End of the Trail for 1926 Spillman Carousel at Gillians Fun Deck Auction – Oct. 17, 1987
Within thirty minutes, 36 horses, 2 chariots, a band organ facade and the frame of the Spillman carousel at Gillians Fun Deck were sold. The 24 bidders paid a total of $138,750 [piece-by-piece] for a carousel that was purchased in 1929 for $2,500.
By Judy Benson (Reprinted from the December 1987 Carousel News & Trader)
Ocean City, NJ – On October 17. a beautiful autumn Saturday, Norton Auctioneers sold the entire contents of Gillians Fun Deck. The rides were being sold to make room for a new modern water park on the Ocean City, New Jersey Pier.
The 1926 Spillman Engineering portable carousel was originally purchased (used) for the park in 1929 by Mr. Gillian, now 97 years old for $2,500. Mr. Gillian was present for the sale. The machine operated to the public on the Ocean City Fun Deck from 1929-1987. The carousel had revolved millions of miles and countless dreams over the past 60 years for visitors and local residents of the popular seaside resort just 10 miles south of Atlantic City.
The 36 wooden horses were all in good condition, except for lightly fiberglassed knee joints. Several of those attending the sale had been to the recent Guernsey’s Auction in Saratoga Springs, New York. Some sported the “Save the Kaydeross Carousel” shirts. Author, William Manns was on hand to autograph copies of his new book, Painted Ponies, American Carousel Art, and answer questions for several first time buyers.
The 12 outside row horses, decorated with roses, bows, sabers, and tiger heads sold for $3,500 to a high of $6,250. The average price for the outside row jumpers was $4,050. Two chariots were sold, one with a seated female figure and a dog, which brought $2,750, and a nicely carved dragon chariot which brought $4,050. The band organ fetched $2,500.
The total paid for the entire carousel was $138,750. Norton then added 20% to this figure and offered the entire machine for a minimum bid of $166,500. Sadly, no bidders stepped forward. Within twenty minutes the horses were on their way to 24 new homes. Though these horses will never again jump on a revolving platform, they will continuously bring joy to generations of new owners…
READ THE WHOLE STORY in the December 1987 Carousel News & Trader Online >>>
