International auctioneers, Bonhams, is pleased to announce a stellar result for the Carousel and Circus Memorabilia and Mechanical Musical Instruments auction featuring property from the collection of Helene Sutter on December 6 in Los Angeles. The highly anticipated sale featured approximately 100 lots of amusement memorabilia including early magic posters with a majority of the carved animals, horses and other quadrupeds dating from the turn of the last century.
Many a child's imagination has been stirred by whimsical and imaginative carousel figures and the vibrant merry-go-round music played as the animals circle and gallop. Bonhams was pleased to bring this enchantment to life for collectors of all ages.
Three distinct carving styles could be seen within the animals on offer during the winter sale including the "Philadelphia style," established by Gustav Dentzel and his brother, the more elaborately decorated "Coney Island style," pioneered by Charles Looff and the "County Fair" or "Traveling style".
Brooke Sivo, Vice President and Director of American Furniture and Decorative Arts said of the sale, "This unique holiday auction garnered widespread interest from the US and abroad for rare and unique carved animals, orchestrions, circus and magic items. Bonhams was honored to feature property from various owners as well as select works from the Estate of Warren Deasy, Los Angeles and the Helene Sutter Collection of Carousel Animals and Circus Memorabilia."
Leading the sale was a handsomely carved and painted carousel tiger by Gustav Dentzel, Philadelphia, circa 1905 (est. $25,000-35,000, sold for $45,000). The majestic standing animal has a delicately carved angel on its shoulder and reflects both power and the gentle whim of the carver. Painted by noted carousel artist Nina Fraley, the tiger has been featured in books and exhibits on the subject.
Highlights from the Collection of Helene Sutter included a carved and painted German elephant chariot by Freidrick Heyn, late 19th century (est. $12,000-18,000, sold for $17,500); a carved and painted carousel camel by Charles Loof, Brooklyn, NY, late 19th century (est. $8,000-12,000, sold for $15,000);a massive Wurlitzer style CX Orchestrion, in an Art Glass panel cabinet, circa 1915 (est. $30,000-50,000, sold for $23,750); a Nelson-Wiggen style No. 5 Orchestrion, circa 1925 (est. $20,000-30,000, sold for $22,500) and a Wurlitzer style 105 military band organ, with painted showcase façade, circa 1926 (est. $20,000-30,000, sold for $12,500).
Additional carousel animals and mechanical music examples of note included a carousel figure of a stag by Gustav and William Dentzel, Philadelphia, first quarter 20th century (est. $20,000-30,000, sold for $17,500); an early and interesting Weber orchestrion with roll drive, circa 1910 (est. $25,000-35,000, sold for $15,000); a Regina oak 20 3/4 inch auto changer disc music box, circa 1900 (est. $15,000-20,000, sold for $15,000) from the Estate of Warren Deasy, Los Angeles and a J.P. Seeburg oak and slag glass KT special Orchestrion, 20th century (est. $7,000-9,000, sold for $10,000) also from the Deasy Estate.
