Blackwell Auctions Offers Floridiana Collection of Alfred Frankel, M.D.

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Blackwell Auctions of Clearwater, Fla., will offer a carefully curated sale of Florida art and antiques on January 11, 2020, at 2 p.m. EST.

“The Sunshine State has such a rich history,” said Edwin Bailey, Blackwell’s owner. “It boasts the oldest city in the country, St. Augustine, as well as some major metro areas that were wide spots in the road only a generation ago. We’re honored that Dr. Frankel gave us the opportunity to offer so much of his collection, which features pieces from everywhere in Florida, from Pensacola to Jacksonville to Key West, and every area in between.”

Alfred Frankel, a retired physician, is a well-known scholar and collector of Florida art and antiques. He has authored books – including Artists of Old Florida and Old Florida Pottery – and written articles on those subjects for many years. Many of the items in this auction appear in his books.

Lot 200, Rare TB ODOM 1850s Knox Hill Pottery Pitcher; Estimate $10,000-$20,000

Highlights of the sale include an exceedingly rare salt-glazed pitcher – one of only two known to exist – by Knox Hill potter Turnley & Odom, made in 1859, the only year the company was operational. The other example is owned by the state of Florida. Other scarce items in the 401-lot sale include a St. Petersburg City Hall stained glass window, a vintage Seaboard Railway neon sign, a letter by Henry Flagler to one of his hotel managers, a Babe Ruth stereoview card (picturing him in Florida during Spring Training), several very rare original photographs, a huge selection of Florida art pottery, and much more.

“There are so many hidden treasures in this auction,” Bailey said, “pieces you’re not going to find again for a long time, if ever.” 

Vintage hotel ware, Seminole dolls and souvenirs round out the January 11th sale. 

“There’s something for everyone who appreciates Florida in this sale, including just the right amount of kitsch,” Bailey said.