The world of collectors, vintage fans, and antique enthusiasts is vast but, in some cases, very close-knit. That was the case with collectors Patti Stark and her husband, Rex Stark. They collected ceramic Americana pieces, some of which have never been auctioned.
Hake’s Auction, a valued WorthPoint Industry Partner, recently took on the formidable task of auctioning the collection amassed by Patti and Rex. Collectors love the chance to peruse the items and maybe even own a few pieces.
The couple, especially Rex, was well-known in the vintage space and first came to the attention of the Hake’s staff at an American Political Items Collectors show in Columbus. According to Scott R. Mussell, Americana Director for Hake’s, “His holdings were the finest this side of the Atlantic and perhaps the finest featuring American figures. There are many once-in-a-generation opportunities in these sales.”
Rex had a reputation for having quality items, many of which were impossible to find in other venues. He was also known for educating collectors on Anglo-American pieces, the history behind some of the ceramics, and other political collectibles. Mussell estimates that one of the more highly-anticipated items in the auction is an early version of a promotional coin bank based on a political figure.
The bank is a pottery rendering of a log caption with a barrel of hard cider on the roof. It’s from William Henry Harrison’s 1840 campaign. Editorialist John de Ziska believed that Harrison, 67 years old at the time, was far too old to be active in politics and suggested he retire to a cabin and spend his remaining days sipping cider. The campaign seized on it, and one of the banks, in excellent condition, is included in the auction.
The auction, live online now at Hake’s, features hundreds of rare Americana and political items and is sure to live up to the reputation of Rex Stark, a pioneer in collecting, preserving, and sharing his finds.
Brenda Kelley Kim lives in the Boston area. She is the author of Sink or Swim: Tales From the Deep End of Everywhere and writes a weekly syndicated column for The Marblehead Weekly News/Essex Media Group. When not writing or walking her snorty pug, Penny, she enjoys yard sales, flea markets, and badminton.
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