Tuesday, September 2, 2008, Geppi’s Entertainment’s Hake’s Americana auction #195 began closing. The first half of the sale, lots #1-993, included many political and presidential items, from pins and buttons to posters and pocket knives. Also offered on Tuesday were holiday items, cast iron doorstops, and sports memorabilia. 

The top seller on Tuesday was the first seen ink blotter pad with Daisy air rifle cello cover and button-like fastener that sold for $5,750. It was a 1909 giveaway from Daisy to potential attendees of an Atlantic City convention, measuring 3 X 7.75” and is over .25” thick, holding 13 alternating color blotter sheets. A superbly designed and colored W.J. Bryan 1900 campaign classic poster sold Tuesday, realizing $5,556.26. The poster measures 20 X 30” made by Strobridge Lith. Co., it is essentially in mint condition and is professionally framed.

Pins and buttons brought in some of the highest prices in the auction. A rare “Dead Shot Smokeless” with a real photo of Mrs. Ad Topperwein realized $1,612.88. Measuring 1.25”, made circa 1900-1912, it is only the second example Hake’s Americana has offered. A highly sought after Colt firearms button from the Potter Collection sold for $2,340.25. The rarely offered button is complete with backpaper by Whitehead & Hoag, inscribed “Colt”, and measures 7/8”. Another great sale from the Potter Collection was the “Murine Cures Eyes” color rarity that realized $2,039.33. The pin measures 1.25” with W&H backpaper used in 1900-1912, with small text below the woman’s raised arm that reads, “Your Eyes Need Murine”. 

Presidents obtained impressive results on Tuesday at Hake’s Americana. A Theodore Roosevelt embossed tin large portrait pin brought $2,530. The front of the pin is lithographed in color and includes embossed areas, including facial features. A rare poppy flower button stating “Hoo But Hoover” sold for $2,542.65. It is among the most desirable Hoover buttons, the image is perfectly centered, and measures 7/8”. Another rare item is the 1864 Abraham Lincoln ferrotype in near mint condition that brought $2,242.50. It includes text along the left and right sides that reads “Pat. Apr. 2. 1861” and the front reads “A. Lincoln”, it is listed as DeWitt/Sullivan AL1864-103. A M’Clellan mint condition 1864 ferrotype in rare frame sold for $1,897.50. This is the mate to the Lincoln ferrotype with the same frame and design; it is in stunning condition with essentially flawless bright portraits and flawless luster. Many presidents were represented in the sale of the set of colorful presidential buttons for $1,897.50. The complete set of 30 buttons was issued before 1932 including all presidents from George Washington to Herbert Hoover.

All items include the buyer’s premium. To see a full list of prices realized click here. Lots #994 through #2570 will close Thursday, September 4, 2008. Visit hakes.com for a list of Wednesday/Thursday Favorites.