Books, collectibles of railroad enthusiast and author to be auctioned in Spring City

Books written by and, presumably, collected by a noted railroad enthusiast and author will be among the items featured at auction in Spring City this weekend.

An auction of the estate of Stanley L. Baker (that's him pictured with some of his railroad swag at right), a Minneapolis author, editor, World War II veteran, photographer and aircraft artist, will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday at Rhoads & Rhoads Auction Center, 20 Bonnie Brae Road, Spring City.

The auction includes pieces from a collection Baker amassed over 70 years, according to a press release from Rhoads Auction. “Baker’s books were read by generations of railroad collectors,” the release states.

Baker is the author or editor of books including:

• “The Collector’s Book of Railroadiana” (1976, hardcover)

• “Railroad Collectibles an illustrated value guide” (1985, unknown binding)

• “Railroad Collectibles An Illustrated Value Guide” (Paperback)

• “The Railroadiana Collector’s Price Guide” (Paperback)

This is Rhoads’ second auction of Baker’s personal collection. The first was held in November.

Previews will be held Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Items include books, artworks, railroad art, railroad posters, railroad China, Silver-plate, insulators, tools locks, lanterns, contemporary Indian pottery, and globes. To learn more, visit The Rhoads & Rhoads website, http://www.echant.com/