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Mecum Auctions To Host Road Art Auction At Wisconsin Headquarters July 17-19

1,000 Items Including Signs, Memorabilia and More to be Offered
Walworth, Wis. – Mecum Auctions will hold its inaugural Road Art Auction at the Mecum headquarters in Walworth, Wis., this July 17-19 featuring more than 1,000 items to be offered. The vast lineup includes a seemingly endless variety populated by several different themes throughout including automobile, gas and oil, farm and country store signs, as well as children’s amusement rides and coin-operated toys.
Several themed collections will be offered as well such as assemblages donning the livery of Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Winchester and a grouping dubbed the Barber Shop Collection. Headlining the auction is a 1950s Chevrolet porcelain neon sign (Lot F54) that is originally from the iconic Wolf Chevrolet in Belvedere, Illinois, which was established in 1924. For 50 years this sign stood proudly just minutes from the Boone County Fairgrounds where some of the first Mecum auctions were held. The porcelain is original and in outstanding condition.
The star of the auction lineup, though, is a one-of-a-kind vintage carousel. This 1922 Spillman Menagerie Carousel (Lot U33) is a work of art and a direct expression of one man’s lifelong passion for building whimsical, timeless carousels. Scotland native and trained machinist Allan Herschell began building carousels in the late 1800s out of a factory in North Tonawanda, N.Y. His carefully constructed, beautiful carousels quickly set an industry standard, and the Herschell name became synonymous with quality craftsmanship in the amusement ride trade. This carousel reached completion in 1922 and stands 40 feet in diameter featuring some of Herschell’s most beloved characters collected throughout the years. Built by his in-laws and partners in business—Spillman Engineering Co.—the carousel operated under the Spillman family name for some time before it was eventually sold. Today, nearly a century after its realization and nearly 150 years since Herschell first began gathering its parts, this carousel and its various components are still in excellent working order with its enchanting lights and playful dance of characters rotating at 10 mph. Constructed with 38 hand-carved figures with origins from around the world, this carousel pays homage to one of the most recognized names in amusement ride history, and it continues to inspire nostalgic wonder in the hearts of passengers and onlookers to this day. In addition to acquiring a unique and entertaining collectible, the winning bidder of the carousel will also receive complimentary delivery and assembly.
The auction is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Doors open each day at 8 a.m. with the auction beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. An early preview period will also be held on Thursday, July 16.
Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments including detailed descriptions and photographs. To view the list, to consign with Mecum or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum auctions, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 28 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
Mecum Auctions To Host Road Art Auction At Wisconsin Headquarters July 17-19