Bertoia Automobilia sale led by Wanlass sculpture and Franklin sedan

Bertoia Auctions’ Aug. 28 Automobilia Sale in Vineland, New Jersey, was topped by a Stanley Wanlass bronze sculpture at $34,800 and a 1929 Franklin Series 11 sedan at $13,200. The 550-lot auction drew material from the David Bausch collection and other consignors, with several lots far exceeding estimates.

Why it matters: - The sale showed continued demand for automobilia that bridges transportation history, advertising, design and art. - The David Bausch collection supplied about half the lots, giving the auction depth across posters, signs, sculpture and accessories. - Strong results for Franklin-related pieces and Stanley Wanlass sculptures point to a market that still rewards rarity, condition and visual impact.

What happened: - Bertoia Auctions held its Automobilia Sale on Aug. 28 in Vineland, New Jersey. - The 550-lot sale featured items from the David Bausch lifetime collection and other consignors. - A hand-painted polychrome bronze sculpture by Stanley Wanlass sold for $34,800, the top price in the auction. - A 1929 Franklin Series 11 sedan sold for $13,200. - A Franklin Motor Cars porcelain service station sign sold for $10,200.

The details: - The Wanlass sculpture, titled Passing of the Horse, showed an early touring car overtaking a man on horseback. - The circa-1930 bronze was from an edition of 30 and measured 32 inches long on a carved walnut base. - The sculpture sold above its $24,000 high estimate. - The Franklin Series 11 sedan was a 1992 Classic Car Club of America original car award winner. - The sedan was finished in dark green with black fenders and sold above its high estimate. - The Franklin service station sign dated to the 1920s, measured 48 inches by 27 inches and carried bold black, white and yellow graphics. - The sign was made for authorized Franklin dealerships and service stations and graded in excellent to pristine condition. - A bronzed pewter figural lamp from France sold for $10,200 against a $2,500 high estimate. - The 30-inch lamp depicted an allegorical female figure holding an illuminated early biplane and stood on a marble base marked “L'Air.” - An official 75th Anniversary scale model of the 1903 Model A Ford sold for $9,000. - The 1978 sterling-and-gold model was made by the American Silversmiths Guild for Ford Motor Company in a limited edition of 1,708. - The model included original certificates of authenticity, a dealer order form, an appraisal and Ford correspondence. - A circa-1910 Voiturette IVRY advertising poster signed by Harry Eliott sold for $7,200. - The 50-inch by 64-inch poster promoted a Parisian lightweight car builder active from 1906 to 1913. - A French glazed porcelain figural lamp of two motorists in an early open touring racer sold for $6,000. - The piece was stamped “Déposé,” numbered 443, measured 24 inches long and retained its original dual-light socket assembly. - A Michelin poster titled Le Pneu Michelin a Vaincu le Rail sold for $5,400. - The circa 1905-1907 poster by Montaut promoted Michelin pneumatic tires and claimed the Paris-to-Biarritz trip could be done in less than 30 hours over 900 kilometers. - A lithographic print of a poster painting by William Harnden Foster sold for $4,500. - The image showed an Oldsmobile touring car racing past a steam locomotive, and the print run was limited to about 100 to 200 copies. - A Roseville pottery planter in the Tourist pattern sold for $4,800. - A silver-plated enameled aviation panel cigarette case sold for $3,000. - A boxed Ichiko toy version of a 1967 Cadillac Eldorado sold for $1,140. - The 28-inch toy had a working friction motor and was in near-mint condition.

Between the lines: - The results suggest collectors still pay up for pieces that combine automotive history with decorative appeal. - Wanlass’s bronze and the Franklin signage both outperformed estimates, showing interest in both fine art and branded ephemera. - The auction also reflected broader collecting tastes, from European posters to Japanese tinplate toys.

What's next: - Bertoia Auctions is accepting high-quality toys, banks, holiday antiques and collectibles for future sales. - Michael Bertoia is available to discuss consignments, whether collectors have a single piece or an entire collection. - The company says inquiries are confidential and there is no obligation to consign. - The full catalog and prices realized are available here. - More information is available on Bertoia Auctions.