Monday, June 22, 2009

Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction launches in July

The vault of surf collectibles for the Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction, presented by Quiksilver Premium is ready for auction. A stunning collection has been amassed, and is set to go under the hammer at the Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, on July 17 & 18, 2009.

Event producer Randy Rarick has been tracking down leads from as far away as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the Gold Coast of Australia; the shores of Lima, Peru; the coasts of the Americas; and, of course, right here in his backyard of the Hawaiian Islands.

Beyond wood surfboards from the early 20th century, Rarick has uncovered hollow Blake paddleboards from the '30s, laminated wood boards of the '40s, classic balsas from the '50s, North Shore guns of the '60s, and pro boards from the '70s and '80s. New items continue to flow in.

"The response to the call for consignment items has been phenomenal", noted Rarick.

One of the best collections has come from none other than James Arness of 'Marshall Dillon' fame from the "Gunsmoke" TV series of the '60s. The father of 1970 World Surfing Champion Rolf Arness, James and his family spent winters on the west side at Makaha for close to a decade.

The list of items from the Arness collection includes a 1940's Pete Peterson paddleboard; a 1950 Bob Simmons balsa board; a 13-foot Surfboards Hawaii Dick Brewer Makaha Point gun from the early '60s; and a 12-foot version of son Rolf's Bing Maui Foil. There's also a studio artist rendition of Fred Hemmings' famous ride from the Don James photo at the Makaha Bowl.

"To say the least, these five items alone could make up the auction itself, yet they represent only five per cent of the total items that will be up for bid," said Rarick. Surf decals, posters, art work, and a variety of printed material dating from the missionary era right up to the heyday golden '60s will be available.

A fun grouping of silent auction items will also be available offering low priced deals in addition to the high-end quality items.

Last Call for Consignment Items:

Auction staff are still on the hunt for consignment items. Ninety per cent of the sale price of items will go back to the owners. The remaining 10% will be allocated to the auction's beneficiaries that include: the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation; the Surfrider Foundation; and the Surfing Heritage Foundation. So, if you have any old surf treasures in the attic, under your house or stashed away in the garage, pull them out and see if they're worth consigning to the auction and a good cause. This is the last call for consignment items.

The final list of items selected from those submitted will be announced mid-May. Feature items that have already made the cut are currently being shown on the popular "Peek of the Week" at hawaiiansurfauction.com which features a new item each Monday right up until auction day. Free Appraisals In Person, or on the Internet:

Even if you don't want to sell it, if you are in Honolulu bring your surf collectible along for a free valuation at the Antiques Roadshow-style appraisal that will take place on day one - July 17th. A panel of six expert appraisers will be on hand to let you know what your item is worth. If you can't make it to Hawaii, go online at: hawaiiansurfauction.com and event staff will give you a free appraisal over the internet. The auction will also be streamed live on the internet.

Pre-Registration Opens to Bidders May 1st: Pre-registration will commence May 1st for those planning to attend in person and those who want to lodge Absentee Proxy Bids. Please go to: hawaiiansurfauction.com for complete registration and auction information.

Over the past four auctions more than $1,500,000 of the finest vintage surfboards and surf memorabilia have changed hands and over $75,000 has been donated to various charitable causes and foundations.

DETAILS:

Friday July 17: Viewing from noon to 6pm, including Antiques Roadshow-style appraisals.

Saturday July 18: Doors open for viewing at 10am. Silent auction 2:00-4:30pm. Main Auction 5-9pm.

Free viewing. Bidders must purchase a bidding number.

Pre-registration begins May 1st, 2009.

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