Tag Archives: Rob Collings

Historic Vignettes, Portola Valley Events, Portola Valley History

Littlefield Auction – End of an Era

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Jacques Littlefield passed away in 2009, but his legacy will continue as part of the non-profit Collings Foundation of Stow, Massachusetts.

http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm

The Collings Foundation acquired Jacques amazing collection of military hardware, parts and manuals from the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation, which was incorporated as a not-for-profit and founded by Jacques.  The Collings Foundation plans to build a new museum to house and preserve a large part of Jacques vast collection.

The Littlefield Auction Preview was Open to the Public on July 9 and 10, 2014
The Littlefield Auction Preview was Open to the Public on July 9 and 10, 2014

The new museum will be named after Jacques Littlefield and be open to the public about 8 months of the year.

To fund the construction and aid in the process of moving the collection from Pony Tracks Ranch in Portola Valley to its new location, the Collings Foundation held an auction on July 11 and 12th 2014.  The auction was conducted by Auctions America and held on site.  There were two auction Previews Days which were Open to the Public where Collings Foundation volunteers graciously provided information about the collection.

This volunteer explains details about the equipment and its history.
This volunteer explains details about the equipment and its history.
Littlefield Auction July 12, 2014
Littlefield Auction July 12, 2014. This was the Auction day the heavy equipment and tanks were sold. Three of the 5 Select Auction items did not meet their reserves and did not sell. All the other items had no reserves.
Auction Equipment Tag
Auction Equipment Tag

According to Michael Brandt, who led tours of the collection and worked in the machine shop, Jacques had high standards.  When restoring equipment he insisted on quality and authenticity both inside and out.  This is one of the reasons why Jacques collection is so highly acclaimed.

Hopes and dreams for the future are remembered in the books sold by Michael Brandt.

Michael sold many of the books he’s collected over the years to auction patrons.

Rob Collings of the Collings Foundation honored Tom Sator, a lifelong supporter who had ridden in combat in some of the vehicles auctioned.

Rob Collings presents a plaque to Ted Sator at the July 12, 2014 Auction
Rob Collings presents a plaque to Tom Sator at the July 12, 2014 Auction

The auction represented the end of an era for Portola Valley