WARSAW, Ind. – Advertising signs and trays, coin-operated slot machines, Coca-Cola collectibles, furniture, porcelain, and tools – all an eclectic mix of general store material - including 10 spool cabinets - were on the auction block in this small northern Indiana city.

Auctioneer Chad Metzger kept two rings moving, while online bidders heightened the excitement on the more collectible items. Only those bidders who were physically present could bid on the furniture, tools and household items.

One of the many highlights of the sale was a Hall Pottery dispenser made for Fowler’s Cherry Smash 5-cent drinks.

In 1901 John Fowler, Richmond, Va., founded Cherry Smash. One of the slogans used by this company was: George Washington smashed the cherry tree/An action bold and rash/He had not learned it would be turned to Fowler’s Cherry Smash/Our nation’s beverage. With a few chips on the rim and faint hairline cracks it crossed the block for $1,400.

Coin op bidders had their chance to ante up for a Jennings Little Duke jackpot slot machine that sold for $1,325. A second choice was a Jennings Little Duck jackpot slot machine that earned $1,325; and a third choice was a 4-Jacks skill slot machine in a wooden case for one, two, or three pennies that crossed the block for $575.

Also finding lots of interest was a Mills Square Bell compulsory coin-operated skill game in a wooden box. This was complete with its key and instruction booklet, was functional, and sold for $1,800.

Remember when you could get gum for a penny? For this purpose there was a Pulver Too Choos 1-cent gum machine. This piece was in working order, with Too Choos emblazoned on one side and Joy Mint on the other. It sold for $750.

A fine selection of advertising-related items included several desirable Coca-Cola advertising trays, all encouraging one to “Drink Coca-Cola” and many bidders eager to add them to their collections. Resulting winning bids ranged from $75 to $325.

Advertising trays from Indiana companies included: a Bartel’s (Syracuse) tray, selling for $125; Champagne Velvet trays (Terre Haute Brewing), earning $140 and $110 each; and a tray from the South Bend Brewing Association having a final bid of $180. Other trays included the Christ Diehl Brewing Co., selling for $155; a 16-inch Budweiser (Say When), earning $225; a large McSorley’s Famous Lager tray, selling for $110; and a 13-inch Miller High Life Beer, finding a final bid of $125.

Advertising signs included a 23-inch by 23-inch tin sign for Brookfield Rye that sold for $400; a sign for Fecker “high-grade beer,” Danville, Ill., that earned $125; a Fehr Malt and Tonic tin sign that saw $320; a tin sign for Sloman’s Diamond Wedding Pure Rye that crossed the block for $275; and one for Stroh’s Bohemian beer (Detroit, Mich.) that earned a final bid of $175.

“She Was Bred in Old Kentucky,” proclaimed a tin sign for Green River Whiskey which sold for $300. Distributed by McCulloch, an Owensbrough, Ky., it was considered a prime example of Black Americana.

Among the door pushes, one for Coca-Cola sold for $350, while an enamel example for Juicy Orange earned $150.

If you are a spool cabinet aficionado this was the place to be on that day.

There were more than 10 cabinets of various sizes from which to choose. Proving the most popular was a M. Heminway & Sons sublime quality spool cabinet case. This piece sold for $850.

There were several Clark’s O.N.T. spool cabinets including four 4-drawer cabinets that sold for $400 to $525 each and a 2-drawer spool cabinet that crossed the block for $500. A Clark’s & Co. 3-drawer Anchor Cotton cabinet sold for $400; a J. Clark & Co. 2-drawer Spool Cotton cabinet saw $250; a 17-inch by 9-inch J. Clark & Co. spool cabinet sold for $225; a 4-drawer J. P. Coats Best Six Cord spool cabinet had a final bid of $475; and a Clark’s O.N.T. 7-drawer cabinet with drawers for buttons and needles (George A. Clark, Sole Agent) crossed the block for $500. A 6-drawer Best Six Cod spool cabinet sold for $475; and a 2-drawer Duff’s braid cabinet went to the bidder who bid $250.

While the above items were being sold in one ring bidders in a second ring were availing themselves of the opportunity to bid on household goods, wall décor, appliances and furniture. Bookcases, chairs, commodes, cabinets, tables, and most any piece of furniture could be found among the large selection of furniture items offered.

Among the cupboards and cabinets was a towering 7-foot tall corner cabinet that caught the eyes of several bidders, selling for $1,500. A beautiful step-back cupboard with wavy glass in the doors crossed the block for $1,000; which was also the selling price for an early step-back cupboard, also with wavy glass doors. A striking heavily carved buffet/server featuring carved griffins sold for $900.

There were several commodes available:: one with a single candle stand sold for $170; another with acorn pulls and a single candle stand earned $100; a marble-top commode crossed the block for $130; and one with two candle stands saw a final bid of $150.

A 4-section bookcase made by J. Heini sold for $375; a 5-drawer highboy sold for $170; a dresser with four drawers (two over two) and a mirror sold for $210, while a fancy hall tree earned a final bid of $110. These items represent a very small percentage of the many furniture pieces available.

Early signs also commanded their fair share of interest. These selections included a double-sided porcelain Baltimore and Ohio Freight Station sign, selling for $300; an enamel sign Bell System Public Telephone sign saw $150; as did a porcelain Western Union sign.

A framed artist proof picture of Abraham Lincoln pencil signed T. Johnson, 1892 found eager buyers and sold for $150; while an unsigned oil on canvas of several cats earned $200.

There was a large collection of paperweights to be had, many of which were by Joe Rice. More popular than the paperweights, however, was a Joe Rice 28-1/2-inch tall flower lamp that sold for $160 (with cracks in the shade).

An old Amos & Andy tin friction toy complete with figures and dog and in working order – rattling and shaking - found a new collector for $850.

An atlas of the United States by Asher and Adams was one of the old books found and sold for $225. A framed poster from the past, Back From the War, McCormick by Ketterlinus, Phil., New York, Chicago, saw $170; and a pair of very large pictures probably found in a tavern many years ago sold for $175 each.

Because of the large number of items in this diverse auction it is only possible to list a small percentage of the many desirable items. All price cited are the hammer price and do not include the buyer’s premium. For addition information contact the auctioneer at: (260) 982-9050 or check his website at www.metzgerauction.com.