BURGOON, Ohio – The neat brick farm house of Raymond D. Stine has been a local landmark for more than a century, but most people driving by, had no idea it was stuffed full of fine antiques. Recently Doug Walton, auctioneer, invited bidders to the Stine property for the sale of the home and its contents. “It’s one of the best antique auctions we’ve had the honor of selling,” he said.

He divided it into four specialized auctions. The first sale included household goods and farm items. The second auction, on September 8, featured high quality antique lamps and glass. A week later, antique furniture was the focus. Finally, at the fourth sale, Walton sold the historic home.

Each sale was a traditional, onsite country auction with a modern twist, as Walton also included live internet bidding on hundreds of the finest antiques. With 136 registered bidders at the second sale, and 112 additional people registered to bid online, internet bidding clearly made an impact.

Always well-organized and prepared, Walton sold with his team of auctioneers, including David McDowell, Darby Walton, Darren Bok, Roger Hunker and Sam Baer. They stood out in the crowd, wearing white shirts, ties, and blue ball caps with the Walton logo. They were busy throughout the auctions, often running multiple sales rings.

Walton made sure there was only one auction ring when he presented a special music box made in Switzerland in the late 1800s. It had a beautiful wooden case with ornate hardware, and was sitting on a matching table. It was remarkable to find the large music box in excellent working condition, with four interchangeable music cylinders, tucked away in the table’s drawer. The music box easily hit the highest note of all the antiques, selling with its table and cylinders, for $4,100.

Bidders also appreciated Stine’s collection of more than 60 antique lamps. Leading the group was a table lamp with a Tiffany-style shade. The gold and green, leaded glass shade had dragonflies encircling the rim. Chicago Mosaic Lamp Co. made the metal tree trunk base, with its long, twisted roots. Walton pointed out some minor cracks, but the lamp still reached $2,600. Two other leaded glass table lamps topped the $1,000 mark, while nearly a dozen leaded glass lamps sold between $300 and $900 apiece.

Selling at the top of a group of banquet lamps was a Grecian figural lamp with a pink, opalescent hobnail shade. The converted oil lamp sold for $700. Among the Gone with the Wind lamps, a Victorian lamp with roses, led the category, finishing at $500.

The antique lamps were impressive, but glass tulips had everyone talking too. The auction was in bloom, with at least a dozen vases of antique, satin glass tulips of various colors. Bidders were surprised when the first bouquet of 18 tulips sold for $300. Some people mistakenly thought the vase was the main attraction, but when the next group of nine tulips reached $285, in an ordinary vase, everyone realized the tulips were valuable. Fifty lots later, all eyes were on the tulips when another bouquet came up for bid. This group included 16 antique, pink glass tulips. They were unusual because some of the flowers were open slightly, so their yellow pistols and stamens were visible. Many people were stunned when the vase of pink glass tulips reached $900. Most of the other antique tulips sold between $300 and $600 per bouquet.

Also surprising was the performance of a Findlay Floradine Glass toothpick holder. It was one of the smallest pieces of glass offered, but it proved to be one of the top sellers. It was made by Dalzell, Gilmore & Leighton Co. in Findlay, Ohio, in 1889. Floradine Glass was cranberry in color, with a pattern of small white opalescent flowers. Unfortunately, it cracked easily and was not durable for daily use. The factory ceased production of Floradine Glass after a short period of time, so it is difficult to find today. Highly regarded by collectors, the little toothpick holder climbed to $1,100.

Among the many other glass highlights was a Tiffany Jack-in-the-pulpit vase, which was signed. The iridescent gold vase struck $1,500. Pieces of Durand Moorish Crackle Glass sold well, including an iridescent gold vase with an outer layer of crackled red and white glass, which gave it the distinctive texture. The vase sold on a small wooden base for $725.

In a more traditional style, a yellow Daum Nancy vase was presented; the piece showcased realistic hand-painted flowers. Made in Nancy, France, the 11 1/2- inch vase reached $675. Even taller was a 17-inch Steuben Blue Aurene lily vase. Its iridescent highlights shone when the slender vase crossed the auction block at $600. There were some fine examples of Loetz Glass, including an Art Deco vase in the Delphi pattern. Standing 7 1/2 inches tall, the tapered, rectangular vase, which was blue with simple gold designs, sold for $500. An assortment of Victorian brides’ baskets also interested bidders. One of the favorites was a blue opalescent glass basket in an intricate metal base with birds on the handles. It rose to $325.

In recent years, antique furniture hasn’t sold like it did a decade ago. However, at Walton’s sale, some choice furniture items, which were highly unusual or in exceptional condition, still tempted bidders. One fine example was a Victorian brass-plated double bed, which had floral-decorated porcelain posts, with additional porcelain accents on the tall headboard and footboard. In very good condition, the ornate bed rested at $800. Also drawing attention was a unique wooden cabinet shaped like the body of a guitar. To complete the look, it had a guitar neck, head and strings. It stood on short, fancy legs and was topped with a round beveled mirror. Standing 56 inches tall and 21 1/2 inches wide, the eccentric music cabinet brought $800.

“That could be the focal point of your home,” said auctioneer, Sam Baer, pointing to an elegant curio cabinet, which came up for bid. In fine condition, the eye-catching cabinet had graceful lines, with large beveled mirrors, six small round shelves and a glass case in the center. It topped out at $350.

Among the kitchen furniture, in very good condition, a Herrick ice box, made in Waterloo, Iowa, that sold for $420; an oak Sellers, Hoosier-style kitchen cabinet, with a flour bin, granite top and roll-up door that brought $380; and a tall, two-piece step-back cupboard, with two glass doors, closed at $350.

Throughout the years, the Stine family apparently showed some of their antiques at the county fair. Some items still had their prize ribbons attached. One blue ribbon winner was a miniature square oak stand, which was less than 24-inches tall, with glass ball claw feet. The winning bidder took home the little prize for $90.

Contact: waltonauctionco@sbcglobal.net or 419-294-0007.