The New York herald., 1922-01-14
MACK'S WHITE HOUSE
RECALLED IN RELICS
Art and Antiques Of Late
Gambler to Go at
Auction.
LENS IN COLLECTION
Obsolescent Bottle Wagon Ex-
hibited at American
Galleries.

Professional ana private art collec-
tors of this generation mingled yester-
day with souvenir hunters. less familiar
with current market value but stepped
In the lore Of day that is past. They
came in varying ages to the American
Art Galleries, Madison Square South, to
view the collection of the late John
Mack. gambler and sportsman of AL
bany. born Mcnamara, who died in New
York at the home of his sister. Mrs.
Philip Nash. six years ago.
AT the direction Of Miss Nora Mack.
sister to the late collector, every group
or furniture, plate, old china, antique
clocks. lamps and other objects. includ-
ing rare collection of rugs. will be Of
fered at public auction next Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Ticre We're these yesterday who re-
called some OF the most notable ex-
amples In their setting at the White
House. as Mr.. Mack's celebrated resort
in Albany was known. The White
House quarter of a century ago was
2 favorite rendezvous for politicians and
spor.smen in the East.
Started az Jockey.
At that time Mr.. Mack was one Of
the widest 'aad best known men Of his
type. He firet attracted attention as a
jockey for the old Isaac ". Baker
stables, but fifty years ago was brought
to New York by the late Erastus Cor
ring and put in charge of the old Island
Park track. with the passing of that
he removed to Albany and opened the
White House. During the administra-
ton of Gov. Charles r. Hughes Mack
was forced to close his establishment,
after which he devoted most all his
time 20 the acquisition OF objects dart.
A splendid library was willed to his
niece. Miss Florence Nash. the actress,
but the art collection went to his three
eisters, including Miss Nora Mack. Miss
Nash said yesterday that Miss Mack,
who had acquired sole ownership of the
collection. decided to sell because she
Fad no suitable place for its exhibition.
Mr.. Mack was an indefatigable col
lector of antiques, and had unusually
wide interests, so that his collection will
have especial charm for the seekers
after Americana. Mr.. Mack bought
many admirable specimens Of early fur
niture at the Tiffany Studios sale in
1910. and is the nucleus that doubtless
inspired him to garner other fine spec-
mems.
There is an eighteenth century American
highboy. with unusual swan-neck pedi-
ment and Gabrielle legs: an inlaid ma
hogany bookcase of the same period,
an early American sideboard of dignified
lines. carved mahogany settees, tilt
Ing breakfast table. card tables, desks.
and massive bureaus. Mr.. Mack seemed
to have particular fondness for clocks
and tall "grandfathers." as well as orna-
mental ones.
There are many old gilt mirrors, some
with panels of painted glass some Chip
pendale "pie crust" tables four poster
beds and silver In quaint old designs.
The china includes decorative vases and
flgurines, early Staffordshire and wedg-
wood. and decorated Empire dinner
service
1864 ampionship BELT.
The Oriental rugs are fine examples
by tho Chinese. saddle rugs and animal
rugs, and many from the famous looms
of Persia.
One Of the interesting items listed
Interesting at least TO Mr.. Mack's con-
tcmporaries although more from n SPORT
ing than an artistic point of view---is an
American made silver championship belt
OF 1854. The symbolic girdle is enriched
with guilloche and rope holdings and
engraved with floral medallion. A
center panel depicts a gold eagle hold
ing scroll inscribed "Championship of
America" and underneath are two box.
ing gloves. The belt IS inscribed :
Presented to Joe Coburn by his friends,
New York. May 10, 1864"
Also In the list is much paraphernalia
now obsolescent. due TO volstead and
others. There is Georgian Sheffield
plate bottle wagon on a scrolled oval
base. with a leaf-garooned rim. mounted
on four wheels. Two light tinted. green
Ul NJ
steeple shoppers, complete the piece.
Georgian Sheffield plate wine coolers
urn shaped and enriched with sprays of
cherries and grapevine. ash trays, coast
crs. mounted glass decanters in pairs
once used for whisky and brandy; a
mug and egg boilers, tea caddies and
similar articles rouse "reminiscences.