Much as I like my little gang of 1/43 scale models (and two of 1/18 scale) I've long wanted to sell them in order to switch to an exclusively 1/24 or 1/18 collection. Why would I do this? Because I need reading glasses to appreciate the details in smaller scales. The bigger the model, the more I can admire. To a point, that is. Living in a 1-bedroom condo, there isn't room for anything larger than 1/18. The place where someone sharing a similar problem should be on June 1-3 is the auctions at Auburn Indiana.
RM's Auction America is holding its spring sale there, which this year features hundreds of scale model cars, a huge selection of vintage mascots, neon dealer signs from a glorious past, original Tom Hale and Ken Eberts art, a stunning selection of scale model aircraft, and many more examples of automobilia, all from one collector. And at no reserve. Gee, with a little luck I might return with the nucleus of an all-new, 1/18 scale collection!
I won't be there, regretably. Can't afford the trip. And besides, the journey from Victoria BC to Indiana requires multiple flight segments, as I painfully learned a few years ago when attending the Model T 100 anniversary celebrations. But you, my friend, assuming you enjoy collecting automobilia, should be there, as this is a rare opportunity. Oh... and Auctions America will also be auctioning some great examples of the real thing. Full scale, drive it home.
The gorgeous model in our headline photo is a 1/8 scale, hand-built 1930's Duesenberg Dual Cowl Phaeton. Its estimated sale price is $500-1500. Next down are five 1/24 Scale Franklin Mint Cars: a 1955 Bentley S1, 1951 Citroen 2CV, Mercedes-Benz 450SL, 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SC. The "no reserve" estimate for this group is $150-350. The Chevrolet OK Neon Sign is 42" x 58" and is expected to attract from $3000 to $5000. Judging by the wide divergence in estimates there's a real opportunity for the shrewd buyer.
Here's the link to the complete catalog. Fascinating stuff. Have fun in Auburn.
Wow!!!! So perfect!!! No wonder why these are pretty expensive.
Posted by: AC Condenser | 05/09/2012 at 07:32 AM