OVER 500 LOTS OF ANTIQUE FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES, PLUS OVER 100 VINTAGE FIREARMS IN A SEPARATE SESSION, WILL BE SOLD FEB. 7 BY FONTAINE’S

Contact: Bob Burke or John Fontaine
(413) 448-8922

OVER 500 LOTS OF ANTIQUE FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES, PLUS OVER 100 VINTAGE FIREARMS IN A SEPARATE SESSION, WILL BE SOLD FEB. 7 BY FONTAINE’S

(Pittsfield, Mass.) – Over 500 lots of antique furniture and decorative accessories will be sold at a multi-estate auction on Saturday, Feb. 7, by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery, beginning promptly at 11 a.m. Then, at 5 p.m., a second session dedicated to about 100 vintage firearms will be held. Both sessions will be held at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery’s showroom facility, located at 1485 West Housatonic Street.

“This is going to be a great, diversified sale, in all the major categories,” said John Fontaine of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. “It’s our first cataloged auction of 2009, and it will be a good one.” Preview will be held on Saturday morning, from 8-11 a.m. Online bidding will be facilitated exclusively by Artfact.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

The main session will be packed with furniture pieces by names like John H. Belter, J & JW. Meeks, RJ.Horner, Herter Bros and Alexander Roux; Arts & Crafts, to include numerous examples by Stickley; fine art, much of it by noted, listed artists; lighting, to include lamps by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint, Gorham, Chicago Mosaic and others; pottery and metalwork by Grueby, Rookwood and others; and many fine decorative accessories.

The 100 lot firearms session should also draw intense interest, from vintage weapons enthusiasts. Just a few anticipated highlights: a French Charleville musket with 39-inch barrel and lock marked “St. Etinne;” a Colt 1860 Army pistol with matching numbers and low Serial # (34,741); a Springfield model 1842 U.S. percussion musket; and a Model 1841 U.S. percussion rifle, Robbins & Lawrence contract.

Period furniture will dominate the main session. Expected top lots include a pierce-carved rosewood rococo etagere by J.H. Belter; a Waltham oak 9-tube Gothic grandfather clock; a gorgeous walnut pedestal attributed to Herter Brothers; two J.H. Belter side chairs, both laminated rosewood; two oval marble-top tables attributed to Thomas Brooks; and an R.J. Horner winged griffin partner's desk.

Also offered will be a Thomas Brooks Renaissance Revival walnut partner's desk; a rosewood dressing table with chair attributed to Alexander Roux; a magnificent 10-piece mahogany figural carved dining suite by R.J. Horner; a nice mahogany Chippendale-style two-door china cabinet; an elaborate Eastlake walnut bed; a French “Japanesque” display cabinet; and a cornucopia carved window bench.

Stickley pieces will have paddles wagging in the Arts & Crafts portion of the session. Top lots should be an L.&J.G. Stickley #736 strap hinge sideboard; two Gustav Stickley Morris chairs; a Gustav Stickley #547 magazine stand; a 9-piece Gustav Stickley dining room set; an L.&J.G. Stickley #22 splay leg drink stand; a Gustav Stickley #439 Mission oak tea table; and a Gustav Stickley #424 lunch table.

Additional Stickley pieces slated to cross the block include a Gustav Stickley #820 Mission oak server; an L.&J.G. Stickley #551 oak drop-leaf serving table; an early Gustav Stickley mitered mullion large one-door china cabinet; a Gustav Stickley #814 half-Mission oak sideboard; a Gustav Stickley #369 Mission oak drop-arm Morris chair; a Gustav Stickley nine-piece dining set; and additional pieces.

Also in Arts & Crafts, Limbert furniture will include a #234 cut-out tabouret table and a #451 1/2 oak mirrored back sideboard. Several Weller Dickensware incised scenic vases will come under the gavel, as will Old Hickory furniture pieces; a Newcomb pottery mug; a Rookwood poppy vase; a Grueby tile trivet in footed bronze frame; and a lovely Wheatley matte green geometric beehive vase.

Antique lighting is sure to illuminate the crowd. Selected lots include a Tiffany Studios three-light lily lamp; a figural rococo gasolier; a Pairpoint director's lamp; a Handel 10-inch Mosserine harp floor lamp; a Handel scenic table lamp; a Pairpoint puffy floral and hummingbird table lamp; a Pairpoint puffy floral garland table lamp; and a Handel 18-inch obverse panel table lamp with jungle birds scene.

Other lots from antique lighting include a Gorham 16-inch stylized leaded table lamp; a Pairpoint floral “Pompeii” table lamp; an elaborate leaded glass table lamp; a Moe Bridges “Flying Goose” reverse painted table lamp; a Handel lamp with sunset lakeshore scene on the shade; a Pairpoint puffy Papillon (butterfly) table lamp; a Chicago Mosaic leaded acorn table lamp; and additional consignments.

Decorative accessories will provide a wonderland of wild and wonderful objects. Featured lots will include a Jacob & Sons inlaid cylinder music box on a table; a Mettlach 5-liter incised stein; a nice selection of Tiffany Favrile artglass; a heavily carved figural Cartel clock; Lladro #344 showing soccer figures (Futbolistas); an 11-piece hand-painted Nippon fish set; and a signed Payral French figural Art Nouveau lamp.

Other accessories will include several mechanical banks; a gilt bronze Art Nouveau woman-signed baslet; a platinum emerald and diamond ring; a Boehm porcelain day lily; a Victorian alabaster and marble bust; a Kirk Repousse sterling silver set, A Jensen sterling silver set; a pair of floral tapestry porcelain bronze mounted vases; a double-comb Symphonion music box; and a Mettach figural scene cameo plaque.

Fine art will include a watercolor and pencil on stretch paper by Marion Kavanagh Wachtel (Calif., 1870-1954), titled After the Rain; several works by Louis Icart; a watercolor marine painting with sailboat silhouettes by John Whorf (Mass./Calif., 1903-1959); an oil on canvas work by Harry Shokler (N.Y., 1896-1978), titled Farm on Galway Bay; and a pair of vintage signed Bally posters.

Additional works of art will include an oil on canvas coastal scene by Paul Weber (N.Y./Penn., 1823-1916); an oil on canvas scenic work by Francois Ferenc Gall (French, 1912-1987), titled At the Pier; an oil on canvas seascape by Wilhelm Karl Ferdinand Arnesen (Danish, 1865-1948); and an oil on canvas painting by Frank W. W. Topham (United Kingdom, 1838-1929), titled St. John's Day, Venice.

Also from the fine art group: an oil on canvas seashore scene by Ivan F. Choultse (Russian, 1874-1937); an oil on board work by Salvatore Rosa (Italian, 1615-1673), titled The Torrent; a scenic oil on board by M. Fleicher, titled Tromville; a School of Inness late summer landscape, oil on board; and an oil on board done in 1967 by Frederic Edwin Church (N.Y., 1876-1975), of a scene with a waterfall.

Next up for Fontaine's Auction Gallery will be a cataloged estate auction on Saturday, March 7; a full cataloged auction on Saturday, April 4 (to feature a “Rosalie” marble-top table by J.H. Belter and a selection of R.J. Horner furniture); and a two-session Spring Antique Clock Auction on Saturday, May 9 (about 450 vintage clocks will cross the block, including an E. Howard #61 astronomical regulator).

Fontaine's Auction Gallery is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (413) 448-8922, or you can e-mail them at info@fontaineauction.com. Full-color images of the lots described in this story for the Feb. 7 auction have been posted for view on the Fontaine's website. To see them, click on www.fontainesauction.net.


Belter etagere:
Pierce-carved rosewood rococo etagare by J.H. Belter.



Stickley cabinet:
Early Gustav Stickley mitered mullion large one-door china cabinet.



Antique firearms:
A separate session, beginning at 5 p.m., will be dedicated to approximately 100 antique firearms.



Tiffany lamp:
Beautiful Tiffany Studios 14-inch Dogwood table lamp.



Lladro figures:
Lladro soccer figures (Futbolistas), #344.



Horner dining set:
One piece of a 10-piece dining suite by R.J. Horner, heavily carved.



Rosewood secretary:
Rosewood cylinder secretary.

OVER 500 LOTS OF R.S. PRUSSIA AND ROYAL BAYREUTH FROM SEVERAL IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS WILL BE SOLD FEBRUARY 21st BY WOODY AUCTION IN ST. LOUIS, MO.

Contact: Jason Woody
(316) 747-2694

OVER 500 LOTS OF R.S. PRUSSIA AND ROYAL BAYREUTH FROM SEVERAL IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS WILL BE SOLD FEBRUARY 21st BY WOODY AUCTION IN ST. LOUIS, MO.

(St. Louis, Mo.) – Over 500 lots of R.S. Prussia and Royal Bayreuth fine porcelain will be sold on Saturday, Feb. 21, by Woody Auction at the Holiday Inn Airport West in St. Louis, Mo., five miles from the airport. The sale will comprise several important collections. The most prominent are from Bob and Lani Harper of Florida and Helen Bailey of Missouri. Other smaller collections will also be sold.

“This is our first Prussia and Bayreuth auction of 2009, and it promises to be a good one,” said Jason Woody of Woody Auction, based in Douglass, Ks. “The collections that have been consigned are truly impressive, and will make for a full and complete auction.” He added, “One of the largest selections of creamers and sugars we’ve ever handled will be another unique feature of the sale.”

R.S. Prussia is considered the cream of the crop in the antique porcelain world. It was made from the late 1800s through the beginning of World War I by Reinhold Schlegelmilch, in the town that is now Suhl, Germany. The most popular and recognized pieces among collectors are those bearing the “R.S Prussia” mark in red lettering, surrounded by a red wreath. These were made at the turn of the century.

The bulk of the sale will be R.S. Prussia. Some of the expected top lots include the following:

· A 12-inch unmarked wall plaque, showing a “Peasant Girl” portrait with gold stencil highlights (Steeple Mold 19).
· An 11-inch wall plaque in the “Mill” scenic décor, with gold stencil highlights (Steeple Mold 19).
· An 11-inch wall plaque in the “Cottage” scenic décor, with gold stencil highlights (Steeple Mold 19).
· An 8-3/4-inch two-handled, fish-shaped vase in the “Melon Eater” scenic décor with skirted base, dark green tones with opal jewels and nice gold highlights (Jewel Mold).
· A 13-1/2-inch tankard in the “Dutch Girls” scenic décor, with pink and green tones and a red and gold border (Mold 525, Stipple).
· A 6-3/4-inch two-handled, pillow-shaped vase in the “Parrot” scenic décor, with a satin finish in soft brown tones.
· An unmarked ball-shaped gold pedestal creamer and sugar, with green background tones and dark red border highlights.
· A 10-1/4-inch master bowl in the “Swan” décor, with seven matching 5-1/2-inch berry dishes (Icicle Mold).
· A 10-1/4-inch unmarked bowl showing a winter season portrait, with bronze, gold and satin finish border (Mold 9, Fleur-de-Lis).
· A 14-1/4-inch tankard in the “Turkey” scenic décor (Icicle Mold).
· An 11-1/2-inch dresser tray with a cream center and cobalt blue border, showing portraits of Potocka, Recamier, Lebrum I & II (Medallion Mold).
· A 15-inch unmarked cobalt blue centerpiece bowl, with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).
· A 7-piece cake set (10-inch plate and six matching serving plates), cobalt blue with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).
· A 12-inch chocolate pot, fine cobalt blue, with gold highlights (Carnation Mold).
· A flawless 3-piece unmarked tea set (teapot, sugar and creamer), cobalt blue with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).

Royal Bayreuth is the name of the porcelain factory that was founded in 1794 in Tettau, Bavaria. The firm introduced its very popular figural patterns around 1885. This wonderful porcelain was all the rage in Victorian times because of the wide variety of utilitarian and decorative nature forms. Royal Bayreuth continues to be made today, and it was #19 in the Kovels’ ‘Top 20’ antiques searches for 2008.

Examples of Royal Bayreuth expected to get paddles wagging at the Feb. 21 sale include:

· A 6-3/4-inch vase in blue tones, in the “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).
· A 5-inch corset-shaped pitcher, in the “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).
· A 4-3/4-inch creamer with blue/green tones, in the “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).

The auction will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. A preview will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, from 4-8 p.m. A sales tax of 6.08 percent will be collected (current sales tax numbers are exempt). Absentee bids will be accepted, with a written statement indicating the amount of the bid (deadline is noon Thursday, Feb. 19, fax: 316-747-2145). All absentee bids will be charged an additional 10% of the selling price.

The Holiday Inn Airport West is actually located in Earth City, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. To reserve a room there, call 314-291-6800. The terms of the auction are cash, checks (with proper ID) and major credit cards. A 5 percent clerk’s fee will be added to all sales, but it will be waived if payment is made with check or cash. Online bidding will be facilitated by Proxibid, at Proxibid.com/woodyauction.

Fast on the heels of the Feb. 21 auction will be a Cut Glass Auction slated for March 7, at the St. Charles Convention Center, in St. Charles, Mo. Then, sometime in April (with a time and date still to be determined), Woody Auction will conduct a Lamps and Art Glass Auction, at the Holiday Inn Airport West. Watch the Woody Auction website for detail as the dates approach, at http://www.woodyauction.com/.

Woody Auction is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them directly at (316) 747-2694. Or, you can e-mail them at info@woodyauction.com. To learn more about Woody Auction, log on to http://www.woodauction.com/. Photos of most of the lots to be sold at the Feb. 21 auction have already been posted there for view.


RB Vase:
6-1/4-inch Royal Bayreuth vase in blue tones, with “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).


RB Pitcher:
5-inch Royal Bayreuth corset-shaped pitcher with “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).


RSP Wall Plaque:
12-inch unmarked R.S. Prussia wall plaque with “Peasant Girl” portrait and gold stencil highlights.


RSP Vase:
6-3/4-inch R.S. Prussia two-handled, pillow-shaped vase with “Parrot” scenic décor, satin finish.

RSP Centerpiece Bowl:
15-inch R.S. Prussia cobalt blue centerpiece bowl with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).


RSP Cake Set:7-piece R.S. Prussia cake set (10-inch plate and six serving plates), cobalt blue (Carnation Mold).

OVER 500 LOTS OF R.S. PRUSSIA AND ROYAL BAYREUTH FROM SEVERAL IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS WILL BE SOLD FEBRUARY 21st BY WOODY AUCTION IN ST. LOUIS, MO.

Contact: Jason Woody
(316) 747-2694

OVER 500 LOTS OF R.S. PRUSSIA AND ROYAL BAYREUTH FROM SEVERAL IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS WILL BE SOLD FEBRUARY 21st BY WOODY AUCTION IN ST. LOUIS, MO.

(St. Louis, Mo.) – Over 500 lots of R.S. Prussia and Royal Bayreuth fine porcelain will be sold on Saturday, Feb. 21, by Woody Auction at the Holiday Inn Airport West in St. Louis, Mo., five miles from the airport. The sale will comprise several important collections. The most prominent are from Bob and Lani Harper of Florida and Helen Bailey of Missouri. Other smaller collections will also be sold.

“This is our first Prussia and Bayreuth auction of 2009, and it promises to be a good one,” said Jason Woody of Woody Auction, based in Douglass, Ks. “The collections that have been consigned are truly impressive, and will make for a full and complete auction.” He added, “One of the largest selections of creamers and sugars we’ve ever handled will be another unique feature of the sale.”

R.S. Prussia is considered the cream of the crop in the antique porcelain world. It was made from the late 1800s through the beginning of World War I by Reinhold Schlegelmilch, in the town that is now Suhl, Germany. The most popular and recognized pieces among collectors are those bearing the “R.S Prussia” mark in red lettering, surrounded by a red wreath. These were made at the turn of the century.

The bulk of the sale will be R.S. Prussia. Some of the expected top lots include the following:

A 12-inch unmarked wall plaque, showing a “Peasant Girl” portrait with gold stencil highlights (Steeple Mold 19).

An 11-inch wall plaque in the “Mill” scenic décor, with gold stencil highlights (Steeple Mold 19).

An 11-inch wall plaque in the “Cottage” scenic décor, with gold stencil highlights (Steeple Mold 19).

An 8-3/4-inch two-handled, fish-shaped vase in the “Melon Eater” scenic décor with skirted base, dark green tones with opal jewels and nice gold highlights (Jewel Mold).

A 13-1/2-inch tankard in the “Dutch Girls” scenic décor, with pink and green tones and a red and gold border (Mold 525, Stipple).

A 6-3/4-inch two-handled, pillow-shaped vase in the “Parrot” scenic décor, with a satin finish in soft brown tones.

An unmarked ball-shaped gold pedestal creamer and sugar, with green background tones and dark red border highlights.

A 10-1/4-inch master bowl in the “Swan” décor, with seven matching 5-1/2-inch berry dishes (Icicle Mold).

A 10-1/4-inch unmarked bowl showing a winter season portrait, with bronze, gold and satin finish border (Mold 9, Fleur-de-Lis).

A 14-1/4-inch tankard in the “Turkey” scenic décor (Icicle Mold).

An 11-1/2-inch dresser tray with a cream center and cobalt blue border, showing portraits of Potocka, Recamier, Lebrum I & II (Medallion Mold).

A 15-inch unmarked cobalt blue centerpiece bowl, with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).

A 7-piece cake set (10-inch plate and six matching serving plates), cobalt blue with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).

A 12-inch chocolate pot, fine cobalt blue, with gold highlights (Carnation Mold).

A flawless 3-piece unmarked tea set (teapot, sugar and creamer), cobalt blue with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).

Royal Bayreuth is the name of the porcelain factory that was founded in 1794 in Tettau, Bavaria. The firm introduced its very popular figural patterns around 1885. This wonderful porcelain was all the rage in Victorian times because of the wide variety of utilitarian and decorative nature forms. Royal Bayreuth continues to be made today, and it was #19 in the Kovels’ ‘Top 20’ antiques searches for 2008.

Examples of Royal Bayreuth expected to get paddles wagging at the Feb. 21 sale include:

A 6-3/4-inch vase in blue tones, in the “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).

A 5-inch corset-shaped pitcher, in the “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).

A 4-3/4-inch creamer with blue/green tones, in the “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).

The auction will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. A preview will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, from 4-8 p.m. A sales tax of 6.08 percent will be collected (current sales tax numbers are exempt). Absentee bids will be accepted, with a written statement indicating the amount of the bid (deadline is noon Thursday, Feb. 19, fax: 316-747-2145). All absentee bids will be charged an additional 10% of the selling price.

The Holiday Inn Airport West is actually located in Earth City, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. To reserve a room there, call 314-291-6800. The terms of the auction are cash, checks (with proper ID) and major credit cards. A 5 percent clerk’s fee will be added to all sales, but it will be waived if payment is made with check or cash. Online bidding will be facilitated by Proxibid, at Proxibid.com/woodyauction.

Fast on the heels of the Feb. 21 auction will be a Cut Glass Auction slated for March 7, at the St. Charles Convention Center, in St. Charles, Mo. Then, sometime in April (with a time and date still to be determined), Woody Auction will conduct a Lamps and Art Glass Auction, at the Holiday Inn Airport West. Watch the Woody Auction website for detail as the dates approach, at www.woodyauction.com.

Woody Auction is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them directly at (316) 747-2694. Or, you can e-mail them at info@woodyauction.com. To learn more about Woody Auction, log on to www.woodyauction.com. Photos of most of the lots to be sold at the Feb. 21 auction have already been posted there for view.


RB Vase:
6-1/4-inch Royal Bayreuth vase in blue tones, with “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).



RB Pitcher:
5-inch Royal Bayreuth corset-shaped pitcher with “Polar Bear” scenic décor (Blue Mark).



RSP Wall Plaque:
12-inch unmarked R.S. Prussia wall plaque with “Peasant Girl” portrait and gold stencil highlights.



RSP Vase:
6-3/4-inch R.S. Prussia two-handled, pillow-shaped vase with “Parrot” scenic décor, satin finish.



RSP Centerpiece Bowl:
15-inch R.S. Prussia cobalt blue centerpiece bowl with gold stencil highlights (Carnation Mold).



RSP Cake Set:
7-piece R.S. Prussia cake set (10-inch plate and six serving plates), cobalt blue (Carnation Mold).

ROSEWOOD ROCOCO CENTER TABLE (CIRCA 1855), ATTRIBUTED TO J. & J.W. MEEKS, SOARS TO $11,000 AT ESTATE SALE HELD JAN. 10 BY STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY

Contact: Dwight Stevens
(662) 369-2200

ROSEWOOD ROCOCO CENTER TABLE (CIRCA 1855), ATTRIBUTED TO J. & J.W. MEEKS, SOARS TO $11,000 AT ESTATE SALE HELD JAN. 10 BY STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY

(Aberdeen, Miss.) – A stunning rosewood rococo center table, made around 1850 and attributed to J. & J.W. Meeks, soared to $11,000 at a multi-estate sale held Jan. 10 by Stevens Auction Co. It was the top earner of the 500 or so lots that changed hands. Five estates from prominent old families in the Southeastern U.S. were sold. The table featured a beautifully carved flower basket joining the stretcher.

“Considering the sale was held so soon after the holidays, I’d say it was a success,” said Dwight Stevens of Stevens Auction Company. “I’ve had worse auctions in better times, that’s for sure.” Mr. Stevens estimated the crowd at around 250 people. He said he noticed a lot of new faces in the gallery, a possible indicator that a new breed of bidder might be emerging in today’s uncertain economic climate.

“I couldn’t help but think that some of those new folks were there looking at antiques as an investment, and it makes sense,” Mr. Stevens said. “The finer antiques can easily bring as much today as they did five years ago, and you can’t say that about the stock market. It only follows that they’ll go up in value when the economy turns around. There’s no ceiling, really. Quality items will only appreciate.”

There was plenty of quality to pore over that day. Fresh-to-the-market items in a wide array of categories – beautiful antique furniture, fine porcelains, original artwork, antique lighting, handmade rugs, china, collectibles and more – crossed the block. Almost every lot was sold without reserve. The phone banks were busy, with about 150 items bid on by phone. Some absentee bids were also recorded.

Following are additional highlights from the sale. Prices include a 10 percent buyer’s premium.

Fine period furniture pieces dominated the day's offerings. A monumental rosewood rococo two-door bookcase with five shelves (circa 1850), 97 inches tall by 60 inches wide, brought $5,500; a flame mahogany Empire Classical secretary with slant front (circa 1840), 100 inches tall by 54 inches wide, fetched $4,070; and a mahogany Gothic-style corner cabinet (circa 1880), 93 inches tall, rose to $3,850.

A rare, oversize rosewood Victorian fire screen, museum-quality, seven feet tall, with beautiful needlepoints and pedipoints (circa 1855) gaveled for $7,370; a rococo gold leaf mirror with five beveled mirrors (circa 1860) reached $1,980; a signed and dated (1890) oil portrait of the Honorable L.B. Pike brought $1,100; and an ebonized cased ladies' makeup set with sterling silver lids (circa 1880) hit $990.

A Federal three-part dining table attributed to Anthony Quervelle (circa 1830), all original and with claw feet, soared to $6,490; an Anthony Quervelle sideboard with wine drawer (circa 1840) earned $5,060; a Regency mahogany banded cellaret (early wine cabinet, made around 1815) changed hands for $4,950; and a mahogany Empire dining table with five leaves (circa 1850), 10 feet long, realized $4,400.

A walnut Victorian rococo marble-top center table (circa 1860) went for $4,620; a mahogany Empire day bed with carved swans (circa 1840) attained $3,190; a rosewood four-piece parlor suite by John Jeliff (circa 1860) commanded $2,310; a Gothic mahogany sewing cabinet with divided drawers (circa 1840) made $3,960; and a flame mahogany Empire marble-top pier table (circa 1830) hit $3,740.

A crotch mahogany rococo marble-top butler's desk (circa 1850), eight feet tall, rose to $3,740; a walnut Victorian marble-top credenza with original finish (circa 1860), 81 inches wide, went for $3,520; a rosewood rococo marble-top dresser with roll-out ends (circa 1850), 89 inches tall, rang out at $3,080; and a rosewood rococo ladies' desk with etagere top, attributed to P. Mallard (circa 1855), made $2,860.

A beautiful three-part Meissen urn with courting scene (32 inches tall) fetched $3,960; a Dresden parlor grouping, 20 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 16 inches tall, garnered $3,300; a Sheffield silver turkey dome with warming tray hit $3,080; a green cut glass and bronze floor lamp, 70 inches tall, lit up the room for $2,310; and a 19th-century Sevres Cobalt card receiver with bronze mounts made $1,760.

A pair of Old Paris vases with Parisian figurals (circa 1880), 16 inches tall by 12 inches wide, fetched $3,300; a pair of blue Sevres lamps with bronze bases, 29 inches tall, topped out at $2,750; a pair of 19th-century Sevres bronze mounted cobalt blue capped urns went for $1,600; and a pair of signed Sheffield silver plate cannon form wine holders went to a determined bidder for $1,200 each.

A bronze three-piece 19th-century clock set with blue porcelain serves chimed in time for $1,980; a marble and dore bronze French Empire portico clock (circa 1850) rang out at $1,100; a rare three-piece Sienna marble French clock set (circa 1875), 19 inches tall by 15 inches wide, hit $880; and a polished bronze and marble French statue clock, figural with lyre, 22.5 inches in height, brought $495.

Stevens Auction Company's next big sale will be held Saturday, March 28, in the firm's spacious showroom facility located at 609 No. Meridian Street in Aberdeen, Miss. Also, an on-site auction – in Oxford, Miss. -- has been tentatively scheduled for March 7, but that has not been finalized. The March 28 sale will comprise the estate of the late Ken Wadjinski, of Hollow Rock, Tenn. “Mr. Wadjinski was an avid collector of anything old,” said Dwight Stevens. “He was one of the last citizens of downtown Hollow Rock, which is an actual ghost town.”

The sale will feature old cars (to include two Ford Model Ts, a Model A and a 1971 Oldsmobile 98 with 45,000 miles); machines from a machine shop; over 100 old country store items; dueling pistols and rare Winchester rifles; a magnificent bar back with marbled columns (from the Big Sandy, Tenn., drug store); many antique furniture items (some in need of repair); and hundreds of collectible items.

A preview will be held on Friday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stevens Auction Company is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (662) 369-2200, or e-mail them at stevensauction@bellsouth.net. To learn more about the company, and the March 28 sale of the estate of Ken Wadjinski, click on http://www.stevensauction.com/.


Meeks center table:
Stunning rosewood rococo center table (circa 1850), attributed to J. & J.W. Meeks ($11,000).


Rosewood fire screen:
Oversize rosewood Victorian fire screen, seven feet tall, with beautiful needlepoints ($7,370).


Gothic sewing cabinet:
Gothic mahogany sewing cabinet (circa 1840), with divided drawers ($3,960).


Meissen urn:
Beautiful three-part Meissen urn with courting scene, 32 inches tall ($3,960).


Sheffield turkey dome:
Sheffield silver turkey dome with warming tray ($3,080).


Old Paris vases:
Pair of Old Paris vases with Parisian figurals (circa 1880), 16 inches tall ($3,300).

WorthPoint Signs Partnership Agreement with eBay Research and Education Firm Terapeak

January 15, 2009

WorthPoint Signs Partnership Agreement with eBay Research and Education Firm Terapeak

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WorthPoint Corporation Thursday announced that it has signed a seven-year partnership agreement with Terapeak, the industry leader in eBay research and education.

Victoria, British Columbia-based Terapeak, a subsidiary of Advanced Ecommerce Research Systems Inc. (AERS), provides eBay sellers and buyers with two years of trending data to help target the best products to sell, as well as 90 days of item-specific data to guide average expected pricing, sell-through rates, list timing, keyword choice and category selection.

Under the terms of the agreement, AERS will provide WorthPoint with eBay’s entire daily sales of antique and collectible data for inclusion in WorthPoint’s database. In addition, Terapeak will re-sell WorthPoint’s knowledge-based products, which include expertise provided by “Worthologists” (WorthPoint’s art, antiques and collectibles experts), WorthPoint employees and related professionals with more than 2,000 years of combined domain experience that is incorporated into the database.

“We are excited to partner with Terapeak, which boasts the largest customer base for eBay research,” said Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint. “WorthPoint’s database already houses 30 million items, and we have become the largest repository of art, antiques and collectible data in the world. WorthPoint has data from more than 500 auction houses and millions of products sold for retail. eBay data will now complement this database, so that consumers, collectors, dealers and others will be able to accurately assess the value of most any item.” Seippel said that the partneship with Terapeak is a major element in a significant WorthPoint product roll-out slated for late January.

“Our partnership with AERS and Terapeak will make WorthPoint the world’s most comprehensive source of information on art, antiques and collectibles,” Seippel said. “We will be adding more than one billion items to our database over the course of this agreement and will make information accessible in an easy-to-use format so that people can learn more about the value of their collectibles. In these difficult economic times, people need help finding additional sources of income, and WorthPoint is the resource to help them do that.”

Commenting on the partnership, Fred Speckeen, CEO of AERS, said: “Terapeak and WorthPoint aim to develop the ultimate resource for collectors and sellers. Comprehensive new products will be created with the vision of serving the breadth of the market, from small collectibles to high-end works of art. We are excited to work with the experts at WorthPoint to offer services that answer the questions most collectibles enthusiasts and sellers ask: ‘What is this worth? Where can I buy or sell this? Which of these items are valuable?’ The combination of education, market research data and analytics will provide pinpoint responses to these concerns and more.”

About WorthPoint

Atlanta-based WorthPoint Corporation (www.worthpoint.com) is an Internet-based data-and-media company that offers a vast database of sales records on art, antiques and collectibles. Founded in 2007, WorthPoint has quickly become the world's largest social network for researching the worth of antiques and collectibles. WorthPoint helps collectors understand the worth of their items and provides expert advice from its international team of Worthologists on how to preserve or sell antiques and collectibles. WorthPoint recently acquired Dublin, Ohio- based GoAntiques, the oldest antiques-and-collectibles site on the Web.

About AERS / Terapeak

Advanced Ecommerce Research Systems Inc. (AERS) (www.researchadvanced.com) is a fast-growing, privately-held e-commerce data and analytics company. The company has two strategic business units, Terapeak (www.terapeak.com) and ResearchAdvanced, which deliver data and analytics based on huge transactional data sets, including eBay. Today, AERS is eBay’s only market data reseller, and has established itself as the pre-eminent provider of the most up-to-date, thorough, and relevant online marketplace statistical reporting available. Currently, AERS websites receive more than one million page views per month. For more information: www.terapeak.com

Contacts

WorthPoint Corporation
News Contact:
Stephen Johnson,
703-547-6754
Cell: 703-798-5236
sjohnson@hirestrategy.com

PROMINENT ESTATE FEATURING OVER 35 PIECES OF JOHN HENRY BELTER FURNITURE, TO INCLUDE A PIERCE-CARVED LAMINATED BED, WILL BE SOLD FEB. 21 BY HAL HUNT

Contact: Hal Hunt
(205) 333-2517

PROMINENT ESTATE FEATURING OVER 35 PIECES OF JOHN HENRY BELTER FURNITURE, TO INCLUDE A PIERCE-CARVED LAMINATED BED, WILL BE SOLD FEB. 21 BY HAL HUNT

(Northport, Ala.) - An important collection of over 35 pieces of John Henry Belter furniture, to include an exceedingly rare pierce-carved laminated bed (one of only two known), will be sold by Hal Hunt Auctions on Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. A preview will be held Friday, Feb. 20, from 10-6. The only other known example of the bed is on display at The Brooklyn Museum in New York.

The Belter pieces – all circa 1850s – are from the estate of Gerald Lawhorn, who recently passed away in Georgia, where he lived at his magnificent home, called Cypress Pond Plantation. “Mr. Lawhorn was a very discerning collector,” said Hal Hunt. “This is a rare opportunity for the established collector, as well as the savvy beginner, to bid on some truly wonderful Belter pieces and other items.”

The pierce-carved laminated bed is stamped (or embossed) in six places, with a patent date. It is also labeled on the inside and signed John Henry Belter. There is a matching dresser, also stamped and signed by Belter. The bed is pictured in the book, American Furniture of the 19th Century, 1840s-1880s. Other pieces from Mr. Lawhorn's vast collection are also pictured in the book. All of them will be sold.

Additional Belter furniture pieces in Mr. Lawhorn's collection include the following:
· A 10-piece “Milwaukee” pattern parlor suite, very rare.
· Pierce-carved center tables.
· A “Rosalie” pattern center table with matching etageres.
· Another etagere.
· A “Tutthill King” pattern sofa and side chair.
· A “Fountain Elms” pattern recamier (fainting couch).
· A pierce-carved server.
· A dressing vanity with matching cheval mirror.
· An armoire.
· A marble-top center table.
· About six slipper chairs.

The sale will also feature an extremely rare multi-form card table (also featured in the above-named book), with a turtle-top center. The table divides into two console tables that flip open to reveal another pair of tables, for playing cards. The Rococo-carved piece was made by Charles A. Boudoine, New York cabinetmaker. Another star lot is a 9-foot-tall Thomas Brooks cylinder roll secretary desk.

J. & J.W. Meeks will be well represented at the auction. Examples include a pierced-carved sideboard, extremely rare; an 8-piece “Hawkins” pattern parlor suite; and a rosewood cylinder secretary desk. Also expected to get paddles wagging will be a Mitchells & Rammelsberg half teaster bed; a McCracken 4-poster bed; and a rosewood Steinway & Sons grand piano (circa 1850s) in fine condition.

Sevres fans won't be disappointed. Offerings will include a matching pedestal and urn, 6 feet tall; a 3-piece clock set; and Sevres and bronze centerpieces. Also featured will be over 12 gasolier chandeliers (at least one made by Cornelius & Baker). And doll fans will feast on a nice collection of 35 German-made dolls (1880-1920), some quite large (3 feet tall), and all intact and in good condition.

Interested in lamps? Slated to cross the block will be a Tiffany lamp in the “Acorn” pattern; 16 lamps from a variety of coveted makers, such as Wilkinson, Chicago Mosaic, Jefferson, Pittsburgh and Pairpoint; and 15 Sumbro solar lamps (circa late 1800s), originally gas, but since electrified. Also set to come under the gavel will be a dozen Pier mirrors, gilded gold leaf, ranging in height from 10-12 feet.

A collection of ten music boxes includes a Regina 20-inch changer, in mint original condition and in an oak case with griffins; an extremely rare Regina music box in a Vernie Martin case, all hand-painted and decorated; and a rare Edison Opera mahogany cylinder player with wooden horn. Antique oil paintings will include signed works by A. Dunnington, Giovanni Grignaschi, Peter Leily and others.

Returning to furniture, bidders will be treated to a 15-1/2-foot rosewood dining table with 14 matching rosewood chairs; a 60-inch oak winged griffin dining table with six original leaves and eight matching oak dining chairs (2 arms, 6 sides); an 11-piece carved Horner dining suite with cherubs and full-bodied women; and a lovely Pottier & Stymus rosewood credenza with Sevres porcelain plaques.

Black Forest pieces will include a monumental walnut cabinet, 10 feet tall and heavily carved, with boars, deer and game; and a hall tree. Not to be overlooked will be a gorgeous Mitchells & Rammelsberg pierce-carved cheval mirror, about eight feet tall; a Lyon Heely harp; two Old Paris porcelain vases; and an oak columned fireplace mantel (8 feet tall, 10-inch columns down the front).

Do clocks ring your chimes? Check out the group of Ansonia statue clocks; the 3-piece Tiffany & Co. Vernie Martin clock set, signed and hand-painted; not one, but two extremely rare oak hall seats with grandfather clocks built into the middle; and a 9-tube inlaid case grandfather clock. And what better spot to put a fine clock than the 11-foot-tall oak fireplace mantel with full-bodied cherubs?

Rounding out the roster of anticipated top lots: a 60-inch mahogany “S” roll-top desk with matching Globe Wernike six-stack bookcases with labels on each; and an oak roll-top desk with matching Globe Wernike bookkcases. Many of the items described in this story, and other lots, too, have been posted on the Hal Hunt Auctions website. To view them, log on to http://www.halhunt.com./

Hal Hunt Auctions is accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you can call them at (205) 333-2517, or e-mail them at halhunt@bellsouth.net. For more information about Hal Hunt Auctions and its calendar of upcoming sales, log on to http://www.halhunt.com/.


Belter bed:
Exceedingly rare pierce-carved John Henry Belter laminated bed, one of only two known.

Meeks table:
Marble-top pierce-carved laminated J. & J.W. Meeks table, in the rare and desirable “Hawkins” pattern.


M & R bed:
Gorgeous Mitchells & Rammelsberg half tester bed, with canopy.


Music box:
Extremely rare Regina music box in a Vernie Martin case, all hand-painted and decorated.


Mirror:
Beautiful walnut Victorian over-the-mantel mirror.


Doll:
One of 35 German-made dolls (1880-1920), some quite large and all intact and in good condition.

Gasolier:
One of over a dozen gasolier chandeliers that will be sold (at least one made by Cornelius & Baker).


Hall tree:
Rare oak hall seat with a grandfather clock built right into the middle. Two examples will be sold.

560 LOTS OF HISTORICAL ITEMS – TO INCLUDE IMPORTANT LINCOLN MATERIAL – WILL BE SOLD BY COHASCO AT AUCTION CLOSING FEBRUARY 25th

Contact: Bob Snyder
(914) 476-8500

560 LOTS OF HISTORICAL ITEMS – TO INCLUDE IMPORTANT LINCOLN MATERIAL – WILL BE SOLD BY COHASCO AT AUCTION CLOSING FEBRUARY 25th

(Yonkers, N.Y.) – Over 500 lots of historical items in a dazzling array of categories will be sold at auction by Cohasco, Inc., on February 25. The mail, phone, fax and e-mail auction will also go online at the firm’s website, www.cohascodpc.com starting the last week of January. The auction marks the latest in Cohasco’s 63-year history.

Important items pertaining to Abraham Lincoln headline the event -- timely because they are being offered concurrent with the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, in February 1809. One of the expected star lots is a set of three bronze lamps by which Lincoln “spent many hours reading, talking, thinking, laughing, and even dancing.” In 1842, they illuminated his wedding to Mary Todd (est. $40,000-$70,000).

Also to be sold will be the original manuscript order to prepare for Lincoln’s interment, in Springfield, Ill., after the slain President’s funeral train had traveled across the country. The order, issued by Springfield Mayor George Willis, is dated April 26, 1865, and directs the City Sexton to await the arrival of Lincoln’s body, which was buried in Springfield on May 4 of that fateful year (est. $7,500-$10,000).

Another lot is a very rare captioned photo of Lincoln, prepared in 1865 by Charles Magnus, an outstanding printer of the Civil War period. The photo, previously unseen, measures 5 by 7 inches, and shows an introspective Lincoln (est. $175-$250).

Other categories include famous men and women, Presidents and First Ladies, Slavery and Black History, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Judaica, Aviation, Stocks and Bonds, Finance, Americana, Political History, Entertainment, Maps and Prints, an archive of the Old South, Newspapers, Medical, and more.

A letter in the hand of poet Emma Lazarus, best known for her words at the base of the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free...,” will also be auctioned. The letter, dated 1877, is to the Independent Journal, discussing future publication of a new poem. Lazarus passed away at age 38 (est. $10,000-$13,500).

An archive of over 900 documents on the early days of the U.S. automotive industry will be offered. These original specimen-proofs of their logos trace the rise of an industry that once had countless hundreds of manufacturers - far from the few left today. Now believed unique, these trademark documents represent a plethora of iconic marques, including Duesenberg and Rolls-Royce (est. $45,000-$65,000).

An important five-part collection gathered over a period of decades traces the saga of the Old South, spanning Mississippi from territorial years, to statehood, to the eve of the Confederacy. Included is an excessively rare plantation journal entirely in the hand of its overseer, penned during the Civil War. (110+ items, est. $40,000-$60,000).

Also offered are four items of Helen Keller, the deaf, dumb and blind author whose achievements remain an inspiration today. The centerpiece is a tragic letter lamenting the death of her caretaker, written to her friend, stage actress Katharine Cornell (est. $1,250-$1,750).

Offered will be a rare and unusual collection of 11 newspapers, with riveting daily coverage of the John Brown raid from the Southern perspective. A watershed event in American history, it was a seminal chapter in America’s abolitionist movement. Brown and his men raided the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal on Oct. 16-18, 1859. He was captured by Gen. Robert E. Lee and hung on Dec. 2 (est. $600-$800).

A significant rarity, a slave broadside advertising the sale of a “Valuable Gang of Thirty-Seven Negroes From Florida, Accustomed to the Culture of Cotton, Sugar and Provisions” – is estimated to bring $2,750-$3,500. It is a seldom-seen example of the sale of slaves - as intact families. The c. 1856 item measures 8-1/2 by 14 inches, and appears to be from Charleston, S.C.

Automotive buffs will be intrigued by a miniature precision display model of the complete radiator shell of the Duesenberg, the car of choice among the Hollywood elite of the ‘20s and ‘30s. The piece, handmade by Duesenberg’s Chief Designer, J. Herbert Newport, Jr., is the only known surviving example of his design by his hand (est. $3,500-$4,500).

The Hollywood star Judy Garland’s 6-page management contract, dated 1951, will also cross the block. The contract – boldly signed in blue on the final page by the immortal singer, agrees to pay 10 percent of her earnings to the William Morris Agency of Beverly Hills for three years. It is stamped “Actors Copy” and measures 8-1/4 by 11 inches (est. $950-$1,250).

Two significant printed documents from the period of America’s birth will be offered. The Royal Acts, of 1774 and 1778, are core documents in the chronicle of America’s quest for freedom. The pair is estimated to hammer for $15,000-$20,000.

Were you aware that animals similar to bison and beaver were once spotted on the Moon? It’s true, if you believe the 1835 reports in the National Gazette and Literary Register newspapers (both from Philadelphia). These two papers, with fascinating “factual” accounts of Halley’s Comet and the Moon, will be sold together. They are estimated at $125-$175.

The New-York American of 1835 states there are pyramids on the Moon! Three consecutive issues chronicle the “Great Astronomical Discoveries” of Sir John Herschel, whose power telescope reported pyramid-like structures on the Moon - made of crystal, built by busy Lunarians. These, too, will be sold as a single lot (est. $200-$250).

Back on Earth (more specifically, colonial America), the first two issues of the short-lived but highly influential American Magazine are estimated at $1,900-$2,500. Dated Jan. and Feb. 1769, the magazines were published in Philadelphia, America’s center of political thought and fervor for freedom at the time. They capture the nation’s simmering revolutionary mood.

A rare printed letter from “Prof. Dr. (Sigmund) Freud” will be offered, talking of the need to establish a special clinic for the treatment of the mentally disturbed (est. $125-$175).

Auction catalogs are available beginning Jan. 23, from Cohasco, Inc., P. O. Drawer 821, Yonkers, NY 10702, (914) 476-8500, e-mail info@cohascodpc.com.

Cohasco, Inc., established 1946, is today one of the oldest autograph and manuscript dealers in the U.S. For more about Cohasco or the upcoming auction, visit http://cohascodpc.com/.


Lincoln lamps:
Three astral lamps by which Abraham Lincoln read and studied, and which illuminated his wedding, as they appeared at the Lincoln Homestead circa 1923 (est. $40,000-$70,000).


Emma Lazarus:
Rare autograph letter signed by Emma Lazarus, discussing one of her poems (est. $10,000-$13,500).


Duesenberg shell:
Unique miniature Duesenberg radiator shell, with mascot, handmade by Chief Designer J. Herbert Newport (est. $3,500-$4,500).


Slave broadside:
Slave broadside from around 1856, rare in that it advertises the sale of slaves as intact families (est. $2,750-$3,500).


Old South:
Page from a Civil War-dated plantation journal, part of a five-part archive of the Old South (est. $40,000-$60,000).


Automotive industry:
An original trademark certificate from the archive of 900 items from the golden era of the U.S. automotive industry (est. $45,000-$65,000).

PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS LOOKS FORWARD TO CONTINUED SUCCESS IN 2009 AFTER POSTING A BANNER YEAR IN 2008; BIG SALES LINED UP THRU SPRING

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731

PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS LOOKS FORWARD TO CONTINUED SUCCESS IN 2009 AFTER POSTING A BANNER YEAR IN 2008; BIG SALES LINED UP THRU SPRING

(Oceanside, N.Y.) – There will be no rest for the weary at Philip Weiss Auctions, which concluded a banner year in 2008 and looks forward to continued success through the first half of 2009 and beyond. The firm, with a spacious gallery located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, has been able to fly above the economic storm by offering its customers quality merchandise.

“In terms of overall success, it would be very difficult to duplicate the past year, 2008,” said Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions,” and a lot of that is due to Parts 1-3 of the Newport Collection, in which six world records were realized for stamp prices. That alone accounted for eight million dollars in gross sales.” Part 4 (the final part of the collection) will be sold Jan. 17.

“As for 2009,” Mr. Weiss continued, “we’ve already secured some truly wonderful collections and other consignments, in a wide array of categories, so the outlook appears to be more of the same – happy clients, bidding on quality, fresh-to-the-market merchandise, from high-end estates and consignors. It’s a formula that has worked through good times and bad.”

Following is a sampling of top lots from the sales that were held throughout 2008:

· An unused 1869 24-cent inverted center U.S. stamp, #120b, certified Fine and one of only four examples known to exist ($1.271 million, a record for a U.S. invert).

· A 1908 2-cent vertical coil pair of stamps, with original gum and depicting George Washington, the rarest coil pair in U.S. philately, only four pair known ($644,100).

· A rare T-206 Honus Wagner baseball card, often called the Holy Grail of sports collectibles and one of only a handful ever released into circulation ($791,000).

· A battery-operated “Mr. Atomic” toy robot, made in Japan by Cragston in the early ‘60s and still in the box ($15,820, from Part 1of the B.L. “Phil” Phillips collection).

· Original Peanuts comic strip art by the late Charles Schulz was offered at several auctions, grossing $850,000. One Sunday page, from 1962, hammered for $79,100.

· A second-class passenger list from the doomed ocean liner the Titanic, produced by White Star Line and dated on the cover ($33,900, from the estate of Ken Schultz).

· A Wagon Train playset, made around 1960 by Marx Toys and based on the popular television show of the time, mint in the box ($15,255, a new world auction record).

· A recently discovered 14th-century oil on board painting by Italian artist Allegretto Nuzi (1310-1374), framed and depicting figures in a religious setting ($299,450).

· Original cover art for X-Men #99, executed in pen and ink in 1976 by noted comic illustrator Dave Cockrum and depicting an intergalactic battle scene ($55,370).

Part 4 of The Newport Collection is slated to begin promptly at 11 a.m. on Saturday,
Jan. 17. The sale will comprise the balance of the U.S. stamp collection, to include mint blocks of four of the $1 to $5 Columbians, $1 and $2 Trans-Miss, and the 50-cent to $5 1903 issues. Also offered will be stamps from Germany, the German states and the Cape of Good Hope.

The auction will also feature miscellaneous foreign stamp collections, many estate stamp and coin collections that will feature better U.S. and foreign material, gold and silver coins, Franklin Mint sets, paper currency (to include error notes, dual denominations, Confederate currency and more). Additional consignments were being added at press time.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, bidders will be treated to the lifetime single-owner collection of railroad memorabilia from noted railroad historian and author Allan Sherry. Included will be a selection of vintage railroad lanterns, rail line dining car silverware, thousands of black and white photos, original signs, ephemera, books written by Mr. Sherry, and records he produced.

Jan. 24 will also feature a continuation of the Ken Schultz ocean liner and Hollywood memorabilia collection, plus Part 2 of a local military collection that covers all wars from the American Revolution to World War II. Included will be uniforms, medals and pins, weapons, samurai swords, vintage field gear and the orders book of Confederate General A.P. Hill.

Also scheduled to cross the block on Jan. 24 will be World War II German medals and material (to include a winter hat) and a piece of material from the Wright Brothers’ first plane, with all corresponding documentation. Then, the very next day, Sunday, Jan. 25, beginning at 10 a.m., a large and important estate will be offered, featuring artwork by noted, listed artists.

Some of the artists include Fernando de Szyszlo, Vasily Kafanov, Rafael Tufino, Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, Pablo Picasso, Josef Sigall and others. The antique porcelain and fine china will include Heubach, Moschendorf, Limoges, Meissen, Sevres, Royal Bayreuth, Germany U.S. Zone, Haviland, Royal Dux, Faience, R.C. Bavaria, Staffordshire and more.

On Saturday, March 14, beginning at 10 a.m., items from a Superman and other related superheroes-themed museum will be offered, to include Burt Ward's “Robin” costume from the 1966 Batman TV series; evil clown costumes and “The Penguin” rocket and head piece from the movie Batman Returns; Kirk Alyn's “Superman” costume from the '40s movie serials; Christopher Reeve's “Superman” costume, wig and cape from the Superman I, II and III movies; Marlon Brando's black judge's costume from Superman I; a shirt worn by Christian Bale in Batman Begins; a tie from Val Kilmer as “Bruce Wayne” from Batman Forever; Nicole Kidman's medical diploma from Batman Forever; wine glasses from the fund raiser scene at Wayne Manor in the 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton; George Reeves' color and black-and-white costumes from The Adventures of Superman '50s TV show; Reeves' “Clark Kent” shirt, tie and cuff link sets; John Newton and Christopher Gerrard's “Superboy” costumes from the TV series Superboy; and Dean Cain's “Superman” costume, plus a costume worn by his co-star Teri Hatcher, from TV's Lois & Clark.

Early spring will also feature a collection of medical and scientific instruments and material, to include early medical books, Red Cross posters, postcards, quack medicine paraphernalia, scientific and calculating instruments, and more; plus two huge single-owner lifetime train collections, to include post-war Lionel, a Blue Comet set and Lionel “State Cars.”

Spring 2009 will also feature rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, to include an unreleased proof of an original “butcher” album cover signed by all four Beatles, plus other signed Beatles pieces; a large single-owner collection of Black Americana, featuring thousands of postcards, trade cards, stereo views and sheet music; and sports items, to include a collection of rare T-205 and T-206 baseball cards.

Recently added to the spring lineup is a large single-owner collection of comic character pocket and wrist watches. Planned for later on in the spring is a large Toy & Doll Sale, which will include animation art, comics and comic art. Also, consignments are being accepted for upcoming antique advertising, rare books, manuscripts and rare posters auctions.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (516) 594-0731, or you can e-mail them at phil@prwauctions.com. To learn more about the company and its calendar of upcoming auctions, and to view color lot images, you may log on to http://www.prwauctions.com/.


Monumental Sevres urn:
Monumental Sevres porcelain urn, 19th century.


Blue Comet trains:
Vintage Blue Comet train set, in the original box, to be sold this spring.


Pair Sevres urns:
Beautiful pair of Sevres porcelain urns, 19th century.


Robin costume:
The very costume Burt Ward wore as “Robin” on the '60s TV show Batman, to be sold March 14.


Superman items:
Superman items from a Superman and related superheroes-themed museum, to be sold March 14.


Beatles butcher album:
Unreleased proof of an original “butcher” album cover signed by all four Beatles, to be sold this spring.

ANTIQUE MAHOGANY WINGED GRIFFIN 2-PIECE PARLOR SUITE BY R.J. HORNER (CIRCA 1880s) BRINGS $10,450 AT HAL HUNT NEW YEAR’S SALE

Contact: Hal Hunt

(205) 333-2517

ANTIQUE MAHOGANY WINGED GRIFFIN 2-PIECE PARLOR SUITE BY R.J. HORNER (CIRCA 1880s) BRINGS $10,450 AT HAL HUNT NEW YEAR’S SALE

(Northport, Ala.) – A gorgeous antique mahogany winged griffin 2-piece parlor suite, crafted in the 1880s by R.J. Horner, soared to $10,450 at a multi-estate sale held Jan. 1 by Hal Hunt Auctions. It was the ninth New Year’s Day sale held by the firm, at Hal Hunt’s spacious gallery facility located at 5925 Highway 43 North in Northport, Ala.

“That suite could easily have brought $14,000 or $15,000, so someone got a great bargain,” said Hal Hunt of the Horner set. “The chair, in particular, is very rare.” Mr. Hunt added good deals abounded at the auction, in part because the economic climate is friendly to bargain hunters, but also because that’s just the way things go at his auctions.

“People come to my sales expecting to find great deals, and the New Year’s event is typically one of our largest and most exciting events of the year. This one was no exception. It was a great way to kick off the new year.” As for the economy, Mr. Hunt said one safe way to invest one’s money right now is to pour it into quality antiques.

“I’ve got clients who've lost 40-50 percent in the stock market,” he said, “and I can say with confidence that wouldn’t have happened if they’d invested that money in antiques and fine art. The market is still steady in the antique world. Not crazy, but consistent. You definitely won’t lose money in quality antiques like you will in stocks.”

About 300 people packed the showroom, where 425 lots changed hands. The sale was held entirely in-house – no phone, absentee or Internet bidding. Lots were consigned from several prominent local estates, as well as the second Georgia estate home of the late Mr. Sylvester Seager. “We had something for just about everybody,” Mr. Hunt said.

Additional highlights from the sale follow. All prices quoted include a 10 percent buyer’s premium.

The top lot of the day was a monumental 19th-century Sevres porcelain urn, 56 inches tall, that hammered for $14,850. One other lot succeeded in cracking the $10,000 ceiling: a beautiful three-piece French bronze clock set from the 19th century that chalked up $11,550. Also, a 146-piece King Edward sterling service changed hands for $7,700.

Bidders looking for game room items were not disappointed. An antique amusement race horse wheel crossed the finish line at $7,150; an antique roulette wheel rose to $5,500; a rare rain-making machine dubbed “Finyus T. Fog” from the movie Wild Wild West realized $2,200; and a 1950s wooden carousel horse galloped away for $990.

An eye-grabbing 19th-century polychrome blackamoor, 78 inches high by 30 inches wide by 22 inches deep and depicting a figure on a pedestal with grape clusters above, went to a determined bidder for $8,250. Also, a 19th-century antique blackamoor, 4 feet eight inches tall and depicting a figure on a pedestal with a tray, fetched $4,950.

A collection of twelve original works of folk art by the late Alabama painter W. (Willie) Walker went for prices ranging from $880 to $1,540. Mr. Walker was a Black artist from Bullock County, Ala., in the Blues Old Stand area of the state. He died about ten years ago, at age 93. A dozen other paintings by him were sold by Hal Hunt in June.

A gallery-quality American cast re-strike of Frederick Remington’s iconic work Coming Through the Rye commanded $3,850; a pair of intriguing antique horns with bronze griffins chalked up $1,650; a unique antique horn chair, with real elk antlers, hit $1,045; and a selection of 19th-century winged griffin lamp tables made $330-$660 each.

A turn-of-the-century child’s parade buggy rolled off for $1,650; a great carved throne chair with cherubs was a veritable steal for $1,540; a fine 19th-century rosewood bronze mounted French commode, 47 inches wide by 35 inches tall, topped out at $3,850; and a beautiful inlaid china cabinet, 84 inches tall, was a bargain for $1,320.

A fabulous and exotic Coral Mandalin wood antique Biedermeier chest from the early 1840s sold for a respectable $4,400; a nice pair of 1920s marble-top lingerie chests chalked up $660 each; and a sprawling custom mahogany carved, beveled glass, corner bookcase unit with hidden compartments gaveled for a surprisingly low price of $3,025.

A must-see early 19th-century Rococo heavy-carved wooden gold leaf mirror rose to $4,400; an antique Trumeau mirror, 50 inches wide by 93 inches high, realized $1,980; an antique Chinese altar console table, 9 feet wide, was a good deal at just $1,650; and a leather-top Jacobean antique bar, 30 inches wide by 58 inches high, soared to $2,200.

About 6-8 chandeliers changed hands, for prices ranging from $880-$3,080. A large selection of antique Turkish Oushak rugs came up for bid, with runners bringing $165-$220 each and room-size pieces reaching $1,100-$1,650 each (one antique Persian serapi soared to $7,150). Also, a French bronze and silverplate jewelry box made $495.

A pair of 19th-century bronze, marble and cloisonné urns, 19 inches tall, went for $4,675; a rare, hand-carved ivory with elephants brought $495; an English burled walnut tannelous set rose to $2,750; a set of ten gold overlay Bohemia plates, all artist signed, hit $220 each; and ten English tea caddies and English boxes hammered for $220-$440 each.

Hal Hunt Auctions’ next big sale will be held Saturday, Feb. 21. It promises to be huge, featuring a single-owner lifetime collection of quality American antiques. Hal Hunt Auctions is accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you can call them at (205) 333-2517, or e-mail them at halhunt@bellsouth.net.

For more information about Hal Hunt Auctions and its calendar of upcoming sales, log on at http://www.halhunt.com/.

R. J. Horner chair:
Rare chair from an R.J. Horner 2-piece antique winged griffin parlor suite ($10,450).

Sevres porcelain urn:
The top lot of the sale was this 19th-century Sevres porcelain urn, 56” tall ($14,850).

French bronze clocks:
Beautiful 3-piece French bronze clock set from the 19th century ($11,550).

Race horse wheel:
This antique amusement race horse wheel crossed the finish line at $7,150.

King Edward service:
This gorgeous 146-piece King Edward sterling service changed hands for $7,700.

Antique blackamoor:
Antique blackamoor statue from the 19th century, 4 feet 8 inches tall ($4,950).