Singing Bird Pistols

I have absolutely no idea what's going on here, but apparently, singing bird pistols are the rarest and most complicated examples of musical watchmaking automaton duelling instruments in history? $5.8 million for the only known pair at Christie's Hong Kong last month.

The Only Pair of Matching Singing Bird Pistols, Attributed to Frères Rochat [christies.com via my stepfather spence]

Dutch State House Style Bon-Bons

While investigating the sudden, massive budget cuts that could decimate the Dutch art community, I have become kind of fascinated by the new Rijkshuisstijl, the Central Government Visual Identity.

The Netherlands government has a new logo and corporate identity, with unified style guides for over 125 different agencies, foundations, and organizations.




These images, of State Gum and bon-bons from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and
Food Quality, are from a gallery of examples of correctly executed swag.

Temco Aircraft Corporation Salesman Sample of Anti-Radiation Missle

Imagine placing this suitcase on the x-ray conveyor at your local municipal airport. That would create a stir.

At auction with a modest estimate of $300-$500.

Garage Sale Report - June 4th, 2011

In time, your projects grow larger. Not just more refined or sophisticated, but also physically larger. Size translates to epic. Therefore, an interest in material handling becomes more than just passing interest. The lever and the wheel as well as the work multiplying gear and pulley. 

419 E Third - Former home of M.E. Canfield

Per Google, the last home of M.E. Canfield

Intense desire for strip malls and apartment buildings have made it difficult for specialists in dollies and conveyors to compete in this world of 'highest and best use' real estate prices. Sure, we can moan and groan about it, but when it comes time to sell your property, you too will want El Pollo Loco land lease prices not fork lift storage or retail nursery prices.

Cromwell BMW Helmet with Red Barron Googles

 

At auction

Astronauts And Cowboys

personalized Larry Hagman leather belt with Southfork Ranch buckle

From the New York Times:

"There comes a time, even in J. R. Ewing’s life," he said, "when you have to downsize." Besides, he added, even with 413 items on the auction block, "I have more left at home than I know what to do with."

The "he" in that paragraph, of course, is not J.R. Ewing, a nominally fictional character, but Larry Hagman, the very real actor who portrayed him on television.

As the "Dallas" theme song trumpeted, Charlene Tilton, the actress who played J. R.’s ne’er-do-well niece Lucy, stood nearby and lamented her lack of forethought about collectibility. "I didn’t save a damn thing," she said.

Did you know Hagman's mother was Mary Martin, from South Pacific and the Broadway version of Peter Pan? I did not.

I suppose growing up in show business can educate a person about the vagaries of fame as well as its value. Which can sometimes be measured exactly by the premium over craigslist your random furniture and biker jackets will bring at auction.


"Lawrence of Malibu" embossed leather Frisbee, plus
ceremonial gavel for Larry Hagman's day as Honorary Mayor of Malibu
or whatever in 1986. Also a decorated metal hardhat

And I imagine it helps to foster a certain kind of narcissism, of the sort that prompts you to monogram all your buckskin. And to commission multiple pastel portraits of yourself wearing a cowboy hat. And to refer to yourself as the character you played thirty years ago.


Living room at "Heaven," The Hagman estate in Ojai, I think

The disco ball is not included in the sale, but check with the realtor to see if it conveys.

The Larry Hagman Collection - Online Catalogue [juliensauctions.com]