The lifelong collection of Mr. Donald H. Berkebile of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, well-known author and curator at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., will be sold at auction by Hurley Auctions on October 29, 30, and 31. Mr. Berkebile died at the age of 81 in the summer of this year.

Books written by Berkebile included Carriage Terminology-An Historical Dictionary, American Carriages, Sleighs, Sulkies and Carts, Etc. He also co-authored several books for the Smithsonian Institute including Wheels and Wheeling: The Smithsonian Cycle Collection, The Smithsonian Collection of Automobiles and Motorcycles, and others.

Berkebile lived in a 1700’s stone farmhouse (to be auctioned in mid-November) that he personally restored and furnished with a beautiful collection of early American antiques. His collection also included a restored 1916 Autocar manufactured in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, as well as a barn and workshop full of interesting treasures, including antique tools, Blacksmithing tools, and equipment that will be auctioned at the end of October. Also among his collections are an extensive book and coin collection which will be sold at public sale at the Legacy Center, located in Greencastle, by Hurley Auctions. Also, (not included in the 3-day October auction) is Mr. Berkebile’s gun collection which is being offered through David Condon Inc. For more information on the 3-Day Auction Event and the life and legacy of Donald H. Berkebile, call Hurley Auctions at (717) 597-9100 or toll-free (866) 424-3337, or visit www.hurleyauctions.com

Posted: 10|23|08 at 10:44 am. Filed under: US News.