Boyertown estate auction features WWI and WWII items

Contents included hundreds of early and unique items from each family generation who lived on the property since their grant from William Penn

On Thanksgiving weekend, Kimberly K Auction, LLC held a two-day live, onsite auction for the Estate of John K. Reed of Boyertown. Despite the bitter cold, over 500 people in attendance throughout the two days.

Attendees were from almost a dozen different states.

Auction company owner Kim Douglass said, “it was one of the most fun auctions I have ever done — from prep to sale day. We just kept discovering more and more interesting things throughout the house and barn.”

Contents included hundreds of early and unique items from each family generation who lived on the property since their grant from William Penn. They found many unopened crates sent back from Japan when Mr. Reed’s parents were stationed there after WWII. Mr. Reed’s father was a pilot and his mother was a nurse during the war.

The many items included early toys and ephemera, cast iron tea pots, lacquerware and porcelain tea sets, early Halloween decorations, and many items never on the secondary market before. WWI and WWII uniforms belonging to Mr. Reed’s parents were of much interest including nurses uniforms. Several photographs showing his parents wearing these uniforms were also capturing attention.

The most pre-auction attention was given to the over 7,000 early red clay roof tiles and to the military uniforms and accessories.

The auction consisted of the personal property within the barn and house. Two auctioneers were selling concurrently for the two days. Friday hosted the barn items and Saturday the house items.

On Friday, Nov. 23, the auction company auctioned off large groups of the red clay roof tiles based on their location of original storage. Piles ranged from $1,100 for 250 count to $14,850 for a count of 2000. An ornate single tile was $88 and a grouping of 55 red clay roof caps fetched an average of $56 each. All tiles totaled approximately $48,000.

In addition to the roof tiles, there were orchard ladders, signs, silo boards, early lumber, doors, hardware, barn door hinges and more. An early paint decorated wooden wheel barrow rolled out at $230 while an all wood lawn roller filled with gravel brought a smooth $82.50. A multi-drawered cabinet created from a large early organ/piano crate sold for $415. All prices reflect a 10% buyer’s premium. An early work bench with a large wooden vice sold for $440. Two amphibious ATV’s raced to the realized prices of $1,400 and $1,200.

On Saturday, the auction was held under three large tents as well as indoors. Despite little pre-auction interest, there was a huge book collection that sold with much excitement. Many of the beautifully bound books were from the Easton Press and were still in their original wrap, several of which fetched prices from $55 to $770. Subject matters were across the board from history to politics. Piles of vintage posters were also sold including a group of 20+ vintage ski posters which glided easily to $600. 1950s and 60s toys ranged from $50 to $600 each including many Automotive Show Room car models.

One auction tent was filled with WWI & WWII military uniforms and accessories as well as vintage clothing and Japanese kimonos.

Several ladies’ naval uniforms brought over $200 each, a Japanese first aid shirt $155, and a strong box filled with American Red Cross Items realized $110. A “Medical Department” Naval blanket also brought $110. A Marine identified trunk sold for $275 and a Marine pilot jacket in as-is condition flew to $220. While the auction was winding down, the prices were not with a winter WWII bomber outfit of cap, boots, coat and zip pants flying to $715. Two pair of bomber goggles sold for $165 and $110. A military target kite found on the attic floor camouflaged by layers of dust sold for $340.

Kimberly K Auction, LLC is owned and operated by Kim Douglass who has over 25 years’ experience. Contact Kimberly K Auction, LLC if you are interested in auction or appraisal services at KimberlyKAuctions@gmail.com or go to www.KimberlyKAuctions.com.