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Quack Device 2:49

  • 18 hours ago
  • 3 min read

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.


Be sure to tune into the full episode to catch all the behind-the-scenes fun and preview these incredible auction items!



Visit us at: DonleyAuctions.com

Donley Auction Services

815-923-7000

8512 South Union Road (entrance on Marengo Road)

Union, IL 60180


Donley Auctions is a team of experienced auction professionals dedicated to creating a fun and exciting auction experience. With a rich history connected to the original Union Phonograph Show, the Seven Acres Museum, and Donley’s Wild West Town, Donley Auctions offers a diverse range of items for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Specializing in firearms, militaria, coin-op, phonographs, cars, motorcycles, petroliana, antique advertising, architecture, coins, sports memorabilia, early inventions, and more, we are the place to get top dollar for your high-quality antiques and collectibles. We host live and in-person auctions monthly, complete with complimentary food and beverages, as well as online auctions at DonleyAuctions.com, where you can bid from anywhere in the world. Our friendly atmosphere, combined with our commitment to providing an engaging auction experience and expert shipping, makes us the go-to auction house for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, Donley Auctions is the place to be!

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