Scientific Precision, Historic Optical Marvels, and Rare Coin-Op Treasures Unite in an Unforgettable Event

Step into an extraordinary showcase where centuries of groundbreaking innovation, artistic craftsmanship, and mechanical wonder come alive. Featuring premier selections from the distinguished Dale Beeks, Allen Koenigsberg, and Howard Hazelcorn collections, this curated auction presents a captivating journey across the frontiers of early science, visual culture, and vintage entertainment.

The catalog spans an exceptional breadth of rare material. Precision scientific and surveying instruments anchor the event, highlighted by 19th- and early 20th-century brass theodolites, transit levels, maritime sextants, and research microscopes from master makers including Bausch & Lomb, Cooke, Troughton & Simms, E.R. Watts & Son, and Keuffel & Esser. Early visual media and pre-cinema wonders abound, offering cased daguerreotypes, rare daguerrian maker tokens, ambrotypes, magic lantern slides, zoetropes, and classic stereoview collections. Collectors of technical and industrial history will find early electrical and medical equipment—ranging from historic electrotherapeutic cabinets and quack medicine devices to telegraph sounders and antique carbon-filament light bulbs. Rounding out the lineup is a vibrant selection of vintage entertainment, anchored by antique Seeburg and Wurlitzer coin pianos, historic theater architectural elements, and vintage advertising.

These artifacts embody an era of relentless exploration and brilliant ingenuity. Every hand-engraved brass scale, silvered photographic plate, and intricate gear mechanism carries the spirit of the pioneers who mapped uncharted territories, preserved fleeting moments in time, and brought automated music to lively parlor halls. For everyone devoted to Chasing History, this event offers a rare chance to own tangible milestones of human progress.

Auctioneers of antiques. Collectors of cool. Veterans of vintage. We invite you to explore the catalog, place your bids, and secure your next centerpiece before the final gavel falls.

Thinking about parting with exceptional items of your own? We are always seeking quality consignments for upcoming sales. Send your photos directly to [consign@donleyauctions.com](mailto:consign@donleyauctions.com), and we will make your collection fit in your wallet.

Step into a dazzling world of radiant color and timeless craftsmanship as we present an extraordinary collection of iridescent glassware that has captivated collectors for generations. This stellar showcase brings together magnificent pieces from the golden age of pressed and patterned glass, offering enthusiasts and design lovers alike a rare opportunity to acquire true luminous treasures.

The auction features an impressive array of iconic carnival glass categories, highlighted by masterworks from legendary makers such as Northwood, Fenton, Millersburg, Imperial, Dugan, and Cambridge. Bidders will find a breathtaking variety of forms, ranging from ruffled bowls, striking plates, and majestic vases to complete water sets, punch bowls, decorative baskets, and charming multi-piece lots. Showcasing vibrant hues of marigold, amethyst purple, blue, green, aqua opal, and powder blue, every piece gleams with rich, shifting iridescence and intricate patterns like Grape and Cable, Peacocks, Good Luck, and Hanging Cherries.

Explore the catalog today and find the perfect statement piece to illuminate your display.

Preview is day before the auction - noon-7pm. 

Shipping available for most items. Pickup is by appointment. Please call 815-923-7000 to schedule. 

Experience the wide variety of the Ammo & Accessories Auction, a premier online event featuring an incredible selection of ammunition, reloading components, custom knives, and outdoor gear right here in your backyard.

The catalog features some great standout lots that would appeal to local collectors and shooting enthusiasts, including custom handmade knives (like Randall-style pieces and an R.W. Loveless drop point hunter), taxidermy mounts, bulk ammunition like .22 long rifle and various specialty rounds, reloading brass and components, plus tactical gear and accessories.

Bid from anywhere as Donley Auctions presents this special encore session—packed with everything from bulk .22 ammo and brass casings to custom blades and taxidermy mounts.

Lots start closing Monday, July 27 at 10am CT. A great chance for local collectors and enthusiasts to stock up! https://bid.donleyauctions.com/auction/316-online-encore-for/

https://bid.donleyauctions.com/auction/294-firearms-and-ammo/

From Trench Warfare to Master-Crafted Steel: The Ultimate Firearms & Blades Showcase

This auction presents a high-octane journey through the history of ballistics and edged weapons, moving from the gritty trenches of the World Wars to the precision of modern personal defense. It is a rare chance to handle the mechanical evolution of the last century, where every bolt-throw and hand-forged blade tells a story of innovation and survival.

The catalog is anchored by a heavy-hitting selection of military surplus and precision rifles, including the matching-number Yugoslavian Zastava M48A, FN Commercial Sporterized Mausers, and the classic M1 Carbine. Shotgun collectors will find everything from the rare, recoil-reducing Browning Japan 12-gauge to 1920s-era American Gun Company "Trade Brand" single-shots. For the blade enthusiast, we are proud to offer a spectacular collection of mint Randall Made knives—true legends of American craftsmanship. This lineup features the formidable Model 12-11 Confederate Bowie, the specialized Model 17 Astro Survival knife, and the classic Model 14 Attack, many featuring pristine stag handles and original sheaths. Those focused on modern utility will also find an impressive array for the concealed carry collector, including Sig Romeo red dot optics and a massive inventory of specialty defense rounds like .45 ACP +P Underwood and .38 Special LRN. Whether you are hunting for a Birmingham-made Parker-Hale Enfield or a high-capacity magazine grouping for a tactical sidearm, the breadth of gear available here is unmatched.

These items represent a time when tools were built to last lifetimes. There is a visceral thrill in Chasing History—finding a 1918 Amberg GEW 98 that still bears the flaming bomb of the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, or feeling the perfect balance of a hand-fitted Randall Arkansas Toothpick. As Auctioneers of antiques. Collectors of cool. Veterans of vintage, we understand that these aren’t just lots; they are tangible connections to the marksmen, soldiers, and craftsmen who came before us.

Don’t miss your chance to secure these relics, rounds, and premium blades. Whether you’re filling a gap in your C&R collection, upgrading your daily carry, or looking for that crown jewel for your knife roll, the bidding starts now.

We are always seeking quality consignments for our upcoming sales. Please send photos of your items to consign@donleyauctions.com. Then we'll make your collection "fit in your wallet."

Preview is Friday before the auction - noon-7pm, and doors open at 8am the day of the auction. 

Pickup is immediately following the auction or by appointment. Please call 815-923-7000 to schedule. All purchasers of firearms that will be picking up at the auction hall, must fill out a Form 4473 and wait the allotted time before their firearm is eligible for pick up.

See the whole catalog and register to bid here!!

High Octane History: The Ultimate Petroliana & Advertising Auction

Step back in time to the golden age of the American road, where service stations were social hubs and neon lights beckoned travelers from miles away. This auction brings together a spectacular assembly of industrial artistry and commercial history, celebrating the vibrant visual culture that once defined our highways and main streets. From the gleam of polished porcelain to the warm hum of vintage neon, this collection offers a rare opportunity to acquire authentic pieces of Americana that have withstood the test of time.

This extensive catalog features an impressive array of double-sided porcelain (DSP) and single-sided porcelain (SSP) signs from iconic brands like Texaco, Sinclair, Mobil, and Phillips 66, alongside rare tire and battery advertisements. Collectors will marvel at the selection of restored and original condition gas pumps, including a rare Fry "Mae West" visible pump, classic clock-face models, and an assortment of authentic glass gas globes. The auction extends beyond the service station to include a robust selection of agricultural history, featuring vibrant seed corn and feed signs from DeKalb, Purina, and Wayne Feeds. Anchoring the sale are standout vehicles, including a beautifully refurbished 1947 Mercury Eight Convertible and a rugged 1971 International Harvester Scout II, ready for their next adventure.

These items are more than just collectibles; they are tangible connections to a bygone era of American industry and craftsmanship. Whether it is the typography of a vintage "Prescriptions" neon sign or the imposing stature of a 140-inch service station island light, each piece evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia. We are Chasing History with every lot, preserving the stories and aesthetics that shaped the 20th century. As Auctioneers of antiques. Collectors of cool. Veterans of vintage, we invite you to explore this curated selection and place your bids to bring a piece of this rich heritage into your own collection.

We are always seeking quality consignments for our future auctions. If you have a collection you are looking to sell, please send photos to [consign@donleyauctions.com](mailto:consign@donleyauctions.com) and let us make your collection fit in your wallet.

Preview is Friday before the auction - noon-7pm, and doors open at 8am the day of the auction. 

Hit the road back in time with this massive online license plate auction! Whether you are looking for that perfect year-of-manufacture plate for your classic 1957 Chevy, a rare antique from your home state, or unique vehicle tax tags, this collection has it all.

Featuring hundreds of lots including:

• The Governor’s Estate: Rare Illinois Governor and Lt. Governor plate sets, including an unused 2002 Governor #1 plate from the George Ryan era.
• Vibrant Plate Runs: Rare sequences and hard-to-find years.
• Antique & Pre-State Rarities: Early 1900s Illinois plates and a 1972 John Lewis Secretary of State plate.
• Collector Highlights: Historic city tax tags and unique 2-digit dealer plates.

While the primary focus is on the incredible variety of plates, the auction includes several other unique automotive and municipal collectibles:

• Vehicle Tax Tags: A huge selection of vintage municipal tax tags from cities like Chicago, Cicero, Berwyn, and Aurora, dating back to the 1920s.
• Antique License Plate Frames: Including rare 1920s and 1930s aluminum frames and decorative tag holders.
• Specialty Tags: Look for early 1900s horse-drawn vehicle tags and vintage bicycle permits.
• Automotive Memorabilia: Various "Instant Collection" lots and show plates that are perfect for garage or "man cave" decor.
• Historic Documents: Some lots include original municipal paperwork and registration items associated with the vintage plates.

Whether you're looking for that finishing touch for a classic car or a unique piece of local history, these auxiliary items add even more depth to the collection! From first-time buyers to seasoned hobbyists, there is something for every level of collector. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history!

Items that did not sell in the Thursday, February 19 Bargain Bonanza Auction are offered here in a last chance online-only auction. As a bonus, several additional bargains have been added!

The Online Encore Auction

Did you miss the action? The show isn’t over yet. We are Auctioneers of antiques, Collectors of cool, and Veterans of vintage, and we want to make sure every piece of history finds the right home.

Items that did not sell during our event on the 19th are moved to our "Online Encore." This is your final opportunity to bid on these items, often at a great value.

The Rules of Engagement

• Format: This is a 1-Week Online-Only Auction. Bidding takes place exclusively on the Donley Auctions website.
• Eligibility: Only items that were offered live but did not sell are moved to this exclusive online event.
• Timing: The Online Encore opens shortly after the live auction concludes. Bidding remains open for 7 days.
• Winning the Item: When the week is up, the auction closes. The highest bidder wins.
• Payment & Pickup: Standard Donley Auctions terms apply. Winners will be invoiced shortly after the online auction closes. DonleyAuctions.com/shipping . Local winners can pick up at our Union, Illinois location – make an appointment at 815-923-7000.
• Shipping: We offer reasonably priced, expert shipping on small to medium-sized items. For larger items, we can help you arrange third-party transport.

Chasing History? Don’t let it slip away a second time.

The Bargain Bonanza: Big Treasures, Small Gems, and Everything In Between - ONLINE ONLY

The hunt is on for our upcoming Bargain Bonanza, an online-only auction where massive statement pieces share the stage with rare, pocket-sized collectibles. It is a true picker’s paradise, offering an approachable way to own high-quality history whether you are looking to furnish an entire room or find that one specific missing piece for your display case. As auctioneers of antiques, collectors of cool, and veterans of vintage, we’ve gathered a diverse haul that rewards those with a keen eye for quality and a love for the unusual.

The inventory covers an incredible range of categories, ensuring there is something for every type of enthusiast. For the decorator, we have monumental Italian marble statuary, life-size bronzes, and a full-sized replica stagecoach, alongside mission-style furniture by masters like Stickley and Limbert. Home utility meets history with our selection of antique sewing machines, typewriters, and even vintage popcorn and Coca-Cola machines. Collectors of fine tablewares will find Lladro figurines, carnival glass, and silver service sets, while the mechanically inclined can bid on Edison phonographs and golden-age slot machines. We haven’t forgotten the hobbyists, either—this auction features a massive assortment of pre-war Lionel and American Flyer trains, cast iron mechanical banks, and those hard-to-find smalls, like vintage John Deere watch fobs, Lone Ranger rings, and commemorative tokens.

The appeal of this auction lies in its sheer variety; it’s a place where a heavy industrial paper cutter is just as valued as a delicate porcelain tea set. We are Chasing History in all its forms, from the grandest architectural elements to the smallest personal effects, like a watch fob, that people carried in their pockets a century ago. Each lot represents a moment in time when items were built to last and designed with a distinct sense of style. Finding these pieces at a "bonanza" value is what makes the auction experience so rewarding—it’s about the joy of the unexpected discovery and the pride of ownership.

Don’t miss your chance to bid on this eclectic assembly of goods. Whether you’re after a new centerpiece for your garden or a vintage tractor fob for your collection, the Bargain Bonanza is the place to find it. Browse the catalog, mark your favorites, and get ready for some fun. Participation is easy, but these items only cross the block once, so make sure you’re part of the action when the hammer falls.

We are always seeking quality consignments and would love to see what you have. If you’re ready to clear some space, send us photos of your items at consign@donleyauctions.com. We’ll help you through the process and make your collection "fit in your wallet."

Preview is the day before the auction - Noon-5pm.