Auction Details

DENVER, Pa. – Ever wondered how teeth were pulled or drilled on before the days of modern dentistry? The remarkable dental antiques collection of Dr. John Muhr provides a panoramic view of the medical specialty, with an array that runs from downright gruesome circa-1860 tooth extractors to a handsomely crafted wooden supply cabinet that stored various tools of a 19^th-century dentist’s trade.

Dr. Muhr, who is a practicing dental surgeon in Reading, Pa., has spent many decades assembling his fabulous assortment of dental instruments and related antiques, all of which will be offered in Dan Morphy’s June 15 Discovery Auction. The collection includes a dental chair, foot-operated drill, basin, complete X-ray machine and several 1910-1920 dental cabinets with milk glass appointments. A prized circa-1880 dental cabinet, which stands 68½ inches tall, is in all-original condition with nine swivel drawers, upper and lower roll tops, a beveled mirror and eight drawers. This showpiece is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

The collection also includes toothbrushes with bone handles, tooth powder tins, crowns, drill bits, dentists’ signs and other instruments. A group lot of dental cameras consists of a Kodak, a Brownie and a German-made Leica, with attachments.

Several lots feature tooth extractors with ebony and ivory handles. “This is a unique, museum-quality collection,” said auction house owner and CEO Dan Morphy. “It’s not only a collection of medical antiques, but also an antique advertising collection, and a collection of American historical importance that would be impossible to assemble if one were to begin now.”

A second featured collection in the June 15 Discovery Auction consists of two dozen highly desirable guitars, most of which are autographed by celebrated rock musicians and offered with certificates of authenticity. “This collection is every music fan’s dream. Every one of these guitars is autographed by an A-Lister,” Morphy remarked.

A black California electric guitar is signed by three founding members of Led Zeppelin: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones (estimate $2,000-$3,000); while a Fender Sunburst is signed by Paul McCartney (estimate $2,000-$3,000). A very special entry is the black Fender electric guitar signed by the “Eight Legends of the Guitar”: Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Sting, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen. It is expected to make $6,000-$10,000 at auction. Among the other signed guitars are both electric and acoustic models signed by such artists as AC/DC, U2, the Eagles, the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Dylan, Ozzy Osbourne, Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd.

Also consigned to the sale are several early guitars that hold great appeal with collectors of vintage stringed instruments. A circa-1950s Gibson ES5 #4609 acoustic guitar is entered in the sale with a $4,000-$6,000 estimate, as is a 1950s Gibson LF acoustic jazz guitar. A circa-1950s Epiphone blond acoustic electric guitar carries a $2,000-$3,000 estimate. Additionally, eight framed record albums signed by major stars including AC/DC, Jimmy Buffett and Aerosmith will be offered. Estimates range from $500 to $2,000.

As always, Morphy’s will present an excellent and varied selection of toys, including both cast-iron and tin mechanical banks, Hartland figures and other Western toys, board games and Mattel Hot Wheels cars. A large and colorful lineup of figural cast iron incorporates paperweights, dozens of novelty bottle openers, doorknockers, doorstops and bookends. Additional advertising includes a fine Dr. Daniels veterinary medicine cabinet estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

This is just a sampling – there’s so much more from which to choose in Morphy’s 604-lot Discovery Auction scheduled for Tuesday, June 15. We hope you’ll join us to bid live, absentee, over the phone or live via the Internet through either MorphyLive or LiveAuctioneers.com.

What will you discover in Dan Morphy’s June 15 Discovery Auction? Visit the online catalog at www.morphyauctions.com to find out.