Ahoy! Silver Bar from 1622 Atocha Shipwreck, MacArthur's Monogrammed Louis Vuitton Luggage Could Steal Spotlight at Milestone's Jan. 14 Auction

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Jan 10, 2017, 08:08 ET

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Several headliners will be jockeying for the blue ribbon in Milestone's Jan. 14 New Year's Auction, starting with a 1045ozt silver bar recovered from the shipwrecked Nuestra Senora de Atocha, the most famous of a fleet of Spanish ships that sank in 1622 off the Florida Keys.

Silver bar recovered from 1622 shipwreck of Nuestra Senora de Atocha, weight 1045ozt (32,500 grams), comes with COA from Treasure Salvors Inc., estimate $30,000-$50,000

One of three Louis Vuitton suitcases owned by and monogrammed for Gen. Douglas MacArthur, each accompanied by a COA from the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris, estimate $6,000-$10,000

Heavily laden with gold, silver, copper, precious gems and commodities, the Atocha disappeared after being struck by a powerful hurricane, and its bounty of riches lay submerged for more than 360 years before being discovered by Mel Fisher's treasure-divers in 1985. The silver bar in Milestone's auction is one of the larger bars recovered from the wreck and has the appropriate cartouches, markings and assayer's bite. A remarkable piece of maritime history from the most valuable shipwreck ever found, it comes with a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Salvors Inc., and is estimated at $30,000-$50,000.

An art-world treasure of museum quality, Guy Carleton Wiggins' (American, 1883-1962) oil-on-canvas titled Connecticut Harvest Scene is almost certainly one of the largest works ever painted by the artist. The atmospheric depiction of pumpkins and bundled sheaves against an autumn landscape measures a monumental 88 by 62 inches framed. Artist-signed and in excellent original condition, it is expected to sell for $30,000-$50,000.

Three Louis Vuitton suitcases owned by World War II hero General Douglas MacArthur will be auctioned successively. Each is personalized with yellow and green stripes and the initials "MacA" monogrammed alongside the handles. The lots have provenance from the Max Collier Veterans Administration, Washington; and come with COAs from the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris. Each suitcase is estimated at $6,000-$10,000. They are immediately followed by MacArthur's rare leg-o-mutton shape shotgun case made to house a model with a 28-inch barrel. The case has a side pocket with a brass tag engraved "D. MacA." Estimate: $1,000-$3,000

A quintessential example of Americana, an antique cigar store Indian maiden figure attributed to master carver Samuel Robb stands 60 inches tall. The figure holds a carved container of cigars in the palm of her left hand and a rose – known to be a feature Robb included to honor his late wife– in her right hand. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000.

Milestone has a loyal following worldwide among collectors of antique toys and games. The selection slated for the Jan. 14 sale includes a true rarity: a bowling automaton with three bisque-head figures. Patented in 1907 by Otto Eichenberger of Switzerland with the assistance of Leon Brock in New York, the large and intricate automaton boasts multiple actions. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000.

Milestone's 598-lot New Year's Auction offering is rounded out by many other popular categories, including figural cast-iron doorstops, soft drink vending machines, petroliana, mechanical music, early posters, old telephones, ham radios, antique store cabinets, dolls, toy vehicles, stoneware advertising rolling pins and jugs; and many more.

All forms of bidding will be available including live via the Internet.

For additional information call 440-527-8060 or email [email protected]. Online: www.milestoneauctions.com.

Media Contact:
Miles King, 440-527-8060

SOURCE Milestone Auctions