Here's a chance to own eclectic pieces of history from former Harrisburg mayor's collection

Shelly Stallsmith
York Daily Record

Online bidding for hundreds of artifacts, collectibles and pieces of art owned by late Harrisburg mayor Stephen Reed closes on Nov. 1.

It is the first of two online estate auctions being handled by Cordier Auctions and Appraisals, the other will close on Nov. 15.

There is a wide variety of pieces available in this first auction, including a lot of 21 Stephen Reed bobble head dolls.

What’s available?

  • Paintings, prints and sculptures from western, Native American and local artists
  • Native American artifacts, collectibles, kachinas, pottery, baskets, textiles, cradle boards
  • Western American relics, collectibles, replicas, saddles, stagecoach trunks, lassos
  • Southwestern and central American furniture, Mexican dance costumes, pottery, Aztec calendars, sand art
  • Military artifacts from Revolutionary War through Desert storm, photographs, documents, uniforms, insignia, newspapers, posters, Army medic field desk, field telephones, helmets, etc.
  • Baseball memorabilia, including autographs, from the Harrisburg Senators, national teams

Who was Stephen Reed?

Reed was Harrisburg’s mayor from 1981 to 2009, when he was defeated in the primary by Linda Thompson.

Former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed

He is known for the revitalization of City Island and the creation of the National Civil War Museum. He brought baseball back to City Island with a stadium and the Class AA Eastern League Harrisburg Senators.

His critics mounted in the 2000s. A failed incinerator project that cost the city hundreds of millions and his love affair with western relics that cost Harrisburg millions more, put Reed out of favor.

More than five years after he left office, Reed’s house was raided by the state Attorney General’s office. Officials walked out with hundreds of artifacts.

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A grand jury charged Reed with nearly 500 counts, but most were dropped when a judge ruled the statue of limitations had expired.

He was sentenced to two years probation on 20 counts of theft by receiving. Reed died on Jan. 25 at age 70.

Can I see the items and bid?

Visit the auction at liveauctioneers.com and check out the selection, all 23 pages worth.

If you see something you like, you can register for the auction and enter a bid. Live bidding then begins at 10 a.m. on the website.

Each item has an estimated value and a starting bid.

What are the most valuable items?

  • King Tut Sarcophagus cabinet, valued between $400-600
  • Bird Cage Theatre marquee, $300-400
  • Buzz Aldrin autographed photo, $200-300 (bid is already over $300)
  • Westmorland sterling silver flatware set, $800-1,000
  • Ship captain’s desk, $300-400

Shelly Stallsmith is a trends reporter for the York Daily Record. She can be reached at mstallsmith@ydr.com or followed on Twitter at @ShelStallsmith.