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Salesman samples are an exact miniature
of a larger, life-size object that would be on
display in a showroom with limited space
or something a traveling or door to door
salesman would use to show and discuss
the details and attributes of a product to
prospective clients. People often confuse
mere miniatures or toy examples or even
patent models with salesman samples and
mistakenly lump them all together under the
“salesman sample” umbrella.
True salesman samples are identical in every
detail to the original and are often marked
with the company information and/or the
model maker. Depending on the intricacy
of the models, the craftsmanship that went
into making them, and the overall graphic
appeal of the items, some samples can bring
in tens of thousands of dollars.
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Over the years, Julia's has sold hundreds, if
not thousands, of salesman samples. If you
take a look at our Selected Highlights for the
upcoming auction, there are two items that
are of particular interest. We are offering
an outstanding Walter A. Wood self-rake
reaper that is spectacular. One of the most
elaborate and appealing pieces of its type
that we have seen in a long time, this wood
and brass model has it all.
Starting with a wide sickle bar mower, hay
is fluffed and swept onto a wide platform.
A mechanical arm then comes around and
rakes it into a waiting wagon. Fully functional
and boldly painted in old red and stenciled
with the product information, it is estimated
at $10,000 to $15,000.
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Another fine example is the Koken barber
chair. This fabulous leather, nickel and
porcelain salesman sample features an
ornate nickeled foot rest with raised filigree
marked “Koken Companies, St. Louis.” Fully
functional as its full sized counterpart, it is
complete with a spring loaded headrest and
a hydraulic mechanism in its pedestal base
for raising and lowering the seat, operated
by a handle on the side. This is one of the
most highly sought after salesman samples,
and is estimated at $18,000 to $20,000.
If you have any questions about salesman
samples, our upcoming auction on June
21st, or how to consign your high value
collection, please give Julie or Andrew a call.
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We currently have dozens of items with this feature, and more are being added daily!
