After the fire, one of the first questions one of CTN’s out-of-state readers asked was “What happened to the man with that interesting collection? Did it survive?”
The reader was referring to Palisades resident Howard Yonet, who had one of the most impressive collections of oddities and antiques that he had collected over his lifetime. He, like many people in the Palisades Fire, lost everything. He had given CTN a copy of his book detailing the items. We plan to continue to run the items he had shared – and lost.
This is a cast brass American Eagle. It weighs 10 lbs. and has a 24″ wingspan. It’s perched on a tree limb with wings spread and poised to swoop after its prey.
Most brass eagles were made between 1920 and 1940. There are several reasons for this: The U.S, had just been victorious in WW1 and we were approaching the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which meant there was a lot of national patriotism.
Lastly, copper mines and munition makers (shells etc.) had expanded greatly during World War I and were looking for postwar business.
Ironically by 1940, we began to melt down all these brass objects as the country geared up for lend lease and our war effort in World War II.
I imagine there is a lot of brass being used in Ukraine conflict
I bought my bird about 35 years ago at a little shop on Fairfax Ave for $50. The internet is showing a similar one now for about $700 plus delivery charges. There doesn’t seem to be as much patriotism today.
(Editor’s note: Palisades resident Howard Yonet has an interesting collection of curios from around the world and with his permission, Circling the News is publishing one a week. About the collector: Dr. Howard Yonet was born in Brooklyn in 1934 and attended Brooklyn College. He went to Baylor Medical School and then returned to do an internship at Bellevue Hospital. Yonet completed his residency at the Manhattan V.A. and the Montefiore Hospital. During this time he went skiing in Vermont and the Catskills, and while traveling found barns filled with early American pieces. This led to his interest in American Antiques.
In 1965, he married Daniele, who was originally from Nancy, France. During the Vietnam War, Yonet was drafted as a medical officer and stationed in Landstuhl, Germany (1966-1969). This was close to the French border, which meant he and Daniele and could visit her family.
While abroad, the Yonets took weekend trips through France and Italy, purchasing many interesting pieces at flea markets.
The family settled in Pacific Palisades in 1970 and Yonet practiced general radiology until 2006. He continued to acquire antiques and collectables at estate and garage sales and the Salvation Army Store. He also enjoyed looking for collectibles while traveling in Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Massachusetts. Daniele’s family helped add to his collection.)
WONDERFUL! So glad you have this valuable information saved.
Dr. Howard Yonet has lived a very interesting life….for many reasons. So happy to be able to read about his travels and collection. Thank you, Sue….you’re the best!!