WLS Radio Show - 2025-07-19 E02 - The Trifecta

Looking to uncover the value in your vintage finds? Welcome to The Donley Auctions Hour Podcast! Broadcasting every Saturday at 7pm CT on WLS 890AM, this is your go-to source. Join Randy, Mike, and Susan of Donley Auctions as they unlock the secrets of the auction world, sharing insights on valuable items and explaining how you can get top dollar for your antiques and collectibles. Catch all episodes at DonleyAuctions.com/radio and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episode notifications.

Highlights

• Mechanical Banks:

  • Susan provides a brief history of mechanical banks, invented in the 1860s to teach children about saving money.

  • Mike discusses a rare "Girl Skipping Rope" mechanical bank, one of the top seven rarest, that will be in their August auction. It was patented around 1880 and is in original paint with no breaks or repairs.

  • They mention that original, good-condition cast iron banks are rare, and many reproductions exist.

  • The "Girl Skipping Rope" bank is estimated to sell for $20,000-$30,000, possibly more, as there are believed to be fewer than 10 originals in this condition.

  • The rarest mechanical bank is the "Roller Skating Bank," which once sold for $160,000.

• Expert Guest - Ryan Bole:

  • Ryan, an expert in coins, sports memorabilia, and toys, joins the show.

  • He discusses upcoming toys in the August auction, including Lionel and American Flyer trains, and potentially tin lithograph wind-up toys.

  • Ryan emphasizes that "demand" is key to an item's value, not just its age.

  • In sports memorabilia, vintage NBA basketball cards, especially Michael Jordan items, are currently very popular.

  • Game-used Michael Jordan items, like shoes that sold for $16,000, are highly sought after.

  • Ryan explains the advantages of selling coins at auction versus a coin store, highlighting that auctions let the market determine the true value.

• Other Collectibles:

  • Randy and Mike reminisce about basement bars from the 1950s and 60s, which often included slot machines, jukeboxes, and pinball machines. They encourage listeners to consign these items.

  • They discuss selling statues and cannons, especially those from parks or VFW/Legion halls, noting that many are privately owned and can be sold.

  • Mike talks about his specialty in antique photography, including cameras and images, mentioning a gold mining photo with a nugget that sold for around $10,000.

  • They are also looking for early motion picture equipment, especially Western Electric sound equipment, which can be very valuable. Randy shares a story about a Western Electric sound rack that sold for $77,000.

  • A 1905 Chicago license plate, number one, sold for over $40,000 because it was the very first license plate issued in Illinois.

  • They are always looking for cars and motorcycles, mentioning a Shelby Cobra that sold for over $80,000 and a '59 Cadillac that brought $110,000.

  • Early aviation items, including parts, photography, and complete airplanes, are also sought after.

  • They mention a set of elaborately carved walnut doors they recently acquired after pursuing them for 25-30 years.

Throughout the episode, they encourage listeners to send photos of items they're considering selling to consign@donleyauctions.com or call them at 815-923-7000.