Monday, February 12, 2018

A Combination of Two Great Teams

Friday, February 9, 2018
Partly sunny with clouds
-9 C   14.8 F



I don't often add much narrative to a post from the guest, but in this case, it is special.
I've written about the fine auction company of Pook & Pook by itself. However, in 2016, Pook & Pook teamed up with another famous  person and company, by the name of Mr. Noel Barrett. You've probably seen Mr. Barrett on PBS and the specific show titled the "Antiques Road Show". 
On the program, Mr. Barrett is a specialist in toys, and you can often see him giving interesting narratives about old and antique toys.



Pook & Pook, Inc. Teams up with Noel Barret

Pook & Pook, Inc. Auctioneers and Appraisers is excited to announce a new collaboration with the jovial, mustachioed king of toy auctions, Noel Barrett. After over forty years “playing” with antique toys, first as a dealer then, starting in 1988, as an auctioneer, Barrett is teaming up with Pook & Pook, Inc., a premier east coast auction firm. Barrett and Pook & Pook, Inc.’s founder, Ron Pook, expressed excitement about joining forces, a move that will benefit both companies, buyers, and sellers. The big question, however, is why these two well-established auction houses are looking to collaborate after decades of going it alone.

Noel Barrett started his love affair with toys, predictably, at an early age. Over time, his fascination evolved from seeing toys as “neat things to have” to pursuing the business behind childhood nostalgia. “[Toys are] something that I’ve always enjoyed…I’ve turned a hobby into a business.” said Barrett. Years of hunting and dealing helped Barrett build both a superior knowledge of his field and a loyal client base, things that made his eventual auction business a hot spot for collectors. Personally involved in all aspects of the auction process, Barrett found success by applying his knowledge and continued enthusiasm towards one or two finely-curated auctions a year. “Success” also might be a bit of an understatement. Noel Barrett hosted the five-million-dollar toy and train auction of the late Disney animator Ward Kimball. He has also handled five auctions dispersing the Toy Museum of Atlanta, the three sales of Bill and Lillian Gottschalk’s record setting toy automobilia and steam toy collection, and the collection of the Washington Dollhouse and Toy Museum.

Barrett’s skills and personality were also recognized by the creators of PBS’s hit television show, Antiques Roadshow. He appeared on the American inaugural season and has been involved ever since, missing only three shows in over twenty years. Antiques Roadshow was also one impetus for Barrett’s recent expansion; after being approached by viewers and other admirers of his business, Barrett broadened his offerings to include categories such as vintage advertising, salesman’s samples, and unique models.

Pook & Pook was founded by Ron and Debra Pook in 1984. Like Barrett, Ron and Deb started off as antique dealers and graduated to auctioneers in the 80’s to accommodate the needs of their ever growing family. They soon became a record setting auction firm, offering some of the finest antique furniture, fine art, and decorative accessories on the market. With a 97% selling rate and up to twenty annual auctions that repeatedly exceed the million-dollar mark, Pook & Pook, Inc. is also a leader in innovation.  In 2013, the company joined with five other respected auction houses to create Bidsquare.com, an improved online auction platform, and have become a leading presence in the online auction trend.

Starting in the fall of 2016, bidders can expect both companies to present several collaborative auctions under the designation “Pook & Pook, Inc. with Noel Barrett.” These auctions will take place at Pook & Pook, Inc.’s auction gallery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with Noel continuing to secure collections, research and describe the toys, and assist with catalog production. Ron Pook called the development a “great opportunity for Noel to increase his media presence and online exposure and an equally good opportunity for Pook & Pook to expand our business guided by Noel’s expertise and reputation” and promised that “Pook & Pook will now have an entire toy division dedicated to doing several toy auctions each year.”.

Pook & Pook, Inc., Auctioneers and Appraisers
463 E. Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335
T: 610.269.4040 | F: 610.269.9274
WEBSITE: www.pookandpook.com | EMAIL: deirdre@pookandpook.com
( description above courtesy of Pook & Pook Inc.)


Schoenhut dolls were wooden dolls produced by the Schoenhut Piano Company between 1903 and 1935. Thge company, founded by woodworker Albert Schoenhut initially made toy pianos.
They began producing wood figurines as you see below in the early 1900's. These also included the more-complex  wooden circus-themed sets and animals. In 1911, the company introduced the first doll in the world able to be posed and manipulated. The Humpty Dumpty circus set was produced in 1903. featuring a lady and gentleman acrobats a line tamer, a lady circus rider, and a ringmaster.In 1908, the Rolly Dolly Dolls (seen below) was created. This contained weights inside a pear-shaped body that allowed the toy to bob back and forth without tipping over.*

* Courtesy of Wikipedia

Schoenhut painted wood African drummer
with a two-part head, the original drum, and drumsticks
Height:  8"  203 mm

Rare Schoenhut half rolly dolly sheep with glass eyes
Height:  8 1/2"  216 mm


Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty Circus cage wagon with a driver
H x L :  15 1/4" x 16"  386 mm x 405 mm

Schoenhut Painted wood hyena with glass eyes
Length:  6 1/2"  65 mm


Rare large Schoenhut dapple white painted wood pony
H x L:  21"  x 26"  533 mm x 660 mm


Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty circus tent
Height x Width  27" x 44"  68.5 cm x 1.11 M

Schoenhut painted wood great white hunter
with an associated pistol
Height :  8"   203 mm

Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty circus parade band with a team of four horses,
to include six musicians with instruments and a driver.
Length:  42"  1.07m


Thanks for dropping by,
and have a great day or evening.

Stacey Bindman
toysearcher@gmail.com



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