Press Release

New Orleans, LA, USA, July 30, 2025 -- The Part 1 sale of property from the estate of Joseph A. (Joe) Jaeger, Jr. – the renowned New Orleans-based real estate developer, hotelier and entrepreneur who was tragically killed in a car crash in June of last year at age 77 – will be offered in two days of auctions planned for Friday and Saturday, August 15th-16th, by Crescent City Auction Gallery.

The sale will be held online as well as live in the Crescent City showroom located at 1330 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, starting at 10am Central Time both days. In all, 565 lots will come up for bid that are as eclectic and fascinating as the man himself. Jaeger began his career as a plumber in the Lower Ninth Ward and later became one of the city’s leading businessmen.

Jaeger owned several properties in New Orleans, including the Jung Hotel, the Bourbon Orleans and the blighted Plaza Tower. He owned more hotels in the city’s French Quarter than any other developer. He took pride in challenging development projects that seemed impossible, returning the historic Jung Hotel back into commerce and renovating the old historic Holy Angels campus.

Seven lots in the auction are large contemporary metal sculptures by Kalifano, based in Las Vegas. Figures include depictions of Jack Sparrow and Darth Vader, all of them larger than life. The sculptures of Optimus Prime (183 inches tall) and Batman the “Dark Knight” (96 inches tall) are patinated metal assemblages of recycled auto parts. Both are estimated at $5,000-$10,000.

Lot 1357 is a Briggs and Stratton (Milwaukee) commemorative "1896-1996" Hansmobile, built in 1996, to commemorate 100 years of the automobile. The car is gas-powered and has an adjustable soft top with an upholstery liner, a tufted bench seat, a spread wing eagle hood ornament, oil lanterns and spoke wheels. It’s possibly one of one (estimate: $4,000-$8,000).

Lot 1352 is a 20th century coin-operated Zoltar Fortune Teller Machine housed in a full-size cabinet with a figure inside that dispenses fortunes, 77 inches tall by 33 inches wide (estimate: $2,000-$4,000). Lot 1358 is an early 20th century Dunbar & Co. popcorn wagon, fire engine red with a yellow chassis, 156 inches in length and fully restored (estimate: $5,000-$10,000).

Certainly, one of the more intriguing items up for bid is lot 1342, a pair of carved mahogany and painted recumbent skeleton armchairs with leather upholstered seats and straight legs connected by stretchers. The chairs, made around 1960, were allegedly commissioned by the legendary actor Vincent Price and were sold at Bonhams in 2024 (estimate: $2,000-$4,000).

A large pair of marble recumbent lions, the opposing forms with paws crossed lying on a stone shelf and impressive at 34 inches tall by 22 inches long, should reach $6,000-$12,000. Also, two life-size bronze gorilla statues – one seated and one walking – are both more than 40 inches tall and will be offered as separate lots. Both carry an estimate of $1,500-$2,500.

An early 20th century Regina Corona music box with a 27-inch disc automatic changer, in a Honduran mahogany case, 73 inches tall by 39 inches wide, should garner $5,000-$10,000; while a Rock-Ola Beatles Yellow Submarine-themed jukebox, built in 2001 by Sound Leisure and designed by Mike Ansell, one of just 100 produced, carries an estimate of $3,000-$5,000.

For more information regarding Crescent City Auction Gallery and the Part 1 sale of property from the estate of Joseph A. (Joe) Jaeger, Jr slated for August 15th and 16th, beginning at 10am Central Time both days, visit www.crescentcityauctiongallery.com. Updates are posted often.

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