The historic Barber House, with five fireplaces, a built-in safe, and restored carriage house that includes a horse birthing stall, will go on the auction block tomorrow.

The 14-room Old West End mansion, which was designated a historic landmark by the Maumee Valley Historical Society, is scheduled to be auctioned by the Pamela Rose firm at 2 p.m. Bidders can view the house beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Owner Herbert “Burt” Sigley, a retired Toledo retail executive, said that the Toledo house at 2271 Scottwood Ave. has had four owners over its 105-year-old history, but that this is the first time it was offered on the open market since 1911.

It previously changed hands through private sale. Mr. Sigley bought the house from Lillian Anton, widow of a Toledo wholesale produce executive, in 1987 after admiring it for many years. “I told Mrs. Anton, through a Realtor, that it was too big for her to live there,” recalled Mr. Sigley, former manager of the former Lion Store, Westgate.

Original woodwork, stained glass, and other features of the 5,000-square-foot house are intact, the owner said. “It's in superb condition,” added auctioner Michael Murray, who handled the 1987 sale. “You very seldom find a house like this that is in move-in condition.”

Mr. Murray was unable to provide an appraised value. Lucas County has the house valued at $192,000 for tax purposes.

The house was built in 1897 for Dr. J.J. Barber, who was said to have Toledo's largest dental practice.

The five-bedroom Colonial Revival structure combines a classical theme with woodwork and ornamentation carved with medieval imagery, according to a 1973 history of Old West End architecture published by the Maumee Valley Historical Society.

The owner, who is 74, said he plans to move to a smaller house in Monclova Township.

Prospective buyers must submit a check for $20,000 to tour the house and obtain a bidder's packet. Checks will be returned to unsuccessful bidders.

A separate auction will be held at 10 a.m. June 15 to sell the furniture and contents.

First Published June 7, 2002, 10:36 a.m.