The 5-mile event, two laps around the now-famous oval, secured Schwitzer a place in history and was one reason he eventually was named to the Automotive Hall of Fame. But that’s not all he’s known for.

Having advanced degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, Schwitzer put his skills to use in design work that ranged from the engine of Marmon Yellow Jacket, later known as the Marmon Wasp, which won the first Indy 500 in 1911, to pumps and fans used by the military on boats, submarines and combat vehicles in World War II.

His Indianapolis home was as special as he was. Designed by prominent Indiana architect Edwin Kopf and built in the late 1930s as a memorial to Schwitzer’s late wife, the house was an Art Deco marvel inside and out. Following Schwitzer’s death in 1967, the house and its architectural elements remained intact.

When recently put on the market – a listing in October had the house and 12 acres offered for $2.3 million – the property sold to a buyer who plans to tear down the structure this summer.

The decision drew disbelief from preservationists, who were stymied because there was no landmark designation to help save the architectural gem.

Ripley Auctions of Indianapolis was hired to sell some of the items salvaged from the home. Dan Ripley, who owns Ripley Auctions, said the new owner intends to use the property for a family residence.

“The buyers bought it for the property more than the home,” he said. “They did show some responsibility toward the historical importance by hiring consultants to advise them about the potential to restore the home … After weighing all that information, they determined the home was not something they wanted to save. They do intend to keep the property intact. They feel they are stewards of the land over the house.”

Nearly 100 lots of architectural elements from the home were offered as part of the Fine Art & Design auction conducted by Ripley Auctions on May 2. The items included lighting, doors, bathroom fixtures, hardware, railings and decorative items.

The top-selling element from the house was a carved limestone relief, Icarus Pursuing the Sun Chariot, designed by Pierre Bourdelle, which realized $11,400.

Prices include the 20 percent buyer’s premium.

The panel was 15 1/2 inches high by 68 1/2 inches wide. Other work by Bourdelle included carved limestone reliefs of zodiac symbols, ranging from Leo and Taurus, each 15 1/2 by 39 inches, at $1,500 apiece, to a plaque combining Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius, 15 1/2 by 68 1/2 inches, at $5,400.

Bathroom fixtures included a black Neuvogue sink designed by Henry Dreyfuss and Roy H. Zinkil, made by Trenton Potteries Co. for Crane Co. of Chicago, that brought $3600 while one in green was $3,120 and an example in yellow was $2,520. A green Neuvogue toilet sold for $1,920 and one in yellow was $1,440.

One of the accessories was a fireplace screen, glass and aluminum, having a highly stylized skyscraper motif, which realized $6,000. Even the thermostats had an Art Deco flair. A pair designed by Henry Dreyfuss for Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., measuring 5 1/4 by 3 inches, sold for $390.

Two matching, Machine Age doors, having an inlaid propeller design in metal and enamel on one side, solid red enamel on the other with unique bullet-shaped hinges, 84 by 31.5 inches, sold for $3,000 and $2,520. A set of Art Deco bronze and glass curved doors, having a center door, 82 by 43 inches, and two stationary side doors, 82 by 33 inches each, realized $3,900.

Of the lighting, a pair of Lightolier fluted rod sconces, alloy metal with caged glass shade and glass-ball accents, 26 inches high, brought $2,160. A pair of streamline frosted ceiling-light fixtures, having a design of white metal blades or fins 18 by 9 inches, made $1,260.

An Art Moderne stainless steel architectural railing partition having a streamline design, 30 inches high by 10 feet, 8 inches long, realized $2,520. A stainless steel staircase rail that spanned the grand entry and led to the second-story living quarters, 41 feet long total, brought $1,440.

From other consignors, the auction also included a variety of furniture and accessories, as well as a strong selection of artwork, led by Main Street, Galena by William Samuel Schwartz, (Russian/American, 1896-1977), oil on canvas, 30 by 40 inches, that sold for $26,400.

Contact: (317) 251-5635

www.RipleyAuctions.com

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