WLS Radio Show - 2025-09-06 E10 - Napoleon Bonaparte

karin907
Sep 13
3 min read

Updated: Oct 30

Unveiling History: A Journey Through Donley Auctions' Military and Sports Collectibles

Welcome to the Donley Auctions Hour! In this episode, hosts Susan, Mike, and Randy Donley, joined by military expert John Litis and sports memorabilia specialist Ryan Bole, offer a captivating look at upcoming auctions, incredible finds, and expert advice for collectors. Get ready to explore everything from rare military relics and historical documents to sought-after sports memorabilia and unique toys.

Here are some highlights from the show:

Military and Firearms Auction [00:58]: Donley Auctions is gearing up for a significant Firearms and Military Relics auction on September 20th and 21st. John Litis highlights rare World War I US inert grenades (meaning they are empty and safe) that are uncommon finds due to a design flaw that allowed enemies to throw them back.
Napoleon Bonaparte Portfolio [04:30]: John also discusses a magnificent, two-volume folio of lithographs from 1822 and 1824 detailing the political and military life of Napoleon Bonaparte. This rare piece, suitable for framing, is estimated at $3,000-$5,000 and is available in lot 2124A.
Older Military Finds [06:54]: The team recently acquired Napoleonic-era cuirass body armor and 19th-century Ottoman firearms. Additionally, a collection of intricately carved war clubs from Oceania (Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea) are featured, brought back as souvenirs by soldiers from the Pacific theater.
Japanese Swords: Art and Value [09:43]: Japanese samurai swords are discussed as highly collectible art forms, with values ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the maker and style. Donley Auctions offers free evaluations for these and other items.
"War Booty Act" Revisited [23:56]: Randy reiterates the historical context of the 1941 "War Booty Act," which encouraged GIs to send military relics home as a form of propaganda during World War II, making such items legal and sought after by collectors.
Attending Upcoming Shows [25:03]: Mike will be at the Max Military Show in York, Pennsylvania (September 18th-21st), and John will be at the Chicago Civil War show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois (September 20th), offering opportunities for in-person consignments and discussions.
Jerry Garcia's Pistol and the Grateful Dead Car [26:53]: A fascinating highlight of the September 20th auction is Jerry Garcia's personal Colt .25 caliber home protection pistol. Additionally, a 1956 Chevy, once used as a daily driver by the Grateful Dead crew, will be available in the October auction, despite needing total restoration.
Stanley Mouse Art [29:40]: Two original art pieces by legendary Grateful Dead artist Stanley Mouse, autographed by him, will be featured in the October auction.
October Fall Classic Preview [14:16]: The "Annual Fall Classic" auction (October 23rd-25th) will include classic cars, petroleum signs, coin-operated machines, antique architecture, and a huge 9-foot-tall, 7-foot-wide leaded glass landing window with a Romeo and Juliet theme, believed to be from the John Astor mansion in New York.
Sports Memorabilia Takes Center Stage [31:30]: Ryan Bole, the sports memorabilia expert, highlights that one full day of the October Fall Classic (October 25th) will be dedicated to sports. High-demand items include autographed sports cards and photos, especially from MLB Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio.
The Ultimate Cubs Collection [33:15]: A nearly complete collection of every Cubs card produced by Topps from 1952-2024, 90% slabbed and graded by PSA with 85% gem quality, will be available—a dream for any Cubs fan or sports establishment.
Autograph Authenticity [38:14]: Ryan discusses the importance of Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) from reputable companies like PSA and JSA for autographed sports memorabilia, and cautions against fraudulent COAs in the market, advising collectors to be vigilant.
Ryan Bole's Multi-Talented Expertise [45:05]: Randy praises Ryan as a "trifecta" expert, specializing in sports memorabilia, toys, and coins/jewelry. Ryan's background in coin pawn shops gives him unique insight into items with high demand for quick liquidation.
Toy Collecting Trends: The 80s are Hot! [48:36]: Ryan notes that toys from the 1980s, such as Lionel trains (especially new in box), and even cars like the Buick Grand National and IROC Camaros, are experiencing a surge in demand, contrasting with older collectibles like Model T's and Model A's.
Native American and Old West Auction [19:37]: Donley Auctions will hold a "Cowboys and Indians" themed auction on November 22nd-23rd, featuring a Native American collection from a University of Wisconsin professor and Western artifacts from Donley's Wild West Town.
Consignment & Contact Information [51:14]: Donley Auctions is always looking for valuable consignments, including cars, motorcycles, vintage signs, architectural items, coin-operated machines, sports memorabilia, coins, and jewelry. Contact them for a free evaluation at 815-923-7000 or email photos to consign@donleyauctions.com.