The Collection of the Real "Indiana Jones" to be Sold at Auction Jan. 17

Sarasota, FL, January 10, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The former collection of Roy Chapman Andrews, who is said to be the inspiration for the Hollywood character Indiana Jones, will be auctioned off Saturday, January 17, at Sarasota Estate Auction, 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243.

Andrews (1884 - 1960) was an explorer, paleontologist and director of the American Museum of Natural History. He led many expeditions to China and Mongolia in search of dinosaur bones and prehistoric mammals. His expeditions to the Gobi remain significant for finding the first nests of dinosaur eggs, new species of dinosaurs and the fossils of early mammals who lived at the time of the dinosaurs.

Andrews brought back a collection of Asian furniture and art, part of which was acquired recently in the Monterey/Carmel area of California, where Andrews passed away in 1960. His family scrapbooks and photos depict many of the items that are being offered at the auction, as well as at Ford Art and Antiques in downtown Sarasota.

"The collection has been warehoused for the past 25 years," said Andrew Ford, owner of Sarasota Estate Auction along with his wife, Elizabeth Lathrop Ford. "It's almost too good to be true."

The auction starts at noon and is open to the public. Prospective bidders may preview the offerings on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday before the auction from 10 a.m. to noon. Beer, wine and refreshments will be served all day Saturday.

Online bidding is also available at LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com.

The Fords also own Ford Art and Antiques at 136 South Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota, which specializes in 18th, 19th and 20th century fine art, antiques and accessories. In 2013, they expanded by leasing a large space down the street at 522 South Pineapple Avenue at the Sarasota Trading Company, which features mid-century modern furniture and paintings. In 2014, they acquired the collection and website of Jack Vinales Antiques, which will continue to operate from its present location at 500 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236.

For reserve seating at the auction, please call ahead at (941) 359-2500. Buyer's premium: 18% house bidding, 21% online bidding (2% off for cash, local checks). To sell or consign antiques or valuables, please call (941) 366-8400 or (941) 650-8854. Website: sarasotaestateauction.com. AU #4555, AB #3375.