Improbable Gifts for Impossible People
THU 15 DEC 2011 - 6:00PM
Webb’s and Workshop invite you to our final sale of 2011 to celebrate the stranger things in life.
Offering 50 eclectic pieces, from the curious to the contemporary, ‘Improbable Gifts for Impossible People’ is a chance to acquire something entirely unique for that impossible person in your life.
Throughout the evening, we will be serving Peregrine Wine, Moa Beer, French Champagne, Toto’s cuisine and fine music. Come join us.
15 December from 6pm, auction starts 7pm. At Workshop, 74 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby
A range of charitable donations will also be made to the Auckland City Mission throughout the evening.
View items on the night, or earlier by appointment.
RSVP to Renee Tanner
Renee Tanner
+64 21 149 6707
+64 21 149 6707
1
The Philosopher's Gun
Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber, later known as the Colt 1851 Navy was designed by Samuel Colt between 1847 and 1850. It remained in production until 1873, when revolvers using fixed metallic cartridges came into widespread use. Famous Navy users included Wild Bill Hickok, John Henry 'Doc' Holliday, Richard Francis Burton, Ned Kelly, and Robert E Lee. Usage continued long after more modern cartridge revolvers were introduced in 1873. This particular example comes of the collection of the late great Professor Denis Dutton (9 February 1944 - 28 December 2010).
$400 - $1200
view details here
Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber, later known as the Colt 1851 Navy was designed by Samuel Colt between 1847 and 1850. It remained in production until 1873, when revolvers using fixed metallic cartridges came into widespread use. Famous Navy users included Wild Bill Hickok, John Henry 'Doc' Holliday, Richard Francis Burton, Ned Kelly, and Robert E Lee. Usage continued long after more modern cartridge revolvers were introduced in 1873. This particular example comes of the collection of the late great Professor Denis Dutton (9 February 1944 - 28 December 2010).
$400 - $1200
view details here
2
The Snare Drum
By Dallas - London. To battle! Taking its name from the metal wires stretched across the bottom head, this 'instrument of indefinite pitch' has been making a proper racket since its grandfather the Tabor was devised in the 14th century. Its renown as a military instrument stems from the Ottoman empire's armies circa 1500, who used it to tattoo commands across the battlefield. Several decades later the instrument was co-opted by the fife and drum corps in Basel, Switzerland, before finally making its way into the full trap-set in the 20th century. Sortie in the comfort of your own bedroom without, to paraphrase Celine Dion, all the flies and death and stuff. This is a ‘new old stock’ snare created by one of the great names in 20th century drum kits.
$100 - $500
view details here
By Dallas - London. To battle! Taking its name from the metal wires stretched across the bottom head, this 'instrument of indefinite pitch' has been making a proper racket since its grandfather the Tabor was devised in the 14th century. Its renown as a military instrument stems from the Ottoman empire's armies circa 1500, who used it to tattoo commands across the battlefield. Several decades later the instrument was co-opted by the fife and drum corps in Basel, Switzerland, before finally making its way into the full trap-set in the 20th century. Sortie in the comfort of your own bedroom without, to paraphrase Celine Dion, all the flies and death and stuff. This is a ‘new old stock’ snare created by one of the great names in 20th century drum kits.
$100 - $500
view details here
3
The Camera
Kiev 60 TTL Camera. A product of the now legendary Ukrainian cannon/camera factory known as Arsenal, the Kiev 60 TTL is a good example of an early SLR - big and ungainly, but capable of shooting stunning imagery if placed in the right hands. Essentially a redesigned Pentacon Six, this camera features an 80mm Volna-3 lens and a removable pentaprism, and is ideal for prospective amateurs on a budget looking to delve into the world of medium format photography.
$100 - $500
view details here
Kiev 60 TTL Camera. A product of the now legendary Ukrainian cannon/camera factory known as Arsenal, the Kiev 60 TTL is a good example of an early SLR - big and ungainly, but capable of shooting stunning imagery if placed in the right hands. Essentially a redesigned Pentacon Six, this camera features an 80mm Volna-3 lens and a removable pentaprism, and is ideal for prospective amateurs on a budget looking to delve into the world of medium format photography.
$100 - $500
view details here
4
The Spoon
Made in London in 1898. One suspects that this devilish nose spoon has seen some fairly heady nights over the course of its 113 years. Finely balanced, the crest offers Lucifer himself as a good thing to hold.
$100 - $1000
view details here
Made in London in 1898. One suspects that this devilish nose spoon has seen some fairly heady nights over the course of its 113 years. Finely balanced, the crest offers Lucifer himself as a good thing to hold.
$100 - $1000
view details here
5
The Little Red Book
Reeds' Lilliput Dictionary, Maori-English , English-Maori'. Published by A H & A W Reed, Wellington, 1960.
$10 - $100
view details here
Reeds' Lilliput Dictionary, Maori-English , English-Maori'. Published by A H & A W Reed, Wellington, 1960.
$10 - $100
view details here
6
The English Suitcase
A handsome burgundy dressing case from the London motoring luggage maker S Reid Ltd. An artefact of the golden age of travel and perfect for those sun-drenched weekends in the countryside. Cloth bound with leather handle and leather straps in the interior. Some age-related wear, evidence of a happy life on the road.
$100 - $500
view details here
A handsome burgundy dressing case from the London motoring luggage maker S Reid Ltd. An artefact of the golden age of travel and perfect for those sun-drenched weekends in the countryside. Cloth bound with leather handle and leather straps in the interior. Some age-related wear, evidence of a happy life on the road.
$100 - $500
view details here
8
The Clippers
Sheffield Combination UTS No 1 Sheep Clippers. Iconic in design, these clippers are in excellent condition and work well for shearing in the shed or just tidying up your Significant Other's unruly fringe.
$10 - $100
view details here
Sheffield Combination UTS No 1 Sheep Clippers. Iconic in design, these clippers are in excellent condition and work well for shearing in the shed or just tidying up your Significant Other's unruly fringe.
$10 - $100
view details here
10
The Bubbles
Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1995. This single vineyard Champagne is the rarest (and most expensive) in the world. Produced from just one and one half acres of Pinot Noir within the village itself of Ambonnay there were only 3000 bottles made from 11 tiny 200 litre Krug casks. The Clos itself has been around since the year 1700, and the Krug family has been getting the grapes from here for three generations. In 1994 they bought the vineyard and changed the pruning methods and made their first single vineyard wine from the Clos the following year - the 1995. The wine has an encyclopedia of descriptors on its very complex nose, chalk, fine mineral infused black cherry fruit, and brioche. The aroma is so seamless and integrated that it quickly becomes clear that the wine is on the highest possible level. It is compact and layered, with none of the heaviness that one would expect from a 100 percent Pinot Noir, barrel fermented 13 year old offering. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer). Quite simply the 1995 Krug 'Clos d’Ambonnay' Brut Champagne is an experience one must have before departing.
$2500 - $3500
view details here
Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1995. This single vineyard Champagne is the rarest (and most expensive) in the world. Produced from just one and one half acres of Pinot Noir within the village itself of Ambonnay there were only 3000 bottles made from 11 tiny 200 litre Krug casks. The Clos itself has been around since the year 1700, and the Krug family has been getting the grapes from here for three generations. In 1994 they bought the vineyard and changed the pruning methods and made their first single vineyard wine from the Clos the following year - the 1995. The wine has an encyclopedia of descriptors on its very complex nose, chalk, fine mineral infused black cherry fruit, and brioche. The aroma is so seamless and integrated that it quickly becomes clear that the wine is on the highest possible level. It is compact and layered, with none of the heaviness that one would expect from a 100 percent Pinot Noir, barrel fermented 13 year old offering. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer). Quite simply the 1995 Krug 'Clos d’Ambonnay' Brut Champagne is an experience one must have before departing.
$2500 - $3500
view details here
11
The Art Brooch
Octavia Cook is known for work that evidences an encyclopedic interest in jewellery and its value — monetary, social, sentimental and aesthetic. Her fascination for the discipline she is trained in spans traditional forms like the cameo, mourning brooch and locket, as well as all aspects of the packaging, marketing and provenance of jewels. In particular, she is drawn to the social role of jewellery, especially its identity-projecting possibilities. This particular work, in which the artist has represented herself as both ‘The Captain’ and ‘The Lady,’ was exhibited in “About Face: Aspects of Portraiture” 2010. ‘Cook’s success as an artist may be attributable to the deftness with which she combines contrary elements: Historical and contemporary references; valuable and commonplace materials, humour and dignity. Her Captain and a lady (2010) is inexplicably satisfying.’ Art New Zealand, Winter 2011.
$1800 - $2800
view details here
Octavia Cook is known for work that evidences an encyclopedic interest in jewellery and its value — monetary, social, sentimental and aesthetic. Her fascination for the discipline she is trained in spans traditional forms like the cameo, mourning brooch and locket, as well as all aspects of the packaging, marketing and provenance of jewels. In particular, she is drawn to the social role of jewellery, especially its identity-projecting possibilities. This particular work, in which the artist has represented herself as both ‘The Captain’ and ‘The Lady,’ was exhibited in “About Face: Aspects of Portraiture” 2010. ‘Cook’s success as an artist may be attributable to the deftness with which she combines contrary elements: Historical and contemporary references; valuable and commonplace materials, humour and dignity. Her Captain and a lady (2010) is inexplicably satisfying.’ Art New Zealand, Winter 2011.
$1800 - $2800
view details here
12
The Tribal Art Mask
This superb early Malekula mask presents a double face decorated with multicoloured chevron and dot motifs for use in the Nalawan grade ceremonies. It is made of cane, bark, bamboo, boars tusks, fibre and pigment. Provenance: Julius Carlebach Gallery, New York, 1958 Zanesville Museum of Art, Ohio. 360mm x 230mm. Wild and mountainous Malekula is the second largest island in the long chain that comprises the Republic of Vanuatu. Malekula does not appear in travel brochures as a tourist destination, rather, it has a dark and foreboding demeanour and its history encompasses black birding, cannibalism, and internecine warfare. The Melanesians of Malekula long ago earned a reputation as being conservative and strongly resistant to the Europeans' interference in their lives and trespass on their lands. Their art practice is characterized by the use of wildly vivid and energized natural pigments.
$500 - $1500
view details here
This superb early Malekula mask presents a double face decorated with multicoloured chevron and dot motifs for use in the Nalawan grade ceremonies. It is made of cane, bark, bamboo, boars tusks, fibre and pigment. Provenance: Julius Carlebach Gallery, New York, 1958 Zanesville Museum of Art, Ohio. 360mm x 230mm. Wild and mountainous Malekula is the second largest island in the long chain that comprises the Republic of Vanuatu. Malekula does not appear in travel brochures as a tourist destination, rather, it has a dark and foreboding demeanour and its history encompasses black birding, cannibalism, and internecine warfare. The Melanesians of Malekula long ago earned a reputation as being conservative and strongly resistant to the Europeans' interference in their lives and trespass on their lands. Their art practice is characterized by the use of wildly vivid and energized natural pigments.
$500 - $1500
view details here
13
The Gothic/Tribal
Gothic tribal folk art candle stick holder is an unlikely mix and probably one of the more questionable uses of an ancient Aboriginal boomerang. This strangely crafted arts and crafts candle holder is a mix of the elegant and the bizarre. The boomerang is of significant age and would have been used for both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. The linear notching indicates generational lines. The contrasting and distinctly European floral work is an unlikely but apt addition as it is now known now that Aboriginal culture has one of the most complex and advanced linguistic frameworks in the world for the understanding and worship of flora.
$100 - $1000
view details here
Gothic tribal folk art candle stick holder is an unlikely mix and probably one of the more questionable uses of an ancient Aboriginal boomerang. This strangely crafted arts and crafts candle holder is a mix of the elegant and the bizarre. The boomerang is of significant age and would have been used for both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. The linear notching indicates generational lines. The contrasting and distinctly European floral work is an unlikely but apt addition as it is now known now that Aboriginal culture has one of the most complex and advanced linguistic frameworks in the world for the understanding and worship of flora.
$100 - $1000
view details here
14
The Saturday Matinee
Deadly Duel' and 'Bruce - King of Kungfu'. Vintage 35mm films on original Saturday matinee wooden reels. 'Bruce Le' (real name Ho Chung Tao) was king of the Brucesploitation movement. His career was kickstarted by Bruce Lee’s death, with Hong Kong film studios noticing the resemblance and dubbing him accordingly, despite his reservations about becoming a marketing gimmick. 'Deadly Duel' is a low budget genre classic, featuring truly hilarious English overdubs and some knock-out fight scenes. 'Bruce - King of Kungfu' is another fantastically low budget flick which sought to capitalise on the worldwide phenomenon of Bruce Lee. 'Bruce - King of Kungfu' follows a young man frequently admonished by his father for getting into fights, and his journey to find a master to hone his skills. 'Bruce - King of Kungfu' is a classic example of the sort of hammy, low budget martial arts films which flooded the market in the wake of the master's death.
$100 - $200
view details here
Deadly Duel' and 'Bruce - King of Kungfu'. Vintage 35mm films on original Saturday matinee wooden reels. 'Bruce Le' (real name Ho Chung Tao) was king of the Brucesploitation movement. His career was kickstarted by Bruce Lee’s death, with Hong Kong film studios noticing the resemblance and dubbing him accordingly, despite his reservations about becoming a marketing gimmick. 'Deadly Duel' is a low budget genre classic, featuring truly hilarious English overdubs and some knock-out fight scenes. 'Bruce - King of Kungfu' is another fantastically low budget flick which sought to capitalise on the worldwide phenomenon of Bruce Lee. 'Bruce - King of Kungfu' follows a young man frequently admonished by his father for getting into fights, and his journey to find a master to hone his skills. 'Bruce - King of Kungfu' is a classic example of the sort of hammy, low budget martial arts films which flooded the market in the wake of the master's death.
$100 - $200
view details here
15
The 1975 Telephone
The Transit Courier, by Siemens, 1975. Priced as low as $79, it sold well. It turned out to be exceptionally comfortable and durable. Siemens offered it worldwide in a wide range of colours. Marbled finishes are known, although these are probably due to factory staff playing around with the moulding compound rather than being a production run. Unlike the network this phone is still in good working order.
$10 - $100
view details here
The Transit Courier, by Siemens, 1975. Priced as low as $79, it sold well. It turned out to be exceptionally comfortable and durable. Siemens offered it worldwide in a wide range of colours. Marbled finishes are known, although these are probably due to factory staff playing around with the moulding compound rather than being a production run. Unlike the network this phone is still in good working order.
$10 - $100
view details here
16
24 Vintage Art New Zealand Magazines
Art New Zealand was established in 1975 by Peter Webb who was both the founding director and the Managing Editor during the publications fledgling years. Consistently surveying New Zealand’s contemporary art with rigour, Art New Zealand publications have also captured biographical images of artists of an era.
$10 - $100
view details here
Art New Zealand was established in 1975 by Peter Webb who was both the founding director and the Managing Editor during the publications fledgling years. Consistently surveying New Zealand’s contemporary art with rigour, Art New Zealand publications have also captured biographical images of artists of an era.
$10 - $100
view details here
17
The Hip Flask
Issued by renowned silversmiths G J W Hawkeley of Sheffield, circa 1875, this hip flask offers a silver plated removable cup for those must have moments.
$10 - $1000
view details here
Issued by renowned silversmiths G J W Hawkeley of Sheffield, circa 1875, this hip flask offers a silver plated removable cup for those must have moments.
$10 - $1000
view details here
18
The Art Ring
Wunderkammer for Workshop X Poppelwell ring. A favourite piece in the newly launched Wunderkammer for Workshop jewellery collection, ‘Gridded Skull’ is designed by Martin Poppelwell and hand finished in silver by Zora Bell Boyd of Wunderkammer fame. ‘Gridded Skull’ will be custom fitted for the intended recipient. Proceeds from this lot to be donated to the Auckland City Mission.
$500 - $1000
view details here
Wunderkammer for Workshop X Poppelwell ring. A favourite piece in the newly launched Wunderkammer for Workshop jewellery collection, ‘Gridded Skull’ is designed by Martin Poppelwell and hand finished in silver by Zora Bell Boyd of Wunderkammer fame. ‘Gridded Skull’ will be custom fitted for the intended recipient. Proceeds from this lot to be donated to the Auckland City Mission.
$500 - $1000
view details here
20
The Fine Wine
The 2007 Central Otago vintage has been recognized as one producing wines of exhilarating concentration, richness, structure and quality. Peregrine celebrated the same vintage by producing 1000 bottles of extraordinary wine. This is no ‘normal’ Central Otago expression, being brooding with a complex dusty-earthy, savoury overlay on ripe black and red berry fruits. Strongly structured with an immense concentration of fine-grained tannins one can easily sense the layers of fruit, oak and site characters interwoven, just waiting to unfold. Unlike the 2005 which delivered immediately, the taut 2007 demanded 2-3 years bottle-age before opening. And here it is ready and waiting, aged to perfection.
$140 - $200
view details here
The 2007 Central Otago vintage has been recognized as one producing wines of exhilarating concentration, richness, structure and quality. Peregrine celebrated the same vintage by producing 1000 bottles of extraordinary wine. This is no ‘normal’ Central Otago expression, being brooding with a complex dusty-earthy, savoury overlay on ripe black and red berry fruits. Strongly structured with an immense concentration of fine-grained tannins one can easily sense the layers of fruit, oak and site characters interwoven, just waiting to unfold. Unlike the 2005 which delivered immediately, the taut 2007 demanded 2-3 years bottle-age before opening. And here it is ready and waiting, aged to perfection.
$140 - $200
view details here
21
The Pocket Knife
Handmade folding knife with stainless steel blade, brass weighted framing, copper pins, and wild game handle. Finely balanced, designed and created by an achieved craftsperson.
$10 - $500
view details here
Handmade folding knife with stainless steel blade, brass weighted framing, copper pins, and wild game handle. Finely balanced, designed and created by an achieved craftsperson.
$10 - $500
view details here
22
The 1905 Auckland Directory
Proceeds from the sale of this lot will be donated to City Mission
$10 - $100
view details here
Proceeds from the sale of this lot will be donated to City Mission
$10 - $100
view details here
23
The Black Swan
The first European to see a black swan is believed to be the Dutch sailor Antonie Caen who described the species during his visit to the Shark Bay area in 1636. Later, the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh captured several birds on the Swan River, Western Australia in 1697, but many people in Europe did not believe him, as at that time it was believed that all swans were white. It is believed that the first black swan reached New Zealand naturally during the 1860s. They continue to migrate from Australia. For most of their life prior to breeding, black swans seem to leave the place where they were born for marine and estuarine habitats. However, when breeding age is attained, they usually return to their birth place and remain there for the rest of their long lives, some 20 years.
$500 - $1000
view details here
The first European to see a black swan is believed to be the Dutch sailor Antonie Caen who described the species during his visit to the Shark Bay area in 1636. Later, the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh captured several birds on the Swan River, Western Australia in 1697, but many people in Europe did not believe him, as at that time it was believed that all swans were white. It is believed that the first black swan reached New Zealand naturally during the 1860s. They continue to migrate from Australia. For most of their life prior to breeding, black swans seem to leave the place where they were born for marine and estuarine habitats. However, when breeding age is attained, they usually return to their birth place and remain there for the rest of their long lives, some 20 years.
$500 - $1000
view details here
24
The Black Bike
1938 Gentlemans ride Velocette Mac 350. In 1934, Velocette released a 350cc ‘high camshaft’ design with enclosed valves. The compact and sprightly machine featured a four-speed gearbox equipped with the company’s new foot-change mechanism. This was the long-stroke MAC. The MAC proved successful and continued with its rigid frame and, initially, Webb girder forks into the post-war years, giving the adage ‘Don’t fix what ain’t broke’ some real meaning. This example was restored some ten years ago and is in good running order.
$8000 - $12000
view details here
1938 Gentlemans ride Velocette Mac 350. In 1934, Velocette released a 350cc ‘high camshaft’ design with enclosed valves. The compact and sprightly machine featured a four-speed gearbox equipped with the company’s new foot-change mechanism. This was the long-stroke MAC. The MAC proved successful and continued with its rigid frame and, initially, Webb girder forks into the post-war years, giving the adage ‘Don’t fix what ain’t broke’ some real meaning. This example was restored some ten years ago and is in good running order.
$8000 - $12000
view details here
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