Welcome back to another deep dive with the Unfiltered Podcast! In this action-packed episode, Randy, Susan, Mike, and the crew pull back the curtain for an exclusive behind-the-scenes walkthrough of our massive auction gallery and the legendary "dungeon."
From jaw-dropping 19th-century optical tech and bizarre Victorian hat-measuring devices to towering Orchestrions, this episode proves there is never a dull moment on the auction floor. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love uncovering rare history, you'll want to catch the full video to see these museum-quality treasures in action. Check out the highlights below!
Episode Highlights:
[00:27] - Watch Here Epic Elk Mounts: Randy shows off an incredibly detailed hand-carved wooden elk and a magnificent full-size, hand-hammered copper elk head dating back to the 1860s.
[01:43] - Watch Here Vintage Neon Signs: The crew unloads massive vintage neon signs for the October auction, including a beautiful double-sided piece from the famous Rathskeller Restaurant in Rockford, Illinois.
[02:54] - Watch Here Calling All Gas Pumps: We're on the hunt! We put out an open call for restored and unrestored gas pumps for the upcoming October Petroliana auction.
[04:39] - Watch Here The Milan Hart Militaria Collection: John and Ryan showcase the incredible first display of the massive Milan Hart collection, heading to the MAX Military Show this September.
[06:48] - Watch Here Fascinating Optical Inventions: Mike takes us through a phenomenal array of antique tech, including stereoscope viewers, zoetropes, and an early Lumiere motion unit.
[08:12] - Watch Here Edison-Era Vacuum Pump: Discover a rare physics demonstration vacuum pump—the exact type of equipment Thomas Edison used to evacuate air while inventing the first sustainable light bulb!
[11:07] - Watch Here Sparks Fly: Watch Randy test out an antique Wimshurst static electricity generator that still packs a surprisingly loud, high-pitched spark!
[12:56] - Watch Here A Torture Device or Top Hat Sizer?: The team investigates a creepy wax mannequin head wearing a medieval-looking metal contraption. Spoiler: It's actually a rare "Conformateur" used to perfectly measure and size top hats!
[14:10] - Watch Here Antique Dental Cabinet: A look at one of the finest tambour roll-top wooden dental cabinets you will ever see, complete with intricate swing-out partition drawers.
[14:52] - Watch Here Building the Orchestrions: It takes incredible heavy lifting and heavy-duty chain hoists to assemble these massive, multi-piece Orchestrion music machines. See what it takes to prep them for the floor!
[21:27] - Watch Here World-Class Stained Glass Lamps: Randy & Mike chat with collector Oleh Cherednyk to preview a breathtaking 20-year collection of pristine antique lamps. Feast your eyes on rare 1920s floral designs, a unique Galle cameo glass piano lamp, and stunning pieces from Wilkinson, Handel, and Tiffany.
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