Buck Carson, collector extraordinaire

William “Buck” Carson, a former president of PITCA (1995-96) and Editor of the Pressing News until mid-2014, passed away on January 23, 2022.

Buck was a prolific collector with many world class collections. However,

… his greatest passion was for pressing irons. He amassed more than 3000 of them, with devotion to all types and countries of origin. The collection was widely perceived as the most comprehensive collection of irons in the United States. His irons, mangle boards, stands and trivets were installed in a structure built to house the collection, which Buck referred to as the iron barn. Buck and his wife hosted numerous iron club events at their home and in nearby facilities, including the 2015 International Congress of Iron Collectors. Excerpt from the PITCA Pressing News, March 2022

Rest in peace, friend and fellow collector Buck Carson ~ you are missed.

The Carson Auctions

Because of the enormity of the Carson iron collection, Hartzell’s Auction Gallery plans to present it over several auctions. The first auction took place 7/29/21: Prices Realized.

The 2nd Auction is scheduled for Thursday July 28, 2022 at the Pittsburgh (PA) North Marriott and will be open to the public. The online catalog contains 500+ lots Please allow time to review all the wonderful irons, trivets, mangle boards and other associated treasures. Bidding is now open, culminating with the live/internet enabled auction on July 28th. The following information is provided by Hartzell’s Auction:

Selling the Collection of William “Buck” Carson’s Antique Pressing Irons, Trivets, and Mangle Boards, This sale features 500 lots of Excellent Irons Featuring “The Train Iron” a Liquid Fuel Patent, “The Tailor Goat”, Several Patent Models, Nuremberg and Germany Flat Irons from the 17th and 18th Centuries, Early English Goffering Irons, Charcoal Irons, Combination Irons, Fluting Machines, Miniatures, Advertising, Early French Stoves and Heaters, A Rare and Impressive Mangle Board Collection, Early Selection of Whaling and Nautical Smoothers, Books, Advertising, and More.

Perhaps there’s something special you’d like to acquire for your collection? Yes, there will be something for everyone, from novice to expert. Note that, in the 2021 Carson Auction, prices realized ranged from $25 to $14,000. Register for this upcoming auction, place your best bid(s), and good luck!

The 37th Annual PITCA Convention ~ July 29-30, 2022

The Carson Auction takes place one day before convention. Join PITCA and stay for the 37th Annual PITCA Convention to follow at the Pittsburgh North Marriott, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Members from all over the USA (and even a few international members) make the journey each year to attend the auction and convention, reconnect with friends, and spend a few days immersed in irons, trivets and related collectibles.

The PITCA Convention includes activities like Meet and Greet, Show & Tell, Member Displays, Buy & Sell and Presentations. A tour of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is planned and a catered Dinner will be served both evenings.

A view of Pittsburgh near downtown, along the Monongahela River.

Image by Ed Rosack.

Buck Carson Auction Part II: Prices Realized

The auction results are posted on liveauctioneers.

William “Buck” Carson Irons, Part 2

These were the eight highest Hammer Prices.