Miller & Miller's Five Auctions held May 21-25 Featured A Wide Variety of Collectibles and Grossed more than $1 Million

New Hamburg, ON, Canada, June 10, 2025 -- A rare, Canadian early 1900s 3 Strikes Cut Plug pocket tobacco tin, one of the most important pieces of Canadian tobacco history, was the overall top lot in five days of auctions held May 21st-25th by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. The tin came into the May 25th auction with a $10,000-$12,000 pre-sale estimate but ended up bringing $64,900. 

All prices in this report are in Canadian dollars and include an 18 percent buyer’s premium. 

The first three sales were online-only, with no live webcast portion. They included a Toys, Banks & Beatles Memorabilia auction on May 21st, featuring the Christopher Dennett collection; a Vintage Comics & Comic Art auction on May 22nd; and a Soda Advertising & Push Bars ‘When Push Comes to Shove’ auction May 23rd, featuring Part 1 of the Glenn Buchanan collection. 

The last two auctions were also online-only, but bidders could tune in to the live webcast to watch lots close in real time. They included a Petroliana, Automobilia & Advertising auction on May 24th, featuring the Wayne Woods collection; and a Soda, Tobacco & General Store Advertising auction on May 25th, featuring Part 2 of the Glenn Buchanan collection. 

It’s a common fact that every collector in every category strives to acquire the “holy grail,” “the best of the best” and “the rarest of the rare” to add to their collections. The vertical, flip-lid 3 Strikes pocket tobacco tin checked all those boxes, and was in excellent condition, with colors that were vibrant and glossy. Also, it appealed to collectors in a variety of collecting categories. 

The true sleeper lot of the five days also came on Day 5. It was a Canadian 1940s Sweet Caporal Cigarettes single-sided lithographed tin sign, featuring an image of the “Majorette,” the longtime symbol of Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The 60 ½ inch by 18 ¼ inch sign, as much a beautiful piece of art as a tobacco and advertising collectible, brought $16,520, against a $3,000 high estimate. 

Following are additional highlights from the five auctions, ones in which 1,092 total lots came up for bid, with an overall gross of a little more than $1.055 million (including the buyer’s premium). The 1,176 registered bidders combined to place 21,337 total bids. Internet bidding was provided by the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website, as well as LiveAuctioneers.com. 

Staying with May 25th, two other items were noteworthy, as both surpassed the high estimate. One was a Canadian 1920s single-sided lithographed tin sign with a wood frame for Wilson’s Bachelor Cigars (“100% Havana Filler”). The 36 ½ inch by 60 ¾ inch sign depicted a refined gentleman in period clothing, lighting his cigar. Graded well at 8.5, the sign fetched $7,080. 

The other was an early and rare rolled-tin Taxi pocket tobacco tin, circa the 1910s, from the Imperial Tobacco Company of Canada, founded in 1906. Without question, it was one of the best examples of an iconic and highly sought-after Canadian pocket tin, sure to display nicely in the collection of the winning bidder, who paid $6,490 for the prize against a $4,000 high estimate. 

The May 22nd Vintage Comics & Comic Art auction featured 72 lots of comic books, pop culture and music memorabilia. A copy of the comic book Marvel X-Men #1 (Marvel Comics, Sept. 1963), graded 3.0, with a Stan Lee authenticated autograph, a story by Stan Lee and artwork by Jack Kirby, featuring the origin and first appearances of all seven X-Men, finished at $7,670. 

The star lot of the May 24th Petroliana, Automobilia & Advertising auction was a rare complete Canadian 1940s single-sided porcelain neon dealer sign for Hudson Automobiles, with excellent color and gloss. The 34 inch by 72 inch by 12 inch sign was tested and working. The ends were both graded highly at 9.25. The high estimate was $20,000 but the sign hammered for $28,320. 

Other items in the May 24th auction also did well. They included lot #647, a round, double-sided porcelain sign for McColl-Frontenac Red Indian Service Station, Canadian, from the 1940s and exhibiting very good color and gloss. The sign was impressive at 3 feet in diameter and graded well at 8.25 both sides, some minor porcelain loss the only blemish. The sign reached $20,060. 

Also from McColl-Frontenac was a 1930s Red Indian oil rack sign. The single-sided porcelain sign measured 18 inches by 20 ½ inches and, like other items in the auctions, was authenticated by The Authentication Company. The sign, which was graded 9.25 and showed brilliant color and gloss, was discovered by the consignor in Quebec in 1969 and changed hands for $17,700. 

A gorgeous Starlite Gasoline reverse baked glass gas pump globe lens (Canadian, 1930s), 15 inches in diameter, knocked down for $10,030. Starlite was a brand of gasoline sold by the Sun Oil Companies of Canada, Ltd., and operated as the Miller Oil Co., Ltd. from 1932 until 1968 after being sued by Sunoco over their name. Starlite was the name of the owner’s son’s horse. 

To watch a short YouTube video highlighting some of the May 24th auction’s top-selling items, click this link: https://youtu.be/j5aQefo9Ym8 

To watch a short YouTube video highlighting some of the May 25th auction’s top-selling items, click this link: https://youtu.be/XwXI211joIQ 

Miller & Miller Auctions’ calendar of upcoming online-only auctions includes the following: 

- June 14: Automobiles, Motorbikes & Advertising, featuring the Fairbairn Collection

- June 22: Pre-1980 Sports Cards & Memorabilia 

To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and their slate of upcoming auctions, please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

About Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.:

Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections and is always accepting quality consignments. The firm specializes in watches and jewelry, art, antiques and high-value collectibles. Its mission is to provide collectors with a trusted place to buy and sell. To consign a single piece, an estate or an entire collection, you may call Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. at (519) 573-3710; or, you can e-mail them at info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.. please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.

Media Contact:

Ethan Miller

Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

59 Webster Street

New Hamburg, Ont., CD N3A 1W8

519-573-3710

info@millerandmillerauctions.com

http://www.millerandmillerauctions.com

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Mickey Mantle, Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr are in Miller & Miller's Pre-1980 Sports Cards & Memorabilia Auction, June 22nd

New Hamburg, ON, Canada, June 6, 2025 -- A 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle “holy grail” baseball card, a 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card, and a game-used, team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 1951 Stanley Cup season are a few of the top lots in Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.’s Pre-1980 Sports Cards & Memorabilia auction on June 22nd.

This is an online-only auction with no live webcast portion. Lots will close in sequential order beginning at 5pm Eastern time on Sunday, June 22nd. There are 235 lots in the catalog. “Two original 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards headline a lineup of Mantle cards and collectibles that are sure to excite any sports investor,” said Ben Pernfuss, the Consignment Director for the sale.

One of the two Mantle rookie cards was graded 2 Good from PSA for its excellent surface and strong edges. However, the card’s corners are imperfect and it is off-center. That shouldn’t deter eager bidders, however, who already know that the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle card is in a category of its own and is a true “holy grail” collectible. It’s expected to bring $40,000-$50,000.

All estimates in this report are in Canadian dollars.

“Collectors will find key cards from the groundbreaking 1951 Parkhurst hockey and Topps 1952 baseball sets, featuring some of the most iconic names in sports,” Mr. Pernfuss said. The 1951 Parkhurst #66 Gordie Howe rookie card (lot 45) was graded 3 Very Good from PSA. It has strong eye appeal and is the centerpiece of the 1951-52 Parkhurst set. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000.

“The game-used, team-signed Bill Barilko hockey stick from the Toronto Maple Leaf’s 1951 Stanley Cup season offers a significant piece of hockey history,” Mr. Pernfuss said. The game-issued stick, made by the Love & Bennett sporting goods store, is stamped with Bill Barilko’s number 5 and was signed by the members of that championship team. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000.

A 1966 Topps #35 Bobby Orr rookie card will draw keen bidder interest for two reasons: its Excellent-Near Mint grade of 6 from KSA, and the fact that the card represents one of the most iconic images in the world of card collecting. Bobby Orr was one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and his rookie card is an exciting piece of hockey history. Estimate: $8,000-$9,000.

Parkhurst rookie cards for hockey stars Maurice Richard (1951-1952, graded KSA 4 Very Good-Excellent) and Henri Richard (1957-1958, graded KSA 3 Very Good) are professionally framed alongside a Louisville Pro Flex stick signed by both brothers. The 24 inch by 72 inch shadow box also includes a Montreal Canadiens puck and a bronze plaque. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.

A group of 40 baseball cards from Topps’ 97-card 1952 Sixth Series (the rare “High Numbers” cards, running from #311 Mickey Mantle to #407) is expected to command $3,500-$4,500. The cards are all low grade and some even have condition issues to the point of damage, but the Sixth Series “High Numbers” cards are the most coveted of the 407-card set. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000. 

A complete set of 110 1964-1965 Topps “Tall Boys” hockey cards, so named because of the cards’ large size (each one about 4 ¾ inches by 2 ½ inches) is a highly sought-after and visually appealing set featuring stars such as Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Jean Beliveau, Tim Horton and many others. The overall condition of the set is good to very good. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.

A 1979-1980 O-Pee-Chee uncut sheet of 226 hockey cards in excellent condition (and boasting a #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card that’s mint and without flaw) shows some minor edge wear but that season’s O-Pee-Chee set is one of the most iconic groupings of cards in the world of sports card collecting. The sheet is blank-backed (no printing on the reverse). Estimate: $3,500-$4,500.

Mr. Pernfuss concluded, “This auction unites historical significance, true Hall of Fame legends, and investment-grade pre-1980 cards into one unforgettable event offered in Canadian dollars.”

Here is a link to the auction on the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website: https://live.millerandmillerauctions.com/auctions/4-H0ALPQ/pre-1980-sports-cards-memorabilia. Internet bidding is also available on LiveAuctioneers.com.

To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and the Pre-1980 Sports Cards & Memorabilia auction scheduled for Sunday, June 22nd, please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

About Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.:

Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections and is always accepting quality consignments. The firm specializes in watches and jewelry, art, antiques and high-value collectibles. Its mission is to provide collectors with a trusted place to buy and sell. To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (519) 573-3710; or, you can e-mail them at info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

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Murdick's Fudge Introduces "Shark Bite" Fudge for National Fudge Day, Father's Day and Another Famous Anniversary

Edgartown, MA, Oak Bluffs, MA, Vineyard Haven, MA, June 5, 2025 -- Murdick’s Fudge, the iconic fudge maker with more than 135 years of history, recently unveiled one of its newest creations: The Shark Bite. The vanilla fudge with a hint of cranberry is just in time for National Fudge Day on June 16.

“They shot a movie on the island about a shark, and it came out in 1975. Ever since then, the Island has become synonymous with the movie and sharks,” said Mike McCourt, general manager of three locations of Murdick’s Fudge on Martha’s Vineyard. “The Shark Bite is our tongue-in-cheek way of celebrating National Fudge Day on June 16 and the anniversary of that film’s release on June 20. And, of course, Father’s Day on June 15.”

The History of National Fudge Day

According to the DaysoftheYear.com website:

“Fudge is thought to have been an American invention. The earliest documented mention of fudge can be found in a letter composed by Emelyn Hartridge, who was studying at the time at Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York. The letter detailed that fudge had been made and sold in a grocery store in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1886. At the time, the cost of 40 cents per pound of fudge. From here, word of chocolate fudge spread to other women’s colleges and eventually became very popular in the US.”

Around that same period, Murdick’s Fudge began when sailmaker Henry Murdick’s wife Sara created her own version of fudge on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Murdick’s Candy Kitchen opened that same year in 1887.

Murdick’s Fudge opened on Martha’s Vineyard in 1978. There, they have crafted their own identity on the island. That starts with mouth-watering homemade fudge. In addition to the new Shark Bite, Murdick’s Fudge offers 15 flavors, including: Plain Vanilla, Butter Pecan, Penuche, Chocolate Mint Chip, Smores, Plain Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Walnut, Peanut Butter, Cape Cod Cranberry and Rocky Road.

“What’s great about National Fudge Day is that it’s either on or around Father’s Day. So, what better way to have a double celebration here at Murdick’s Fudge,” said McCourt. “And for those dads who don’t have a sweet tooth, we’ve got a few other savory treats.”

Father’s Day and National Fudge Day at Murdick’s Fudge

Murdick’s offers a 3 Slices of fudge and a 12-oz Brittle Gift Box special for Father’s Day. For Dads without as much of a sweet tooth, Murdick’s Fudge also offers gourmet cheese popcorn and peanut and cashew brittle. And for those who truly want to celebrate the roots of fudge, there’s a gourmet caramel popcorn as well.

“The other thing about National Fudge Day is its sort of our official start to the summer season,” said McCourt. “And if all the shark talk with the 50th anniversary has you nervous about going in the water, come on down to one of our stores. Our new Shark Bite won’t bite back.”

Murdick’s has three locations: 25 North Water location in Edgartown. Murdick’s Fudge has two other locations--5 Circuit Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 and 9 Union Street in Vineyard Haven.

Murdick’s Fudge is the lead sponsor of the Run the Chop Challenge, a four-mile run on Vineyard Haven—the only road race on the Island on July 4. To sign up for information, visit https://www.murdicks.com/run-the-chop.

In addition to its three locations, Murdick’s Fudge has a newly revamped and robust e-commerce website. For more information Murdick’s Fudge and ongoing specials and promotions or to place an order, visit www.murdicks.com. You can also phone 888-55FUDGE (888-553-8343).

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Andrew Jones Auctions will hold A Design for The Home and Garden Auction on June 25th, Online and Live in Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles, CA, USA, June 5, 2025 --  Andrew Jones Auctions’  Design for the Home and Garden auction on Wednesday, June 25th, will feature over 350 lots of English and Continental antiques, clocks, fine jewelry, watches, silver, porcelain, antiquities, fine art, modern design, antique carpets and luxury items.

 

The auction will begin promptly at 10am Pacific time, live in the Andrew Jones Auctions gallery located at 2221 South Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as via telephone and online, at AndrewJonesAuctions.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. A preview will be held in the gallery on Monday and Tuesday, June 23rd and 24th, from 10am-5pm both days.

The fine jewelry selection features pieces by Asprey, Bvlgari and Cartier, including a Bvlgari diamond, silver, 18K gold and Roman coin Monete necklace, expected to bring $15,000-$20,000; and a Cartier carved emerald bead, diamond, sapphire, ruby and 18K gold necklace with a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-$12,000. 

Wristwatches will include a Jaeger Le Coutre Reverso Duoface 18K rose gold strap wristwatch with an estimate of $4,000-$6,000; a Breguet watch, and a minute repeating 18K Audemars Piguet pocket watch expected to realize $6,000-$8,000.

Gilded Age furniture, decorative arts, sculpture and clocks will be led by an important early 20th century Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted kingwood, bois satiné, ebony and marquetry commode à vantaux by François Linke, index number 559 bis, the mounts designed by Leon Messagé (estimate: $50,000-$70,000). A version of the piece highlighted Linke's gold medal-winning display at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.  It’s believed to be the fourth and previously unknown example of the model to come to auction.

Also included are a pair of Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted acajou moucheté and ebony side cabinets by Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley, late 19th century (estimate: $10,000-$15,000); and a Napoleon III gilt bronze and porcelain mounted inlaid tulipwood art case upright piano, the case by Monbro, the movement by Erard (estimate: $2,000-$3,000).

There is a plethora of bronze and marble sculpture of Classical and mythological subjects, including a white marble bust of Helen of Troy after Antonio Canova, 19th century (estimate: $700-$900); a Roman marble torso fragment of Diana,  probably 1st-2nd C.E. (estimate: $10,000-$15,000); and a dramatic French patinated bronze figural group of the Trojan priest Laocoön and his two sons (estimate: $4,000-$6,000). 

A selection of gilt bronze and marble clocks features a figural piece L’Amour Messager after a model by Denière (estimate: $1,500-$2,000); as well as works by Claude Galle, Manière,  Monbro, Charles Le Roy and others.

From a Private Hidden Hills, California collection is selection of maritime paintings by one America's leading historical marine artists, David Thimgan,(1955-2003), including the large work Falls of Clyde at Honolulu (estimate: $6,000-$8,000).

This auction is also the start of the offering of a vast collection of 17th and 18th century portraiture from the estate of Larry Bond of Utah, including a Portrait of Louis XIV after Hyacinthe François Rigaud (estimate: $500-$1,000).  Also included are works by Emmanuel Benner, William Savage Cooper, Edouard Cortes, Henri-Joseph Harpignies, Paul Lauritz, Frederick Morgan, John Bernard Munns, Luigi Loir, Clark Kelley Price, Rembrandt van Rijn and others.

Modern fine art will be led by multiples by Gustav Baumann, Grant Wood, George Tooker, Keith Haring, Robert Motherwell Lament for Lorca, 1982 (estimate: $8,000-$12,000); Helen Frankenthaller, Charles Lapique’s Chocolats et candélabre, 1963 (estimate: $6,000-$8,000), Pablo Picasso, a Robert Graham bronze full length model of Gabrielle, 1998 (estimate: $3,000-$5,000), Marc Chagall, a bronze by Paul Gaugin, and a 1972 Andy Warhol Mao silkscreen.

Design features pieces by Alain Delon for Maison Jansen, Ulla Darni, Rei Kawakubo, Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier, Charles & Ray Eames, Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere, Vittorio Introini, Tom Dixon, Lindsey Adelman, Hans Brattrud for Georg Eknes, two vessels by Bruno Gambone, a Taizo Kuroda footed bowl and more.

A broad array of decorative arts features fine silver by Georg Jensen, including a pair of Acorn candelabra (estimate: $3,000-$5,000); and a four-piece Cosmos coffee service (estimate: $3,000-$5,000); a set of six  Bvlgari rocking tumbler cups,  a pair of English silver models of pheasants, a set of three German figures of knights, an Austrian table casket, flatware, an Elkington electrotype model of the Milton Shield and more.

Other notable offerings include a charming German enamel and gilt metal singing bird box (estimate: $1,500-$2,500); a Versace for Rosenthal Vanity dinner service (estimate: $2,000-$3,000); 15 lots of Anna Weatherley botanical dinner ware, a vintage Goyard hat trunk, globes by Newton and George Philip and Son and more.

To learn more about Andrew Jones Auctions and the Design for the Home and Garden auction on Wednesday, June 25th, please visit www.AndrewJonesAuctions.com, or call 213-748-8008.

About Andrew Jones Auctions:

Opened in the summer of 2018, Andrew Jones Auctions is a full-service fine art and antiques auction house specializing in the liquidation of estates and collections featuring fine art, antiques and collectibles. The firm understands market trends and has foresight for the 21st century. The highly experienced staff has a wealth of knowledge with international savvy, having worked for many years at major international auction houses in North America and Europe, sourcing property from all corners of the United States. Andrew Jones Auctions’ sales are diverse and eclectic, and feature fine diamonds to contemporary art, from antiquity to the 21st century. To learn more about Andrew Jones Auctions visit www.AndrewJonesAuctions.com.

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New Hip Hop Group Called Green Gang

Cleveland, OH, June 1, 2025 -- Rising star Fellon Phelps proudly introduces his new hip-hop group, Green Gang, set to make a significant impact on the music scene. With their highly anticipated album, “Green Gang Volume 2 Make America Straight Again,” releasing on July 4, 2025, this talented collective is ready to showcase their creativity and artistry to the world.

Green Gang Volume 2 Make America Straight Again  features 13 original tracks that highlight the exceptional talents of Fellon Phelps and fellow artist Benji 216. Both artists have taken the reins in their production, crafting their own beats and lyrics, resulting in a dynamic sound that spans various genres. With a blend of hip-hop, party anthems, and storytelling, this album promises to engage listeners and keep them wanting more.

In addition to their musical pursuits, both Fellon Phelps and Benji 216 are honing their craft in acting, taking classes, and working on exciting upcoming movies and TV shows. Their multifaceted talents position them as not just musicians but as entertainers poised to make waves in multiple industries.

Fans can pre-order the album now and explore exclusive merchandise available at 3lettersllc.com. Both artists also have solo projects that are currently available for purchase and streaming on all major platforms.

Booking Information:

Green Gang is available for bookings and would love to perform at your next event. Don’t miss the chance to witness this electrifying group live on stage!

Join the movement and support Green Gang as they embark on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for the release of “Green Gang Volume 2” and get ready to experience the next wave of hip-hop!

About Green Gang:

Green Gang is a hip-hop collective led by singer and rapper Fellon Phelps and rapper/producer Benji 216. With a focus on creativity and innovation, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of music while also exploring opportunities in film and television.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: Fellonphelps216@gmail.com Pre Order Smart Link Here https://vyd.co/GreenGangVolume2MakeAmericaStraightAgain

Media Contact

3lettersllc.com

11811 shaker blvd,

Cleveland Ohio, 44120

fellonphelps216@gmail.com

833-323-0003

http://3lettersllc.com

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Miller & Miller's June 14 Automobiles, Motorbikes & Advertising Auction will be held Online and Live in Chatham, Canada

Chatham, ON, Canada, June 4, 2025 -- An original example of a 1914 Packard Model 1-38 Runabout automobile; a 1973 Pontiac Trans AM Super Duty 455 cubic inch V8 muscle car; and a 1908 Brunswick-Balke-Collender “Del Monte” Model Saloon front and back bar are the undisputed headliners in Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.’s Automobiles, Motorbikes & Advertising auction featuring the lifetime Mike and Wendy Fairbairn Collection scheduled for Saturday, June 14th.

Over the course of 40-plus years, RM-Sotheby's founding partner Mike Fairbairn and his wife Wendy built the ‘Car Barn' in the historic town of Chatham, Ontario, to house an extraordinary collection of collector cars, low-mileage Japanese motorbikes, petroliana and general store advertising. The entire collection is now on display in the 'Car Barn', where it will be auctioned.

This is a live and online auction event, with live in-person bidding at 23 Forsyth St. in Chatham, Ontario. Doors will open at 8am Eastern time and the live auction will begin promptly at 9am. Registration is required to attend in person. Online bidding is available per usual, via the Miller & Miller website (at www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com) as well as www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Bidders will compete for 268 lots, in categories that include historic objects, petroliana, soda advertising, advertising signs, general store, motorcycles, automobilia, automobiles and coin-op. Lots will close via live webcast on auction day, so bidders worldwide can watch and participate.

The Packard Motor Car Company was founded in 1899 by James and William Packard and quickly established itself as a premier American luxury car manufacturer. The Model 1-38 was introduced in late 1912 and featured a 415 cubic inch L-head six-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower. It was available in various body styles, including the popular Runabout model.

The Packard in the auction is original and restored only as needed. Cosmetic touches include repainted fenders, and the car has undergone a comprehensive mechanical restoration. It has a new and correct brass core radiator, new brake drums, a rebuilt starter-generator and engine rebuild. The top, interior and most of the body paint are original. Estimate: $400,000-$450,000.

All estimates in this report are in Canadian dollars.

The 1973 Pontiac Trans AM LS2 455 cu. in. Super Duty muscle car (SD-455 HO) boasts a 430 hp V8 engine with 800 CFM Holley carburetor, reinforced block and four mains, a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring and wishbone independent front suspension, live axle and leaf spring rear suspension. It’s a low production car in pristine, unrestored condition.

And talk about pedigree. The automobile was ordered new by GM of Canada as the Canadian International Auto Show display car, fitted with every available factory option except a rear seat storage tray. The present owner acquired the car from its first owner, and the car retains both the original paint and interior. This Trans AM has all OEM GM parts. Estimate: $175,000-$225,000.

The American 1908 Brunswick-Balke-Collender “Del Monte” Model Saloon front and back bar is, without question, one of the most significant produced in the 20th century. It is one of only a few known survivors, and a more documented and intact example cannot be found. B.B.C. Co. was formed in 1884 and became famous for their large, ornate, neoclassical style bars for salons.

The one up for bid, the “Del Monte” model, is regal in appearance and punctuated with elaborate carvings, and is as practical today as when first produced. Included are 14 chairs, two stainless steel sink assemblies, two cooler units and a lighted, triple-tap dispenser with marble ball handles and silver plate taps. Total width including cornice is 294 inches. Estimate: $150,000-$200,000.

A 1920s Canada Vulcanizer double visible Red Indian gasoline pump, 122 inches tall by 39 inches wide, has an estimate of $30,000-$40,000. It’s a show-quality restoration to automotive paint standards as completed by Bob Krist, outfitted with correct white rubber hoses, polished brass nozzles with gilt-painted fittings, and two reproduction double-sided Red Indian gas globes. It’s embossed with “Property of Supertest Petroleum Corporation, London, Ontario.”

A 1969 Kawasaki H1 Mach III 500cc motorcycle, with its striking dark blue livery, brings the buyer back to the dawn of high-performance bikes. This one has never needed restoration, and the paintwork was applied in Japan. Specs include a 489cc air-cooled, two-stroke, inline engine breathing through three Mikuni VM28SC carburetors, developing 60hp at 7,500 rpm and 42 lb-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm, along with a slick 5-speed transmission. Estimate: $22,000-$26,000.

A 1983 Kawasaki KZ 1000R motorcycle, also known as the Eddie Lawson Replica (named after the bike racing icon who rode factory-tuned Kawasaki KZ1000s to Superbike Championships in 1981 and 1982), is visually striking in Kawasaki Racing Green with yellow accents. Features include a 998cc air-cooled inline-four engine with double overhead cams producing 79 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque, a bikini fairing, stepped seat, and rearset footpegs. Estimate: $20,000-$24,000.

An American 1940s-era RCA Victor Records neon double-sided painted metal sign (actually two single-sided painted metal signs mounted back-to-back) is round in shape, measuring 37 inches in diameter. When lit, the wildly colorful sign displays beautifully and would be a fabulous addition to any collection. The neon has been replaced on one side. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000.

The Canadian 1930s McColl-Frontenac Red Indian Motor Oils single-sided porcelain dealer sign, 5 feet in diameter, is considered a ‘must-have’ in Canadian petroliana advertising. McColl-Frontenac played a significant role in early Canadian petroleum history. This sign is graded well at 8.5, with good color and gloss but just a little dullness and staining. Estimate: $9,000-$12,000.

Here is a link to the auction on the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website: https://live.millerandmillerauctions.com/auctions/4-GXMNA7/automobiles-motorbikes-advertising-the-fairbairn-collection.

To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and the Automobiles, Motorbikes & Advertising auction featuring the Fairbairn Collection scheduled for Saturday, June 14th, please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.

About Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.:

Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections and is always accepting quality consignments. The firm specializes in watches and jewelry, art, antiques and high-value collectibles. Its mission is to provide collectors with a trusted place to buy and sell. To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (519) 573-3710; or, you can e-mail them at info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.

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Sharper, Smarter Hiring: Beyond Business Virtual Assistants Transitions to Recruitment-Only Services

United States, June 2, 2025 -- Beyond Business Virtual Assistants (BBVA), a leading provider of Filipino virtual assistant talent for entrepreneurs across the United States, announces a focused shift in its business model. Effective June 1, 2025, BBVA will offer recruitment-only services, retiring its VA management packages in favor of a more streamlined, expert-led hiring experience designed to meet the evolving needs of business owners in fast-moving industries.

The decision reflects BBVA’s long-term strategy to strengthen its core value proposition—matching high-performing Filipino VAs with growth-focused clients—and follows extensive feedback, market analysis, and a clear trend toward self-managed remote teams.

“This is not a step back; it’s a leap forward,” said Andy Kowalski, CEO of BBVA. “We’re sharpening our focus to deliver what our clients are asking for: faster placements, stronger matches, and a seamless recruitment journey. By removing the management layer, we’re enabling business owners to fully own the VA relationship while we provide the recruitment expertise they can trust.”

Why the Change?

As the virtual workforce ecosystem evolves, more businesses—especially in real estate, e-commerce, mortgage, and digital service sectors—prefer direct control over their remote hires. BBVA’s shift reflects this preference and allows the company to double down on its screening, vetting, and placement processes, ensuring that every virtual assistant hired through BBVA meets elite standards of performance, communication, and integrity.

The internal data supported this shift. Over the past 18 months, BBVA observed that 84% of its clients opted for recruitment-only services rather than bundled management. Streamlining the business model removes complexity, shortens placement timelines, and enhances BBVA’s capacity to handle a growing demand for high-caliber Filipino virtual assistants.

What’s Changing on June 1

- BBVA’s Virtual Assistant Management Services will officially be discontinued.

- Clients can now access recruitment-only services, backed by BBVA’s proven 4-phase screening process and VA success blueprint.

- BBVA’s new pricing structure reflects the elevated service level and premium talent pool.

- Financing options will no longer be offered, as the model pivots toward upfront, high-value placements.

What Clients Can Expect Going Forward

BBVA’s transition empowers clients with:

- A faster and more focused recruitment process tailored for US entrepreneurs.

- Access to a refined pipeline of pre-vetted, high-performing Filipino VAs.

- Increased flexibility in managing their VAs in-house, with guidance from BBVA’s post-placement support materials.

- A clear, flat-fee pricing structure that reflects the value of deep-dive recruitment expertise and long-term hire success.

BBVA will continue to offer ongoing resources, onboarding templates, and performance support tools to help clients succeed in managing their VAs independently.

A Strategic Move for Today’s Business Environment

This evolution in service offering comes at a time when the demand for specialized, remote professionals is rising. US-based businesses are scaling leaner, and the need for cost-effective yet high-quality support is higher than ever. BBVA is rising to meet that challenge by focusing entirely on the recruitment process—where it has consistently delivered unmatched results.

“We’re not just filling seats; we’re building long-term, high-trust working relationships,” said Kowalski. “This strategic change lets us invest more deeply into our recruitment methods, expand our talent acquisition team, and ensure every client gets a VA who’s not only skilled—but aligned to their business goals.”

Client Testimonials Back the Move

Recent feedback from real estate brokers, digital agency owners, and e-commerce sellers show strong support for the move:

“The best VA I’ve ever hired came through BBVA. I didn’t need ongoing management—I just needed the right person. And they delivered.”

 – Michelle T., Real Estate Investor, Florida

 

“I appreciate that BBVA is focusing on their strength. The recruitment process was so smooth, I knew they got it down to a science.”

 – Brian R., E-commerce Business Owner, California

Next Steps for Clients

Clients who previously used BBVA’s VA Management services have been personally contacted and transitioned. For new clients interested in hiring a virtual assistant, BBVA’s streamlined intake form and consultation process is now live.

Let’s Build Your Dream Team

To learn more about our VA recruitment services or get started, visit: https://beyondbizva.com or email us at: admin@beyondbizva.com

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SJ Auctioneers will hold An Online-Only Black Americana, Collectibles, Decor & Silverware Auction on Wednesday, June 18

Brooklyn, NY, USA, June 3, 2025 -- A sterling silver set of three monkeys from around 1960 by the famous Italian silversmith Mario Buccellati, a Tiffany & Company 111-piece sterling silver flatware set in the “English King” pattern, and a Gucci signed 18k yellow gold bamboo link station necklace are a few of the expected top lots in SJ Auctioneers’ online-only Black Americana, Collectibles, Décor and Silverware auction scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th, starting at 6pm Eastern time.

The set of three monkeys from around 1960 by Mario Buccellati (“See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil”) are made from 925 sterling silver, each one having a weight of 450 grams. They measure 8cm long, 13 cm high and 10cm wide and the set has an estimate of $15,000-$20,000.

Individual sterling silver items will be led by Buccellati, whose 925 sterling silver oysters double plate is decorated with seafood and crabs and weighs 2.6 kilograms. Estimate: 9,000-$10,000.

The Tiffany & Co. 111-piece sterling flatware dinner and luncheon service in the “English King” pattern is complete – no pieces missing. There’s no monogram, and it’s housed in a vintage, 3-tier Reed and Barton silverware chest in rich forest green velvet. Estimate: $13,000-$16,000.

The Gucci signed 18k yellow gold bamboo link station necklace, nearly 28 inches long, consists of a cable chain with grooved oval-shaped bamboo motif stations in varying sizes. It’s stamped 750 with Italian assay marks for 18k gold and dates to the 2000s. Estimate: $7,000-$9,000.

The catalog is packed with 232 lots of sterling silver flatware services and other sterling objects; dazzling jewelry pieces; colorful Herend and Swarovski figures; vintage pens; vintage toys; decorative accessories; Black Americana; and other items, many of them ideal for gift-giving.

Bidding is available online now, and closes on auction day, June 17th. Pre-bidding is also available, meaning for those who are unable to attend the online auction, they can still leave their bids now. A link to the catalog is here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/374472_black-americana-collectibles-decor-silverware/

In addition to the Tiffany & Co. flatware service described above, there are many other wonderful sterling silver flatware sets in the auction. A few of them are as follows:

- An 88-piece Tiffany & Co. Faneuil sterling silver flatware service for 12, no monogram. Estimate: $6,900-$7,200.

- A 76-piece Georg Jensen (Danish, 1866-1935) sterling silver flatware set in the “Acanthus” pattern, having a total approximate silver weight of 84 troy ounces, including one troy ounce per knife. Hallmarks are shown. Estimate: $6,500-$7,000.

- A very rare 59-piece Durgin / Gorham Dauphin sterling silver flatware set, including the silver chest (which has some scratches). Estimate: $6,000-$6,500.

- A vintage 103-piece Frontenac steeling flatware set with no monogram or monogram removal. In crisp original condition. All pieces have the original PAT mark. Estimate: $4,500-$6,500.

A magnificent gilt sterling silver candelabra by Nardi, the Venetian silversmith and jeweler, is 21 inches tall on a base measuring 8 ¾ inches, and weighs 130.8 troy ounces. At its center is a blackamoor (or “Moretti” figure), often found on Nardi’s brochures. Estimate: $7,500-$8,000.

A rare, 20th century Georg Jensen sterling silver bowl in pattern #271C, beautifully hand-hammered, has stylized natural motifs adorning the rim and center of the bowl. It weighs 33 ounces and bears hallmarks, and is divided into three sections. Estimate: $3,500-$4,200.

Decorative accessories will be plentiful and will feature an original Tiffany & Co. deep blue glass vase with the top decorated in 925 sterling silver, weighing 2250 grams (estimate: $900-$1,500); and a signed Edward Hald Orrefors Studio art glass 5-inch hexagonal fish bowl vase designed around 1950 and vivid green in color using the Graal technique (estimate: $750-$900).

A Daum Nancy crystal rose candle holder with the original box, measuring about 7 inches tall, with no chips or cracks, has an estimate of $500-$700; while a rare Victorian figural cranberry glass duck liquor novelty decanter in mint condition, made in Czechoslovakia, 7 inches tall, should bring $450-$650. The head of the duck opens and closes nicely and is fully functional. 

Herend figural porcelain pieces, made in Hungary, are popular with collectors because they’re so beautiful to look at. The auction has a variety on offer, to include a large drinking lioness with 24k gold accents, sleek and handpainted in black fishnet (estimate: $750-$900); a hand-painted ape (or orangutan) figure in New Mint condition, 4 inches tall (estimate: $600-$800); and a rust fishnet baboon monkey, about 3 ½ inches tall (estimate: $300-$350). All are signed Herend.

Swarovski crystal figures are equally popular with collectors, being wildly colorful and pleasing to the eye. Ones in the auction are for Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk, green, with box, 4 ¾ inches tall (estimate: $600-$850); a DC Comics Iron Man, red, with box, 5 ½ inches tall (estimate; $600-$850); a DC Comics Thor figure, featuring 523 facets and a mix of metal accents (estimate: $600-$850); and a signed Idyllia Royal Flycatcher bird, new in the box (estimate: $450-$750).

Vintage pens make a thoughtful gift. Two Montblanc Meisterstuck fountain pens are certain to attract keen bidder interest. One is white with rose gold, in great condition, never used, in the original box, with papers, plus eight ink cartridges and a glass ink bottle (estimate: $650-$850). The other is a 146 Legrand fountain pen, gold nib 585 14k with ink bottle (estimate: $600-$750).

Other pens include an S.T. Dupont ballpoint pen, gold-plated with seven diamonds and box (estimate: $450-$600); an S.T. Dupont rollerball pen, laque de chine, with pink and white diamonds (estimate: $450-$600); and a Rolex ballpoint pen, metal green lacquer twist, with the original box (estimate: $300-$400).

The toys category will feature a Japanese-made Yonezawa tin toy model of a Japan Airlines JAL Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet with the original box, in excellent working and cosmetic condition, 32cm long and 32cm wide, requiring two 1.5-volt batteries. As the plane moves, it rises and falls, making it interactive. A light on the plane’s top front lights and flashes (estimate: $500-$1,000).

Also up for bid is a circa 1880s trading card advertising the Trick Pony bank manufactured by Selchow & Righter, with lithography by Currier (estimate: $350-$450); a boxed group of eight Tootsie Toy Midgets (planes and trucks), from the 1930s, with original box (estimate: $300-$500); and 15 mostly Japanese-made vintage tin toy buses (each one estimated at $200-$500).

About SJ Auctioneers:

SJ Auctioneers is always seeking quality items for future auctions. To inquire about consigning an item, an estate or a whole collection, you may call 646-450-7553; or, you can send an email to sjauctioneers@gmail.com. To learn more about SJ Auctioneers and the online-only Black Americana, Collectibles, Décor and Silverware auction scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th, starting at 6pm Eastern time, visit www.sjauctioneers.com. Updates are posted frequently.

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Hope4Hardship Announces New Support Services for Homeowners Going Through Divorce

Dartmouth, MA, May 30, 2025 -- Hope4Hardship, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting homeowners facing foreclosure, recently launched specialized support services for individuals going through divorce. This initiative aims to address the emotional and financial stress that comes with making significant decisions about one's living situation during divorce proceedings.

“We understand how hard it is to make big decisions about your living situation when so much is already in flux,. I went through it myself,” said Michael, Russell, founder of Hope4Hardship. “That’s why Hope4Hardship is now offering specialized support for individuals going through a divorce who are unsure if they can afford to stay in their home.”

New Support Services

Hope4Hardship's divorce-related services include comprehensive assistance in various areas, including: a review of your current mortgage and household expenses; an exploration of refinancing, loan modification, or temporary relief options; an explanation of consequences of falling behind on payments; and developing strategies to avoid foreclosure while planning next steps.

“In addition to our counseling services, we have a network of resources—family law attorneys, credit counselors, mortgage lenders, etc.—who can provide assistance,” said Russell.

Hope4Hardship offers its counseling services for homeowners going through divorce free of charge. This service is also confidential, and judgment-free, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions at their own pace with their best interests at heart.

If you or someone you know is facing divorce and is unsure how to manage their home, Hope4Hardship is here to help. For more information or to schedule a conversation, please call 508-501-9214 or visit hope4hardship.org.

About Hope4Hardship:

Hope4Hardship is a non-profit corporation dedicated to helping homeowners in financial distress avoid foreclosure and find a path to financial recovery. Founded by Michael Russell, the organization has already helped thousands of homeowners regain control of their financial future. For more information, visit http://www.help4hardship.org.

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SelecTech Names Jack Keeley as Director of Operations

Avon, MA, May 30, 2025 -- SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products with long-term value and immediate benefits, recently announced Jack Keeley as director of operations. In that capacity, Keeley will be responsible for oversight of all operations as well as the development, implementation, and optimization of various processes and systems.

“We’re excited to welcome Jack to the team,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Inc. “His extensive background in operations and supply chain management will be instrumental in optimizing our processes and supporting our continued growth.”

Keeley has more than 15 years of leadership experience in operations, product development, and manufacturing with a variety of startup companies, corporations, and non-profits. Most recently, he served as production engineer at Guardian Agriculture, a Woburn, Massachusetts-based developer of autonomous drone aircraft for large-scale crop protection.

“I’m thrilled to join a company with such a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Keeley. “SelecTech has an impressive track record of developing high-performance, environmentally responsible flooring products. I look forward to helping streamline operations and support the company’s expansion into key industries like healthcare, labs, and manufacturing.”

Originally from Portland, Maine, Keeley completed studies at Oxford University and Gordon College. After over a decade living in Cambridge, he now calls Dracut, Massachusetts home.

To learn more about SelecTech products, including the StaticStop and FreeStyle ESD flooring products, visit http://www.selectech.com.

About SelecTech, Inc:

SelecTech, Inc., which was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their floor products—which include StaticStop, FreeStyle and Place N Go flooring tiles—are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives, making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

SelecTech is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectech.com.

Media Contact:

Steven Dubin, PR Works

SDubin@PRWorkZone.com

781-582-1061

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Author Deric Whaley's Book 'The Ride' Gives Unique Insider View on Prison Life

Chicago, IL, May 26, 2025 -- What is life really like in prison? Not just the tough guys flexing muscles or wise old long-time convicts offering sage advice seen in the movies, but the drudgery, the small victories and losses, and the philosophizing, that mark day-to-day prison existence—and existentialism.

Deric Whaley tells the real story in his book The Ride.

Whaley, a former Haymarket Center O’Hare Airport outreach worker with roots in Chicago’s North Lawndale, Humboldt Park, and Bridgeport communities, did some time as an inmate in Illinois’s prison system and provides a perspective that only an insider can.

“It’s called The Ride because once you open up the first page, you know you’ll be going on quite a ride when you read this book,” Whaley says. 

“I wrote this book so people could experience the personal journey of an individual being incarcerated,” he explains.

“The first group I hope will read it would be teenagers, because reading is fundamental to education and if you can motivate youngsters to read, you’ll motivate them to become educatable,” Whaley continues. “When they read the book I want them to become educated as to what’s happening in society and be educated to avoid having to undergo the experience I did.”

He notes that early in the book, “I write about a teenager on the bus to prison, and he began to cry because at 18 he realized he would never, ever be able to go back to the life he had before.”

Whaley also hopes college and university students, particularly those studying the social sciences, will read The Ride, “so they can get a firsthand experience of an individual going through that incarceration process,” he says. “Maybe somewhere down the line, when they become psychologists or sociologists or work with the public, they could look at the behaviors that cause individuals to become incarcerated and help them avoid committing antisocial acts in the first place.”

The Ride is “a different kind of prison book because it has a personalized experience of the day-to-day internal feelings and emotions of being incarcerated,” Whaley explains. “Those raw emotions are there in the book so you can feel what an incarcerated person feels and experiences—without having to be incarcerated yourself.”

Whaley thinks by reading The Ride, “people will learn that prison is a society, but there also is a society of formerly incarcerated people living in a civilization of incarceration of the mind,” he says.

People of all ages who read the book “will be able to know that crime doesn’t pay and the consequences of actions,” Whaley says.

Prison gives people a lot of time to think, and philosophizing is part of the experience. In The Ride, Whaley writes:

“An individual should help as many people as possible. When you share, you’re blessed with more.”

“Faith is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of all things not seen.”

“I’m a survivor, and I’ll survive.”

“Losers do what they want to do. Winners do what they must.”

Not only does The Ride discuss the day-to-day in prison and the philosophical lessons learned, but it also covers Whaley growing up in North Lawndale and how easy it was to fall into a life of “drug-dealing, stealing, clothes boosting, and anything that came to mind,” he writes.

In prison, Whaley writes, there are “different people from all walks of life,” and “each individual had their own personal story and reason for being here.” Whaley writes of a fellow inmate, Ricky, who recounted his story: “My hot-headed cousin ran up the stairs and pushed me to the side. He pumped two rounds from the .38 into the dude. Dude fell to the floor like a ragged doll.” Ricky ended up being sentenced to eight years just for being there.

Whaley also writes of the benefits of Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Alcoholics Anonymous. “They taught me that I had to change my people, place and things,” he writes. “That I had to for once in my life be honest to myself.”

Compared to the extremely long sentences of some other inmates, Whaley writes, “My time was a piece of cake. It was cake, but it’s still hard to swallow. You’re disconnected from family, friends, and associates. The greatest gift in life is to be connected to the sources of family and friends you’ve developed during your existence on earth And before you know it, it could be gone. Live life to the fullest. Take nothing for granted.”

The Ride is published by Newman Springs Publishing of Red Bank, NJ, and is available in paperback and digital version from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other booksellers. For more information, email anbcommunications@yahoo.com or call (312) 622-6029.

For more information, contact: William S. Bike, anbcommunications@yahoo.com, (773) 229-0024.

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Ahlers & Ogletree will Hold A Modern & Contemporary Art & Design Auction on June 4 and A Studio Art Glass Auction June 5

Atlanta, GA, USA, May 26, 2025 -- A Brazilian rosewood and mixed wood rocking chair by Sam Maloof (American, 1916-2009), a pressed paper pulp in colors painting by Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015), and two signed and numbered prints from Sandy Skoglund (American, b. 1946) are a few choice lots in Ahlers & Ogletree’s Modern & Contemporary Art & Design auction planned for Wednesday, June 4th.

The following day – Thursday, June 5th – Ahlers & Ogletree will hold a separate auction titled Translucence: Contemporary Studio Art Glass, with 153 lots of studio art glass by artists such as Dale Chihuly (many pieces), Kevin Gordon, Stephen Bradbourne, Nancy Callan and Richard Royal, starting promptly at 10am Eastern time. That auction will also be held online and live in the gallery.

Both auctions will begin at 10am Eastern time and will be held online (via Bid.AandOauctions.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com) and live in the Ahlers & Ogletree gallery, located at 1788 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard NW in Atlanta. June 4th will be a curated sale, with over 400 quality lots of fine art, design and decorative objects from noted 20th and 21st century makers and artists.

The June 5th auction will be no less important. A few of the important lots to watch are as follows:

- Dale Chihuy (American, b. 1947), a blown glass vessel titled Soft Cylinder, boasting a yellow tip and green interior, signed and dated to the underside, with an acrylic case. 

- Nancy Callan (American/Wash., b. 1964), a sculpture from the artist’s Stinger series titled Aquaman (2008), hand-blown in green, orange and blue, with an etched signature and date to the underside. 

- Kevin Gordon (Norwegian/Australian, b. 1968), a blown, fused and engraved glass creation titled Heat Wave (2006), having incised prisms and lenses, signed and dated to the underside. Acquired in Sydney, Australia.

The Brazilian rosewood and mixed wood rocking chair by Sam Maloof was crafted in 1988 and is signed, dated and numbered (45) to the underside of the seat. Similar rocking chairs by Mr. Maloof are held in permanent collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the White House Collection of American Crafts, and The Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The one in the auction has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

The pressed paper pulp in colors painting by Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015), titled Colored Paper Image XVI (Yellow Curve)was rendered in 1976 and is pencil signed lower right and numbered (13/24) lower left. The work was printed and published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd. (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) and measures 30 ¼ inches by 29 ¼ inches (sheet, minus the frame). It should bring $20,000-$30,000.

The two prints by Sandy Skoglund will be led by a cibachrome print from 1987 titled A Breeze At Work. It’s titled, signed and numbered (10/30) lower right and measures 38 inches by 54 inches (sight, minus the frame). It has an estimate of $8,000-$16,000. The other piece is a 1986 cibachrome color photographic print titled The Lost and Found. It’s titled, signed and numbered (10/30) lower right and is 28 inches by 39 ½ inches (print, less the frame), and is expected to hammer for $5,000-$10,000.

There are also two offerings in the sale from the Ukrainian-born American sculptor and painter Louise Nevelson (1899-1988). The first is an apparently unsigned wood and black paint sculpture, 9 ½ inches tall, titled Cryptic Cord #1389 (1966-1967). The work has labels to the underside for The Pace Gallery (N.Y.) and Richard Gray Gallery (Chicago). The sculpture should change hands for $8,000-$12,000.

The second is an untitled (Abstract in Red, Brown and Black) embossed linocut on paper from 1971, signed and dated lower center and numbered (20/24) lower left. It’s 41 ¼ inches by 29 ½ inches (less the frame) and is estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Louise Nevelson was a key figure in the feminist art movement, although she once said, “I am not a feminist. I am an artist who happens to be a woman.”

A pair of 670 and 671 lounge chairs and ottomans by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, created circa the 1970s, both have a santos palisander veneer shell and black leather upholstery. Each one is marked to the underside. The pre-sale estimate is $7,000-$9,000. Charles and Ray Eames were an American married couple of industrial designers, famous for their Mid-Century Modern furniture.

A color lithograph on paper by Frank Stella (American, 1936-2024), titled Sinjerli Variation, is pencil signed lower right and numbered (69/100) lower right. It has a sheet size (minus the frame) of 32 inches by 42 inches and is expected to finish at $7,000-$9,000. Frank Stella was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker, noted for his work in the areas of minimalism and post-painterly abstraction.

A cast polyester resin covered with aluminum and silicon oxide vapor deposit by John Angus Chamberlain (American, 1927-2011), titled Le Mole (1971), stands 6 ½ inches tall and is from an edition of 56, published by Gemini G.E.L. (Los Angeles). It should knock down for $4,000-$6,000. Chamberlain was a sculptor and film maker, best known for creating sculptures from old automobiles (or parts of old cars) that brought the Abstract Expressionist style of painting into three dimensions.

Also up for bid is a bronze sculpture titled Maternity by Colombian artist Eduardo Gomez-Angel; a rare Marc Chagall lithograph, edition 32 of 50; and a mixed-media work by Todd Murphy, featuring a straw horse in a shadowbox frame. This auction offers an exceptional opportunity for collectors to acquire iconic design and investment-quality works of art that helped shape the modern era.

Here is a link to the June 4th and June 5th catalogs in their entirety on Ahlers & Ogletree’s bidding platform: https://bid.aandoauctions.com

A preview will be held on Monday and Tuesday, June 2nd and 3rd, from 10am to 5pm Eastern time, in the Ahlers & Ogletree Atlanta gallery. A preview reception will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd from 5-8pm, also in the Atlanta gallery. No appointment is necessary. The public is invited.

To learn more about Ahlers & Ogletree and the Modern & Contemporary Art & Design auction on Wednesday, June 4th, as well as the Translucence: Contemporary Studio Art Glass auction on Thursday, June 5th, both being held online and live in the Atlanta gallery, visit www.aandoauctions.com.You can also follow Ahlers & Ogletree on social media, at Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

About Ahlers & Ogletree:

Ahlers & Ogletree is always seeking quality consignments for future auctions, especially Modern art, Asian arts and artifacts, and luxury jewelry and accessories. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, call 404-869-2478; or, you can send an e-mail toconsign@AandOauctions.com. To learn more about Ahlers & Ogletreevisit www.aandoauctions.com.You can also follow Ahlers & Ogletree on social media, at Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Noble World Foundation Urges UN to Act Against Religious Supremacy in Law

Chicago, IL, May 22, 2025 -- Terrorism is often explained through ideology, radicalization, poverty, or political unrest. But one critical factor is rarely addressed: the role of national constitutions in quietly fueling extremism. Noble World Foundation (NWF) urges the United Nations (UN) to confront this overlooked legal root—starting with Pakistan.

On May 19, 2025, Shiv R. Jhawar, founder of NWF, submitted an open letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council (Ref: b043dr3p), calling for global attention to a critical issue: Pakistan’s constitutionally backed religious supremacy is a root cause of terrorism.

NWF is the first organization in the world to publicly identify this legal foundation as a driver of global terrorism.

Pakistan’s Article 41(2) declares, “A person shall not be qualified for election as President unless he is a Muslim.” Article 91 bars non-Muslims from becoming Prime Minister. These provisions institutionalize religious discrimination and send a chilling message to minorities: you do not fully belong.

When a nation legally favors one religion, it sends a dangerous message: only one faith deserves power. This belief breeds division and can justify violence. In such cases, the law becomes a silent accomplice to terror.

On April 22, 2025, militants near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir separated people by religion and killed Hindu and Christian men in front of their wives. This tragedy shows how religious favoritism in law can lead to deadly violence.

While the world responds swiftly to terrorism’s symptoms, it has failed to address legal systems that quietly enable it. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity. Yet constitutions that codify exclusion remain unchallenged.

Islam emerged in 610 A.D. with the divine revelations received by Prophet Muhammad (570–632 A.D.), giving rise to the first Muslims. Prior to that, there were no followers of Islam—yet God existed long before any religion was ever conceived. This profound truth is eloquently captured in Shiv R. Jhawar’s spiritual work, Building a Noble World: “No one is born into this world with a religion engraved on their skin. To God, all paths are valid. Who was God before the birth of the founder of your religion?”

In the words of the revered spiritual master Swami Muktananda (1908–1982): “God never made an agreement with any of these religions… He would not have signed a contract with any religious founder saying, 'You are my exclusive salesman.'”

He further clarified: “Meditation is for realizing the Truth—for realizing your own Self. You do not give up your religion. Meditation is the universal religion of the inner Self.”

Meditation on the innermost Self does not interfere with one’s religion—it deepens one’s connection to the divine.

NWF urges the UN to declare Pakistan’s Articles 41(2) and 91(3) in violation of international human rights law.

This is not a call to shame any nation. It is a call to confront the deeper roots of terrorism beyond weapons and ideology. It’s time to end religious supremacy in law.

Open letter: https://nobleworld.org/un-letter

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0974919705

For more information, visit: https://www.nobleworld.org

Media Contact:

Shiv Jhawar

Noble World Foundation

Chicago, IL

shiv@nobleworld.org

https://www.nobleworld.org

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Miller & Miller will Conduct An Online-Only Historic and Luxury Watches Auction on Thursday, June 5th, with 67 Lots

New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, May 21, 2025 -- A rare circa 1958 Omega Railmaster “Flightmaster” watch, a Patek Phillipe 18k white gold annual calendar watch, and a Rolex “Red Sub” Submariner watch are just a few of the dazzling timepieces up for bid in Miller & Miller’s online-only Historic and Luxury Watches auction on Thursday, June 5th, at 6pm Eastern time. 

The auction is a tidy affair – just 67 lots of pocket watches and wristwatches, many of them (not surprisingly) Swiss-made. In addition to the makers named above, other famous watchmakers will include Jaeger LeCoultre, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Blancpain, Longines and Breitling. Pocket watches will include examples by Illinois, E. Howard, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Movado, Hamilton and Ball-Hamilton, Leroy, Aero Neuchatel, Waltham, Elgin, Pugh Brothers and Gangl, Valjoux. 

“This is a fresh-to-market sale that is focused on quality over quantity,” said Justin Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. “Many of the lots offered come from one-owner estates with all of the pocket watches coming from a single lifetime collection. Some of the most exciting pieces offered are the Patek Philippes - specifically the Patek Philippe Minute Repeater, which features a rare complication for a pocket watch. The pocket watch can be set to tell the time audibly.” 

Mr. Miller added, “A highlight of the wristwatches offering is the Heuer Camaro “Champion Dial”. This one-owner watch is from the estate of a former Champion Spark Plugs executive, and the watch was gifted to him from a colleague in the 1970s. The majority of the watches in this sale are offered unreserved. It is not a sale to be missed.” 

The Omega “Flightmaster” wristwatch is an early reference watch (#2914-5), produced in 1958 and sporting a stainless-steel case, a black tone dial with luminous indices and black racing-style strap. It’s powered by a manually wound Caliber 285 and features broad arrow hands, an early design element now iconic among vintage Omega models. Perhaps most uniquely, the caseback bears this heartfelt and charming engraving: “Born with Love.” Estimate: $25,000-$35,000. 

All estimates quoted in this report are in Canadian dollars. 

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5146G wristwatch was first introduced in the early 2000s, as a replacement to the highly successful 5035, continuing Patek’s pioneering legacy in annual calendar complications. The watch automatically adjusts for 30 and 31 days (only requiring a manual correction once a year, in February). Features include a self-winding Caliber 324 S, a 39mm 18k white gold case and a hand-stitched Patek leather strap. Estimate: $25,000-$30,000. 

The late 1971 production model Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 – nicknamed “Red Sub” (for the red Submariner script on the matte black dial) – remains one of the most iconic and coveted vintage dive watches in the Rolex family. The 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date function, introduced in the 1960s. Other features include the correct Rolex Oyster bracelet and an engraved caseback with the original owner’s name and a 1972 date. Estimate: $20,000-$25,000. 

A Heuer Ref. 73443 Camaro “Champion Dial” chronograph from the 1970s is a rare and charismatic timepiece that blends racing heritage with collector-grade rarity. It’s named after the famous Camaro muscle car and is distinguished by its cushion-shaped case and bold motorsport associations. Features include a black racing-style strap, a rare “Exotic Panda” dial, and the Champion Spark Plugs logo printed on the dial, a desirable detail. Estimate: $12,000-$15,000. 

On to the pocket watches (there are actually more pocket watches than wristwatches in the auction). An expected highlight lot is the Patek Philippe 18K gold pocket watch that likely dates to the early-to-mid 20th century and features the company’s signature craftsmanship and restrained elegance. The movement is meticulously finished and is stamped with the Geneva Seal while the case is made of solid 18k gold. Also, the chain is 14k gold. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. 

A Longines 18k yellow gold Grand Prix pocket watch from around the 1910s references the brand’s participation in (and awards from) global expositions in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. The movement features a high jewel count, precise finishing and temperature adjustments. The watch is offered in its original fitted, leather presentation case and is marked “18K EF Co. Longines” inside the caseback and “18k” on the inside cuvette. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. 

The late 19th century Patek Philippe .800 silver-cased pocket watch was crafted with the same attention to detail as its gold counterparts. Features often included manually finished bridges, Breguet overcoil hairsprings and Geneva Seal standards. They were built in small numbers and finished by hand, often intended for presentation or refined use. This watch is signed on the dial and movement and the hands are matched in a nice blue finish. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. 

A mid-20th century Omega 18k yellow gold pocket watch (17J, 37.5T1) features the elegant and well-finished Caliber 140 movement, introduced for use in slim, refined dress watches. The watch is encased in solid 18k gold, reflecting Omega’s commitment to combining technical excellence with luxurious presentation. The Cal. 140 was a manual wind movement known for its reliability and compact architecture. The chain is nickel silver. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. 

This is an online-only auction. There will be no live webcast portion, but bidders can tune in to the live webcast at 6pm Eastern time on June 5th to watch the lots close in real time and in sequential order. 

Here is a link to the June 5th Historic and Luxury Watches auction on the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website: https://live.millerandmillerauctions.com/auctions/4-GWQ2SL/historic-and-luxury-watches.com

To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and the Historic and Luxury Watches auction planned for Thursday, June 5th, at 6pm Eastern, please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently. 

About Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.:

Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections and is always accepting quality consignments. The firm specializes in watches and jewelry, art, antiques and high-value collectibles. Its mission is to provide collectors with a trusted place to buy and sell. To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (519) 573-3710; or, you can e-mail them at info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

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Items Signed by Jefferson, Washington and Einstein Headline University Archives' June 4th Online-Only Auction

Wilton, CT, USA, May 20, 2025 -- A six-volume set of books personally owned and signed by Thomas Jefferson; a Rev. War-dated letter signed twice by George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; and an archive of German-language correspondence exchanged between Albert Einstein and an unidentified physics enthusiast are a few of the expected top lots in University Archives’ next online-only auction slated for Wednesday, June 4th, at 10 am EDT.

All 525 lots in the Rare Autographs, Books & Space Memorabilia auction are up for viewing and bidding now on the University Archives website – www.UniversityArchives.com – plus the three platforms Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com and LiveAuctioneers.com. Phone and absentee bids will be accepted.

“The June auction features exceptional historical material drawn from multiple collecting categories,” said John Reznikoff, the president and owner of University Archives. “Three strong specialty categories include Abraham Lincoln (17 lots), Space (108 lots), and Literature (41 lots), plus outstanding pieces from Art, Science and Early America.”

The six-volume set of books personally owned and signed by Thomas Jefferson is a copy of Cicero’s Ciceronis Oratione (“Orations”) in its original Latin (Amsterdam, 1695-1699). The book was prized by Jefferson, who incorporated many of Cicero’s ideas into the Declaration of Independence. The accompanying provenance shows the books were purchased at an auction directly from Jefferson’s personal library in 1829. Estimate: $150,000-$200,000.

The letter signed twice by George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and addressed to John Reed, the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, is dated Feb. 20, 1780. In it, Washington states Pennsylvania’s quota of required troops – at 4,855, only smaller than Massachusetts’ and Virginia’s – and warned that the Army might collapse if new troops didn’t arrive soon. Estimate: $35,000-$50,000.

The archive of German-language correspondence exchanged between Albert Einstein and an unidentified physics enthusiast (circa 1927-1930) includes a spectacular one-page letter signed by Einstein dated March 6, 1927, containing over 100 words in his hand, plus an original hand-drawn sketch of a wheel. Einstein and the correspondent discuss a thought experiment in which a wheel might be exposed to temperature changes and magnetic forces. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000.

A limited-edition collection of 48,200 original prints and lithographs by 30 international artists, including Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, Calder, Braque, Miró, Giacometti, Moore, and Toulouse-Lautrec, to name just a few, includes original artworks pulled directly from the artists’ plates in the 1960s and 1970s, many signed in the plate or pencil signed. The collection has a $19 million retail value but is available for a fraction of the price. Estimate: $90,000-$150,000.

A remarkable Space relic belonging to Apollo 1 Pilot Roger B. Chaffee, who died in the pre-launch test fire on January 27, 1967, is Chaffee’s helmet stowage cover marked “R.B. Chaffee” at the top, along with his glove stowage cover, both nylon with Velcro. The equipment survived the fire because it had not been brought directly into the cabin. With a provenance from NASA as well as The Smithsonian. Estimate: $65,000-$100,000.

A massive meteorite (lunar feldspathic breccia) retrieved from Laâyoune, in the Western Sahara region of the moon, in January 2022, is the largest specimen of its kind that University Archives has ever handled, tipping the scales at 371 grams, and features a scattering of desirable white and red clasts. The rare, highly collectible slice of Space memorabilia should bring $35,000-$50,000.

An 8 inch by 10 inch color photo showing President Ronald Reagan delivering his emphatic “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall!” speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, West Germany on June 12, 1987, is signed and inscribed. It’s PSA/DNA slabbed, graded GEM MT 10 and comes with a certified fragment of Berlin Wall brick, contained in a striking shadowbox collector’s display case. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000.

A large group of 21 World War II maps, depicting the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa in advance of the Allies’ big push in the Pacific Theatre, circa 1944-1945, was mostly prepared by the 64th Engineer Topographic Battalion - the primary cartographic unit in both World War II and the Korean War – for artillery and aircraft use. Included in addition to the maps are booklets of aerial photographs and what appears to be Japanese contraband. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000.

A one-page autograph letter signed by J.D. Salinger, was addressed to his publishers, Little, Brown, and Company, on May 27, 1961, about a month before the publication of Franny and Zooey, in which the author argues his two short stories should be published under two separate titles instead of the proposed combined title of Franny and Zooey. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.

An Abraham Lincoln autograph note signed, PSA/DNA slabbed and graded an exceptionally rare GEM MT 10, is addressed to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton sometime in 1863. Lincoln’s note is boldly signed as “A. Lincoln” and conveys instructions relating to a battalion in an upcoming battle. It’s one of numerous Lincoln-signed items in the sale and should realize $10,000-$12,000.

A Treasury Department circular dated September 23, 1790, boldly signed by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, discusses methods to secure proper documentation on imports and exports of American and foreign shipping. Hamilton searched for means to collect revenue for the federal government, as well as safeguard the fledgling country’s economy. Estimate: $10,000-$12,000.

A rare, complete first edition copy of the U.S. Census of 1800, in which marshals from 18 states and territories (from Maine to Georgia, Connecticut to Indiana Territory) submitted demographic information about the young nation in its second-ever census, revealed that of the more than 5 million Americans, nearly 20 percent of them were enslaved persons. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. 

Here is a link to the catalog on the University Archives website: https://www.universityarchives.com/auction-catalog/rare-autographs-books-space-memorabilia_WP6SL60PQR

University Archives has become world-renowned as a go-to source for rare items of this kind. It is actively seeking quality material for future auctions, presenting a rare opportunity for sellers. Anyone who has a single item or a collection that may be a fit for a future University Archives auction may call John Reznikoff at 203-454-0111; or email him at john@universityarchives.com.

University Archives is located at 88 Danbury Road (Suite #2A) in Wilton, Conn. For more information about University Archives and the Rare Autographs, Books & Space Memorabilia auction scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th, at 10am EDT, visit www.universityarchives.com.

About University Archives:

University Archives was founded in 1979, as a division of University Stamp Company, by John Reznikoff, who started collecting stamps and coins in 1968, while in the third grade. Industry-wide, Reznikoff is considered the leading authenticity expert for manuscripts and documents. He consults with law enforcement, dealers, auction houses and both major authentication companies. University Archives is located at 88 Danbury Road (Suite #2A) in Wilton, Conn. For more information about University Archives, please visit www.universityarchives.com.

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