Press Release
The largest single collection of Buck Rogers original comic art, prototypes, toys, books, and collectibles, will be coming into the 21st century on August 28, 2010 at Susanin's Auctions in Chicago. This single owner auction is from the collection of Lorraine Dille, the granddaughter of the newspaper magnate John F. Dille.
"We are thrilled to be the caretakers of the Lorraine Dille's collection, and have come to know Buck and his adventures very well," said Susanin's Auctions president, Sean Susanin. Among some of the auctions highlights are original watercolor suggestions for the Buck Rogers Spaceship Theatre at the 1933 Chicago's World Fair, original drawings for the Buck Rogers pistols, as well as prototype watercolors of the Buck Rogers kite. "These drawings show the evolution from the initial concept," said Dille. She goes on to say "Most of these designs developed organically, and this shows their progression."
In 1929, it was John F. Dille who suggested a snappier name for Anthony "Buck" Rogers, and launched the science fiction hero into national syndication, while creating the first example of promotional licensing and merchandising. Lorraine Dille has been the caretaker of this collection since the death of her grandfather in 1957. Said Dille, "When you're a custodian of something like this, your instinct is to hold onto everything. But I came to the conclusion that was wrong. It's important to get this material out, and that is it be distributed in the public eye." She remembers as a child, assembling and painting the balsa wood kits, but never realized what a prolific aspect Buck Rogers would prove to be in her life. She goes on to say "By parting with these pieces, I'm not parting with heritage or memory; I'm spreading the word and making other people happy."
All the historic Buck Rogers memorabilia in the auction can be viewed online at www.susanins.com. Absentee bids are accepted online via their web site, through www.liveauctioneers.com, or by phone. Susanin's Auction is located at 900 S. Clinton Street (at Taylor) in Chicago. Preview for the auction will be open Monday August 23 - Friday August 27, 2010 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Extended viewing will be open until 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 26, 2010. The auction will start at 12:00 noon on August 28, 2010, with the preview will opening at 9:00 am that morning. For more information call Susanin's Auctions at 312-832-9800.
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