A Painted Tin Pump Operated Vessel

Early 20th Century

stenciled Union Pacific R.R.
Height 22 3/4 x length 22 x width 12 1/2 inches.

Property from the Collection of Lee and Paula South, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Lee and Paula South of Albuquerque, New Mexico assembled their eclectic collection of coin-operated machines over four decades, seeking out whimsical pieces evocative of their shared happiness and hard work. Lee (1929-2020) was born in Kansas and moved to La Junta, Colorado at young age. The family home was a railroad boxcar surrounded by junked cars, and he often came home after school to cut metal, dismantle, and retrofit cars to sell. He met and married Paula (1930-2019) following her move to La Junta in the late 1940s, and the couple later moved to New Mexico to manage and own a mobile home park. They began investing in self-storage properties and travelling throughout the United States via RV, adding new machines along the way. Lee and Paula relished sharing their collection with others and reminiscing about the history of each piece.

One section of handle detached. Dents throughout. Possibly later paint.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Leah Vogelpohl

AVP, Specialist, American Furniture, Folk, and Decorative Arts

[email protected]513.666.4960

Ms. Vogelpohl joined the firm in 2013 as a cataloger in the American and European Furniture and Decorative Arts department. She became a department specialist in 2017, focusing on American decorative arts and silver. She received a BA from the College of Charleston and an MLITT in Art History from the University of Glasgow.

Cincinnati Collections

A Painted Tin Pump Operated Vessel

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup