The Elli Buk Collection

As the Elli Buk Collection finds its way out into the world, we’d like to thank all who participated in the journey – from the pack up on 151 Spring Street to the hammer coming down on the last lot. Many bidders came to us after the auction to share their memories of Elli, and we’re sure the objects will now tell their own stories… As the writer William Gibson once said, "Gazing into Elli Buk's window, for me, has been like gazing into the back reaches of some cave, where Manhattan stores its dreams."

Scenes from a historical auction: Many successful bidders took their purchases with them right from the gallery. One gentleman strapped a heavy oak desk to his surfboard (considering his steering wheel is a skull maybe that wasn't such a feat). Meanwhile, our beloved tin man found a new home...  

Ladies and gentleman, the lines are open! (Well, the modern internet equivalent). Today is Session II.  Phones, clockwise from top left: French Empire-style mahogany and ormolu mounted telephone Lot no. 124 French battery-operated telephone circa 1934 Lot no. 29 Western Electric handset telephone Lot no. 1113 The Eiffel Tower telephone, L.M. Ericsson, Stockholm Lot no. 1515 

A sampling of vintage medical pieces, clockwise from top left: Eye illustration for an optical trade sign (lot no. 587); an appendix to Smith's American manikin for schools and physicians by Dr. Elias D. Smith, Chicago, circa 1890 (lot no. 110); anatomical models (lot nos. 670 and 677); homeopathic remedies and pharmaceutical bottles (lot no. 1615). 

Yesterday’s mystery box (pictured above and below) was an important component in Depression-era pigeon racing. The numbered compartments were used to store tags for the competing birds. When a pigeon returned to its owner or “driver” during a race, the tag was taken off its leg, inserted into one of the box compartments and a lever was switched on to record its official time. Scores were tallied among the competing owners/drivers to determine the winner. No winging it with these guys! Lot no. 876

Another wonderfully unusual find: This 1930s oak dovetailed box from Belgium is proof that time flies... Answer will be revealed tomorrow!

The countdown to the auction begins! Bidding kicks off this Thursday.

Some of our favorite book covers...

Remington Standard no. 2 with cover Lot no. 509 “Noiseless” typewriter Lot no. 1625 Group of 28 toy “Star” typewriters Lot no. 1762 Hammond Ideal no. 12 in oak case Lot no. 510A

Keep your eyes peeled: The exhibit preview opens today. You can also see our online catalogue for objects beautiful, old and unusual...

A round-up of some steampunk-inspired pieces, clockwise from top: Brass and steel firefighters' rescue helmet (lot no. 14); tickertape machine circa 1875 (lot no. 44); Guide Lamp Corp. output meter (lot no. 732); Riker electric motor (lot no. 790); mid-19th century two cylinder vacuum pump (lot no. 103); General Electric violet Coolidge X-ray tube (lot no. 1145).

Printing tools, clockwise from top: engravers used to manually duplicate script, tracing out a typeset that was inserted into a sequential tray of letters or designs; book binding leather embossers. 

Grab a sneak peek of the Elli Buk collection at Grogan and Company's exhibition preview this Saturday. Bidding begins next Thursday... 

A greyhound skeleton and an artist’s anatomical horse model, made of walnut wood. Lot no. 1105, Lot no. 106

A rare find: The signed menu from the American Institute of Electrical Engineers annual dinner party, held at the Waldorf Astoria in 1902. Guests such as Guglielmo Marconi and Alexander Graham Bell feasted on roast duck and “potage electrolytique” (electric eel soup).

Pictured top to bottom: A pair of Bailey’s stenciled tin astral lanterns with adjustable astronomical charts, signed The New England School Furnishing Co., Boston. Lot no. 460 Arts and Crafts copper and iron hall lantern. Lot no. 455

A selection of binoculars from the collection, clockwise from top: Early 19th century brass binoculars Lot no. 32 Marine binoculars by Carl Zeiss Jena Lot no. 126 Group of binoculars, several in their original cases, including Brown & Farik, Benjamin Pike, Swift, Trieder, Rivoli, Jules Huer and Signal Corps Lot no. 111