THE OCEANIC ARTS: VINTAGE TIKI COLLECTION AUCTION

Auction Details

Since 1956, one company has been at the epicenter of the mid-century, pop-culture, stylistic phenomenon known as TIKI. If POLYNESIAN GODS, EXOTICA MUSIC, HAWAIIAN HULA GIRLS and TROPICAL COCKTAILS are the lifeblood of the American Tiki movement, OCEANIC ARTS has been its beating heart. With a dream and a handshake, Robert Van Oosting and LeRoy Schmaltz embarked on an extraordinary journey that even they had no idea would go on to influence style around the world and yes, even the finest in American kitsch. From TRADER VICS and DON THE BEACHCOMBER to SEA WORLD and DISNEYLAND, Oceanic Arts has been supplying a tropical backdrop for fantasy and fun. Their hand-made décor has graced the finest restaurants and hotels of the world, as well as the dingiest dives; Glorious theme parks from California to Florida to the cheesiest roadside miniature golf courses. Countless backyard luaus and home tiki bars have been enriched with their wonderful art. No job was too big or too small for this Whittier, California manufacturer. Modestly, they’ve done it all.

Upon the occasion of Bob and LeRoy’s retirement and for the first time in their 65-year history, artifacts which make up the very soul of OCEANIC ARTS are available for purchase.

This includes Warehouse Showroom Samples, Master Pattern Carvings, Rental Department Inventory and rare ephemera from their vast Archives Library. For decades, collectors and general Tiki enthusiasts have been met with the dreaded NOT FOR SALE tags all over the OA Warehouse. Today, those tags have been set aside.

Now, PEEKABOO GALLERY is proud to offer the greatest collection of Mid-Century Commercial Polynesian-Pop artifacts ever to come on the market: THE OCEANIC ARTS VINTAGE TIKI COLLECTION!

Here is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, direct from the original source. POLYNESIAN LAMPS, PAINTINGS, CONCEPT ART, VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS, EPHEMERA, DISNEY THEME PARK RARITIES, TIKI MUGS, HAWAIIAN CLOTHING and rare, one-of-a-kind TIKI CARVINGS are all on offer. This is undoubtedly, the largest intact vintage Tiki collection to ever come to the market and frankly, most probably ever will.

Join us as we bid farewell to Bob and LeRoy and wish them, ALOHA, OA!
PLEASE FOLLOW THE SCROLL and BID BUTTON FOR THE MOST ACCURATE BIDDING STATUS. THE LIVE CAMERA/SOUND MAY LAG.

Buyers premium is 23%

PLEASE BE AWARE OF SIZING ON ITEMS. Note the dimensions in the descriptions for items that may be oversized. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. All items are to be paid for BEFORE shipping can be arranged. Shipping estimates can be provided by our third-party shipping partners. Note lot numbers of inquiry to give to shipping partners.
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GO -GO MUG461 - GO -GO MUG
Peekaboo Gallery
(2000s) GOTIKI - #12 of 50 with signed edition card8.5"VG+
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 75.00 - 150.00
 
 
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OCEANIC ARTS 1960s MAIN OFFICE SIGN462 - OCEANIC ARTS 1960s MAIN OFFICE SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) This carved sign was made by OA for use as guest room number plaques used at the Inter-Continental Hotels in Hawaii. One was pulled by Bob Van
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold for (2,250.00 + 517.50BP) = 2,767.50
 
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FRAMED OA FRONT DESK WELCOME SIGN463 - FRAMED OA FRONT DESK WELCOME SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(2000s) An OA warehouse welcome sign framed in bamboo.25.5"x21.5"VG+ with typical wear
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold for (2,250.00 + 517.50BP) = 2,767.50
 
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VINTAGE SURFBOARD - OCEANIC ARTS PICTORIAL SIGNAGE464 - VINTAGE SURFBOARD - OCEANIC ARTS PICTORIAL SIGNAGE
Peekaboo Gallery
(1990s) This surfboard is imprinted with the famous image of Bob and LeRoy at the Otra Village in Goroka, New Guinea on The Big Trip. This has hung in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (1,125.00 + 258.75BP) = 1,383.75
 
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POLYNESIAN DECOR - OA SIGN465 - POLYNESIAN DECOR - OA SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) A very clever design by LeRoy Schmaltz where the framing device and the background wood of the sign are carved to create an illusion of overla
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (1,500.00 + 345.00BP) = 1,845.00
 
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"ALOHA NUI LOA" SIGN466 - "ALOHA NUI LOA" SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s) ALOHA NUI LOA sign from the OA Luau Rental Dept. Hawaiian translation to "All my love"11"x66"VG+ with typical wear from ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (1,000.00 + 230.00BP) = 1,230.00
 
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SET OF TWO (2) WAHINE and KANE BATHROOM SIGNS467 - SET OF TWO (2) WAHINE and KANE BATHROOM SIGNS
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Pair of restroom signage from the OA Luau Rental Dept. On chains for hanging.5x21", 5x19"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold for (650.00 + 149.50BP) = 799.50
 
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"PARADISE" FLOOR SIGN468 - "PARADISE" FLOOR SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Hand carved sign by LeRoy Schmaltz on custom floor stand.50"x25"x17"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (950.00 + 218.50BP) = 1,168.50
 
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"WELCOME TO OUR LUAU" FLOOR SIGN469 - "WELCOME TO OUR LUAU" FLOOR SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Another fun sign, this time using cut rattan sections to spell out the words.39.75"x42"x23"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (475.00 + 109.25BP) = 584.25
 
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"ALOHA" FLOOR SIGN470 - "ALOHA" FLOOR SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Beautifully carved on both sides with lettering on the front.47"x28"x17"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (2,250.00 + 450.00BP) = 2,700.00
 
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"THE BAR" DIRECTIONAL SIGN - DOUBLE SIDED471 - "THE BAR" DIRECTIONAL SIGN - DOUBLE SIDED
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Double sided for uni-directional placement.44.5"x26.5"x20"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold for (2,250.00 + 517.50BP) = 2,767.50
 
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PACIFIC ISLANDS DESTINATION DIRECTIONAL SIGN472 - PACIFIC ISLANDS DESTINATION DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) OA was famous for these multi-directional destination distance signs. LeRoy was basing these on signage they encountered on The Big Trip. Very
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold for (1,000.00 + 230.00BP) = 1,230.00
 
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"HERMAN, THE LUAU GORILLA" MECHANICAL AUTOMATON DISPLAY FIGURE473 - "HERMAN, THE LUAU GORILLA" MECHANICAL AUTOMATON DISPLAY FIGURE
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) "Herman" is a beloved member of the OA family. He has greeted thousands of guests to the warehouse showroom over the years. His fi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (2,850.00 + 655.50BP) = 3,505.50
 
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FIBERGLASS LIFE SIZE HULA GIRL FIGURE474 - FIBERGLASS LIFE SIZE HULA GIRL FIGURE
Peekaboo Gallery
(1980s)69"x34"x24"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (1,300.00 + 299.00BP) = 1,599.00
 
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ROYAL KAMEHAMEHA KAHILI - HAWAIIAN ROYAL FEATHER STANDARD DISPLAY POST475 - ROYAL KAMEHAMEHA KAHILI - HAWAIIAN ROYAL FEATHER STANDARD DISPLAY POST
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) From the OA Luau Rental Dept. Fragile. Will breakdown for shipping.79"x11"x18"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (325.00 + 74.75BP) = 399.75
 
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HAWAII/ FIJI DOUBLE SIDED PICTORIAL PANEL476 - HAWAII/ FIJI DOUBLE SIDED PICTORIAL PANEL
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s) A gorgeous example of LeRoy Schmaltz's "carved paintings." The next three lots are of these decorative themed panels with one ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,500.00
Sold for (800.00 + 184.00BP) = 984.00
 
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SOUTH SEAS/SAMOA DOUBLE SIDED PICTORIAL PANEL477 - SOUTH SEAS/SAMOA DOUBLE SIDED PICTORIAL PANEL
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s)76"x24.5"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,500.00
Sold for (600.00 + 138.00BP) = 738.00
 
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AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND DOUBLE SIDED PICTORIAL PANEL478 - AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND DOUBLE SIDED PICTORIAL PANEL
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s)77"x28"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,500.00
Sold for (700.00 + 161.00BP) = 861.00
 
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CEREMONIAL POST - NATIVE SPEAR479 - CEREMONIAL POST - NATIVE SPEAR
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s) A LeRoy carved decorative spear head in custom stand.93"x8"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (350.00 + 70.00BP) = 420.00
 
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CEREMONIAL POST - MELANESIAN MASK STYLE480 - CEREMONIAL POST - MELANESIAN MASK STYLE
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s)72"x14"VG+ with typical wear from use
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold for (600.00 + 120.00BP) = 720.00
 
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