For Immediate Release

Contact: Andrew Turner

866.626.4661 – ext. 1018

alturner@manions.com

Estate of Bert and June Gander up for bid with Manion’s International

Hundreds of military related items offered from lifelong collection on www.manions.com

Kansas City, Kansas (September 11, 2009) - Manion’s International Auction House, Inc. is honored to announce the Internet auction of items from the lifelong collection of Bertram and June Gader. Few have enjoyed an opportunity, or experienced the aspiration, to procure extremely dissimilar items of interest from around the globe. From folk art to classical works, photographs to antique toys, the depth of the Gader collection could be considered incomprehensible – even to the most eclectic collector.

One of the many accomplishments of their endeavor was an astounding assortment of “Trench Art”. Trench Art is, essentially, sculpture made from shells, shrapnel, and other material of war. As those who have been in battle can attest, time spent engaging the enemy is a small fraction of that spent in service. Access to a machine shop, or even a handmade engraving implement, allowed dormant artistic ability to rise to a soldier’s surface. Intricate lamps, lighters, vases, cups, bowls, plates and platters are a few of these ingenious trophies made with materials at hand, attributing time and place with unambiguous voice. In addition, these items were crafted by civilians living in occupied areas, and sold as souvenirs, adding a native narrative to their production.

Mr. Gader, a WWII Veteran (his uniform hangs in the Musee de l’Armee in Paris), was in the process of publishing documentation of his collection at the time of his death in 2002.

“Presenting these items on our online auction website will serve several purposes,” said Manion’s International Auction House representative Andrew Turner. “Of course consigning collectibles with Manion’s will help realize their highest value, but keeping these items in the collector community will ensure the longevity of Bert and June’s pursuit. After all, as collectors, we are merely caretakers of these items for what is actually a brief moment in time.”

In addition to Trench Art, additional military memorabilia will be featured, including artwork, photographs, and toys, as well as other areas of collecting interest. Items will be added continuously, so check the site often. To view all items available through Manion’s from the Bert and June Gader collection, visit www.manions.com and click the appropriate banner in the center of the page.

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