce the Darktown Battery bank a year later, "battery" referring to the combination of a pitcher and catcher. It's one of the most collectible pieces of the late 19h Century for several reasons, first and foremost is its crossover appeal to baseball, Black Americana, cast iron toy and bank collectors, but also because of the sophisticated mechanism on which it operates. Place the coin in the pitcher's hand and he slings it toward the catcher, who moves his head forward and deposits the money as the batter lifts his arms and turns his head to watch the pitch. A lot of moving parts yet remarkably resilient, as you'd expect from a heavy cast iron creation. There is typical discoloration and paint loss on the surfaces and admirably good red and yellow color for it's age and is in working condition. Dark Town Battery is a mechanical bank collector’s dream. It has three characters, all of whom move. Mechanical banks that have three characters are rare, but one that has three moving characters is a truly rare design. The pitcher pitches a coin that has been placed in his right hand to a catcher that lifts his mitt, thus allowing the pitched coin to hit a flap on the catcher’s chest. This deposits the coin in the bank. While the pitcher and catcher (a battery) are performing these acts, the batter lifts his arms and his head moves as if he is watching an inside pitch go by. This bank, designed by James H. Bowen, was patented and first produced in 1888 by J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Conn. – and is a piece of its time. An original era and standard version of Dark Town Battery appeared in a 1997 episode of Antiques Roadshow. The bank was in great condition; the appraiser stated it was the “best Dark Town Battery I have ever seen” and appraised it at $15,000-$20,000. The show re-aired the item in 2012 with an increased value of $25,000. While Dark Town Battery is a piece that can be controversial given the historical background, the item remains relevant. It is an exemplary instance of American culture, politics, pop culture, race relations, and baseball, all coming together to show the complexity of this period in American history. Shipping available and must be coordinated with Auctioneer. Shipping and related fees (TBD) must be paid by the winning bidder prior to items being shipped. Auction Company is NOT RESPONSIBLE for Loss or Damage during shipping.
Name Wonsetler: Vintage & Antique Rare Finds, Furniture & More!
Auctioneer
Type Online-Only Auction
Date(s) 8/30/2024 - 9/16/2024
Auction Date/Time Info
Closing Monday, September 16, 2024 starting at 1:00pm EST (soft close)
Preview Date/Time Contact Auctioneer to schedule a preview: RyanCateBHG@gmail.com 765-960-5708
Checkout Date/Time Payment is due in full at the end of the auction. Credit Cards will be charged at the end of the auction on Monday, September 16, 2024. Sliding Scale Buyer's Premium on all Lots payable to the Auction Company. 7% Sales Tax on all Lots. 3.99% Credit Card Processing Fee. $25 Wire Transfer Fee. Lot Fees/Charges may apply (See Lot Details). Shipping and handling fees will apply to any lots shipped and must be paid before lots are shipped. Bidder must contact auctioneer at time of registration if they wish to pay with cash, check or a different credit card than the one on file. All sales are final. No refunds or chargebacks. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be shipped and/or if pickup cannot be coordinated. Shipping/Pickup: Buyer/Winning Bidder must take possession of item/lot(s) within 3 days of close of auction. If Buyer/Winning Bidder does not take possession of item/lot(s) within 3 days of close of auction, Buyer/Winning Bidder forfeits item/lot(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given to Buyer/Winning Bidder. Local pick-up will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10:00am - 6:00pm EST at the Auction House located at 1200 NW N Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Bidders must bring their own labor, tools/equipment, packaging, etc when picking up items. Bidders must make arrangements with auctioneer prior to the local pick-up date if they cannot pick-up during the designated time. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be picked up. Shipping availability determined by lot (See Lot Details). Shipping in the US only. Shipping and Handling fees will apply and must be paid for prior to lots being shipped. Lots marked with “Shipping Available” will NOT automatically be shipped. Winning Bidder must contact Auctioneer if interested in shipping. If Winning Bidder does not contact Auctioneer within 3 days of close of Auction, Winning Bidder forfeits item/lot(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be shipped. No refunds will be given if items are lost or damaged during shipping.
Location
Buyer Premium Sliding Scale BP (See Payment Info)
Description
Some great vintage, mid century modern and antique items in this auction! Multiple pieces passed down through generations within the same family (See individual lot descriptions for interesting facts and history regarding some of the items). RARE FIND c.1888 Dark Town Battery Cast Iron Mechanical Bank in original, working condition with turn of the century coins. RARE FIND Wallace Brothers c.1928 Silver Plated Metal Rooster Cocktail Shaker. A large collection of Hummel Figurines. Vintage Tweed Hartmann Luggage Set. Vintage/Custom Furs & Wool Coats. Delicate vintage/antique woven purses. Vintage Mid Century Modern Furniture: Henredon Dresser, Spottrup Danish Dining Table & Upholstered Chairs, Drexel Heritage Game Table & Upholstered Armchairs on Wheels, GE Mantle Clock, Portable Bar on Wheels, Coffee Tables, Shelving Units and more. Heavy Wool Persian Area Rugs. Sterling Silver Utensil Sets, Pitcher, Plates and Trays. Mid Century Modern Silver Bowls. Antique Silver Hair Brush. Vintage Crystal. Vintage Glassware/Barware. Misc. Kitchen Items. Misc. Office Items/Electronics. Misc. Garage Items, Planters, Tools, Ladders. Christmas Decorations including some larger figurines. Misc. Toilet Chairs, Walkers, Mobility Aids. Don't get lost, be sure to keep scrolling all the way to the end to see everything! STRICT PICKUP DEADLINE on this Auction! ALL Lots not picked up by the deadline will be IMMEDIATELY FORFEITED and a NO PICKUP FEE of $25 PER LOT will be automatically charged to the winning bidder. Payment is due in full at the end of the auction. Credit Cards will be charged at the end of the auction on Monday, September 16, 2024. Sliding Scale Buyer’s Premium on all Lots payable to the Auction Company. 7% Sales Tax on all Lots. 3.99% Credit Card Processing Fee. $25 Wire Transfer Fee. Lot Fees/Charges may apply (See Lot Details). Shipping and handling fees will apply to any lots shipped and must be paid before lots are shipped. Bidder must contact auctioneer at time of registration if they wish to pay with cash, check or a different credit card than the one on file. All sales are final. No refunds or chargebacks. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be shipped and/or if pickup cannot be coordinated. Buyer/Winning Bidder must take possession of item/lot(s) within 3 days of close of auction. If Buyer/Winning Bidder does not take possession of item/lot(s) within 3 days of close of auction, Buyer/Winning Bidder forfeits item/lot(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given to Buyer/Winning Bidder. Local pick-up will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10:00am - 6:00pm EST at the Auction House located at 1200 NW N Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Bidders must bring their own labor, tools/equipment, packaging, etc when picking up items. Bidders must make arrangements with auctioneer prior to the local pick-up date if they cannot pick-up during the designated time. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be picked up. Shipping availability determined by lot (See Lot Details). Shipping in the US only. Shipping and Handling fees will apply and must be paid for prior to lots being shipped. Lots marked with “Shipping Available” will NOT automatically be shipped. Winning Bidder must contact Auctioneer if interested in shipping. If Winning Bidder does not contact Auctioneer within 3 days of close of Auction, Winning Bidder forfeits item/lot(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be shipped. No refunds will be given if items are lost or damaged during shipping.
Personal Property: TERMS & CONDITIONS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! By participating in this auction, you understand, accept and agree to the following terms and conditions: By registering and bidding, you agree to follow all of the auction terms and conditions, make payment and take possession of item(s) bid on. Although the auction company strives to provide the best internet connection and software available, please understand that internet speeds and reliability can vary. The auction company is not responsible for lost connection or software failure resulting in unaccepted or lost bids. Auctioneer reserves the right to reject or cancel any bid placed or withdraw any item at any time. Auction Company will add all bidder registration email addresses to Auction Company Database. Bidders can opt out of service at any time. There is a Sliding Scale Buyer’s Premium charged on the final/winning bid amount payable by the Buyer/Winning Bidder to the Auction Company at close of auction. Payment is due IN FULL at close of auction. Non-Payment equals immediate forfeiture of lots won. Any winning bid and associated fees are subject to automatically be charged to your credit card on file. A 3.99% Credit Card Processing Fee will be applied to all Credit Card Transactions. A $25 Wire Transfer Fee will be applied to all Wire Transfers. Accepted forms of payment are: All Major Credit Cards, Wire Transfer, Cashier’s Check or Cash. There are no chargebacks on credit card purchases. Bidders are advised to make financial arrangements prior to placing any bid. Any cost/fees associated with Buyer/Winning Bidder financing is at the sole expense of the Buyer/ Winning Bidder. All sales are final. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN on any purchase/winning bid or associated fees. When an item is SOLD, it immediately becomes the property and responsibility of the Buyer/Winning Bidder. A winning bid constitutes a binding contract and Buyer/Winning Bidder is required to pay for AND take possession of any and all items they successfully bid on/win. Seller(s) and auction company are not responsible for moving or shipping items or for any cost associated with Buyer/Winning Bidder taking possession of item(s). Buyer/Winning Bidder must take possession of items(s) within 3 days of close of auction (unless otherwise scheduled with Auction Company). If Buyer/Winning Bidder does not take possession of item(s) within 3 days of close of auction, Buyer/Winning Bidder forfeits item(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given to Buyer/Winning Bidder. All items will be sold in “AS-IS” condition with all faults and limitations and with no warranties express or implied. The Buyer/Bidder is responsible for determining their own opinion of the condition and authenticity of any and all items and is encouraged to do so prior to placing any bid. The seller(s), auction company and their representatives makes no representation or warranty to Buyer/Bidder, either express or implied, as to the condition of the items or the suitability of the items for Buyer/Bidder’s intended use or purpose or for any other use or purpose. Any information provided regarding the items is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and should not be substituted for the Buyers/Bidders independent verification and investigation of the items. The seller(s), auction company and their representatives disclaim any warranty or liability for information provided. Buyer/Bidder understands, accepts and agrees that Buyer/Bidder has been advised to seek appropriate counsel regarding the risks of buying items in “AS-IS” condition. Thank you and good luck bidding!
Your bid must adhere to the bid increment schedule.
Bid Amount Bid Increment
0.00 - 20.00 1.00 USD
20.01 - 50.00 2.00 USD
50.01 - 100.00 5.00 USD
100.01 - 200.00 10.00 USD
200.01 - 500.00 25.00 USD
500.01 - 1,000.00 50.00 USD
1,000.01 - 999,999.00 100.00 USD
Currency USD
Buyer Premium Sliding Scale BP (See Payment Info)
Payment Terms
Payment is due in full at the end of the auction. Credit Cards will be charged at the end of the auction on Monday, September 16, 2024. Sliding Scale Buyer’s Premium on all items payable to the Auction Company (See Below). 7% Sales Tax on all items. 3.99% Credit Card Processing Fee. $25 Wire Transfer Fee. Lot Fees/Charges may apply (See Lot Details). Shipping and handling fees will apply to any lots shipped and must be paid before lots are shipped. Bidder must contact auctioneer at time of registration if they wish to pay with cash, check or a different credit card than the one on file. All sales are final. No refunds or chargebacks. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be shipped and/or if pickup cannot be coordinated. Buyer's Premium Sliding Scale: $1 to $99 = 25% $100 to $249 = 20% $250 to $499 = 15% $500 on Up = 10%
STRICK PICKUP DEADLINE on this Auction! ALL Lots not picked up by the deadline will be IMMEDIATELY FORFEITED and a NO PICKUP FEE of $25 PER LOT will be automatically charged to the winning bidder. Buyer/Winning Bidder must take possession of item/lot(s) within 3 days of close of auction. If Buyer/Winning Bidder does not take possession of item/lot(s) within 3 days of close of auction, Buyer/Winning Bidder forfeits item/lot(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given to Buyer/Winning Bidder. Local pick-up will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10:00am - 6:00pm EST at the Auction House located at 1200 NW N Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Bidders must bring their own labor, tools/equipment, packaging, etc when picking up items. Bidders must make arrangements with auctioneer prior to the local pick-up date if they cannot pick-up during the designated time. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be picked up. Shipping availability determined by lot (See Lot Details). Shipping in the US only. Shipping and Handling fees will apply and must be paid for prior to lots being shipped. Lots marked with “Shipping Available” will NOT automatically be shipped. Winning Bidder must contact Auctioneer if interested in shipping. If Winning Bidder does not contact Auctioneer within 3 days of close of Auction, Winning Bidder forfeits item/lot(s) back to Seller(s) and no refund will be given. Payment is due regardless of items ability to be shipped. No refunds will be given if items are lost or damaged during shipping.