GLENDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 18, 2024) – Trivet collectors around the world knew the late James Ellwood as a passionate collector and a trusted source regarding all things iron, especially trivets. An accomplished author and antiques expert, Ellwood spent more than 50 years collecting more than 2,000 unique vintage and antique cast iron trivets, which he proudly displayed on nearly every inch of his Scottsdale home.
More than 1,400 cast iron trivets from Ellwood’s remarkable collection will be auctioned over two dates at EJ’s Auction & Appraisal, 5880 W. Bell Road, in Glendale. The first online auction starts at 12 p.m. MST on Friday, January 26. The second online auction will take place in February. EJ’s is open for public preview from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Ruthie Hunt, Ellwood’s daughter, said her father first became interested in collecting trivets in the early 1970s after he inherited his mother’s collection.
“He became obsessed,” Hunt said. “He loved iron so much that he opened an antique store in Old Town Scottsdale in the 1980s and named it ‘Irontiques.’ He also loved attending shows, and he would load up his Chevy van with trivets and travel to shows in Wickenburg, California and other locations.”
Ellwood was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to San Diego, where he served in the Navy. He later embarked on a remarkable career with Aflac, where he devoted more than 45 years of his life. His passion for collecting brought joy to his life and served as a source of inspiration for those who shared his interest. He was well known in the “trivet world” thanks to the book he co-wrote with Rob Roy Kelly, “A Collectors Guide to Trivets and Stands.” His massive collection was a testament to his appreciation for craftsmanship and history and it brought him immense joy and fulfillment.
Hunt said her father also collected iron toys, stands, rakes, and stoves, but trivets were his passion.
“He had an eye for it, and he spent so much time learning about them that he could tell what was rare and what was a reproduction,” she said. “Serious trivet collectors would refer to his book and they would often reach out with questions. His book was published in 1990, before the internet, and at the time, there was not that much information available to trivet collectors.”
Erik Hoyer, EJ’s Auction & Appraisal’s CEO, said he was impressed with the condition of the collection.
“It was clear that Mr. Ellwood took great pride in caring for each trivet,” Hoyer said. “We’re honored to represent such a noteworthy collection.”
Hunt said her father collected trivets up until two weeks prior to his passing at age 91.
“He was an amazing man who led a long, full life. And for us, it was a joy to watch him collecting trivets because he loved it so much. We hope that his trivets find their way to collectors who are as passionate as he was.”
Collectors can view the trivets online and place bids now. For details, visit www.ejsauction.com or call (623) 878-2003.
Erik Hoyer owns EJ’s Auction & Appraisal in Glendale. Contact him at erik@ejsauction.com, www.ejsauction.com or 623-878-2003.
Media Contacts
Sue Kern-Fleischer, EJ’s Public Relations, (602) 810-1404 suekern@gmail.com
Jimmy Garcia, EJ’s Auction & Appraisal, (623) 878-2003
