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What's Selling on eBay: January 2020

by Deborah Abernethy and Mike McLeod

$3051 (33 bids, 10 bidders): 1902 Antique Cast Iron Pencil Sharpener James Dixon Crucible Co. Jersey City, Nj.

Discovered during the clean out of a local estate. Approximately 8 inches x 7 inches x 7 1/2 inches tall. Marked: “JAMES DIXON CRUCIBLE CO. JERSEY CITY N.J. Pat. May 27, 1902 Another Pat. Pend.” Worn, original finish, wonderful patina and wear, excellent condition. Selling as found. (Photos courtesy of coyotesurplus.)

DBA: In researching values, I did find many pencil sharpeners that have sold for hundreds of dollars. That indicates that there are collectors for these. Most sell for around $500, but I did find one from 1890 selling for $8,000.

Beware of patent numbers, as these indicate the date of the patent, not the date of manufacture. A good example of this is the Barbie doll. Even dolls made in the 1990s have the 1958 copyright on the back.

$2,025 (7 bids, 4 bidders): VTG 1907 Antique Remington Auto loading Rifle Poster. Philip R Goodwin Advertising.

Vintage 1907 original Remington advertising poster for the Remington auto loading rifle. Amazing to have been found in this condition considering it’s 112 years. Does have some very slight staining, some loss to surface.
Both metal bands are present; however, there is slight separation of metal band to paper at bottom portion of poster.

Vintage 1907 original Remington advertising poster for the Remington auto loading rifle. Amazing to have been found in this condition considering it’s 112 years. Does have some very slight staining, some loss to surface.
Both metal bands are present; however, there is slight separation of metal band to paper at bottom portion of poster.

DBA: There were a number of Remington advertising posters (all different prints) that sold on eBay. This one was by far the highest price, but all posters that came to auction were sold. That shows interest in this type of object and subject. Most that I found were selling in the low hundreds.

$2,725 (20 bids, 4 bidders): Unusual Handheld Corn Sheller, Cast Iron Seed Farm Tool.

Corn sheller by Neumeyer, New York. Absolutely amazing condition. Retains most of its original black paint with minor expected age and usage wear. No chips, no cracks, no repairs, no issues at all! Even the original spring is there and in great condition. Where will you ever find another? Don’t miss out on this fantastic piece of agricultural history. (Photos courtesy of eBay seller hat-trick.)

DBA: This is more than twice the amount that I could find for similar objects. This must be for making popcorn, not cream corn. I have never used one of these and have always bought my popcorn. However, I love cream corn and have a number of devices to cut the corn off the cob (none work well).

$304 (39 bids, 17 bidders): Vintage 1950s-60s, large 15-inch Taiyo Japan Blink, A Gear Tin Toy Robot Space Toy.

It is a larger toy and is in pretty good condition. I put batteries in, and the light came on, and then it stopped. The battery compartment looks to need a little cleanup and work to get this thing working correctly. Still a nice toy as is or to restore. (Photos courtesy of eBay seller gypsiegirlz.)

DBA: Another one of these was sold on eBay the same week for $600 (with box). This one probably does work or can be easily fixed. I think the buyer got a deal.