It was more than an auction at a recent event hosted by JP Auction Service – it was an act of kindness. The estate that hit the block at the Plane View Banquet and Event Center in Holland belonged to a gentleman who was known for his generosity to those in need in Grand Rapids. Dubbed “Helping Hand Howard,” the proceeds from his auction were donated to various charitable organizations in the city.

As might be expected in an estate auction, items ranged from glassware and other smalls to many fine pieces of furniture. Later auctions include additional furniture and smalls with one being almost entirely dedicated to coins.

Stacking bookcases, especially those in good condition, are always good sellers. In particular, Macey bookcases seem to be among the most popular. Three were presented, including a dark oak four-stack that saw a winning bid of $500. A three-stack oak bookcase earned $450. An unusual small-size narrow two-stack mahogany Macey bookcase drew interest and a final bid of $525.

An oak hall tree with a seat, hat hooks and beveled mirror crossed the block for $325; an oak Monitor icebox earned $450; and an oak drop-front desk, complete with key, crossed the block for $150.

A large secretary/bookcase with a curved-glass door and beveled mirror saw a final bid of $775; a fainting couch earned $175; and a small marble-top table sold for $80.

There were three china cabinets that had held many of the smalls. Among them, a small curved-glass china hutch sold for $450; a large one with curved glass sold for $275; and the third one, with flat sides, sold for $200.

A full-size oak bed with a high headboard with carving sold for $200; and a second full-size bed earned $350. An oak dresser with a beveled mirror earned $600 and a chest with a mirror crossed the block for $120.

A walnut dresser with a red marble top and glove boxes sold for $375; a marble-top walnut end table sold for $375; and a smoking stand with turned legs crossed the block for $70.

A Jacobean-style server crossed the block for $250 as did a matching Jacobean-style dining table and buffet.

An oak commode saw a final bid of $125 and a three-drawer washstand earned $130. A sewing table labeled Compliments Belding Bros. & Co. Silk Manufacturers went home with a new owner with a winning bid of $140.

A square occasional table sold for $150; the organ stool with an upholstered seat saw a final bid of $125; and an organ stool with glass ball feet earned $75.

Among the wicker pieces offered was a rocker that earned $300; a wicker table with an oak top crossed the block for $120; and a child’s wicker chair sold for $30. Wicker planters included one which sold for $35 and two larger ones, both with metal inserts that earned $85 and $120.

An upholstered fainting couch saw a final bid of $175; an upholstered Eastlake settee earned $60; another oak commode was presented and earned $120; and a tea cart with an Oriental motif crossed the block for $95. A large round oak table with a center pedestal with lion heads and paw feet sold for $250; and an open bookcase with two low drawers earned $175.

One of the floor lamps presented had a very unique base that had ladies’ busts carved on the legs. This interesting piece sold for $550. Another floor lamp with a heavy wood base and standard earned $50.

Two slag glass table lamps drew attention and spirited bidding with one selling for $325 and the other for $100. Also interesting was a wicker table lamp which would make a nice addition to any setting using wicker furniture. This item saw a final bid of $375. A lamp with a parrot motif sold for $95.

In the past, it was not unusual for a woman to wear a decorative comb in her hair. These were often displayed in a display box on the top of a counter. The countertop display case for combs at this auction was in good condition and earned a final bid of $125.

Another display box that was quite striking was the one which contained a Mah Jongg set. When examined closely the dark case had a very striking pattern. This piece crossed the block for $150.

Old purses included a pink beaded one that sold for $100; a beaded dark purse with a pattern that earned $105; and a metal purse that sold for $45.

There were two guitars for the aspiring musician. The Yamaha guitar sold for $100 and the Kay sold for $110.

Old tintypes and some old black and white pictures give us a glimpse of the past and an old tintype earned $60.

There were several interesting items that crossed the block, many of which brought back reflections and/or memories of the past. Examples of these included an old advertising button from a Grand Rapids, Mich., company that sold for $95; a Zippo light in a box, an advertising item for Guardsman, that earned $35; and a Solingen advertising lighter for the Schnitzelbank restaurant (a recently closed landmark restaurant in Grand Rapids) also saw a final bid of $35.

Ball point and gel pens have pretty much replaced the fountain pen. However, there are still old fountain pens to be treasured and two of these old pens sold for $140. Hatpins, also rarely seen today, crossed the block for $40.

Typewriters are another item that are rarely used having been replaced by computers and word processing systems – all much easier to use, especially if you have to make a correction. The old Oliver typewriter presented at this auction earned $70.

An Ansonia mantel clock with a key sold for $80; and Seth Thomas mantel clocks earned $25 and $40.

A Maxfield Parrish print was presented and earned $150; a picture of the Last Supper saw $45; and a picture titled Logging Days had a final bid of $50.

This represents a small percentage of the many items that crossed the block at this auction. John Petroelje was assisted by a very able staff resulting in a smooth, efficient flow of items to the block and well-paced auction. Kelly Merryman from South Haven spelled Petroelje on the auction block. The clerking duties were handled by Jack Koeman. Joe Texer and Dan Petroelje saw to it that everything was on the block on time. Taking care of registering bidders and cashiering were Brenda Connie Petroelje. “Dad” Petroelje was there to help out wherever he was needed.

All types of auctions, including on-site, real estate, and consignment, are held by JP Auction Service. For upcoming auctions, check out John’s website at www.jpauctionservice.com and watch for his ads in the Auction Exchange and Collectors News. Contact John at (616) 396-5950 or (616) 396-3588.