TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Today’s collectors want luxury brands,
but few will share details of the one consistently reliable source for their
favorite finds: Government Auction. This southern California
company is the largest of its kind and the only one in the United States
that works closely with certain government agencies to acquire high-end assets
and confiscated goods such as fine gemstones and jewelry; Rolex watches, gold
coins and antiques.
On Sunday, Aug. 26, Government Auction will present a bounty
of investment-grade coins, antique slot machines and premium-quality jewelry in
a 1,500-lot sale with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.
Bidding will start as low as $1 on most items.
Jewels have fascinated collectors for centuries. In
describing them, the Victorian novelist George Eliot said, "These gems
have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of." Eliot’s
observations spoke of how those who love and wear jewels forge a personal
connection with earth’s glittering rarities, what they symbolize and why they
are so highly valued. Her comments of over a century ago seem just as valid
today, since jewelry remains the premier gift choice for loved ones and those
held in high esteem.
Government Auction’s Aug. 26 sale might very well have
captured George Eliot’s attention, with its generous selection of jewelry and
loose diamonds. A truly grand design is the 18K gold ring set with a 13-carat
emerald and 2.76 carats of diamonds. This impressive ring makes a hefty
statement, weighing in at 16.70 grams. Government Auction’s Chris Budge noted
that the central emerald does have inclusions. “This is not uncommon with a
stone of this size and color,” Budge said.
In Sunday’s sale, collectors of luxury watches can take
their pick from dozens of previously owned timepieces, including seven Rolexes.
A watch that is attracting considerable presale interest is a Rolex men's
Oyster watch. A desirable Perpetual Datejust made of stainless steel and gold,
it features a handsome black and gold face. Another fine entry is a Rolex
women's Oyster watch. Also a Perpetual Datejust, this watch is crafted of
stainless steel with a steel face.
A strong selection of rare gold coins will be featured in
the auction. The grouping is led by a true investment piece – 1911 $10 US
Indian Head gold coin. Designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the $10
Indian Head gold coin was struck in Philadelphia and features Lady Liberty
wearing a full Indian headdress. The reverse bears the image of a proud
American Eagle with the motto "In God We Trust." Government Auction’s
Chief Auctioneer Paul Sabesky commented, "Collectors consider this coin a
‘must-have’ because of its unique artistic design and gold content."
The auction also features a collection of antique and
vintage slot machines. A beautiful example of old-time craftsmanship is the
early 1900s Dewey upright slot machine. Coin-operated machines of this type are
the mechanical predecessors to the electronic and pull-type slot machines seen
in today’s casinos. The "Dewey" was named after naval leader Admiral
George Dewey, who is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay
during the Spanish-American War. The highly ornate "Dewey" is cased
in oak with brass legs and trim. Its facade features an image of Admiral Dewey
surmounted on a red, white and blue US shield. The machine is fully restored
and working.
Additional auction highlights include an authentic, top of
the line Coach brand python-skin purse; an 1880 US $10 Liberty gold coin, a 3-carat tanzanite and
diamond ring; and much more.
The Sunday, Aug. 26 auction will start at 6:30 a.m. Pacific
Time/9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Absentee, phone and Internet live bidding through
LiveAuctioneers.com will be available. For additional information on any lot in
the sale, call Debbie on 661-823-1543 or e-mail info@governmentauction.com.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid
absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
18K gold ring set with 13-carat emerald and 2 carats of
diamonds, est. $19,450-$38,900. Government Auctions image.
About Government
Auction:
With more than 20 years of specialized experience, Government Auction is a trusted resource for the purchase of quality assets such as jewelry, gemstones, memorabilia, collectibles, art, prints, antiques and vehicles. Many of the valuables offered in Government Auction’s sales are confiscated assets that require immediate liquidation. Examples of ways in which Government Auction’s goods are obtained include bankruptcies, the IRS, estate sales, trusts, etc.
With more than 20 years of specialized experience, Government Auction is a trusted resource for the purchase of quality assets such as jewelry, gemstones, memorabilia, collectibles, art, prints, antiques and vehicles. Many of the valuables offered in Government Auction’s sales are confiscated assets that require immediate liquidation. Examples of ways in which Government Auction’s goods are obtained include bankruptcies, the IRS, estate sales, trusts, etc.
