What's Selling on eBay: January 2019

by Deborah Abernethy and Mike McLeod
$4,438 (21 bids, 14 bidders): Rare Vintage Antique Japanese Blue Glass Fishing Float Signed Rolling Pin, 5.75 inches.
I have looked this float over, and there are no cracks that I detect. I believe some of the photos show a line that looks like a crack, but it is not a crack. There are a few chips around the seal, which I believe is quite typical of these. There are air bubbles throughout. From what I have learned, this is one of the rarest (or the rarest) Kanji floats in existence.
(Photos courtesy of eBay seller Antiquegirl530)
DBA: These fishing floats have become very collectible. The glass floats were once used by fishermen in many parts of the world to keep their fishing nets, as well as long lines or drop lines, afloat. Most are a ball shape so this rolling pin shape is unusual. Many are signed with some identification, usually a small mark, but this one tells much more. The round balls were made in great numbers and have become so collectible that they are now being reproduced. Most, even the old ones, sell for several hundred dollars, not thousands. So, while this is a much higher price for a float, the items are not identical, and the shape makes the difference.

$2,928 (22 bids, 8 bidders): Antique Wm. Shakespeare Jr. Handmade, Style C, 1897 Patent, 120-Year-Old Reel #273496199216.
Antique Wm. Shakespeare Jr. fishing reel style C, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Patent Oct. 5, 1897. Handmade reel is over 120 years old and in good condition. General wear and blemishes, smooth cranking, double side levers work. Very nice antique reel, everything works as it should.
(Photos courtesy of eBay seller wayneapalmer)
DBA: According to Wikipedia, William Shakespeare, Jr. was an American inventor; born to William Shakespeare, Sr. and Lydia A. Markley in Kalamazoo, MI, in 1869. He invented the level winding fishing reel.
This fishing reel is much older than others I could find that sold so it is hard to compare. The company’s fishing lures have sold for much more money. Based on the company’s reputation and the fact that so many other objects from the company have sold for even more money, I think the buyer got a deal.
$1,275, (22 bids, 8 bidders): Large, Authentic John Scholl American Pennsylvania Folk Art Carved Wood Medallion.
John Scholl (1827-1916) was a carpenter from Germania, Pennsylvania. He did not begin his folk art wood-working career until he was in his 80s. He was inspired by the Victorian Aesthetic Period, and his brightly-colored folk art carvings were based on Germanic influences.
Mr. Scholl did not sell or give away his carvings; rather, he chose to display them in his front parlor for friends and family to enjoy. His motifs derive from traditional Pennsylvania German designs and were generally embellished with Victorian fretwork of his own design. He never sold or gave away his works, and his entire collection of some 40 pieces remained intact in the possession of his children and grandchildren until recent years. At his death, the carvings remained in his parlor until the 1930s when they were put away and stored in his barn.
In the 1960s, the collection, which consisted of some 40 carvings, was sold to Adele Earnest of the Stony Point Folk Gallery where they were sold to collectors and museums. We are sure and give a “lifetime” guarantee that this early 20th century folk art carving is by John Scholl. We have posted close-up photographs showing where two of the “points” and one small ball are excellent replacements. There are no other problems. This 39-inch-diameter Pennsylvania Dutch carving comes attached to a 42-inch plywood backing (by zip ties).
DBA: I would say the buyer got an extremely good deal. John Scholl made just a few carvings, and these stayed within his circle of family and close friends. His work is not widely known, but a similar carving to this one by him has been sold at auction for $15,000. That is a significant difference in value to the $1,275 paid for this object.

 
 
 
$2,438 (41 bids, 17 bidders): Antique Cartier Dunhill Unique B Table Petrol Lighter, 14k Yellow Gold, c. 1925.
The lighter features a lift arm with a horizontal flint tube and is fueled by petrol. The lighter is Dunhill’s Unique B model which was introduced in 1924. This Unique B is crafted from 14k gold and is signed for both Cartier and Dunhill on the bottom. Weight: 64.5 grams. Dimensions: 54 x 33 x 13.5mm. Condition: Fine estate condition. The metal has light-to-moderate scratches and scuffs with one side of the body dented in. Lighter needs a fuel refill. Screwing parts and hinges are all in functioning condition. One side of lighter has some stubborn tape residue.
(Photos courtesy of eBay seller stlauctionco)
DBA: Dunhill lighters are very collectible – and so is anything Cartier. With this lighter made by Dunhill and retailed by Cartier, it is doubly collectible. This is not the only lighter with this same significance. This is a great price compared to others with the same marks, so I would say the buyer got a good deal.
Deborah Abernethy is a certified appraiser with the International Association of Appraisers. She can be contacted at (404) 262-2131 or Deborah@expert-appraisers.com. Her website is www.expert-appraisers.com.

What’s Selling on eBay: January 2019