Rare Volume From George Washington’s Library Sells For $441,000

Freeman’s May 3 books and manuscripts auction was marked by fierce bidding competition over presidential material and significant Americana, resulting in the remarkable $441,000 sale of a volume from the personal library of George Washington.

“The market for presidential books, documents, and autographs is quite strong, and this exceptional result really drives that home,” stated Darren Winston, head of Freeman’s books and manuscripts department. “As rare as material like this is, it’s still Freeman’s bread and butter, right in our wheelhouse, and we’re thrilled with the result, as is the consignor.”

The first edition of “The Transactions of the Royal

Potter & Potter

Continued from page 4 was for the 1975 re-release of the 1939 film. published in 1920. In this twopage letter, Doyle responded to a list of questions related to spiritualism.

Humane Society” was gifted to Washington during his second presidential term by physician Dr. John Coakley Lettsom and features Washington’s bold signature at the top of the half-title page.

As books from Washington’s library seldom come to auction, this volume represented a rare market appearance, with corresponding results. The title exceeded its pre-sale high estimate of $18,000 by more than 24 times following a spirited bidding war.

For more information, call 215-563-9275.

Original Doyle letters and manuscripts, ephemera, and category spanning collectibles rounded out this intriguing sale. Doyle’s autograph manuscript signed for the article “The Argument From Necromancy” made $4,230. This was addressed to editor Huntley Carter as a contribution to the book “Spiritualism: Its PresentDay Meaning,” which was

“Part one of Bob Hess’ Sherlock collection was a smashing success. Bidders came out in mass and competitively bid all morning, blowing past our presale high estimate. We are excited for the next installment early 2024,” according to Chris Brink, director of fine books and manuscripts at Potter & Potter Auctions.

For more information, visit www.potterauctions.com.

Lititz Collector

Continued from page 1

Warwick Middle School is located at 104 Maple St. in Lititz, Pa.

Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Admission will be $10 per person.

This two-day event is much more than an “old time country show.” The quality antique offerings are diverse. The school can accommodate 51 dealers and is sold-out with a waiting list.

The exhibiting dealers will present a wide range of interesting, reasonably priced antiques. Shoppers can expect to find pottery, textiles, furniture, folk art, carvings, glassware, kitchen goods, early lighting, transferware, coin silver, holiday items, and much more.

Hungry shoppers will have an opportunity on-site to purchase hot food for lunch or a snack.

This is the Lititz Historical Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year. For more information, email info@lititz historicalfoundation.com.

Continued from page 3 television show for that matter, please do your research. And if you are thinking of consigning any collectibles to any auction house simply because they were featured in a television show, please either seek out the advice of a neutral independent collectibles expert first, or at least understand your options. Much like the title of the show in question, I can assure you, you are not the King of Collectibles, but someone is, and they make a lot of money in consignment fees off of people who think they are. Don’t believe me? Just visit online collecting forums and read the many posts of people who have lost thousands of dollars speculating in collectibles. Until next time.

Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa.,andisapassionatecollector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.

Great private collec on of farm toys including Allis Chalmers & Farmall Tractors, various implements & collec bles.

Sale also features great vintage 3 prong forks, crocks, bu er churns, milk cans, canning jars, sleds, wheelbarrows, chicken feeders, seeders, a straw cu er & much more!

SPRING