AuctionZip Auction News

Professional Appraisers & Liquidators to Host Gai Creesy-Carlson Estate Auction

2012-02-16T16:05:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEACON HILL HEIR'S ESTATE TO BE AUCTIONED FEB 25

Professional Appraisers & Liquidators Antique AuctionGallery will offer the contents of the Estate of Gai Creesy-Carlson,Granddaughter of Roberta Carlson-Creesy – a Beacon Hill Socialite and friend ofJoe Kennedy, Sr. The auction will be held in Hernando, Florida on Saturday,February 25, beginning at 1pm EST.

Antique Auctioneer Charles Fudge, a veteran of the auctionindustry for over 40 years, will conduct the estate auction of GaiCreesy-Carlson on February 25th at 1pm EST. The auction will be held at the Citrus Hills LodgeBanquet Room, 350 E Norvell Bryant Hwy, Hernando, FL 34442. 400 lots featuring items from Ms. Creesy-Carlson'sestate will be offered for sale without reserves.

Tim's Inc. Conducts Anthony Morss Estate Auction in Litchfield, CT

2012-02-14T11:33:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Chapulis

(860) 459-0964

Tims.inc@snet.net

THE CONTENTS OF THE 7-ROOM HOME AND 3-ROOM GUESTHOUSE OF NOTED MUSICAL CONDUCTOR ANTHONY MORSS WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION FEB. 25

The on-siteauction -- conducted by Tim’s, Inc. – will be at Morss’s home in Litchfield,Conn.

(LITCHFIELD,Conn.) – The entire contents of a seven-room home and three-room guest house ofAnthony Morss, music director and principal conductor of the New JerseyAssociation of Verismo Opera in Fort Lee, N.J., will be sold at auctionSaturday, Feb. 25, starting at 1 p.m. (EST), at the former Morss residence,located on Brooks Road in Litchfield (preview from 11-1).

Thecontents of the home are packed with fine furnishings and decorativeaccessories, most of them in near immaculate condition, in keeping with Mr.Morss’s standards of excellence. One item certain to attract bidder interest isMr. Morss’s prized mahogany Steinwaygrand piano (the desirable Model L, 5 feet 9 inches in length), originallygiven in 1928 as a wedding present to his mother from his uncle Noel. The pianohas remained in the family ever since and carries both real and sentimentalvalue.

James Julia's Kicks Off 2012 Auction Season With $3 Million Blockbuster

2012-02-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

JULIA’S KICKS OFF 2012 AUCTION SEASON

WITH $3 MILLION BLOCKBUSTER

Fairfield, Maine, February 2-4, 2012 ~For over 40 years, the auction firm of James D. Julia, Inc. has presented anastonishing number of collections, estates, and individual items to an eagerantique buying public. Their auctions are recognized in each of theirfour specialty divisions to have featured some rather phenomenal and historicalfinds over the years. Their most recent auction is no different, otherthan the fact that rare opportunities seemed to be even more prevalent. The three day event showcased an incredible array of treasures covering thegamut of American & European paintings, furniture, folk art, marine &nautical items, bronzes, silver, weathervanes, Oriental rugs, historical items,porcelain, and more. Touted as one of their largest and most diversewinter sales to date, it did not disappoint.

Two Important Titanic Letters, Three Early Titanic Marconigrams: March 1-3 at Philip Weiss Auctions

2012-02-13T16:14:00.000-05:00

TWO IMPORTANT TITANIC LETTERS, THREE EARLYTITANIC MARCONIGRAMS ADDED TO AN ALREADY PACKED SALE MARCH 1-3 AT PHILIP WEISSAUCTIONS

Thelate-breaking consignments promise to be the crown jewels of the three-dayauction event.

(OCEANSIDE,N.Y.) – Two important letters relating to the doomed ocean liner Titanic, plus three early Titanic Marconigrams (radio telegrams) havebeen added to an already packed three-day estate sale planned for March 1-3 byPhilip Weiss Auctions. The Thursday-through-Saturday auction will be held inthe firm’s spacious gallery, located at 1 Neil Court in Oceanside. TheTitanic material will be offered on Friday, March 2, the sandwich day of theevent.

Alderfer's Stephen Flood Estate Features Rare Military and Historical Collections

2012-02-06T09:03:00.002-05:00

For Immediate Release

Media Contact
Janna Erickson, Artfact
617-746-9876

Stephen Flood Estate Features Rare Military and HistoricalCollections

ProminentPennsylvania estate to be auctioned on site in Hatfield, PA and online at AuctionZip.com

BOSTON, February 7, 2012 – On February 15^th and 16^th,Alderfer Auction Center of Hatfield, PA will conduct their Single Owner Estate Auction for Stephen Flood. This two-day eventwill feature Flood’s collection of artwork, relics, and artifacts representingboth American and world history. Bidding will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern on boththe 15^th and 16th. Previews will be held Monday and Tuesday, February 13-14th, from 9-5, andFebruary 15-16th from 8-10 a.m. The sale will take place in Hatfield at 501Fairgrounds Road, as well as live online at AuctionZip.com. Previews andphotos of items and advance bidding for this sale are available now on AuctionZip.com.

AuctionZip Gets Super Bowl Fans In The Game With Sports Memorabilia Auctions

2012-01-31T13:32:00.002-05:00

BOSTON, January 31, 2012 – In the lead up to Super Bowl XLVI onFebruary 5, AuctionZip Live! is hosting a number of sports memorabilia auctionsthat are sure to catch the eye of every collectorand sports fan. The auctions will take place on site at various auction housesas well as live, online at Auctionzip.com. Previews and photos of items and advancebidding for these sales are available now on Auctionzip.com.

Freedom Auction Company, located in Bradenton, Fla., will host its Premiere Sports & Coin Auction onJanuary 31 beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern. Thousands of cards, autographs, photographsand other sports collectibles will be for sale, as well as a number of rare coins .

Local Appraisal Fair Yields Bugatti Bronze Treasure

2012-01-30T11:32:00.002-05:00

LOCAL APPRAISAL FAIR YIELDS BUGATTI BRONZETREASURE

TheFebruary 19^th sale at Burchard Galleries, Inc in St Petersburg willalso feature hundreds of artworks, fabulous gold, platinum and diamond jewelry.

A magnificent bronze elephant,10.8" h. x 15" w. x 4.8" d, walked into a local appraisal fairwhere a representative of Burchard Galleries was working. The gentlemanhad no idea of the importance or value but a Burchard representative certainlydid. As told, the piece was gifted from several wealthy ladies who wereworld travelers, to their caretaker over 45 years ago then to his nephewapproximately 10 years ago. It was that nephew who brought theRembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916) Bronze Elephant to the fair.

Rare and highly prized, Bugatti'sanimal bronzes have commanded in excess of 2 million dollars at auction and arefound in many museum and gallery collections all over the world. Bugattibattled depression. During World War I, the Antwerp Zoo was forced tokill most of its animals, many of which were Bugatti’s beloved subjects and asa result, he took his own life at a very young age of 31. He is of thesame family as Carlo, a furniture craftsman, and the most famous, Ettore,automotive engineer and design legend.

SHANNON’S FINE ART AUCTIONEERS POSTS RECORD YEAR IN 2011, GROSSING ABOUT $7,600,000 IN JUST TWO SALES; THE APRIL AUCTION GROSSED $5,100,000

2012-01-18T17:24:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gene Shannon
(203) 877-1711
gene@shannons.com

SHANNON’S FINE ART AUCTIONEERS POSTS RECORD YEAR IN 2011, GROSSING ABOUT $7,600,000 IN JUST TWO SALES; THE APRIL AUCTION GROSSED $5,100,000

Consignments are now being accepted for the April 26, 2012 auction, which might top them all.

(MILFORD, Conn.) – Shannon Fine Art Auctioneers enjoyed a banner year in 2011, grossing over $7.6 million in just two sales. It was a record year for the firm, which conducts two auctions per year (in April and October) in its gallery located at 354 Woodmont Road in Milford. Shannon’s is currently accepting quality consignments for its next big sale, planned for Apr. 26.

While the October 2011 event was a solid, respectable auction, grossing $2.5 million, the April sale was the real barn-burner, with some spectacular consignments and eager bidders combining for a $5.1 million gross. That was by far the most Shannon’s had posted in one sale, and that came as good - but not unexpected - news for Gene Shannon, the owner of the company.

Read more »

Beauty From an Unlikely Source

2012-01-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

It’s not a stone, and it’s not a metal. Rather, it is mixed paint, and it has begundrawing hundreds of dollars in both auctions and shops. It’s called Fordite,and it originated in the automotive factories of Detroit. After every new carthat painted, a new layer of paint would mix and settle on the racks with the paintsfrom jobs that came before it. The aesthetically pleasing, colorful mixturewould then harden, and was simply broken up and thrown away when the buildupbegan to impede production.

Now fordite has become popular in the production of jewelry.Fordite jewelry, which can easily be, and often is, paired with silver or gold,sells in the $100-$200 range, and sometimes higher. Its potential was firstrealized in the mid-1970’s, when jewelry designer Cindy Dempsey came across thematerial while living near Lake Michigan, and began to experiment with it aftera friend in the automotive industry brought her more of the substance.[1]

As the automotive industry matured, so did the process ofpainting new cars. Improvements were put in place to eliminate fordite collectionand increase efficiency, effectively ending its production. Authenticity is oneof the main drivers in the price of fordite. Because of its makeup, fakefordite is easily produced. One may argue that this “phony” fordite isn’t phonyat all because of its matching ingredients. However, it is the method behindthe accidental creation of genuine fordite and its history that makes it so appealing.Luckily, factors like smell, strength, and malleability allow for real fordite’sidentification.[2]

A number of alluring factors contribute to the success offordite sales in auctions and shops. Though in reality just a collection of oldpaint, fordite is an example of real, physical beauty coming from an unlikelysource—machines and laborers in Detroit’s automotive factories. It is aninteresting souvenir from a struggling city and industry, and an everlasting symbolof the impact that it had on American history.

[1] McCormick, David. “Automotive Debris,Now Know As Fordite, Has Become Treasure”. AntiqueWeek. 1 December 2011. MidCountry Media USA. Accessed 14 December 2011.<http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/753169/the-chinese-art-market-is-losing-steam-and-three-other-trends-from-hong-kongs-fall-auction-season>

[2] Ibid.

Everyone Loves a Story: The Importance of Storytelling in Sales

2012-01-17T09:58:00.000-05:00

On November 9^th, Cornell Galleries auctioned an18^th century Old Masters painting for $15,000. The painting, whichdepicted a Biblical scene of an angel peering over two men, was severely damaged. Why, then, did it sell for such a high price?Likely because of the damage itself: a sizeable hole in the center of thecanvas. The story behind this hole is that Ruth Stone, the original owner ofthe painting, had a son who hated the picture so much, he shot an arrow throughit.[1]

Stories such as this can add extra allure to items at anauction or at retail sale. The painting, was an antique, but its character wasenhanced by the added elements of history and humor. For buyers, a well told, interestingstory can drive up the price of even an average item.

Wayne Jordan, a licensed auctioneer and appraiser fromVirginia, who also runs Wayne Jordan Auctions, acknowledges this point. After abaseball cap worn by Neil Armstrong was sold for over $14,000, Jordan concludedthat “what makes bragging rights valuable? It’s the quality of the storyattached to the object. Collectors love to tell stories about the items theyhave collected”.[2] Jordanalso acknowledges that many of the stories that collectors tell are, in fact,from their own research, and not from the seller or auctioneer.

Insights From NAA Deputy Executive Director Chris Longly

2012-01-17T09:54:00.002-05:00

By Molly Hennessy, MarketingPrograms Manager, AuctionZip

ChrisLongly, Deputy Executive Director at the NAA, is a busy man. His position callsfor him to oversee not only all of the association’s marketing, membershipretention/recruitment, and partnerships, but also all of the association'spublic relations and communication strategies. Chris also serves as theindustry’s spokesperson, liaison to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital andadvises the association and state associations on government relations andlegislative strategy.

ChrisLongly, Deputy Executive Director at the NAA, is a busy man. His position callsfor him to oversee not only all of the association’s sales, marketing,membership recruitment and partnerships, but also all of the communicationstrategies for its websites, publications and social media networks.

Ihave had the pleasure of working with Chris over the past two years and recentlyhad an opportunity to talk to him at length about how he came into his positionat the NAA.

Do you have a background as an auctioneer ?

I grew up in Central Nebraska and occasionally went to the salebarn with my grandfather, a rancher. But I had minimal knowledge and exposureto the auction industry prior to joining the NAA staff. My leadershipexperience has helped, however, in this position. I was previously an advisorand consultant on public relations and government affairs strategy to leadershipteams within Fortune 100 companies and high-profile elected officials.

What helps you be an effectiveleader for the association?

Communication is the key to successful leadership. As a PR professional,I live by the philosophy that if you don't speak up, you will never be heard. Ialso believe in the old saying "God gave you two ears and one mouth for areason." It is important to listen first and speak last. As the DeputyExecutive Director of the association, it is important for me to listen to themembers and understand what it is they need from the NAA to succeed in theprofession. By listening, we can develop programs and services that benefitthem, and be a better ambassador for them with the public.

MERCHANDISE OUT OF THREE PROMINENT VIRGINIA ESTATES, PLUS OTHER CONSIGNMENTS, WILL BE SOLD SATURDAY, FEB. 4, BY TOM’S AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS IN IVOR, VIRGINIA; THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. (EST

2012-01-10T17:25:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tom Perry
(757) 539-2498
tombuys@tomsauction.com

MERCHANDISE OUT OF THREE PROMINENT VIRGINIA ESTATES, PLUS OTHER CONSIGNMENTS, WILL BE SOLD SATURDAY, FEB. 4, BY TOM’S AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS IN IVOR, VIRGINIA; THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. (EST)

The event will be held in the former Ivor High School building, located at 8430 Bell Avenue.

(IVOR, Va.) – Hundreds of select, handpicked items from three prominent Virginia estates –in Franklin, Virginia Beach and Norfolk, plus other consignments -- will be sold at auction Saturday, Feb. 4, by Tom’s Auctions & Appraisals, at the former Ivor High School building in Ivor. The action will begin promptly at 10 a.m. (EST). Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.

At press time, over 600 lots of merchandise had been counted, but items were still being inventoried and the final tally could easily top the 700 mark. Offered will be items in a wide range of categories – period furniture, stoneware and pottery, duck decoys, stamps and coins, glassware, hand-made baskets, fountain pens, ephemera, decorative accessories and collectibles.
Read more »

MUSEUM-QUALITY MECHANICAL ROSEWOOD DROP-FRONT SECRETARY DESK BRINGS $21,280 IN STEVENS AT FLOMATON’S SECOND AUCTION HELD DEC. 31st

2012-01-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dwight Stevens
(662) 369-2200
stevensauction@bellsouth.net

MUSEUM-QUALITY MECHANICAL ROSEWOOD DROP-FRONT SECRETARY DESK BRINGS $21,280 IN STEVENS AT FLOMATON’S SECOND AUCTION HELD DEC. 31st

The secretary desk was the top earner of the 400 or so lots that changed hands New Year’s Eve.

(FLOMATON, Ala.) – A rare, museum-quality mechanical rosewood drop-front secretary desk, made around 1860 and attributed to the renowned American furniture maker Thomas Brooks, sold for $21,280 at only the second auction held by Stevens at Flomaton, the Alabama affiliate of auction powerhouse Stevens Auction Company, based in Aberdeen, Miss.

The auction was conducted at 320 Palafox Street in Flomaton, an historic theater building that for years housed Flomaton Antique Auction and which was acquired by Stevens Auction Company in late 2011. The firm held its inaugural sale there Nov. 12. Flomaton is located near the Gulf Coast in Alabama, 64 miles northeast of Mobile and 42 miles north of Pensacola, Fla.

The secretary desk was the top achiever of the estimated 400 lots that changed hands on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. The piece still had the original finish and was substantial in size at 9 feet 11 inches tall, nearly 6 feet wide and 26 inches deep. The second top lot was a 6-piece parlor set by John H. Belter, in the Rosalie with Grapes pattern and crafted circa 1850. It made $15,680.

Headlining the event were four prominent old Southern estates, including the contents of a Baton Rouge estate with undeniable provenance and a Mississippi antebellum mansion called Cedar Grove. The quality of the merchandise was a magnet to bidders, who packed the gallery. Phone and absentee bidding were both brisk throughout the day. There was no Internet bidding.

“Everything moved quickly and we had a real good crowd,” said Dwight Stevens, owner of both Stevens at Flomaton and Stevens Auction Company. “We are gradually assembling a whole new audience along the Gulf Coast that’s very pleased the business is back, under new ownership, with a commitment to quality. And the area is booming, despite a weak economy.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 12 percent buyer’s premium.

Music boxes did extremely well. A palace-sized 48-inch Nicole Freres Pat. 1815 Swiss cylinder interchangeable music box with ten bells in a floral marquetry inlaid case hit $12,320; a 44-inch carved mahogany interchangeable cylinder music box by Paillard (N.Y., N.Y.) garnered $8,960; and a fine carved oak Criterion 15.75-inch disc double-comb music box rose to $4,800.

A rosewood rococo étagère in fabulous condition and attributed to John H. Belter, made circa 1850 with a white marble top and measuring 82 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 19 inches deep, went to a determined bidder for $7,840; and a rococo walnut étagère with carrara marble and a center drawer (circa 1850), boasting the good original finish and burl trim, made $2,016.

Beds and bedroom suites got paddles wagging. A queen-size rosewood half tester bed with pierce carving, signed McCracken & Brewster and made circa 1855, 9 feet 2 inches tall, changed hands for $10,080; and a walnut Victorian four-piece bedroom suite with high-back bed, matching dresser, wardrobe and wash stand, beautifully made around 1870, brought $4,480.

A period burl walnut French linen press with shelves and fitted drawers inside, all on a Bombay-style base, with claw feet, 93 inches tall by 72 inches wide by 24 inches deep (circa 1800), breezed to $5,600; and a period mahogany Empire secretary, still in the good original finish, with scroll front and individual glass panes, 90 inches tall (circa 1840), went for $2,464.

A rosewood rococo two-door wardrobe with fruit carvings on the doors and a bird’s-eye maple interior, attributed to J. & J.W. Meeks (circa 1850) sold for $5,600; and an American bachelor’s chest Empire wardrobe made form crotch mahogany, probably crafted in New York around 1840, 80 inches tall by 66 inches wide by 24 inches deep, knocked down for $2,688.

In decorative accessories, a large 39-inch-tall scenic Sevres urn, artist signed, hammered for $3,920; a pair of museum-quality Old Paris vases, magnificent both in detail and condition, probably made in the late 19th century, 19 inches tall, realized $1,904 each; and a pair of Old Paris vases with a courting scene painted on each side and trimmed in gold went for $1,440 each.

A rosewood server with marble top, made circa 1850 and attributed to P. Mallard, found a new owner for $2,352; a period mahogany Empire combination pier table (or game table), with large gold claw feet (circa 1830), commanded $2,016; and an oak Wooten double rotary roll-top desk with swing end, still bearing the Wooten Mfg. label and made circa 1880, brought $2,352.

A rosewood pierce carved parlor arm chair by George J. Henkel with blue upholstery, 39 inches tall and made circa 1850, coasted to $2,128; a circa 1840 primitive walnut American flat wall cupboard with pegged mortise and tenon construction achieved $2,016; and an American one-piece cherry corner cupboard with 16 individual pane glass door (circa 1830) rose to $1,904.

An old sterling silver flatware service for 12 in the Frances First pattern by Reed & Barton, with no monogram, climbed to $3,360; a bronze and marble Sonumbra lamp with 14-inch cut shade and 8-inch prisms (circa 1870), topped out at $1,568; and a Victorian looking back gentleman’s chair with swag tassel carving and black upholstery (circa 1860) fetched $672.

Rounding out the day’s top lots was a pair of fine art offerings. An original oil on canvas painting of a ship sailing at night with a lighthouse, signed Van Schloes and measuring 31 inches by 20 inches, gaveled for $1,080; while a Victorian framed grouping of four paintings of artists Rubens, Rembrandt and others, with each canvas just six inches tall, changed hands for $2,040.

Stevens at Flomaton’s next big auction is tentatively set for sometime around Memorial Day (time and date to be determined; watch the Stevens Auction Company website for details, at www.stevensauction.com). Stevens Auction Company’s next sale in Aberdeen will be conducted sometime in March. A prominent estate out of Memphis plus other consignments will be offered.

Stevens Auction Company is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (662) 369-2200; or, you can e-mail them at stevensauction@bellsouth.net. To learn more about Stevens Auction Company and the firm’s calendar of upcoming events, log on to www.stevensauction.com.

Museum-quality mechanical rosewood drop-front secretary desk, made circa 1860 ($21,280).

Six-piece parlor set made around 1850 by the renowned craftsman John H. Belter ($15,680).

Rosewood queen-size half tester bed signed McCracken & Brewster, circa 1855 ($10,080).

44-inch carved mahogany interchangeable cylinder music box by Paillard of N.Y. ($8,960).

Monumental, 39-inch scenic Sevres urn, artist signed ($3,920).

Bronze and marble Sonumbra lamp with 14-inch cut shade and 8-inch prisms ($1,568).

Clark’s Fine Art To Auction Important Modern And Contemporary Artworks With Hollywood Connection On Jan. 21

2012-01-09T11:31:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Jan. 7, 2012

Clark’s Fine Art To Auction Important Modern And Contemporary Artworks With Hollywood Connection On Jan. 21

Third featured collection to benefit LA-area Jewish community center

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – On Saturday, Jan. 21, Clark’s Fine Art of Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), Calif., will conduct its first auction of 2012 – a 270-lot auction of premier modern and contemporary artworks from three significant collections, plus additional select consignments. Two of the featured collections are from the estates of Hollywood luminaries who played key roles in the production of TV and film classics known the world over. The third collection consists of contemporary works of art donated by supporters to the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center, a Los Angeles nonprofit that will benefit from its portion of the auction proceeds.

One of the sale’s key collections was amassed by Harold Berkowitz, a prominent entertainment lawyer whose A-list clients included Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Jack Lemmon and even the canine superstar Rin Tin Tin. Maintaining offices in Beverly Hills and Paris to accommodate his international clientele, Berkowitz had a hand in the deals behind the Pink Panther movie series and 1975 horror-thriller Jaws, as well as many of television’s most enduring shows, including Lassie, Flipper, The Donna Reed Show and All in the Family.

“Mr. Berkowitz, who passed away in 2010, lived in Malibu and collected contemporary and modern art that suited the décor of his home. His refined taste is reflected in the artworks he personally chose for his collection,” said Clark Cierlak, owner of Clark’s Fine Art.

The second major art collection in the sale comes from the estate of Hollywood director Jerrold “Jerry” Bernstein (1930-1979), whose TV credits included The Flying Nun, Gidget, Nanny and the Professor, I Dream of Jeannie, and scores of other popular shows.

“Like Mr. Berkowitz, Jerry Bernstein favored contemporary and modern art. He also liked and, to a lesser extent, collected African art. His art collection has remained in the family for the past 32 years. We are honored to be presenting it at auction,” said Cierlak.

The contemporary art collection consigned by the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center blends perfectly into the trifecta of auction headliners. It is comprised of quality contemporary artworks that were gifts from generous supporters.

“The Silverlake center has been a respected institution within the Los Angeles Jewish community for more than 60 years and provides early childhood education and social programs for people of all backgrounds who have an interest in Jewish culture,” said Cierlak. “Over the years some very nice artworks have been donated to the center. There are paintings with previous appraisal values of $30,000 to $40,000 that we will auction with estimates of $4,000 to $5,000 each.”

One of the sale’s top highlights is a 1988 Monique Frydman (American, b. 1943-) pigment, color pastel and oil painting on canvas titled Jaune Majeur III. The 86 x 76 inch work is artist-signed and dated on verso, and comes with provenance from Galerie Baudoin Lebon in Paris. It is estimated at $12,000-$18,000.

Another fine American work is Alex Brown’s (b. 1966-) oil on canvas titled Presence Chamber. The 68 x 60 inch painting – titled, signed and dated “1998” on verso – renders a three-dimensional op art effect. With an appraised value of $37,000, it is cataloged with a $6,000-$9,000 estimate.

A wonderful cast-bronze sculpture titled Colloquio was created in 1962 by Italian sculptor Alfio Castelli (b. 1917-). The signed 60 x 40 x 48 inch depiction of two angular figures in a perpendicular arrangement was previously in the collection of the late David E. Bright and is estimated at $20,000-$40,000. Cierlak noted that David Bright was “a renowned collector who bequeathed 23 paintings to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where a wing was named after him. There are also 11 works from his estate at the Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA.”

Standing Nude Woman, a 70-inch-tall welded metal sculpture by Californian Gene Logan (1922-1999), comes with provenance from the Ankrum Gallery, which opened in 1960 and for decades was a favorite haunt for art collectors in LA. Estimate: $1,000-$2,000.

Alida Margolis (American, b. 1975) created the oval oil on canvas titled We Love You All. Signed and dated on verso, the 64½ x 106 inch painting has an appraised value of $20,000. It will be offered at Clark’s on Jan. 21 with an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.

Norwegian artist Haavard Homstvedt’s (b. 1976-) acrylic-on-linen wrapped over panel work titled Nudes (Double Step) measures 64 x 48 inches and was previously appraised at $35,000. Some sharp-eyed collector could take away a bargain if it sells within its estimate range of $4,000-$6,000.

Two signed multicolor acrylic columns by Yugoslavian artist Velizar Vasa (b. 1933-) will be offered individually in consecutive lots. Each incorporates a spectrum of colors – blue, green, yellow and purple – and measures 101 inches tall, inclusive of stand. The presale estimate on each column is $4,000-$6,000.

Clark’s Fine Art welcomes all forms of bidding for its Jan. 21 auction, including live at the gallery, absentee, by phone, or live via the Internet. The gallery is located at 14931 Califa St., Space A, Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), CA 91411. The auction will begin at noon Pacific Time. Preview 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Jan. 20, and from 10 a.m. till noon on auction day.

For additional information on any lot in the sale, call 818-783-3052 or e-mail gallery@pacbell.net. View the fully illustrated catalog online or visit Clark’s website at www.estateauctionservice.com.

Alfio Castelli (Italian, b. 1917-), ‘Colloquio,’ cast bronze sculpture, 1962, 60 x 40 x 48 inches. Provenance: David E. Bright collection. Est. $20,000-$40,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

Monique Frydman (American, b. 1943-), ‘Jaune Majeur III,’ 1988, 86 x 76 inches. Provenance: Galerie Baudoin Lebon, Paris. Est. $12,000-$18,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

Clark’s Fine Art Gallery & Auctioneers, Inc.
Clark Cierlak
Ellen Vinitsky, admin. contact
14931 Califa St. Bldg. A
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
818-783-3052
Fax 818-783-3162
www.estateauctionservice.com
gallery@pacbell.net

465 LOTS OF FINE ARTWORK, PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS WILL BE SOLD SATURDAY, JAN. 14, BY ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS IN BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

2012-01-05T15:44:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Hayes or Scott Cieckiewicz
(561) 200-0893
info@eliteauction.com

465 LOTS OF FINE ARTWORK, PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS WILL BE SOLD SATURDAY, JAN. 14, BY ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS IN BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

Original works by Ivan Choultse, Edouard Cortes, Jules Dupre, others will headline the auction.

(BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – Nearly 500 lots of quality fine art, porcelain and decorative accessories will cross the block Saturday, Jan. 14, at the gallery of Elite Decorative Arts, located in the Quantum Town Center at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Ste. 106-108) in Boynton Beach. The event will get underway at 1 p.m. (EST) with an in-house pre-sale slated for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The pre-sale auction will feature 120 lots of Lladro, Lalique, Roseville, Delft, Baccarat, oil paintings, bronze, crystal and more. It will be a live-only auction (no Internet bidding) and all items will be sold without reserve (no minimums). For the main auction starting at 1 p.m., Internet, phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

Works of fine art will headline the main auction, with original oil paintings by Ivan Choultse (Russ., 1874-1932) leading the way. A sunset snow lake scene is expected to fetch $40,000-$60,000, while a seascape should realize $30,000-$50,000. Important original works by Edouard Cortes (Fr., 1882-1969) and Jules Dupre (Fr., 1811-1889) will also come up for bid.

“We’re quite proud of the quality artwork being featured in the January auction,” said Scott Cieckiewicz of Elite Decorative Arts. “Moving forward, we hope to dedicate auctions exclusively to high-end artwork and oil paintings.” Elite Decorative Arts has already earned a solid reputation as a premier auction house for Asian objects and fine decorative accessories.

Decorative accessories in the January auction will include a magnificent Hanau (mid-17th century faïence factory founded in Hanau, Germany) silver and ivory Theodorich figure (est. $30,000-$40,000); a stunning pair of African elephant ivory tusks (est. $25,000-$35,000); and an exquisite 65-piece 19th century French necessaire small silver travel box (est. $10,000-$14,000).

The Choultse paintings are the expected top lots of the auction. While still a young man, Choultse became the court painter to Czar Nicholas II. After the Russian Revolution, he moved to Paris in 1923 and was exhibited at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Francais. He later made side trips to Switzerland, where he honed his skills as a master landscape and mountain painter.

The street scene by Edouard Cortes is expected to knock down at $30,000-$40,000. Cortes had the good fortune of maturing as an artist in Paris at a time when the “City of Lights” was at the epicenter of the art world. Parisian street scenes by artists like Cortes, Eugene Galien-Laloue (1854-1941), Luigi Loir (1845-1916) and Jean Beraud (1849-1916) were in high demand.

Jules Dupre’s oil on canvas landscape rendering carries a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000. Dupre was one of the chief members of the Barbizon School of landscape painters. His work is defined by the sonorous and resonant colors he exacted from his palette. The subjects that seemed to most attract his attention were dramatic sunset effects and stormy skies and seas.

Also featured in the auction will be a 1968 signed Modernism color lithograph by Marc Chagall (Russ./Fr., 1887-1985). The piece is expected to bring $10,000-$15,000. Chagall was born Moishe Shagal in Russia, but when he became a member of the Ecole de Paris, he adopted French citizenship and the French spelling of his name. Today, his work is highly collectible.

Another name that will be familiar to art aficionados is that of Joan Miro (Span., 1893-1983). An abstract aquatint etching hand-signed by the artist should garner $6,000-$8,000. Miro left his native Spain for Paris at age 26 and became friends with artists such as Pablo Picasso. He became renowned for his abstract curvilinear design paintings, collages and murals.

Another artwork expected to hit $6,000-$8,000 is a framed silkscreen by Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Austrian, 1928-2000). The son of a Jewish mother and a Christian father (who died when he was one), Hundertwasser was born in Vienna and studied at the Vienna Academy of Art. He left after only three months, but earned a reputation anyway as a fine modern painter.

The auction will also feature a 17th century unsigned Old Master oil painting of dancing villagers (est. $20,000-$30,000) and a pair of 17th or 18th century Italian baroque oil floral still lifes (est. $6,000-$8,000 each). Also sold will be a stunning turquoise and diamond 18kt white gold necklace suite and a 14kt gold diamond deco brooch necklace (est. $20,000-$30,000 each).

Previews will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 14, the date of sale, from 10 a.m. until the first gavel comes down at 1 p.m. in the main auction. Elite Decorative Arts will be exhibiting at the Miami Beach Antique Show (Feb. 2-6, 2012 -- Booths 2105, 2107 and 2109). The event bills itself as the world’s largest indoor antique show.

Elite Decorative Arts is currently accepting quality consignments for its upcoming Feb. 25 Decorative Arts Sale and its March 17 Chinese Antiquities Sale. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (561) 200-0893 or toll-free at (800) 991-3340; or, you can e-mail them at info@eliteauction.com. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts, or to learn more about the Jan. 14, Feb. 25 or March 17 auctions, please log on to www.eliteauction.com.

Oil on canvas rendering of a seascape by Russian artist Ivan Choultse (est. $30,000-$50,000).

Oil on canvas Parisian street scene by French artist Edouard Cortes (est. $30,000-$40,000).

Oil on canvas landscape painting by the French artist Jules Dupre (est. $20,000-$30,000).

Stunning pair of African elephant ivory tusks (est. $25,000-$35,000).

Exquisite turquoise and diamond 18kt white gold necklace suite (est. $20,000-$30,000).

Magnificent German-made Hanau silver and ivory Theodorich figure (est. $30,000-$40,000).

AN AMAZING ARRAY OF ITEMS FROM TWO MAJOR CONSIGNORS WILL CROSS THE BLOCK SATURDAY, JAN. 21, AT THE SPECIALISTS OF THE SOUTH, AT 9 A.M.

2012-01-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Logan Adams
(850) 785-2577
specialists@knology.net

AN AMAZING ARRAY OF ITEMS FROM TWO MAJOR CONSIGNORS WILL CROSS THE BLOCK SATURDAY, JAN. 21, AT THE SPECIALISTS OF THE SOUTH, AT 9 A.M.

The auction will be held at The Specialists’ gallery, located at 544 East 6th Street, Panama City.

(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) – An amazing array of merchandise – hundreds of eclectic lots in categories too numerous to list here – will cross the block Saturday, Jan. 21, at The Specialists of the South, Inc., in the firm’s gallery at 544 East 6th Street in Panama City (zip code 32401). The auction starts at 9 a.m. (CST). It will be an absolute auction, meaning everything sells regardless of the final price. Offered will be two diverse yet somehow complementary lifetime collections.

The first will be items from the collections and home-based business of Matthew “Matty” Jankowski, who has operated The Matthew L. Jankowski Archive out of his home at 505 East 7th Street in Panama City for about the past eight years. Mr. Jankowski is an accomplished artist and writer. Some of his artistic creations will be sold, along with items from his diverse collections.

The other consignor is a local woman whose husband recently passed away. The couple began collecting in 1972 while on a trip to Bermuda, where they purchased a bottle. From that single modest purchase sprang an incredible and impressive collection that Logan Adams of The Specialists of the South said consists of “anything and everything – a treasure hunter’s dream.”

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HANDSOME CHINESE GILT-BRONZE BUDDHA FROM THE LATE 19th OR EARLY 20th CENTURY GAVELS FOR $143,000 AT ALDERFER AUCTION & APPRAISAL, NOV. 17th

2011-12-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Josh Couch or Matt Wilcox
Josh: (267) 638-1054, Matt: (267) 446-6803
josh@alderferauction.com, matt@alderferauction.com

HANDSOME CHINESE GILT-BRONZE BUDDHA FROM THE LATE 19th OR EARLY 20th CENTURY GAVELS FOR $143,000 AT ALDERFER AUCTION & APPRAISAL, NOV. 17th

The Buddha carried a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-$5,000 and was easily the auction’s top lot.

(HATFIELD, Pa.) – A handsome Chinese gilt-bronze seated Buddha statue, probably made in the late 19th or early 20th century and substantial in size at 20 ½ inches tall, soared to $143,000 at a multi-estate Asian Discovery Sale held Nov. 17 by Alderfer Auction & Appraisal. The sale was held in the firm’s spacious gallery, located at 501 Fairgrounds Road in Hatfield.

The Buddha was easily the top lot of the nearly 250 items that changed hands. It carried a relatively modest pre-sale estimate of just $3,000-$5,000, but a bidding war broke out between a Chinese gentleman in the United States and Chinese phone bidders in mainland China. In the end, the American claimed the prize, but not before a lively and spirited exchange took place.

Alderfer was prepared for that eventuality. The firm had a bank of eight phones dedicated to bids pouring in from Asia, and enlisted the aid of a Chinese student from Philadelphia to help with translations. During the day, bids came in from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and other countries, too (to include Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Canada and the Russian Federation).

“There’s no doubt that Asian antiques are hot right now, and a lot of that has to do with China’s emerging wealthy class,” said Matt Wilcox of Alderfer Auction & Appraisal. “We had an idea the Buddha was something special, and the final price confirmed that. I think its large size was a factor, plus it was fresh to the market, in original condition, and had sufficient age.”

Around 60 people attended the auction live, while Internet, phone and absentee bidding were all brisk. The sale totaled about $170,000, which means the Buddha alone accounted for a high percentage of the gross. “It was a discovery sale, something for everybody,” Mr. Wilcox said. “We had nice, solid items and one killer lot.”

Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include a 13 percent buyer’s premium (for online and credit card bidders) or 10 percent (for cash and check bidders).

Only three other lots topped the $1,000 mark. One was a pair of cinnabar lamps (created from a hand-carved mold and given a Chinese red lacquer finish). They brought $3,300. The others were a beautiful Chinese porcelain vase with fish ($1,320), and one lot consisting of two highly collectible Japanese carved netsuke figures. They went to a determined bidder for $1,044.

Another pair of netsuke objects flirted with the $1,000 mark before topping out at $988. Netsuke were invented in Japan in the 17th century and originally served a practical purpose: they were button-like toggles that secured a cord at the top of a sash, to hold a sagemono (or hand-crafted box, used in place of a pocket). Over time, the netsuke themselves became art objects.

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Nest Egg Auctions to host Gala Holiday New Year’s Auction on Jan. 7

2011-12-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Dec. 27, 2011

Nest Egg Auctions to host Gala Holiday New Year’s Auction on Jan. 7

Tiffany & Co. grandfather clock, Guy Wiggins painting among sale’s highlights

MERIDEN, Conn. – The Brechlins are home for the holidays and will celebrate as the Connecticut family’s Nest Egg Auctions presents its annual Gala Holiday New Year’s Auction on Saturday, Jan. 7. The sale will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

Those attending the 209-lot auction will be offered festive hospitality, with complimentary food and drink; and live music.

“Everyone comes to our New Year’s auction,” said auctioneer Ryan Brechlin. “Hey, free shrimp!”

Along with the food and entertainment, guests will be able to enjoy previewing an outstanding lineup of antiques and collectibles on display prior to the auction.

Internet live bidding will be available for those who cannot attend the sale, which will be held at Nest Egg Auctions’ gallery at 30 Research Parkway in Meriden.

Ryan Brechlin will oversee the event together with his sister Jennifer Brechlin and their mother Mary Ellen Brechlin. All three family members work full time for the second-generation auction house. Present in spirit will be the family patriarch, Carl Brechlin, who died in 2008.

The Jan. 7 auction will be Nest Egg’s first sale of 2012. What better way to ring in the New Year than with a late-19th-century Tiffany & Co. grandfather clock that stands an impressive 100 inches tall and has all the bells and whistles expected of a fine Tiffany timepiece.

“It has a good German movement [Winterhalder & Hofmeier] and a beautifully carved mahogany case,” said Ryan Brechlin. “It’s enormous. People who want a Tiffany clock like them big.”

With a sun and moon dial, eight bells and Westminster chimes – all in running condition – the clock is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Another large mechanical marvel in the sale is a Model 92 National cash register, which was custom made for a New York department store, Barton & Hoysradt, around 1902. The register is fully functional and includes all keys and its original instruction book. The entire piece – register and attached cabinet – measures approximately 19 1/2 inches by 26 inches by 36 inches and has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate.

“It’s a cool piece, one of the biggest registers National made. The drawers all integrated to the different departments in the store,” said Brechlin.

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TRADEMARK BARKHOUSE BROTHERS & CO. GOLD DUST KENTUCKY BOURBON BOTTLE SOARS TO $28,000 AT AMERICAN BOTTLE AUCTIONS SALE, DEC. 9th–18th

2011-12-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeff Wichmann
(800) 806-7722
info@americanbottle.com

TRADEMARK BARKHOUSE BROTHERS & CO. GOLD DUST KENTUCKY BOURBON BOTTLE SOARS TO $28,000 AT AMERICAN BOTTLE AUCTIONS SALE, DEC. 9th–18th

The western fifth was the top lot of 144 bottles that changed hands. The sale grossed $250,000+

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – A Trademark Barkhouse Bros. & Co. Gold Dust Kentucky Bourbon bottle, one of the most popular western fifths and one of the finest known to exist, sold for $28,000 in an Internet and catalog auction held Dec. 9-18 by American Bottle Auctions. The bottle was the top seller of the 144 western whiskeys and historical flasks that changed hands.

The auction set numerous records and did well in virtually every category of bottle, and that prompted Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions to declare it “one of the strongest auctions we’ve ever had,” adding, “The bottles averaged around $1,700 each, and that includes the lesser pieces that brought less than $200.” Overall, the auction grossed just over $250,000.

“The western whiskeys did particularly well and the historical flasks were also very strong,” Mr. Wichmann remarked. “There were really no disappointments, as many lots soared past their high estimates. It helped that most pieces were graded 9.5 and higher (out of 10) for condition. The hobby is very strong, with eager buyers from every area of bottle collecting.”

The Gold Dust western fifth excited bidders for several reasons. It boasted loads of embossing, even with an embossed horse (which happened to depict a famous race horse of its time). It had a beautiful yellow olive coloration, with a ton of whittle and an applied top. The Gold Dust has become a “must-have” western fifth for serious collectors able to afford one.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include the 12 percent buyer’s premium.

A Lafeyette / Masonic half-pint flask, 6 ½ inches tall and made circa 1815-1830, had an unusual light to medium green color so far outside the standard olives and ambers it pushed the final price to a record $15,120. Also, a J. Moore Old Bourbon western fifth (E. Chielovich & Co., Sole Agents), made circa mid-1870s and with whittle even on the antlers, brought $14,000.

An O.P.S. Bourbon bottle, graded 9.8 and almost legendary in its place among western fifths, with unsurpassed whittle, super strike, wonderful color and perfect condition, went to a determined bidder for $12,880. Also, a C. W. Stewart’s Extra Kentucky Whisky bottle, also graded 9.8, circa 1875-1883, one of about ten known and amber-reddish in color, hit $11,760.

A light golden amber Wm. H. Spears & Co. Old Pioneer whiskey bottle with embossed walking bear, circa 1878-1881, one of the top specimen two-name bear containers known, with exceptional strike and overall patina, garnered $7,840. Also, a Jockey Club Whiskey sixth-sized bottle, circa 1873-1878, graded 9.7 with an olive amber hue and loads of bubbles, rose to $6,160.

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Enormous New Year's Weekend Auction Features "Best of Best" Rare Antiques & Art from 15 Estates

2011-12-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Enormous New Year's Weekend Auction Features "Best of Best" Rare Antiques & Art from 15 Estates

Auction on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 is J. Levine's Largest Ever

Bidders Can Preview Items Dec. 28-30 at J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale

(SCOTTSDALE) - It's not often Arizonans have a chance to see and bid on a Victorian Wooten desk, an 18th Century Italian violin, a $29,000 sapphire suite, and other rare, museum-quality antiques, fine art and jewelry.

For the third consecutive year, J. Levine Auction & Appraisal is hosting its popular New Year's Weekend auction, and this year's event is so big, it has been expanded to two days: Sat. and Sun., Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Doors open at 9 a.m. both days with bidding starting at 11 a.m. The public is also invited to preview items from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Wednesday, December 28 through Friday, December 30. J. Levine Auction & Appraisal is located at 2200 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite C, in downtown Scottsdale (south of Oak Street).

"This will be the largest sale I've ever done. We're featuring the 'best of the best' rare antiques, fine art, bronzes and sculpture, Orientalia, Ivory, furniture, estate jewelry, crystals, silver, clocks and more from 15 affluent estates throughout Arizona. These are high caliber, museum-quality antiques - pieces you would not expect to see in Arizona," said Josh Levine, owner of J. Levine Auction & Appraisal. Levine is a licensed auctioneer and certified appraiser with more than a decade of experience conducting auctions both in Arizona and on the East Coast.

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A TWO-DAY, THREE-SESSION MULTI-ESTATE SALE FEATURING FINE PAINTINGS, PORCELAIN, HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA, MOVIE POSTERS, POP CULTURE, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ITEMS AND MORE WILL BE HELD JAN. 19-20 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

2011-12-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731
Phil@WeissAuctions.com

A TWO-DAY, THREE-SESSION MULTI-ESTATE SALE FEATURING FINE PAINTINGS, PORCELAIN, HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA, MOVIE POSTERS, POP CULTURE, ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ITEMS AND MORE WILL BE HELD JAN. 19-20 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

The event will be held in the firm’s showroom, located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, New York

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – A huge two-day, three-session multi-estate sale featuring hundreds of quality, fresh-to-the-market lots of original artwork, fine porcelain, Hollywood memorabilia, movie posters, pop culture and rock ‘n’ roll items and more will be held Jan. 19-20 by Philip Weiss Auctions, in the firm’s gallery facility located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside.

The event will kick off on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. (EST), with a large number of original paintings and artwork. Certain to attract bidder interest will be a pair of charcoal works by Willem de Kooning (1904-1997), an oil painting by the Western genre artist and illustrator William de la Montagne Cary (1840-1922), and three bronze statues by Charles Bragg (b. 1931).

But two pieces in particular are expected to really excite the crowd. One is an original oil on canvas by Jefferson David Chalfant (Pa./Del., 1856-1931), titled Doux Souvenir. The painting comes with an impeccable provenance from the Brandywine Museum. Mr. Chalfant was a multi-talented artist, known for his genre work, brightly illuminated interiors, still lifes and portraits.

The other is an original oil on canvas by Jan Van Chelminski (N.Y./Poland, 1851-1925), depicting a Napoleonic officer. Van Chelminski became quite famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was widely collected by legions of wealthy fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Also sold will be an original pen-and-ink illustration by John F. Peto (N.Y./Penn., 1854-1907).

Decorative accessories will also change hands on Jan. 19. Examples include a rare Argy Rousseau pate de verre lamp, a pair of hand-blown Murano glass vases by Master Bruno Bruber (each one hand-engraved and painted using precious metals, including 24kt gold), Part 3 of a single-owner Royal Doulton figurine collection, Hummels, carnival glass, Stangl birds and more.

A nice selection of period furniture will be highlighted by two fantastic dressing tables. Also sold will be sterling silver pieces (to include three fantastic sterling flatware sets by Tiffany & Co., Wallace Grand Baroque and a large Gorham set), a large collection of gold jewelry and watches (including an 18kt gold Jules Jurgensen ladies’ watch), a fine silk prayer rug and more.

From the estate of Lily and Louis Calderon will come three large stained glass windows in the style of Tiffany, a great collection of clocks, furniture pieces, bronzes, ivory, slag glass lamps, paintings, Orientalia and more. A preview will be held the day of the sale, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the first gavel comes down, and all week leading up to the sale, or by appointment.

The first Friday session, starting at 2 p.m., will feature Hollywood and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, movie posters and pop culture items. Included will be photos and other material from the Lester Glassner estate, vintage movie posters, box lots of photos, negatives, original Broadway window cards, playbills and original artwork for 1920s and ‘30s theater magazines.

Also sold will be a large collection of original movie costumes, to include a Jane Russell costume from The Outlaw, Laurel and Hardy costumes from The Bullfighters, a suit worn by James Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy, a gown worn by Bette Davis in The Virgin Queen, a vest worn by Rudolph Valentino in The Son of the Sheik and a Charlton Heston costume from Planet of the Apes. Also sold will be nearly 1,000 Vogue magazines, ranging from 1913-1991 (with the majority coming from the 1930s-1960s).

Friday’s first session will also feature three rare Andy’s Gang Buster Brown shoe displays (each approximately 30 inches tall and depicting Froggy the Gremlin, Midnight the Cat and Squeaky the Mouse), an extremely scarce Captain January Shirley Temple die-cut, a great selection of original 1920s linen-backed one-sheet movie posters and window cards, and more.

Rounding out the list of expected top lots on Friday will be original pastel cover art for 1930s-era movie magazines (of Janet Gaynor, Constance Bennett, Lillian Gish and two of Rudolph Valentino); an original oil on board movie poster design painting of the film Swing Time, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; a Judy Garland signed ticket for the American Cruise Line; and an original Fozzie Bear Muppet doll used by the late puppeteer Jim Henson.

After the gavel comes down on the last lot in session one, a brief intermission will be held, then session two will begin at around 6 p.m. Offered will be an astounding array of music and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, to include dozens of original concert posters, many Beatles items, a collection of vintage guitars and rare collectibles like a scarce 1947 Keaton musical typewriter.

The posters will include boxing-style globe posters for Gladys Knight and the Pips (1972), David Ruffin (1969), and the James Brown Revue (1970); a scarce Cavern Flying Burritos poster; a Jimi Hendrix Insel Fehmarn poster (1970); a 1967 Fugs theater poster; a rare 1971 Led Zeppelin at the Boston Garden poster; and posters for Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones (plus Rolling Stones autographs, including Brian Jones).

Beatles material will satisfy the most rabid collector and fan. Items will include a John Lennon handkerchief, a Paul McCartney gold record award, a Yellow Submarine Thermos, concert tickets, a scarce 1962 UK handbill, many 45 rpm records, a rare 1965 contract rider signed by the Beatles’ late manager Brian Epstein (a similar piece sold at auction for $23,000), a hard-to-find first Beatles’ North American Capitol single, lobby cards, posters and other items.

The vintage guitars will feature a 1962 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst, a 1965 Fender Jaguar Sunburst, a circa 1961-63 Gibson Firebird, a 1957 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster Sunburst, a circa 1935-36 Gibson EH-100 Sunburst, a 1960s Danelectro bass guitar, a 1960 Fender Bandmaster Brownface guitar amp, a 1960 Voc AC30 guitar amp, and other guitar-related lots.

Online bidding will be available, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. Images for some of the items to be sold may be seen on the Philip Weiss Auctions website, at www.WeissAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731, or e-mail them at phil@weissauctions.com. To learn more about Philip Weiss Auctions and the firm’s calendar of events, to include the upcoming Jan. 19-20 sale, please log on to www.WeissAuctions.com.

Original oil on canvas by Jefferson David Chalfant (Pa./Del., 1856-1931), titled Doux Souvenir.

Original oil on canvas of a Napoleonic officer by Jan Van Chelminski (N.Y./Pol., 1851-1925).

Rare circe-1950s Andy's Gang Buster Brown shoe store displays, each one about 30 inches tall.

Paul McCartney RIAA white matte gold record award, one of many Beatles items to be sold.

1957 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster Sunburst guitar, one of many vintage guitars in the auction.

Very rare one-sheet movie poster for the 1919 film Daddy Longlegs, starring Mary Pickford.

Gold Coins, Spectacular Jewels and Art in Government Auction’s Jan. 1 Sale

2011-12-20T14:48:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Dec. 19, 2011

Gold Coins, Spectacular Jewels and Art in Government Auction’s Jan. 1 Sale

On Jan. 1, 2012, California-based Government Auction will host its seventh annual New Year’s sale, featuring rare gold coins, fine jewelry and gems; art and antique music machines.

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – On Jan. 1, 2012, California-based Government Auction will host its seventh annual New Year’s sale, featuring rare gold coins, fine jewelry and gems; art and antique music machines. More than two million dollars in merchandise will be sold to the highest bidder at the event, which is structured as an absentee, phone and Internet auction, with Internet live bidding available.

The company traditionally reserves for its annual New Year’s sale only the best and most valuable items in its inventory. “It takes a lot of time to prepare for our New Year’s auction, but it’s always worth it. Collectors love it because most of the lots have no reserve and start with an opening bid of only one or two dollars,” said Chris Budge, of Government Auction’s Marketing department.

A strong candidate for top lot of the 2,000-lot sale is a 1795 13-leaves $10 gold eagle coin. Fewer than 5,100 gold eagle coins were minted in 1795 – some with the eagle grasping a branch with 13 leaves and others with nine leaves. Only 400 to 500 examples of the 13-leaves coin are known to exist. These coins hold strong interest with collectors because they were the first U.S. gold eagle coins to be stamped. Designed by Robert Scott, each weighs 17.5 grams and has 91.7% gold content. The coin in Government Auction’s sale is graded NGC AU by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., and is expected to make $123,000-$246,000.
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Don Presley’s New Year’s Auction Features Scottish Rite’s Antique Marble Sculpture ‘Paetus et Aria’

2011-12-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Dec. 20, 2011

Don Presley’s New Year’s Auction Features Scottish Rite’s Antique Marble Sculpture ‘Paetus et Aria’

The treasured Carrara marble grouping will be among over 1,000 lots of antiques and fine arts, including Asian art, in the two day sale December 31-January 1.

ORANGE, Calif. – A superb European sculpture unveiled at the Los Angeles Scottish Rite Cathedral on Christmas Day of 1913 is the highlight of Don Presley’s Dec. 31-Jan. 1 New Year’s Auction. The sale features 1,000 lots of antiques, Asian and other fine art, plus a bumper selection described by Presley as “a gallery of amusements.”

The headliner – a Carrara marble grouping known variously as ‘Paetus et Aria,’ ‘The Gaul Killing Himself and His Wife,’ and ‘The Galatian Suicide’ – is a copy of the Hellenistic 3rd century B.C. original by Epignonos, ex Boncompagni Ludovisi Collection. In 1900, the Italian State purchased the original – and 103 other sculptures – from the royal Boncompagni Ludovisi family for ensconcement in the Pergamum Museo Nazionale at Palazzo Altemps.

A deaccession from the Scottish Rite Library & Museum, the antique copy of the famous Greek statue in Presley’s sale – whose exact age is unknown – comes with a written history from Masonic archives. In its post-Christmas 1913 “Bulletin to the Los Angeles Consistory,” an article describes the statue – a gift from Scottish Rite member V.M. William Rhodes Hervey – as “one of the finest marbles in America, not unworthy of being the center of [the Cathedral’s] collection of statuary, pictures and books.”

The statue measures 94 inches tall by 42 inches wide, inclusive of custom-made marble base, and is expected to make $40,000-$75,000 at auction.
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RARE CHINESE EASTERN HAN DYNASTY SOLID NEPHRITE JADE BEAR (CIRCA 475 B.C.-220 A.D.), TOPS $8 MILLION AT ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS AUCTION, DEC. 10th

2011-12-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Hayes or Scott Cieckiewicz
(561) 200-0893
info@eliteauction.com

RARE CHINESE EASTERN HAN DYNASTY SOLID NEPHRITE JADE BEAR (CIRCA 475 B.C.-220 A.D.), TOPS $8 MILLION AT ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS AUCTION, DEC. 10th

The bear was actually a bargain for the buyer, as the pre-sale estimate was $10-$20 million.

(BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – An exceedingly rare, ancient Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty solid nephrite jade bear, made between 475 B.C.-220 A.D. and exhibiting extensive calcification due to centuries of extended burial, sold for a little more than $8 million at a multi-estate auction held Dec. 10 by Elite Decorative Arts, at the firm’s gallery located in the Quantum Town Center.

The nephrite (greenstone) bear was by far the top lot of the nearly 300 items that changed hands in an auction that grossed around $9 million. But the bear was also a bargain for the buyer who wished not to be identified -- it carried a pre-sale estimate of $10 million-$20 million. Such numbers have become commonplace for Chinese antiquities, which are now red hot collectibles.

A combination of factors contributed to the bear’s desirability. It was the largest jade sculpture known of its time. It was made for a significant figure or ruler, with whom it had been buried. The cup-shaped opening at the top of the head meant it was made for a stand or base for a significant object. And it came with impeccable credentials from a Beijing authenticating firm.
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NEW YEAR’S EXTRAVAGANZA PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, DEC. 31, AT 10 A.M. IN FLOMATON, ALA., BY STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY; JUST ITS SECOND AUCTION

2011-12-16T16:12:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dwight Stevens
(662) 369-2200
stevensauction@bellsouth.net

NEW YEAR’S EXTRAVAGANZA PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, DEC. 31, AT 10 A.M. IN FLOMATON, ALA., BY STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY; JUST ITS SECOND AUCTION

Stevens has saved the best auction for last; four prominent old Southern estates will be offered.

(FLOMATON, Ala.) – Four prominent old Southern estates – including the contents of a Baton Rouge estate with impeccable provenance and an antebellum mansion called Cedar Grove in Miss. – will be offered on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, in just the second auction ever conducted by Stevens at Flomaton, the Alabama affiliate of Stevens Auction Co., based in Aberdeen, Miss.

The auction will be held at 320 Palafox Street in Flomaton, an historic theater building that for years housed Flomaton Antique Auction and which was acquired by Stevens Auction Company only recently. The firm held its inaugural sale there Nov. 12. Flomaton is located near the Gulf Coast in Alabama, 64 miles northeast of Mobile and 42 miles north of Pensacola, Fla.

“We absolutely saved the best auction for last,” enthused Dwight Stevens, the owner of both Stevens Auction Company and Stevens at Flomaton. “The antiques and furnishings from all the estates are in pristine condition, and bidders will be offered the chance to own superior pieces of Americana, to include Empire, Victorian, Federal and rococo furnishings -- all of it the best.”

Some of the highlights of the Baton Rouge collection include hand-painted porcelains (such as a pair of late 19th century museum-quality Old Paris vases, magnificent in detail and condition, and a monumental, 39-inch scenic Sevres urn, artist signed), as well as exquisite china, marvelous sterling silver pieces, beautiful works of art and many decorative accessories.

Pieces made by the renowned American furniture maker John H. Belter will include a rosewood rococo étagère with white marble top in great condition (circa 1850); a parlor set consisting of four side chairs, and arm chair and a love seat, in the Rosalie with Grapes pattern (circa 1850); and a lovely rosewood laminated armchair in the Rosalie pattern (without grapes).
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NEARLY 450 LOTS OF AMERICAN BRILLIANT CUT GLASS PIECES WILL CROSS THE BLOCK ON SATURDAY, JAN. 21, AT THE ST. CHARLES (MO.) CONVENTION CENTER

2011-12-15T12:28:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Woody
(316) 747-2694
info@woodyauction.com

NEARLY 450 LOTS OF AMERICAN BRILLIANT CUT GLASS PIECES WILL CROSS THE BLOCK ON SATURDAY, JAN. 21, AT THE ST. CHARLES (MO.) CONVENTION CENTER

The sale will be held by Woody Auction, based in Douglass, Kansas, starting at 9:30 a.m. (CST)

(ST. CHARLES, Mo.) – Nearly 450 lots of highly collectible American Brilliant Cut Glass, drawn from several important collections consigned from around the country, will be sold Saturday, Jan. 21, by Woody Auction, at the St. Charles Convention Center, starting at 9:30 a.m. (CST). The auction will be held in the Convention Center’s upper level of Grand Ballroom A.

Headlining the event will be the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Toney of North Carolina; select items from the Dr. and Mrs. Loren Hart collection of Wisconsin; and stunning highlights from the collection of Burton and Eleanor Gale of St. Louis. A preview will be held on Friday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. Internet, phone and absentee bidding will all be available.

Certain to generate tremendous bidder interest will be a monumental matched pair of mushroom lamps in the full Harvard cut pattern (each one 23 inches by 14 inches); an 8-inch Straus cranberry to clear ball-shaped water pitcher in the Wales pattern by Clark; and a rare 8-inch signed Hawkes panel pattern low bowl with outstanding blank, coloring and cutting.

ABCG vases will feature a 12-inch, four-footed, two-handled oval vase with hobstar, strawberry, diamond, star and fan motif, sporting triple-notched handles; a 16-inch tulip-shaped vase with large hobstar columns with notching highlights and a huge faceted cut knob stem; and an exceedingly rare 12-inch bowling pin-shaped vase in the Columbia pattern by Blackmer.

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OVER 400 LOTS OF IMPORTANT ANTIQUE CLOCKS, ASIAN OBJECTS, FINE ART, PORCELAIN AND MORE WILL BE SOLD DEC. 28 BY GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO.

2011-12-14T10:56:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gordon Converse
(484) 431-5543 or (610) 722-9004
Gordon@ConverseClocks.com

OVER 400 LOTS OF IMPORTANT ANTIQUE CLOCKS, ASIAN OBJECTS, FINE ART, PORCELAIN AND MORE WILL BE SOLD DEC. 28 BY GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO.

The auction will be held at the Peoples Light & Theater Company in Malvern, Pa., at 10 a.m.

(MALVERN, Pa.) – Over 400 quality lots of important antique clocks, Asian objects, fine art, porcelain and antiques in an array of categories will be sold at auction Wednesday, Dec. 28, by Gordon S. Converse & Company, at the Peoples Light & Theater Company in Malvern, a city situated in eastern Pennsylvania, not far off of Interstate 76 and just west of Philadelphia, Pa.

Previews will be held Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 26-27, from 9-5, and on Wednesday, the date of sale, Dec. 28, from 8:30-10 a.m., when the first gavel comes down. Online bidding will be available, and phone, write-in and absentee bids will also be accepted. The Peoples Light & Theater Company is located at 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern.

The action will begin promptly at 10 a.m. (EST), but bidders may preview the lots online, at the Gordon S. Converse & Company website (www.auctionsatconverse.com). “We’re billing this as a holiday auction, as it’s coming close on the heels of Christmas,” said Gordon Converse. “The week between Christmas and New Year’s is typically kind of quiet -- a good time to buy.”

Speaking of time, the sale will feature a major collection of 19th century American clocks to go with a great general selection of other fine clocks. This is an exceptional opportunity for collectors to snap up some marvelous 19th century wall clocks that have become desired for their decorative qualities. About 100 clocks will be sold, most of them late 19th century wall clocks.

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Get Ready for A Busy January!

2011-12-13T14:07:00.001-05:00

State Auctioneer Association Tradeshows in January!

January marks the beginning of a new year, as well as a newseason of State Association Tradeshows. In January alone, tradeshows will be taking place in states across thecountry, including those in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Wyoming, New York,Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas,Maryland, and Virginia.

Make sure to reach out to your state association to find outthe dates and times of your association tradeshow. Information such as dates, times, andschedules, for these shows can also be found on the National AuctioneersAssociation website (www.auctioneers.org),and clicking the ‘Events’ tag.

Each State Association Tradeshow hosts its own unique eventsand schedules so be sure to check their respective websites, and the NAAwebsite for details. Our AuctionZip team is thrilled to be hitting the road andjoining you again this season! Stay tuned for updates...

Meet the Team! AuctionZip Team Member Nerae

2011-12-13T13:15:00.002-05:00

Meet the Team!
Interview with AuctionZip Team Member, Nerae Whitcomb

Position:
Regional Account Representative for California, Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee, Washington

How long how you been with the company:
I have been working at AuctionZip since April 2011.

What drew you to the company and what do you love most about working for AuctionZip:
What attracted me to working at AuctionZip is the constant interaction with auctioneers. Almost every day I talk with an auctioneer who has a story to tell and puts a smile on my face. There is never a dull moment in my workday. The most satisfying part of this position is all the general information I have learned about the auction industry. I have an appreciation for the various aspects of auctioneering and what it entails.

The Auction House Diaries:

2011-12-13T13:12:00.001-05:00

How a Drunken Auctioneer Set My Career Path

Original article by Martin Willis

I guessyou could say that our family got in the antiques auction business because ofdrunkenness. Most people would be embarrassed to admit something like that, butnot I.

Longbefore my father ever stood behind the podium with gavel in hand, he wasrelentlessly dragging me from an early age to auctions everywhere. I wouldenjoy the previews and try not to break anything, but of course had totouch everything. I would always grab a seat with my dad and sitthere as an auction meandered with very little interest. As the night woulddrag on, I would find my way to the truck just to fall asleep among the mustypacking blankets. I would usually wake up abruptly to the banging of thetailgate. This was the way I was alerted that is was time for me to helppacking and loading. Anticipating that we would be heading home soon, I didthis without too much complaining, yet in a groggy, lethargic manor.

A PAIR OF GUNS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN OWNED AND USED BY THE OUTLAWS BONNIE AND CLYDE WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st

2011-12-05T15:19:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Robert Mayo
(816) 361-2600
Robert@auctionbymayo.com

A PAIR OF GUNS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN OWNED AND USED BY THE OUTLAWS BONNIE AND CLYDE WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st

The guns will be the centerpiece lots in a firearms consignment auction slated for Kansas City.

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – A pair of vintage guns believed to have been owned and used by the notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde – a .45 caliber Thompson sub-machine gun and a 12-gauge Winchester model 1897 shotgun – will be the centerpiece lots in a firearms consignment auction planned for Saturday, Jan. 21, by Mayo Auction & Realty, beginning at 10 a.m. (CST).

The auction will be conducted in Mayo Auction & Realty’s spacious gallery facility, located at 8253 Wornall Road in Kansas City. Many antique weapons and other pieces of militaria will cross the block, representing several conflicts. But Bonnie and Clyde promise to be the headliners.

Several signs strongly suggest the highlight guns were, in fact, toted and used by Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, said Robert Mayo of Mayo Auction & Realty. “The consignor’s great-grandfather, who was in law enforcement at the time, was given the two guns by another peace officer who had seized the weapons after a raid on the pair in Joplin, Mo., in April of 1933.”

The raid occurred at the height of the duo’s crime rampage that cut a wide swath across middle American during the Great Depression. The raid did not produce any arrests (the two had a knack for staying one step ahead of law enforcement), but it did yield a cache of weapons and a camera. When the film was developed, there were pictures of the couple with some of their guns.

One of the photos shows Bonnie “disarming” Clyde in a staged mock arrest, pointing a Winchester model 1897 rifle at his chest. It is identical looking to the gun being offered Jan. 21.

“The fact is, these guns are highly collectible and would draw attention in any sale by their own history and merit,” Mr. Mayo said. “The Winchester model 1897 is a coveted rifle, and the Thompson sub-machine gun is only legal to own by special permit.” He said the winning bidder for the “Tommy gun” (the gangster nickname for the Thompson weapon) will have to go through a permit approval process with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

The guns have been in the family of Mark Lairmore and his sisters, the consignors, from Springfield, Mo., ever since the unknown Depression-era police officer gave them to their great-grandfather, also named Mark Lairmore. He has since passed away. From 1973-2011, the weapons were displayed in the Springfield (Mo.) Police Museum, also known as The Calaboose.

“They were the major draw of the museum and I don’t think they were all that anxious to give them up,” Mr. Lairmore said. “But my father and grandfather have also passed away, so the sentimental reasons to hold onto them are no longer there. I feel it’s time for someone with an appreciation of antique guns and the history behind these guns to own them and care for them.”

Mr. Lairmore said there was “no doubt it my mind whatsoever” that the guns belonged to Bonnie and Clyde. “When they were in Springfield, they kidnapped a police officer and had him in their car,” he said. “They bragged to the officer about having stolen their Tommy gun in Ohio, and the serial number on my gun is the same as one that was once listed as stolen in Ohio. That to me is huge.” The account was documented in the local paper, the Springfield News-Leader.

Plus, he said, the police officer who gave the guns to his great-grandfather had nothing to gain by saying they came from Bonnie and Clyde. “It was a gift from one policeman to another,” he said. “There was no reason to invent a fairy tale to go along with it. What’s unfortunate is, we don’t know who that policeman was. If we did, we might have an airtight case. But we don't.”

Interestingly, Mr. Lairmore's great-grandfather had his own encounter with another one of the Depression era's most notable and notorious criminals: Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd (1904-1934). According to family lore, Mr. Lairmore went to Floyd's home, to issue a warrant or make an arrest, and a gunfight broke out. In the ensuing melee, Mr. Lairmore was shot in the leg.

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious outlaws, robbers and criminals who, with their gang, traveled the central United States during the Great Depression, from 1931-1935. Though they were widely known for their bank robberies, Barrow actually preferred to rob small stores and gas stations. They killed as many as nine police officers, plus other innocent civilians.

The raid and shootout in Joplin left two police officers dead. The scene of the raid (and where Bonnie and Clyde had an apartment) is now a museum. Visitors can rent the second-floor room and spend the night. Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree led them through Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana, where the two were killed in a hail of gunfire.

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A TURN-KEY, 152-ROOM CONVENTION HOTEL AND RESTAURANT FACILITY IN NORFOLK, VA., WILL BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

2011-12-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Catherine Holden
(757) 461-6867
catherine@atlanticremarketing.com

A TURN-KEY, 152-ROOM CONVENTION HOTEL AND RESTAURANT FACILITY IN NORFOLK, VA., WILL BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

But if the minimum bid of $4 million is not met, all assets will be liquidated December 15-16

(NORFOLK, Va.) – A once-thriving but now-closed 152-room convention hotel and restaurant situated in one of Norfolk’s most bustling and burgeoning areas will be sold to the highest bidder on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. (EST), by Atlantic Asset Management Group, Inc., the Virginia Beach-based auction and brokerage firm assigned to liquidate the property.

However, if no one offers the $4 million minimum bid the seller will accept (about half the property’s currently assessed value of $7.9 million), then all of the assets at the property – the furnishings, fixtures and equipment, totaling around 600 lots – will be sold in a live absolute auction (everything sells, regardless of price) the next two days, Dec. 15-16, beginning at 9 a.m.. That sale would be on-site and online. Internet bidding will be at www.atlanticremarketing.com.
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RICHFIELD AVIATION GASOLINE 15-INCH SINGLE LENS IN A METAL GLOBE BODY SELLS FOR $15,400 AT AN AUCTION HELD NOV. 26 BY MATTHEWS AUCTIONS, LLC

2011-11-29T13:40:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dan Matthews
(217) 563-8880 or (217) 259-7059
danm@matthewsauctions.com

RICHFIELD AVIATION GASOLINE 15-INCH SINGLE LENS IN A METAL GLOBE BODY SELLS FOR $15,400 AT AN AUCTION HELD NOV. 26 BY MATTHEWS AUCTIONS, LLC

The lens, just the fourth one known, was the top lot of the nearly 500 items that changed hands.

(RAYMOND, Ill.) – A Richfield Aviation Gasoline 15-inch single lens in a high-profile metal globe body, just the fourth such lens known and rated 9 out of 10 for condition, sold for $15,400 at an auction held Nov. 26 by Matthews Auctions, LLC, based in Nokomis, Ill. The sale was held at the gallery of Gavin Pope Auction, with whom Matthews Auctions often partners.

The lens, boasting a crisp airplane logo, showed a little rust, but that didn’t deter bidders who recognized the piece’s rarity and collectability. “Anything related to aviation or marine is automatically hot, because there are far fewer airports and marinas than there are gas stations,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions. “Plus, that lens was so rare it was bound to do well.”

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Contract that Established Apple Computer Co. up for Auction!

2011-11-29T09:33:00.001-05:00

Founding contract that established Apple Computer Co. up for auction at Sotheby's
November 28, 2011 at 8:30am

35 years ago, Steve Jobs invited Ron Wayne to persuade Wozniak to join him in his entrepreneurial foray called Apple Computer Co. Jobs and Wayne go back a long way and had known each other from Jobs’s Atari days. Wayne drafted the original four-page founding contract that established Apple Computer Co. on a typewriter and came up with all the legalese of their partnership agreement.
Twelve days later, Wayne left the young startup and sold his stake. 35 years later, the original founding contract goes up for auction at Sothesby’s and is expected to fetch a cool $150,000.

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MAGNIFICENT CHINESE SOLID NEPHRITE JADE BEAR (475 B.C.-220 A.D.) COULD REALIZE $10-$20 MILLION AT ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS ON SATURDAY, DEC. 10

2011-11-22T15:56:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Hayes or Scott Cieckiewicz
(561) 200-0893
info@eliteauction.com

MAGNIFICENT CHINESE SOLID NEPHRITE JADE BEAR (475 B.C.-220 A.D.) COULD REALIZE $10-$20 MILLION AT ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS ON SATURDAY, DEC. 10

The bear is the expected top lot in an auction that will see nearly 400 quality lots change hands.

(BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – A rare and magnificent Chinese solid nephrite jade bear, the largest known jade sculpture of its time and dating back to China’s Warring States in the Eastern Han Dynasty (475-B.C.-220 A.D.), is expected to bring $10-$20 million at a multi-estate auction scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10, by Elite Decorative Arts, beginning promptly at 1 p.m. (EST).

The jade bear is the expected top lot of the nearly 400 quality items that will change hands in the Elite Decorative Arts showroom, located in the Quantum Town Center in Boynton Beach, Fla., at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Suite 106). Several other Oriental objects are expected to easily surpass the $100,000 mark, exploiting the current red-hot market for Chinese antiques.
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OVER 1,100 LOTS OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK, FINE CHINESE OBJECTS, ANTIQUE WEAPONS, MORE TO BE SOLD DEC. 3 BY CRESCENT CITY AUCTION GALLERY

2011-11-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Adam Lambert
(504) 529-5057
adam@crescentcityauctiongallery.com

OVER 1,100 LOTS OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK, FINE CHINESE OBJECTS, ANTIQUE WEAPONS, MORE TO BE SOLD DEC. 3 BY CRESCENT CITY AUCTION GALLERY

The auction will be held in the firm’s showroom, located at 1015 Julia Street in New Orleans.

(NEW ORLEANS, La.) – Over 1,100 lots of mostly fresh-to-the-market items – culled from prominent local estates and collections and spanning a wide variety of categories – will be sold on Saturday, Dec. 3, by Crescent City Auction Gallery. The all-day event will be held in the firm’s spacious gallery, located at 1015 Julia Street in New Orleans, beginning at 8 a.m. (CST).

Offered will be original works of art (mostly by regional artists, but some by national and international artists as well), fine Chinese objects, antique weaponry (to include two rare and highly collectible antique guns), wonderful estate jewelry, silver, period American and European furniture, objets d’art, chandeliers, Persian rugs, Moorcroft pottery and decorative accessories.

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Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. to Hold Two-Day Winter Catalogue Auction on December 2nd and 3rd.

2011-11-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Leland Little
919.644.1243
leland@llauctions.com

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. to Hold Two-Day Winter Catalogue Auction on December 2nd and 3rd.

Over 1000 lots of fine art, silver, estate jewelry, furniture and fine wine to be offered at LLAES, Ltd.’s Two-Day Winter Catalogue Auction. Fine Wine to be sold Friday December 2nd at 5:30 PM, The Personal Collection of Joseph D. Rowand to be sold Friday, December 2nd at 7 PM, and Fine & Decorative Arts to be sold Saturday, December 3rd at 9 AM.

Following on the heels of two consecutive million dollar sales, LLAES, Ltd. is proud to announce their last catalogue sale of the year. Leland Little states, “This sale promises to maintain the momentum that has been generated at our previous two catalogue auctions.” The sale will feature the personal collection of Joseph D. Rowand, founder of Somerhill Gallery, Chapel Hill, NC, the largest collection of rare and fine wine to date, and a quality collection of fine and decorative arts. This event will be held at the firm’s newly expanded state-of-the-art auction gallery in Hillsborough, NC. Little elaborates, “We are pleased to announce the completion and use of our 5,500 square foot extension which offers an additional 2,000 square feet of gallery display combined with the largest walk in wine cooler in the Southeast.” Floor, absentee, and telephone will be available both days.

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Mid-Hudson Galleries To Auction Unique Archive Of Liberace’s Personal Effects, Dec. 3

2011-11-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Nov. 16, 2011

Mid-Hudson Galleries To Auction Unique Archive Of Liberace’s Personal Effects, Dec. 3

The Dec. 3 sale will include personal jewelry, stage apparel and mementos.

NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. – Before Elton John, Madonna or Lady Gaga dominated the world stage with their outrageous costumes and over-the-top performances, there was Liberace – a charismatic showman whose onstage presence combined the glitz of Las Vegas with a dash of quaint but endearing schmaltz. For nearly two decades, Liberace (1919-1987) was the world’s highest-paid entertainer, earning as much as $300,000 per week and garnering some 40,000 fan letters per month.

Eye-popping diamonds and flashy clothes were Liberace’s trademark, both onstage and off. He took pleasure in giving gifts of jewelry and apparel from his lavish wardrobe to friends in his inner circle, which included a man named James Myers. When Myers died in 2005, he bequeathed his treasured archive of Liberace mementos to his mother, Helen. Now a nonagenarian, Mrs. Myers has chosen to consign the unique collection to Mid-Hudson Galleries, who will offer it in a 425-lot auction on Dec. 3rd.

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THREE-DAY MEGA-SALE, FEATURING IMPORTANT DISNEY MATERIAL (TO INCLUDE THE ONLY KNOWN COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL 1953 DISNEYLAND PROSPECTUS) WILL BE CONDUCTED DEC. 16-18 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

2011-11-15T13:27:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731
Phil@WeissAuctions.com

THREE-DAY MEGA-SALE, FEATURING IMPORTANT DISNEY MATERIAL (TO INCLUDE THE ONLY KNOWN COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL 1953 DISNEYLAND PROSPECTUS) WILL BE CONDUCTED DEC. 16-18 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

The event will be held in the firm's showroom, located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, N.Y.

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – A monstrous three-day estate auction, featuring important Disney items (to include the complete and original 1953 Disneyland prospectus, drafted by Walt Disney himself and outlining his ideas for the iconic theme park in California) will be held the weekend of Dec. 16-18 by Philip Weiss Auctions, in the firm’s showroom at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside.

The prospectus is one of only three printed and in all probability is the only one that has survived intact and complete. It comes with maps and the words and images of Walt Disney and artist Herb Ryman. The information contained in the prospectus would be used the following year to break ground on Disneyland, one of the most famous and visited family amusement parks in the world. It remains as a monument to the vision of Walt Disney, along with Disney World.

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DiMaggio, Koufax Jerseys, Bill Russell All-Star Uniform Lead Grey Flannel Auction Closing Nov. 30

2011-11-15T11:59:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Nov. 14, 2011

DiMaggio, Koufax Jerseys, Bill Russell All-Star Uniform Lead Grey Flannel Auction Closing Nov. 30

Charities to benefit from sale of Holyfield robe, Ty Murray Championship saddle

WESTHAMPTON, N.Y. – Grey Flannel Auctions’ Holiday Auction 2011 is now under way and the heat is already on, with collectors placing early bids on Premier Lots including a 1948-49 Joe DiMaggio game-used Yankees jersey and a Sandy Koufax game-used jersey from the superstar pitcher’s 1966 Cy Young Award season with the Dodgers.

In all, 841 lots have been selected for the absentee and Internet auction that closes for bidding on Nov. 30, 2011. Virtually every major professional sport is represented in the complimentary printed catalog, as well as great Americana. In addition to game-used apparel and equipment, important autographed equipment and balls; awards, championship jewelry and personal ephemera that came directly from athletes are up for bid.

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Occupy Wall Street for Christmas – How antiques dealers can boost the shop local movement

2011-11-15T09:05:00.000-05:00

Occupy Wall Street for Christmas

How Antique Dealers Can Boost the Shop Local Movement

Wayne Jordan
Behind the Gavel
Antique Trader
November 3, 2011

No matter what you think of the Occupy Wall Street movement, it holds the seed of a successful holiday sales season for antique dealers.
The Wall Street protestors have expressed frustration with taxpayer bailouts of “too big to fail” corporations who take public tax money and then raise banking fees, restrict access to loans, and then give their CEO’s big bonuses. Versions of Occupy Wall Street have spread across the United States plus 951 European cities and 82 countries around the world. The public is endorsing the message: institutions and individuals are moving their money to hometown banks. Hometown banks have seen out-of-the-ordinary surges in deposits in the past several months.
Not only are individual citizens fed up with the “too big to fail” mentality of the banking conglomerates, state governments are as well. Lawmakers in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Minnesota have all voted to move state funds into local banks and credit unions. Labor unions, small businesses and municipalities are also moving funds to local institutions.
The anti-big-bank, anti-big-corporation mindset is throwing fuel on the fire of the “buy local” movement. Bloggers are writing about “buy local”, as are major newspapers and media outlets. Michael Shuman, author of The Small-Mart Revolution says: “In the current economic downturn, Americans are beginning to understand that their future prosperity lies in the community businesses down the street that employ their neighbors, pay the taxes, and promote local relationships and trust.”
Economic-localism is a growing grass-roots movement. Since the recession began four years ago, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies has grown to more than 60 small business networks in the US, representing more than 20,000 entrepreneurs.
What does this mean for antique dealers? Consumers are getting the “buy local” message. They are more inclined now to buy local than they were three or four years ago.
They will still shop at big-box stores this holiday season, but if you give them sufficient reason to shop at your store they will do so, and get the added benefit of feeling like they have contributed to the local economy.

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Let Your Voice Be Heard.

2011-11-14T09:42:00.001-05:00

Every generation poses challenges andopportunities that result in both positive and negative changes. The changethat this generation poses is all about ‘us.’ It’s about you. It’s about me. It’sabout who we are as individuals.

Let your voice be heard.

Technology is empowering the individual morethan any time in history. In the past ordinary people like you and I weresimply listeners and receivers of information. In order to be able to broadcastinformation you had to be rich, powerful, and have the ability and means tobroadcast. This is changing.

Socialmedia is enabling ordinary people to be thebroadcasters of information. For the first time the rich and powerful arebroadcasting their messages alongside the rest of us.

The implications of this are everywhere;whether you are supporting your local charity, or promoting an upcomingauction, you have the ability to share your information with the world. Theopportunities are endless and offer you the chance to reach out and connect ona more personal level with yourbidders, collectors, and sellers.

Take it personally.

The social web allows ordinary individualsand small businesses to have an identity. Having an identity is a priceless assetin a world where your customers can find exactly what they want on the web inseveral different locations. Once you have a real identity or distinct voice, youcan have real relationships that will grow and strengthen with the informationyou share.

Itis a shift from the information web to the social web.

Itis a shift from a world of links, to a world of connections.

Itis a shift of the wisdom of the crowds, to the wisdom of friends.

On many levels the auction business is builton relationships. The relationships you have with your bidders, sellers,advertisers, local businesses, and networks are all a part of your businessmodel.

Use these social networks to help build yourauction businesses. It’s free, easy to set up, and if you have any questions Iam always here to help you get started. I would never suggest getting rid ofyour own personal website (if you have one); those are equally, if not morevaluable. Yet, using social networks alongside a website is a nice way to makesure you are keeping communication casual and allowing people to connect withyou on a more personal level.

Molly@AuctionZip.com

*References: Facebook Marketing Talks; SherylSandberg COO Facebook, Hubspot

Tips and Tricks: Pictures!

2011-11-14T09:29:00.002-05:00

Pictures Pictures Pictures

Pictures of your items at auction are VERY important. Just listen to what bidders are saying!

“Pictures are very important. If I see a picture of something I’m interested in, I’ll drive a couple hours to an auction. No pictures, I won’t even drive 15 minutes to check it out…”

~Donna Sherrit, AuctionZip Bidder

A picture is worth a thousand words. Like your lot description, your photos should make the item appealing! Take pictures from all angles and take close up pictures of important details. If you’ve mentioned a detail in your description, make sure to include a picture of it.

Here are some guidelines to follow and tips to try out:

Make sure only the item is in the shot.
Place the item against a contrasting, preferably white background. White poster board is a cheap and easy way to produce a professional-looking shot, where nothing else is visible at all.
Filter your flash. Very inexpensive flash filters are available, and can make a big impact. Especially on close up shots, a flash can create glare, and using no flash fails to capture the details effectively.

Meet the Team: Trina Morral AuctionZip Team Member

2011-11-14T09:22:00.001-05:00

Meet the team!

Interview: Trina Morral

Position:

Regional Account Representative for Indiana, New Englandand Canada.

Howlong you have been working at AZ:

Istarted with AuctionZip at the end of August 2011

Whatdrew you to the company and what do you love about working for AuctionZip?

Ihave always loved attending auctions. I started using AuctionZip severalyears ago while living in Tennessee to find auctions in my area. Aftermoving back to my home state of Pennsylvania, I was pleasantly surprised tofind that AuctionZip was located in the area and was hiring! Since joiningAuctionZip, I have had the opportunity to speak with many auctioneers and theirteams. The most enjoyable thing about working here is getting to know theauctioneers and working with them on how we can best meet their individualbusiness needs.

What doyou enjoy doing in your spare time?

Myfavorite weekend past time is attending a good auction or reading a book. My favorite hobby is making stained glass windows.

IAA Annual Convention in Indianapolis!

2011-11-09T17:58:00.001-05:00

ForImmediate Release

Contact:

KathyBaber

317-859-8990

director@indianaauctioneers.org

Indiana Auctioneers gathered for theannual convention at the Marriott North Indianapolis!

Morethan 300 Auctioneers and industry trade vendors convened in IndianapolisNovember 3-6, 2011 for the annual IAA convention.

Eventsincluded the crowning of a new Indiana Champion Auctioneer, inductions into theIAA and IAA Auxiliary Hall of Fame, Marketing Awards, the Children’s Auctionand the Presidential Gala.

PeterGehres from Ohio was crowned the 2011 Indiana Champion Auctioneer. Peter was one of fifteen (15) competing forthe coveted title. Jimmie Dean Coffey ofBloomington, IN -Reserve Champion with Chip Kugler of Jasper, IN- 1^stRunner Up.

Thehighest award conveyed to an Auctioneer in Indiana is an election into theIndiana Auctioneer’s and the Indiana Auctioneer’s Auxiliary Hall of Fame. Thisyear was a first for the IAA as a husband and wife were inducted into the IAAand IAA Auxiliary Hall of Fame, Fred and Bonnie Robinson, North Vernon, IN.Keith Jones of Arlington Heights, IL joined the IAA Hall of Fame family aswell.

Membersduring the weekend took the time to visit with industry vendors, as well as,taking the opportunity to earnprofessional continuing education credits. Many members were recognized for their innovation in auction marketingand advertising at the Marketing Awards Reception.

The Children’sAuction is always a highlight of this weekend. “These children are our future auctioneers”, Sara Minor, 2010-2011 IAAPresident. The children that took partthis year voted to donate the funds raised to the IAA Scholarship Fund and toJump Rope for Heart.

Sara Minor, CAI, GPPA- first womanPresident of the IAA gave her outgoing speech and passed the gavel to AndrewWilson, CAI,CES during the annual Presidential Gala that was hosted by BenefitAuction Specialist; Jimmie DeanCoffey-Bloomington, Jama Smith-Auburn and Wendy Miller-Evansville.

Mark your calendars now for the 2012convention in New Harmony, IN – November 1-4, 2012.

Aboutthe IAA

TheIndiana Auctioneers Association (IAA) represents the interests of over 580 Auctioneersthroughout the state. The IAA’s missionis “To advance the professional auction method of marketing”, with a Visionthat consumers will think “Auction First.” To learn more about the IAA and theauction industry visit: www.indianaauctioneers.org.

THE MANY COLLECTIONS BELONGING TO THE LATE MILDRED YATES FARRIOR OF CHIPLEY, FLA., WILL BE SOLD IN AN ON-SITE AUCTION SATURDAY, DEC. 3rd

2011-11-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Logan Adams
(850) 785-2577
specialists@knology.net

THE MANY COLLECTIONS BELONGING TO THE LATE MILDRED YATES FARRIOR OF CHIPLEY, FLA., WILL BE SOLD IN AN ON-SITE AUCTION SATURDAY, DEC. 3rd

The auction will be conducted by The Specialists of The South., Inc., based in Panama City, Fla.

(CHIPLEY, Fla.) – The many and varied collections belonging to the late Mildred Yates Farrior – a long-time resident of Chipley who, along with her late husband Daniel, amassed a number of collections in a rainbow of categories – will be sold at auction on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Farriors’ former residence, located at 755 4th Street in Chipley (zip code: 32428), beginning at 9 a.m. (CST).

The auction will be conducted by The Specialists of the South, Inc., based in Panama City, Fla. Chipley is located about 40 miles north of Panama City, in the Florida panhandle. For the most part, the auction will be absolute (everything sells, regardless of price), with just a few items carrying reserves (minimums). Internet, phone and absentee bidding will be available.

“Mildred Farrior was a beloved member of the community who taught second grade for over forty years,” said Logan Adams of The Specialists of the South, Inc. “Her late husband, Daniel, was the former owner of Dan’s Trading Post in Chipley. Many of their collections sprang from his business, but Mildred was very active in selecting items and knowing their value.”

Mr. Farrior passed away in the 1990s -- Mrs. Farrior in August 2010. The couple had no children and would spend their spare time scouring the flea markets and yard sales of Panama City and Washington County, looking for that next big find. In addition to their collections, the couple also accumulated some wonderful furniture items for their home. These will be sold, too.

The furniture will include Heywood Wakefield bedroom chests, 20th century mahogany bedroom pieces, a cedar chest, a sandalwood carved chest, china cabinets, a chaise lounge (reclining sofa), an occasional table, side tables, Brentwood side chairs, a mahogany Federal dining room table with 3-turned standards and reproduction Victorian side chairs made by the Liberty Chair Company.

The collections, amounting to between 400-500 lots, are astounding in their variety and depth. They include Carnival Glass, Milk Glass (to include Open Lace), Depression Glass, Haviland China (to include a large service in the mostly Berkeley pattern but with some Oxford as well, white, with gold edge and pen line), Nippon pieces, Fenton Glass, over 30 ladies’ hats, some nice artwork, tons of costume jewelry (some of it to be sold in multiple lots), hand-painted china, ceramic milk bowls, quilts and more.

Individual items of note will feature a gorgeous stoneware pitcher, a wonderful Seth Thomas mantel clock and a steeple mantel clock, a Gone With the Wind-style Milk Glass floor lamp with painted globe plus a variety of other table and vanity Milk Glass lamps, a Weller vase, an Eastlake platform rocker, a wrought-iron bench, a hand-painted Nippon chocolate set, a vintage daguerreotype and more.

Also sold will be a World War II-era parachute and uniform (no insignias), Coca-Cola collectibles (mostly recent), vintage children's books, over 40 collectible teapots (many of them antique), primitives (to include crocks, Mason jars, about a half-dozen insulators, an egg scale an old washboard and vintage tools, to include hand-saws and planes), Goofus glassware, a huge collection of Rosepoint glassware, Herringbone and Iris glassware (marigold and clear), other glassware in many desirable patterns (Floragold, Cabbage Rose, Cherry Blossom, Mayfair Open Rose, Sandwich, Manhattan), fur coats (including two mink stoles, a full-length mink coat and a cashmere coat), sterling silver (to include a large flatware service, Alvin Chateau Rose), rugs (not Persian antique), beautiful handbags (including evening bags), and vintage camera and movie equipment.

The Carnival Glass will include highly collectible single- and double-handled nappies. Also sold will be wall pockets (Hull Art and Japanese Castle), Goebels (angels and Madonna), sad irons (molded cast-iron triangular irons, about 6 inches on each side), cast-iron skillets and other cast-ironware, punch bowls and cups, and vintage linens.

Returning to furniture, other lots will include a mahogany dumbwaiter and drum table, a diminutive oak entry table with two drawers and backsplash on an overshelf, rocking chairs, a medium-sized mahogany fall-front secretary, a sturdy 20th century Windsor chair, several nice Renaissance Revival chairs, and an upholstered Victorian sofa with coffee table and end tables.

Daniel and Mildred Chipley were both lifelong residents of Chipley, Fla. Mildred was active in organizations such as the Garden Club, the Women’s Club, Friends of the Library and the Daughters of the Confederacy, She was also a staunch, lifelong Democrat. Declining health forced her to spend the years 2005-2010 in a long-term care home, leading up to her passing. Daniel came from a long line of professionals in the area – doctors, lawyers and judges –and his father was sheriff of Washington County. Daniel broke the mold by becoming a retail store merchant, but the business thrived and without it he and Mildred might not have been the dedicated collectors they became. Mr. Farrior succumbed after a long battle with lung cancer.

The Farriors’ residence in Chipley is located on the corner of 4th Street and Forest Ave. Chipley is just off Highway 77, a main thoroughfare in Florida’s panhandle. In addition to the online bidding component, phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. Previews will be held the week prior to the auction, by appointment, and on the morning of sale, Dec. 3, from 8-9 a.m.

The Specialists of the South, Inc., has been serving the Panama City community for over 30 years. The firm specializes in a broad range of services, to include estate auctions, furniture refurbishing, interior decoration, personal property appraisals and business liquidation services. It has been awarded the Small Business of the Month by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

The Specialists of the South, Inc., is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (850) 785-2577, or you may e-mail them at specialists@knology.net. To learn more, or to register for the Dec. 3 auction, you may log on to either www.SpecialistsoftheSouth.com or www.PanamaCityAuctions.com.

Victorian grouping of a Renaissance Revival platform rocking chair with vintage ladies' hat in seat, and walnut side table with period items.

Rosepoint crystal pieces, second quarter 20th century, to include a large pitcher with ice lip, double-handed compote and various size platters.

Heavily decorated, hand-painted and gold-encrusted Nippon china pieces.

Single- and double-handled nappies, including examples in the Vintage Leaf, Stippled Rays sand Leaf Rays Patterns.

Hand-painted and beautifully accented Nippon chocolate pot with six cups and saucers.

Lovely Milk Glass lamps, including two rose-decorated Gone With the Wind-style lamps and a nice floor lamp.

Hand-painted, 6-piece lemonade set in paneled glass.

Gorgeous chaise lounge (reclining chair), oak entry table with large animal feet and period items, to include a nicely framed vintage photo.

TWO LETTERS HANDWRITTEN BY THE RENOWNED AMERICAN ARTIST THOMAS HART BENTON, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, WILL BE SOLD BY DIRK SOULIS NOV. 12th

2011-11-04T17:20:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dirk Soulis
(816) 697-3830 or (913) 707-1921
dirksoulis@gmail.com

TWO LETTERS HANDWRITTEN BY THE RENOWNED AMERICAN ARTIST THOMAS HART BENTON, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, WILL BE SOLD BY DIRK SOULIS NOV. 12th

The letters will be part of a Mission furniture, art pottery and lamp auction in Lone Jack, Mo.

(LONE JACK, Mo.) – A pair of whimsical letters, handwritten and with illustrations by the renowned American artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), are expected to be centerpiece lots in an auction slated for Saturday, Nov. 12, by Dirk Soulis Auctions. The sale will be held in the firm’s Lone Jack gallery, located 30 miles east of Kansas City, beginning at 10 a.m. (CST).

Both letters were written by Mr. Benton to his parents while he was in his early 20s – one in 1906, when he was attending Western Military Academy in Alton, Ill.; and the other between 1908 and 1911, while he was studying art in Paris. The illustrations, which relate to the narrative content, were done in pen and ink. The letters carry pre-sale estimates of $2,500-$5,000 each.

“It will be interesting to see how these letters do, considering there are no records of anything like them having ever been offered on the national market,” said Dirk Soulis of Dirk Soulis Auctions. “The illustrations and lively content should make them desirable to collectors, and they’re both clean and intact. They were sold at a little-publicized auction by a relative of Mr. Benton's some years ago, and the current owner very fortunately has consigned them to us.”

The 1906 letter, written from Western Military Academy, runs three pages, two of which have illustrations relating to life at the academy. On the back side of page one is a full-length portrait of the quartermaster, and on the third page is a depiction of Sunday dinner so crowded “it’s barely possible to get your foot to your mouth.” Each page measures 9.5 inches by 6 inches.

The other letter, written from Paris, includes a self-portrait illustration of the artist with a pompadour-style hair-do, sitting in his flat. Another drawing he titles “my foot in sandals.” The content gives accounts of Mr. Benton’s work and daily life. He talks about landscape painting, the cost of materials, a baker who extends him credit, his art dealer, a hired model and more.

Thomas Hart Benton went on to become one of America’s foremost painters and muralists. Along with Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry, he was at the forefront of the Regionalist art movement. His fluid, almost sculpted works depicted scenes of everyday life in the United States. He was born in Neosho, Mo., and is strongly associated with the Midwest.

The Benton letters are actually part of an auction that will be dedicated mainly to Mission furniture, art pottery and lamps. Around 350 lots have been consigned, mostly from prominent local estates and collections, and only one lot – a Tiffany lamp – carries a reserve (minimum the consignor will accept). The rest is an absolute auction: everything sells, regardless of final price.

Three oil on canvas works by the Italian artist Nicola Simbari (b. 1927) will be sold to the highest bidder. The works titled Purple (23 inches by 31 inches) and Boats at Twilight (28 inches by 40 inches) both carry pre-sale estimates of $3,000-$4,000. The third painting, titled Sails (32 inches by 40 inches) is expected to garner $5,000-$7,000. All three works are nicely framed.

Two Tiffany lamps are expected to get paddles wagging. The first is a late 19th century Hampshire Pottery melon form green matte glaze art pottery table lamp with oil font, dated 1897 and with a 16-inch-wide leaded dome shade with rectangular green panels decorated with yellow pomegranates (est. $8,000-$12,000); and a bronze harp form lamp base signed Tiffany Studios and numbered 419, with a gorgeous gold aurene shade attributed to Steuben (est. $1,500-$3,000).

A pair of Rookwood art pottery vases are expected to generate much bidder interest. One is a monumental (24 inches tall) early standard glaze vase attributed to Albert Valentien (1885), with bats against a full moon (est. $1,000-$2,000); the other is a vase with rooks on a board fence at sunrise/sunset, signed on the base for Kataro Shirayamdani, 1909 (est. $2,500-$5,000).

Returning to fine art, two noteworthy oil on canvas paintings deserve mention. The first is a work by French artist Michel Henry (b. 1928). Measuring 44 by 76 inches minus the original frame, the painting is in fine overall condition (est. $2,000-$3,000). The second is a painting by Cuban artist Baruj Salinas (b. 1935), titled Tepetl II, 69.5 inches by 49 inches (est. $500-$1,000).

Other artworks will include a Colorado watercolor on paper by Birger Sandzen (1871-1954), done circa 1930s, showing a lake and mountains with snow (est. $8,000-$12,000). The 15 inch by 21.5 inch work, minus the frame, is in very good condition. Also sold will be a monotype print of a work by Abraham Walkowitz (1878-1965), titled Blind (est. $500-$1,000).

Finally, a Gustav Stickley umbrella stand with pegged construction and boasting good original finish and color, is expected to hit $500-$700. To view all the lots to be sold, please log on to www.DirkSoulisAuctions.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted for this sale.

Previews will be held on Friday, Nov. 11, from 4-7 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 12, the date of sale, from 8-10 a.m. At 10 a.m., some uncataloged items will be offered. Immediately after that, the cataloged items will be sold. The Dirk Soulis Auctions gallery facility is located at 529 West Lone Jack-Lee’s Summit Road in Lone Jack, Mo., under the large white water tower.

Dirk Soulis Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (816) 697-3830, or toll-free at (800) 252-1501. Or, you can e-mail them at dirksoulis@gmail.com. To learn more about Dirk Soulis Auctions and the Nov. 12 auction, you may log on to www.DirkSoulisAuctions.com.

Letter handwritten and illustrated by Thomas Hart Benton while he was an art student in Paris.

Letter written by Thomas Hart Benton to his parents in 1906 while he was at a military academy.

Original circa 1930s watercolor on paper signed lower right by Birger Sandzen (1871-1954).

Gorgeous late 19th century Tiffany Studios Hampshire Pottery base leaded table lamp.

Original oil on canvas of a sunlit tropical scene by Nicola Simbari (It., b. 1927), titled Sails.

Beautiful Rookwood art pottery vase dated 1909, signed on base for Kataro Shirayamdani.

Original finish, pegged construction Gustav Stickley umbrella stand, signed, 33 inches tall.

GREAT COLLECTION OF WESTERN WHISKEY BOTTLES AND RARE HISTORICAL FLASKS WILL BE SOLD ONLINE, DEC. 9-18, BY AMERICAN BOTTLE AUCTIONS

2011-11-03T17:00:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeff Wichmann
(800) 806-7722
info@americanbottle.com

GREAT COLLECTION OF WESTERN WHISKEY BOTTLES AND RARE HISTORICAL FLASKS WILL BE SOLD ONLINE, DEC. 9-18, BY AMERICAN BOTTLE AUCTIONS

The whiskeys include some of the finest specimens known; flasks in never-before seen colors.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – An incredible selection of rare, high-end western whiskey bottles and historical flasks will be sold in an Internet and catalog auction that begins Dec. 9 and will conclude Dec. 18 by American Bottle Auctions (www.americanbottle.com). Some of the whiskeys are the most desirable specimens known; some flasks are in never-before-seen colors.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a large group of rare and desirable whiskeys and flasks in one auction in my many years of collecting and auctioning vintage bottles,” remarked Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. “There are easily thirty bottles in this sale that could sell for tens of thousands of dollars each. Any one of them would be the star lot in another sale.”

Mr. Wichmann said he was contacted by a gentleman handling an estate that included numerous items, to include a hoard of flasks and other rare bottles that had been sitting in boxes, undisturbed, since the deceased’s passing – in 1954. “His wife just boxed everything up and brought the bottles with her wherever she went,” Mr. Wichmann said. “It’s a real treasure trove.”

The boxes contained historical flasks that are so rare some are considered one-of-a-kinds. Many are in colors that have never been seen before. The western whiskeys, meanwhile, are just as scarce. “Among the whiskeys are a half-dozen specimens that are the finest I’ve ever seen or sold,” Wichmann said, “and they come from some of the most important collections out there.”

Historical flasks and western whiskeys have been considered highly collectible bottles since as far back as 1900, when Edward A. Barber wrote about these interesting and beautiful pieces in his 112-page book, titled American Glassware. The main focus of the book was the American glasshouses of the day that produced these creations. The book even had a few photos.

Mr. Barber spent a good amount of time in the book talking about early American flasks, explaining there are two kinds: historical flasks (which commemorate something or someone, like George Washington, who was a favorite among bottle makers); and thematic flasks, which might show an embossed cornucopia (to symbolize achievement) or a proud American eagle.

The glasshouses often embossed the reverse sides of these bottles with the name of their company, or maybe a railroad car, or even another eagle. The Masonic symbol – adopted by the mighty group of architects and builders in the early days of the nation’s emergence in the 19th century – was often seen on flasks. It was as much an advertisement as it was commemorative.

Another book, titled American Bottles and Flasks, by Helen McKearin, laid out the very system of categorizing bottles that is still in use today. Under McKearin’s system, there are 15 different groupings of flasks, from the Washington flasks to the lettered flasks (which simply stated something factual, like the name of the glasshouse that manufactured that particular flask).

A list of the more important early historical flasks must include the George Washington examples (or portrait) flasks, eagles, Masonic, railroad flasks (which commemorated the building of the country’s rail system), sunbursts and other pictorial flasks. Their main purpose was to symbolize attainment, progress and the advancement of the United States as an emerging nation.

Today, these American historical flasks can sell for prices ranging from $50 on up to $150,000, depending on the piece’s color, crudity, condition and rarity. These categories can vary or coincide (example: a common flask in a rare color). They date back to 1820 and even earlier, chronicling the country’s emergence through embossed depictions of Benjamin Franklin, Zachary Taylor, the French General Lafayette, Pike’s Peak, the railroad system and many more.

While flasks were being produced by the thousands east of the Rockies, out west it was a different story. With westward expansion (that turned into an explosion, with the California gold rush of 1849) came the demand for whiskey, as a means of relaxation. Initially, it was shipped to San Francisco by the barrelful from Kentucky, but soon bottles (as fifths) appeared on the scene.

By 1870, there were plenty of brands of whiskey to choose from, and each one came in its own colorful, attractive bottle. The western whiskeys took off as a collectible following the publication of two books: Spirits of the Old West, written in 1968 by Bill and Betty Wilson; and Bottles of the Old West Whiskey, written by John L. Thomas. Thanks to these, the hunt was on.

Virginia City, Nevada was a good place to look, as the silver mines there kept thirsty treasure-hunters busy in those early years. And, of course, in San Francisco, the hub of the bustling new frontier, and elsewhere in California, people were finding whiskey bottles with writing on them. Some even had pictures of horses, roosters, walking bears and other animals.

Whiskey bottles are divided into two groups: the early applied-top variants, and the post-1895 tooled-top variants. After 1920, the Volstead Act ended the legal sale of alcohol, and so bottles were made by machines. These were far less interesting. For general purposes the golden age of whiskey bottle collecting is from 1865-1900 (and up to 1915, in rare instances).

Today, whiskey bottles and historical flasks remain very popular. The whiskey bottles are called “fifths” because they contain one-fifth of a gallon (sometimes one-sixth). Flasks are usually either a pint or a half-pint. Anything larger than that is rare. What makes them desirable and collectible, though, is their color, crudity, condition and rarity – or any combination thereof.

Say you come across a common bottle in an odd color (which, for whiskey bottles, is either yellow or green). That can change its value dramatically. A western whiskey bottle can fetch anywhere from $20 to $20,000 (far less than its historical flask counterpart, made in much more elaborate designs by detail-minded eastern manufacturers, and produced much earlier, too).

For the western whiskey collector, there’s nothing like a fresh-dug, full-face embossed fifth, with lots of crudity and in a desirable color (perfect condition would also be nice!). Today’s collector is on a constant search for that next yellow Teakettle Whiskey or a Bear Grass with a picture of a bear’s head. The one that got away might never be found, but the thrill is in the hunt.

American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free, at 1-800-806-7722; or, you can e-mail them, at info@americanbottle.com. To learn more about American Bottle Auctions and the Dec. 9-18 Internet and catalog sale, please log on to www.americanbottle.com.

The western whiskey bottles in the auction are some of the finest specimens known to exist.

Some of the historical flasks are in never-before seen colors and had been in boxes since 1954.

THE PROPERTY OF A PROMINENT SOUTH FLORIDA COLLECTOR WILL BE SOLD BY MATHESON’S AA AUCTIONS AND UNITED APPRAISAL GROUP ON SAT., NOV. 26th

2011-11-03T08:50:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lloyd or Jan Matheson
(321) 768-6668
aaauctions@earthlink.net

THE PROPERTY OF A PROMINENT SOUTH FLORIDA COLLECTOR WILL BE SOLD BY MATHESON’S AA AUCTIONS AND UNITED APPRAISAL GROUP ON SAT., NOV. 26th

The one-day fall sale will be held in Matheson’s spacious gallery facility, in Melbourne, Florida.

(MELBOURNE, Fla.) – The property of a prominent South Florida collector, plus the antique and modern furnishings from a Ritz-Carlton penthouse in Sarasota, will be sold Sat., Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. (EST), by Matheson’s AA Auctions, in conjunction with United Appraisal Group, Inc., of Miami. Other consignments from prominent local estates will also be offered.

The event will be held in Matheson’s AA Auctions’ spacious gallery facility, at 600 East New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, located on Florida’s east coast, about halfway between Fort Pierce and Daytona Beach. Internet bidding will be available, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. Hundreds of quality lots will cross the block that day.

Offered will be a wonderful assortment of Chinese and other Asian artifacts, bronze sculptures, fine estate jewelry and costume jewelry, ivories, mercury glass, ceramics, Lalique crystal and other glassware, Japanese Tokoname ware, oil paintings and works on paper by listed artists, antique Oriental carpets and rugs, and decorative accessories in an array of categories.

“The South Florida collector will be the undisputed headliner of this sale, and it would have been a great auction if that’s all we were offering,” said Lloyd Matheson of Matheson’s AA Auctions. “But when you add to that the marvelous furnishings from the Ritz-Carlton penthouse, and eight or nine great other consignors on top of that, you’ve got the makings of a banner sale.”

The art category will feature 37 paintings by listed American illustrators, most of them bought through the Illustration House in the 1990s. Included will be an oil on canvas rendering of a lady in a horse-drawn carriage with male onlookers by Benton Henderson Clark, a painting of a horse and car by Virgil Pyles, a great figural work by Arthur Ernst Becher, an oil on canvas marine scene of men and boats at sea by Anton Otto Fischer, and a work by Joseph A. Maturo.

Asian artifacts will include a nice selection of Chinese cloisonné and Japanese Satsuma vases, several carved Chinese jades, root carvings, Chinese watercolors and oil on canvas works, Chinese porcelains, carved Japanese ivories (including Netsukes and Okimonos) and much more.

Some example Oriental lots include a small jade Buddha and Kuan Yu figure, a pair of iron and terracotta Chinese candelabra, an antique carved stone censor and a fine jade carved censor, a Chinese bronze and enamel pitcher, a 19th century Asian carved ivory plaque, Chinese brass and champlevé (etched enamel) vases, and an early embroidery silk with gold thread.

Other items from the Asian category will include an early Japanese bronze censor, a Japanese carved ivory “doctor’s doll,” a rare hardstone miniature screen, a 19th century Chinese carved ivory lamp, a fine Asian carved ivory pipe (5 ½ inches long), Chinese watercolors, an unusual Japanese Imari plate, a large pair of Royal Satsuma palace vases and more.

Decorative accessories will include a Steuben apple with 18kt gold embellishments, French faïence bowls by Verages, a pair of Dutch Delftware cows, a pair of two-arm sconces, a lovely Wedgwood tea set, and a KPM blanc de chine (white glazed porcelain) figural group.

Other decorative accessories will include a Roman glass antiquity vase, two Doulton Lambeth lamps, a carved walrus ivory letter opener, several R.S. Prussia hair receivers, a signed Italian Murano glass bull, a nice pair of French bronze lamps, a French enameled Longwy vegetable bowl and candlesticks, a Eugene Marcus silver jardinière and scarce African trade “Venetian” bead necklaces

Estate and costume jewelry will feature a 14kt cabochon emerald and pearl ring, a 14kt yellow gold blue topaz and diamond necklace, a 14kt gold turquoise necklace and bracelet; a platinum Australian sapphire ring, a marquis shaped brilliant cut diamond ring, a 14kt gold Tissot ladies’ wristwatch, pieces by makers such as Cartier, Rolex and Schiaparelli and more.

Returning to artwork, other offerings will include an oil on canvas maritime scene in a beautiful gold gilt frame by James Meadows, an oil on canvas genre scene by Auguste Boulard, Sr., an etching of a seaside town by James Abbott McNeil Whistler, an oil rendering of a rocky coastline and shore by John A. Cook, an a color lithograph by Henri Matisse, executed in 1950.

Still more artwork will feature a framed vertical work by Roberto Domingo which was the original painting for the famous bullfight poster, an oil on canvas portrait of a young girl by Ramon Pichot, a signed print by Charles Scheyvogel of men on horseback brandishing guns, a Salvador Dali print of Don Quixote, an abstract oil on canvas by Robert Natkin, three good framed lithographs by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, an oil on canvas surrealist work by Lewis Vandercar, and a framed oil on canvas of a woman with birds by Luigi Mion.

Rounding out some of the day’s expected top lots will be a pair of impressive life-size French terracotta figures, KPM plaques, a wide range of glassware (by makers such as Steuben, Venini and Longwy), a Lignum Vitae wood sculpture of an elephant and dozens of other items.

Previews will be held on Friday, Nov. 25, from 10-5, and Saturday, Nov. 26, the day of sale, from 9 a.m. until the start of the auction, at 11 a.m. Complimentary pizza from Brio’s will be served. Some of the items in the sale will carry reserves (minimums). All purchases will be subject to a 17 percent buyer’s premium (in-house) for purchases up to $200,000 and 12 percent in house over that.

Matheson’s AA Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To inquire about consigning an item, estate or collection, you may call Matheson’s AA Auctions at (321) 768-6668 or you can e-mail them at aaauctions@earthlink.net.

To learn more about Matheson’s AA Auctions and the upcoming Nov. 26 aucton, please log on to www.mathesonsaaauction.com.

Beautifully framed oil on canvas marine rendering by James Meadows (24 inches by 36 inches).

Rare, diminutive hardstone six-panel miniature screen, measuring 13 ¼ inches by 18 ½ inches.

Marquis-shaped, brilliant cut diamond ring, boasting an impressive 2.45-carat center stone.

Early Asian embroidery with silk, gold and silver wrapped threads, 24 inches by 17 inches.

A fine ivory collection – featuring the pieces shown here – will be sold at auction Nov. 26.

Important signed French porcelain plaque, measuring an impressive 43 ½ inches by 29 ½ inches.

NEARLY 600 LOTS OF TOP-QUALITY CHINESE CARVINGS AND WORKS OF ART WILL BE SOLD SATURDAY, NOV. 19, BY ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS IN FLORIDA

2011-11-03T08:36:00.005-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Hayes or Scott Cieckiewicz
(561) 200-0893
info@eliteauction.com

NEARLY 600 LOTS OF TOP-QUALITY CHINESE CARVINGS AND WORKS OF ART WILL BE SOLD SATURDAY, NOV. 19, BY ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS IN FLORIDA

The sale will be held in the firm’s spacious gallery at Quantum Town Center in Boynton Beach.

(BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – Nearly 600 lots of top-quality Chinese carvings and works of art will be sold at auction Saturday, Nov. 19, by Elite Decorative Arts, in the firm’s spacious gallery located at the Quantum Town Center in Boynton Beach, at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Suite 106). The auction will have a special start time of 6 p.m. (EST), with a preview from 4-6.

“We’re starting the auction in the evening rather than the early afternoon to accommodate the Chinese audience, which we expect will be substantial,” said Scott Cieckiewicz of Elite Decorative Arts. “The market for Chinese antiques is red-hot right now, not just here but around the world and especially in China, the native home of these objects, where wealth is on the rise.”

Internet bidding is expected to be brisk. Bidders can register at the Elite Decorative Arts website (www.eliteauction.com). Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. All of the lots will carry reserves (minimums). A buyer’s premium will be applied to all purchases. A preview will also be held on Friday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Two of the lots have pre-sale estimates of $40,000-$60,000. The first is a marvelous pair of Namibian elephant tusks, each one mounted with a wooden display stand. The tusks measure 69 inches in length, with a circumference at the base of 18 ¾ inches. One tusk has an ivory weight of 78 lbs., the other 73 lbs. The tusk control numbers are NA02688355 and NA02588345.

The other lot is a stunning relief-carved polychromed Chinese ivory carved and painted elephant tusk. The late 19th or early 20th century tusk is 28 ½ inches long and 7 inches wide, and has 17 individually carved figures performing various activities. Depicted are immortals with a phoenix, along with minstrels, servants, gift givers and a bust of Buddha cut out in the interior.

A pair of large, 19th century Chinese famille rose hand-painted enamel porcelain vases, boasting a tall and elegant octagonal shape, should realize $15,000-$20,000. Each vase has vivid, multi-color depictions of Taoist immortals with calligraphy, scrolls and Imperial seals praising their virtues. The intricate floral border shows birds, butterflies, fish, shells and covered jars.

A beautiful, diminutive (6 ½ inches tall) Chinese hand-carved white and lavender jadeite teapot, finely carved throughout and with raised Canton shrimp on the body with water, carries a pre-sale estimate of $12,000-$16,000. The pot has a fully reticulated scrolled dragon handle with ring, a figural chicken head spout, a chain-link hanging handle and a wooden silver inlay stand.

A Chinese hand-carved white and lavender jadeite covered dragon censor is expected to hit $8,000-$12,000. The 8-inch-tall censor is meticulously carved throughout, with a cover having a figural Foo dragon beast handle flanked by two small dragons with relief carved rings. The body has a raised ox skull design and the sides show small dragons resting on turtle shells.

An antique Chinese hand-carved jadeite floral bouquet, intricately carved throughout and depicting flowers and fruit in a basket, has a pre-sale estimate of $6,000-$8,000. The incredible glowing jade specimen, 9 ½ inches tall by 8 ½ inches wide, has green, white and lavender colors, with spots of emerald gem jadeite (the jadeite weighs 3,658 grams). It has a fitted wooden base.

A pair of intricate Chinese hand-carved ivory plaques depicting warriors engaged in battle should fetch $6,000-$8,000. The relief carved design shows cavalry and infantrymen with traditional Chinese weapons. Rocks, trees and clouds are also shown in the scene. Each plaque is 9 ½ inches tall by 3 ¼ inches wide and each one has a fully reticulated scrolled design to foot.

An exquisite ladies’ Imperial emerald green gem jadeite and diamond ring with a platinum mounting is expected to reach $5,000-$7,000.The ring holds seven oval cut jadeite stones and around 120 round-cut diamonds, each one approximately 0.3 carats. The ring has amazing translucence and glow, with an 8.7 total diamond weight (13.4 grams). It is a size 6.

A gorgeous Chinese hand-carved red coral Quan Yin figure of a woman depicted in slender form, with a layered robe, standing 6 ¼ inches tall and with a one-inch base, should garner $2,800-$3,600. The figure boasts beautiful detailing throughout, and includes a fitted wooden base. The total coral weight of this lovely Chinese figural piece is about 59.8 grams.

A wonderfully hand-carved Chinese ivory Shou figure depicting the Taoist deity of longevity (one of the legendary “Three Lucky Star Gods”) carries a pre-sale estimate of $2,000-$3,000. The large figure (21 inches tall) depicts the deity smiling with a peach held in the left hand and a wooden dragon staff with double gourd holding the fluid of life in the right hand.

Elite Decorative Arts’ next big auction after this one is a Decorative Arts Sale scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10, with a start time of 1 p.m. (EST). The firm is currently accepting quality consignments for its next Oriental sale, to be held in early 2012 (time and date to be determined).

Elite Decorative Arts is an established, third-generation, full-service antique and auction gallery, specializing in fine decorative arts, paintings, estate jewelry and more. The gallery is located in the Quantum Town Center, located at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Suite 106) in Boynton Beach, Fla. A full-time, knowledgeable staff is on hand Monday-Friday, from 10-6.

Elite Decorative Arts is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign a single piece, an entire estate or a collection, you may call them at either (561) 200-0893, or toll-free, at (800) 991-3340; or, you can e-mail them at info@eliteauction.com. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts and its upcoming auctions, go to www.eliteauction.com.

Stunning relief carved polychromed Chinese ivory carved elephant tusk (est. $40,000-$60,000).

Namibian elephant tusks, 69 inches long, with wooden display stands (est. $40,000-$60,000).

Pair of large 19th century Chinese famille rose enamel porcelain vases (est. $15,000-$20,000).

Chinese hand-carved white and lavender jadeite teapot, 6 ½ inches tall (est. $12,000-$16,000).

Chinese hand-carved white and lavender jadeite covered censor, 8 inches (est. $8,000-$12,000).

Antique Chinese hand-carved jadeite floral bouquet, 9 ¾ inches in height (est. $6,000-$8,000).

Pair of Chinese hand-carved plaques depicting a war scene, 9 ½ inches tall (est. $6,000-$8,000).

AROUND 150 LOTS OF ORIENTAL OBJECTS, ORIGINAL ARTWORK, DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES, MORE WILL BE SOLD AT FINNEY’S AUCTION SERVICE, NOV. 12th

2011-11-02T08:50:00.003-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sharon Finney
(518) 479-4371 or (518) 229-3233
finneysauction@nycap.rr.com

AROUND 150 LOTS OF ORIENTAL OBJECTS, ORIGINAL ARTWORK, DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES, MORE WILL BE SOLD AT FINNEY’S AUCTION SERVICE, NOV. 12th

The expected top lot is a gilt bronze work by the sculptor Raoul Larche (est. $20,000-$30,000).

(SCHODACK, N.Y.) – Coming on the heels of a successful estate sale on Oct. 29, at which a massive single-owner collection in a variety of categories was sold to a packed house of bidders, Finney’s Auction Service will conduct its annual Fall Unreserved Antique & Art Auction on Saturday, Nov. 12, in the firm’s Schodack gallery, located 15 minutes from Albany.

Approximately 150 quality, mostly fresh-to-the-market lots – many of them Oriental objects, original artworks (to include oil on canvas paintings, bronzes and marble sculptures), pottery pieces, decorative accessories and more -- will cross the block. “Unreserved” is the key word for bidders going into this auction – everything will sell, regardless of the final gavel price.

The expected top lot of the sale is a large and important gilt bronze work by the French Art Nouveau sculptor Raoul Larche, titled La Mer (The Sea). It is estimated to bring $20,000-$30,000. The statue stands 29 inches tall and is 32 inches wide and was executed around 1900. It is signed and numbered by Mr. Larche and is in excellent overall condition, with foundry marks.

Oriental items are surefire crowd-pleasers and this sale’s got some winners. Examples include an early two-part Chinoiserie red lacquer cabinet with slant-front desk and double door top, with the interior of the top and desk having drawers and pigeon holes (est. $1,500-$2,000); an 18 ½ inch tall blue and white porcelain vase with bird and flower design, in very good shape (est. $100-$200); and a gorgeous bowl with geisha girl depiction and artist signed on the bottom.

Original paintings by noted, listed artists will feature an oil on canvas rendering of Nantucket by Cape Cod artist William Ferdinand Macy, measuring 26 ¼ inches by 18 inches and housed in an ornate gilt frame (est. $2,500-$3,500); and an oil on canvas nude by B. Vithal (Indian, 1935-1992), unframed, dated 1966 and measuring 3 feet by 2 feet (est. $1,500-$2,500).

Also offered will be a signed Husain (Indian) ink self-portrait, measuring 16 inches by 15 inches and in very good condition (est. $2,500-$3,500); an original oil on canvas painting by a Russian artist, 27 inches by 20 inches and signed and titled on the back (est. $250-$350); and a marble statue of a nude woman with peacock light on a 24 inch by 16 inch base (est. $250-$350).

Bronzes will feature a Zuniga depiction of a nude woman bending over, 12 inches tall (est. $1,500-$2,500); and a bronze rendering of a woman with an arrow. From the pottery category comes a Newcomb College pottery tile titled The White Rabbit (and evoking the character from Alice in Wonderland), measuring 4 ½ inches by 4 ¾ inches (est. $1,500-$2,500).

Decorative accessories will include an impressed Capron Valluoris French vase in very good condition, measuring 14 ¼ inches by 10 ¼ inches (est. $1,000-$2,000); a set of four large Gothic hanging lights made from Carmel Slag glass and gilted metal and measuring 44 ½ inches tall by 13 inches in diameter (est. $600-$1,200); and an early gilt wall clock.

The auction will begin promptly at 11 a.m. (EST). Previews will be held on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10-11, from 10-4, and on auction day, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. until the first gavel comes down. Internet bidding will be available, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A buyer’s premium of 15 percent will be applied to all purchases.

Terms will be cash, known checks and Visa and Master Card. Finney’s Auction Service is located at 568 Columbia Turnpike in Schodack, N.Y., in upstate New York. The firm’s next sale after this one will be held Monday, Nov. 28, also in the firm’s Schodack gallery. Sold will be original artwork, period American furniture, vintage clocks, decorative accessories and more.
Finney’s Auction Service is a full-service, family-owned and operated business. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (518) 479-4371; or, e-mail them at finneysauction@nycap.rr.com.

To learn more about Finney’s Auction Service and the upcoming auctions, please log on to www.finneysauction.com. Updates are posted frequently.

The expected top lot of the sale is this gilt bronze statue by Raoul Larche (est. $20,000-$30,000).

Early Oriental 2-part Chinoiserie red lacquer cabinet with slant front desk (est. $1,500-$2,000).

Original oil on canvas painting of Nantucket by William Ferdinand Macy (est. $2,500-$3,500).

Zuniga bronze statue of a nude woman bending over, 12 inches in height (est. $1,500-$2,000).

Vase impressed Capron Valluoris France, 14 ¼ inches tall, very good shape (est. $1,000-$2,000).

Newcomb College pottery tile titled The White Rabbit, signed on the back (est. $1,200-$1,500).

Lovely early gilt wall clock.

Oriental bowl with geisha, signed on the bottom.

STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY TO HOLD AN INAUGURAL SALE AT ITS NEW BRANCH LOCATION IN FLOMATON, ALA., ON SAT., NOV. 12, AT 10 A.M. (CST)

2011-10-28T11:55:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dwight Stevens
(662) 369-2200
stevensauction@bellsouth.net

STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY TO HOLD AN INAUGURAL SALE AT ITS NEW BRANCH LOCATION IN FLOMATON, ALA., ON SAT., NOV. 12, AT 10 A.M. (CST)

Dwight Stevens acquired the building that formerly housed the Flomaton Auction Company.

(FLOMATON, Ala.) – Stevens Auction Company – already an auction powerhouse in the Southeast – is about to expand its presence in the region, having recently acquired the building in Flomaton that previously housed Flomaton Antique Auction, Inc. Stevens will conduct an inaugural sale at the facility on Saturday, Nov. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. (CST).

Flomaton (which locals pronounce “Flowmington”) is located near the Gulf Coast in Alabama, just north of the Florida panhandle. It is 64 miles northeast of Mobile and 42 miles north of Pensacola, Fla. For more than four decades, Flomaton Antique Auction, Inc., held regular auctions there, in a historic theater built in 1926. Before shutting down its operation last year, Flomaton Antique Auction, Inc., was the area’s premier facility for upscale estate sales.

“When I heard the building was for sale, I had to buy it,” said Dwight Stevens, the owner of Stevens Auction Company, which has been based in Aberdeen, Miss., since its founding in 1984. He added, “I’ve always loved the Gulf Coast and I own a second home in Mobile. I’ll be pretty much shuttling back and forth between Mobile and Aberdeen from this point forward.”

Mr. Stevens said he feels fortunate that Flomaton Antique Auction, Inc., earned a solid reputation as the area’s premier auction house. “We plan to pick up where they left off,” he said. “Their niche was upscale retirees and culturally refined residents of Mobile and the surrounding area. That will be our strategy as well. It’s a target audience that is right now underrepresented.”

The Flomaton auction house will go by the name Stevens at Flomaton. The Aberdeen business will continue to operate as Stevens Auction Company. The Nov. 12 inaugural auction in Flomaton will be packed with hundreds of quality antiques and collectibles, consigned by several prominent estates in the Southeast. Internet bidding will be available.

Period American furniture will feature pieces by the finest names in furniture making. Examples include a rosewood rococo sofa by J.H. Belter in the Henry Clay pattern (circa 1850); a rosewood half tester plantation bed with custom mattress, signed C. Lee (circa 1860); and an R.J. Horner mahogany sofa with inlay across the back and arms and carved feet (circa 1895).

Also offered will be a stunning mahogany acanthus carved bedroom suite (circa 1880), consisting of a bed (88 inches tall), dressing table and chest of drawers; a rosewood Victorian secretary with pierced carved crown, 99 inches tall by 49 inches wide (circa 1850); and a rosewood Victorian breakfront with carved crown, 100 inches tall, 50 inches wide (circa 1860).

Empire pieces will feature a mahogany server with white marble top, rosewood banding, acanthus carved columns and feet, 60 inches tall (circa 1830); and a period mahogany vanity with three-drawer deck top and mirror and scroll feet, 76 inches tall (circa 1840). Also sold will be a lovely mahogany Victorian pedestal with marble top and carving on all sides (circa 1860).

Need to sit down in style? The auction will include a mahogany Empire love seat with claw feet and dolphin heads carved on the arms, and striped upholstery; and a straight-back mahogany settee with dolphins carved on the arms, attributed to Karpen (circa 1880). Also sold will be a gold Victorian over-the-mantel mirror with great carvings, 99 inches tall (circa 1860).

Decorative accessories will feature two pairs of Old Paris vases, one pair 15 inches tall with flowers painted on the side and gold trim, the other pair 18 inches tall (both circa 1880); a 9-piece porcelain fish set with 24-inch-long tray, signed “T.&V. France Limoges”; a pair of exra large Sheridan-style knife boxes; and an antique astral lamp with double-step base with marble.

Returning to furniture, other expected star lots will include a mahogany Empire banquet dining table, 10 feet 5 inches long with six leaves (circa 1880); a Federal mahogany acanthus carved game table with claw feet and solid carving on the base from top to bottom, 42 inches long; a large mahogany curved glass Empire china cabinet that matches to an 8-piece dining room suite (circa 1880); and a mahogany Empire marble-top dressing table with mirror in base.

Stevens' next big sale after this one in Flomaton will be held on New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2012). Headlining the event will be a wonderful estate out of Baton Rouge, La., with impeccable provenance, plus other prominent estates from north Mississippi and north Georgia.

Stevens Auction Company was founded in 1984 by Dwight Stevens, who has had a lifelong interest in antiques and architecture. He turned these hobbies into a full-time profession, attending the Missouri Auction School, from which he graduated as a certified auctioneer. He joined the National Auctioneers Association and helped to establish a chapter in Mississippi.

In the early days, Stevens Auction Company sold anything and everything, from grocery stores to farm equipment. But over time, the firm specialized in the marketing and selling of antiques. It also organized and managed large estate auctions. Today, the company holds estate sales at some of the most prominent old homes throughout the South, not just in its galleries.

In June 2002, Stevens Auction Company purchased the historic Adams-French Mansion in Aberdeen, Miss., to be its premier auction facility. A fire gutted the mansion in June 2006, and since them Mr. Stevens has spent time and money restoring and refurbishing the home to its original splendor. Now with the work complete, Mr. Stevens lives there as his primary residence.

For more information about Stevens Auction Company and the firm's calendar of upcoming events, to include the inaugural estate sale planned for Sat., Nov. 12, in Flomaton, Ala., at 10 a.m. (CST), please log on to www.stevensauction.com. Updates are posted frequently. Or, you may call the firm at (662) 369-2200, or e-mail them at stevensauction@bellsouth.net.

Gold Victorian over-the-mantel mirror with beautiful carving, 87 inches tall (circa 1860).

Gorgeous mahogany acanthus carved bedroom suite, with bed, dressing table and chest.

Rosewood half tester plantation bed with custom mattress, signed C. Lee, 10 ft. 6 in. tall.

Beautiful rosewood rococo sofa by J.H. Belter in the Henry Clay pattern (circa 1850).

Federal mahogany acanthus carved game table with solid carving to the base top to bottom.

Pair of extra-large Sheridan knife boxes measuring 29 inches tall by 12 inches wide.

Mahogany Empire dining table, 10 feet 5 inches long, with six leaves (circa 1880).

HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT ARCHIVE PERTAINING TO THE TITANIC TOPS $100,000 AT ESTATE AUCTION HELD OCT. 21-23 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

2011-10-27T11:29:00.004-04:00

Contact: Philip Weiss
(516) 594-0731
Phil@Weissauctions.com

HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT ARCHIVE PERTAINING TO THE TITANIC TOPS $100,000 AT ESTATE AUCTION HELD OCT. 21-23 BY PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS

The museum-quality archive was the top earner of the nearly 1,350 lots that changed hands.

(OCEANSIDE, N.Y.) – A historically significant and museum-quality archive of material pertaining to the doomed ocean liner the HMS Titanic -- consigned by direct descendants of a couple that were rescued when the ship went down the morning of April 15, 1912 -- sold for a staggering $100,570 at a weekend estate sale conducted Oct. 21-23 by Philip Weiss Auctions.

“We were extremely fortunate that this incredible archive came to us from a descendant of John and Nelle Pillsbury Snyder, survivors of the tragedy,” said Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions. “We weren’t surprised when we began getting calls from potential buyers from around the world, as well as major news outlets. This was one of the most exciting finds we ever sold.”

The archive had several key components: a letter handwritten on Titanic stationery three days before the disaster; another letter written days after the sinking and providing a tremendous first-hand account of the sinking and its aftermath; and family photos, to include shots taken from the rescue ship the Carpathia and shots of the steamship Californian, which was nearby.

The letter handwritten on Titanic stationery was from Mr. Snyder to the proprietor of a London tobacco shop, where he bought cigars before boarding the ship. “While I sit here at the writing desk peacefully and complacently smoking ‘one of your best,’ I just want to say thank you,” Mr. Snyder wrote. Little did he know he’d be fighting for his very survival soon afterward.

The post-sinking letter, dated April 24, 1912, was from Mr. Snyder to his father. He wrote: “We were both asleep when the boat hit. When we reached the top deck only a few people were about and we were all told to go down and put on our life belts. We were almost the very first people placed in the lifeboat. Finally the bow went under – that the finest boat in the world was doomed. We hit between 11:40 and 11:50 p.m. and the Titanic sank at 2:22 in the morning.”

The photos included nine photos taken from the deck of the rescue ship Carpathia; four photos of the ocean, several showing ice chunks and a large iceberg; two photos of passengers in lifeboats heading toward the rescue ship Carpathia; and three photos of what looks like the S.S. Californian, headed toward the Carpathia. An investigation would reveal the Californian was actually closer to the Titanic than the Carpathia but for a myriad of reasons was slow to respond.

Two other Titanic-related lots were also in the auction. One was a 1906 Barber half-dollar coin recovered from the body of Titanic victim John Gill. The coin, which was previously sold in a 2002 auction held at the convention of Britain’s Titanic Society in England, was found in a pouch that contained his recovered personal effects. The coin sold for a reasonable $3,820.

The other lot was an exquisite Victorian metal widow’s locket that contained an early photo of Capt. Smith, who commandeered (and went down with) the Titanic, as a young officer. The locket had been worn by Capt. Smith’s wife, who then passed it down to her daughter, the late Mrs. Melville Russell Cooke. The 2-inch by 1 ½ inch locket changed hands for $3,422.

Following are additional highlights from the auction, which saw nearly 1,350 lots change hands and grossed about $550,000. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium (13 percent for in-house buyers, 18 percent for Internet bidders).

A pair of original, circa-1930s travel posters by the renowned artist Edward M. Eggleston (1883-1941) went for a combined $10,950. Both promoted Atlantic City, N.J., and measured 23 inches by 33 inches. One was titled Atlantic City - America's Great Seashore Resort; the other was titled Atlantic City - America's All-Year Resort. The artist's name appeared at lower corner.

An extensive U.S. stamp collection from a New Jersey estate soared to $24,850. Housed in three boxes, the group included a huge amount of face-value U.S. postage and plate blocks. Highlights included Kansas-Nebraska mint sets, mint and complete Duck Stamps, a mint White Plains sheet, Trans-Miss and Columbians (both mint) and used and mint 19th century examples.

An original family archive of Civil War material pertaining to three brothers who all fought in the war on the Union side realized $5,650. The archive included around 30 letters, some with great battle content, a great Tryon rifle with original (albeit broken) leather strap, three Grand Army of the Republic medals and the manual of the 7th Regiment National Guard.

An aluminum 1948 Olympic Games bearer's torch, 16 inches tall and with a bowl and hollowed Olympic rings, inscribed “XIVth Olympiad 1948, Olympia to London, With Thanks to the Bearer,” rose to $9,315; and a first-edition copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Treasure Island, with original watercolor drawing of a pirate and ship by N.C. Wyeth, coasted to $3,500.

Two lots posted identical prices realized of $5,605. The first was a group of over 225 Goudey baseball cards, most of them graded good/very good and with many Hall of Famers (and multiples) included. The other was an original French line (C.G.T.) travel poster by an unknown artist, titled Southampton to New York, 25 inches by 40 inches, with a nice image of Normandy.

Philip Weiss Auctions has a full state of events planned through the end of the year, beginning with an estate sale on Thursday, Nov. 3, that will feature fine paintings, Royal Doulton, art glass and more, followed by an estate sale on Friday, Nov. 18 (violins, cameras and more), and Thursday, Nov. 29, featuring Ira Weinstein's Toy Collection (“Red's Toys, Part 2”).

Then, Philip Weiss Auctions will conduct another three-day blockbuster, on Dec. 16-18, just in time for the holidays. Featured will be dolls, doll houses, toy soldiers, Disney items and animation, posters, toys, books, trains (including Lionel, American Flyer, HO Brass and more), mechanical banks and more. A stamps, coins and postcards auction is planned for early 2102.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731, or e-mail them at phil@weissauctions.com. To learn more about Philip Weiss Auctions and the firm’s calendar of events, to include all the remaining sales for 2011, please log on to www.WeissAuctions.com.

Historically significant, museum-quality archive pertaining to the HMS Titanic ($100,570).

1906 Barber half-dollar coin recovered from the body of Titanic victim John Gill ($3,820).

Victorian metal widow's locket with photo of Capt. Smith, the Titanic commander ($3,422).

A pair of circa-1930s posters for Atlantic City by Edward M. Eggleston went for $10,950.

First-edition copy of Treasure Island, with original watercolor drawing by N.C. Wyeth ($3,500).

This aluminum 1948 Olympic Games bearer's torch, 16 inches tall, inscribed, brought $9,315.

OVER 400 LOTS OF QUALITY ITEMS IN MANY CATEGORIES WILL BE SOLD IN AN INTERNET-ONLY AUCTION NOV. 18 AT 9:30 A.M. BY GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO.

2011-10-26T16:34:00.005-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gordon Converse
(484) 431-5543 or (610) 722-9004
Gordon@ConverseClocks.com

OVER 400 LOTS OF QUALITY ITEMS IN MANY CATEGORIES WILL BE SOLD IN AN INTERNET-ONLY AUCTION NOV. 18 AT 9:30 A.M. BY GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO.

The catalog may be viewed online, at www.ConverseClocks.com.

(STRAFFORD, Pa.) – More than 400 quality lots of merchandise, drawn from prominent estates and collections and in a wide array of categories, will be sold in an Internet-only auction that has already gone online and will conclude with live bidding on Friday, Nov. 18, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (EST). The sale is being conducted by Gordon S. Converse & Co., based in Strafford.

The entire catalog may be viewed online, at the Gordon S. Converse & Co. website (at www.ConverseClocks.com). Folks hyperlinking to the catalog will quickly realize there is something for practically everybody in this sale, with many items carrying low pre-sale estimates (a plus as holiday season approaches).

A few of the lots expected to generate strong bidder interest include a large Chelsea ship's timepiece mounted onto a molded frame, with dial signed “Harrison & Co., Montreal”; a solid brass cast bronzed and polished brass Chelsea clock set with ship's wheel, signed “Negus, New York”; a 3-inch-high cloisonné tea pot with handle; a 16-inch verdigris green and metal patinated ovoid form vase attributed to Charles Clewell of Canton, Oh. (circa early 20th century); a signed Herend porcelain elephant and a set of four Herend animal figurines. All would make great gifts.

Also offered will be Oriental objects (to include Chinese porcelains, scrolls and carvings), other clocks additional to the Chelseas, silver plate and other silver items, Herend porcelain, ceramics and art glass, prints and fine art, estate jewelry and costume jewelry and collectibles. Bidder registration is already underway, at the Gordon S. Converse & Co. website.

Asian decorative arts are expected to generate strong bidder interest. Some expected top lots include a 19th century carved bamboo brush pot showing the eight gods, 7 inches in height; a Japanese Imari porcelain dish, 8 ½ inches in diameter and decorated in dark blues and reds (19th century, Meiji); and a 9-inch ceramic Buddha with a greenish celadon glaze and added gold.

Also offered will be a pair of 19th century 10-inch plates decorated in the Chinoiserie style and marked “Clew’s Dresden Opaque China”; three snuff boxes, two in porcelain (both signed on bottom) and one in engraved bone or ivory; and a bronze incense burner with dragons.

Ceramics and art glass will be served up in abundance. Anticipated star lots will include a wonderful group of 17 different and high-quality porcelain tea cups and saucers; a 10-inch-tall ovoid form art glass with swirl design, signed indistinctly on the bottom and dated ’82; and a cat and snail by Steuben (the cat is 2 ¾ inches and the snail is almost 3 inches).

From the same category: an 8-inch-tall cameo art glass vase with greens, reds and opaque white, and a matching 12-piece ceramic ware set, including ten fruit bowls, a large bowl and a serving plate.

Also sold will be a 5-color 19th century French Faience ceramic ware mug depicting a man and his snuff; and a pair of 19th century Staffordshire spaniels in luster gold and white glaze.

Prints and fine art will feature a pair of framed antique prints of British Naval ships of line, hand-colored and matted, with burl wood frames (each 24 ½ inches by 29 inches); and a 27-page book of Japanese hand-colored engravings, mostly signed, each print 14 inches 9 ½ inches.

One lot of costume jewelry will feature a round jade medallion, two sets of pierced earrings, a hat pin ending with a large paste diamond and an oval-shaped black opal and onyx tie tack or pin. Another jewelry lot will feature 14 rings, most for the ladies and most gold, with some precious stones. Also offered will be a pair of Hummel figures, both with the Goebel mark.

Collectibles will feature a lacquer paint-decorated lidded and hinged box, and original comic book art from Little Archie #10 titled Escape From Shark Island (1976).

Rounding out a short list of the sale's expected top earners is one lot comprising an assortment of silver plate items (a trumpet vase, a pair of rectangular lidded servers, a veggie server, an oval tray and more); and an interesting silver ostrich on a stand, about 1 ¾ inches tall.

Gordon S. Converse & Co. is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (610) 722-9004; or, e-mail them at Gordon@ConverseClocks.com. Gordon Converse replies promptly to all e-mails.

Anyone interested in finding out what an antique item might be worth may do so by sending a photo of the item, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon S. Converse, 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. For more information, please log on to www.AuctionsatConverse.com or www.ConverseClocks.com. Updates are posted frequently.

Solid cast bronzed and polished brass Chelsea clock set with ship's wheel and 3 ½ inch dials.

Gorgeous porcelain Herend elephant, 15 inches by 10 inches, signed Herend.

Framed antique prints of British Naval ships of line, colored and matted, with burl wood frames.

16-inch verdigris green and metal patinated ovoid form vase attributed to Charles Clewell.

Five-color French Faïence ceramic ware mug of a man and his snuff, circa 19th century.

Beautiful, diminutive cloisonné teapot with handle, striking at just 3 inches in height.

Artemis Gallery to launch Antiquities-Saleroom.com with online absentee auction closing week of Nov. 14

2011-10-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Oct. 25, 2011

Artemis Gallery to launch Antiquities-Saleroom.com with online absentee auction closing week of Nov. 14

275+ lots include classical antiquities, pre-Columbian artifacts, ethnographic art

BOULDER COUNTY, CO – In a collecting category as highly specialized as antiquities, the most valuable asset an auction house can possess is not a 2,500-year-old Egyptian statue or a rare Pre-Columbian artifact – it’s integrity and reputation. For the past 20 years, Bob and Teresa Dodge, along with their business partner Elaine Jamieson, have built an internationally respected name for themselves as Artemis Gallery and Artemis Gallery Live. Now the Artemis name – whose reputation is synonymous with authentic, legally acquired and vetted antiquities – has been joined by ‘Antiquities-Saleroom.com,’ to reflect the company’s newly enhanced method of conducting their online-only absentee auctions.

“We’re not the new kid on the block,” stressed Managing Director Teresa Dodge. “Bob and I discovered and fell in love with antiquities while on our honeymoon in Greece and Turkey, in 1989. That trip led to what has become both our passion and our profession. We’ve been in the antiquities business for 20 years, now, and have been actively selling online since 1993. We may have re-branded and improved our online-auction business, but we’re still the folks from Artemis Gallery.”

Starting Nov. 14, 2011, Antiquities-Saleroom.com will make its debut with an auction of 275+ lots of exceptional antiquities, pre-Columbian artifacts, and tribal and ethnographic art. The fully illustrated online auction catalog can be viewed and confidential absentee bids may be placed on any of the lots at Antiquities-Saleroom.com. Absentee bids are executed competitively against the existing highest bid.

“The way the bidding platform works, even Bob and I do not know what the high bid is on an item at any given time. We only know the status of the bids after each lot closes and the winning bid is revealed,” said Dodge.

The auction lots will close for bidding in a consecutive, staggered fashion over several days, beginning on Nov. 14. In the period leading up to the sale, bidders will be automatically notified via e-mail if they have been outbid on an item.

Many of the lots will be offered without reserve. “Everything in the auction is an authenticated, quality item that has been consigned by one of approximately eight to 10 invited dealers of excellent reputation who are both our friends and colleagues. We believe an antiquity will find its correct price in the market almost every time if it is offered with the assurance that it is authentic, legal to purchase and meets the timeline qualifications for UNESCO and various national treaties,” said Dodge.

The first half of Antiquities-Saleroom.com’s November auction is devoted to classical antiquities and includes an extensive collection of Greek and Roman objects from a consignor in Florida. Among the highlights are a fine Etruscan amphora, a handful of small but exquisite Roman bronzes, a “very special” Roman marble bust, large and elaborate painted Daunian pottery (southern Italy, 300 B.C.), Roman glass, and ancient jewelry. Additionally, there are offerings of Greek Attic pottery from Athens’ Classic Era (525-450 B.C.), as well as a couple of desirable Greek covered pottery dishes known as lekanis.

Egyptian bronzes, including one of Hippocrates, will be auctioned, and excellent examples of Egyptian faience will be available. At least five coveted ushabtis will be offered, with the possibility of two or three more to be added later on.

“Ushabtis are servant figures that were placed in Egyptian tombs to handle daily chores for the deceased in the afterlife. Typically, there would have been 365 of them in a tomb, one for each day of the year,” Dodge explained.

The interest in pre-Columbian art is growing, Dodge said, thanks to an unexpected new group of buyers emerging from China. For that reason, Antiquities-Saleroom.com made an extra effort to secure consignments of fine pre-Columbian pieces for their November sale. The selection includes pottery from West Mexico, the Mayan territories and most of the major cultures of Peru, Costa Rica and Panama; plus objects created from wood and precious metals, such as effigies made of gold.

There are silver vessels known as “keros, which were used by Latin-American cultures for drinking “chicha,” and cylinders that Mayans used for their cocoa.

The variety continues with Olmec (Atlantic coastal Mexico, 1000 B.C.) stone objects used in hallucinogenic ceremonial rites, 5,000-year-old Valdivian (Ecuador) stonework and ceramic figurines; and objects from the Chavin culture of northern coastal Peru. Also, many other Mayan and Incan artifacts from the Spanish Conquest era have been cataloged.

The auction will conclude with a Discovery section featuring reasonably estimated artifacts that dealers may be able to secure at wholesale prices for resale. “There will be ancient trinkets estimated at $50-$100, and at the other end of the spectrum, some truly exceptional objects. All present excellent buying opportunities, and like everything else in the sale, the Discovery pieces are fully authenticated, quality items,” Dodge said.

The catalog for Antiquities-Saleroom.com’s auction closing over the week of Nov. 14 can be viewed online at the company’s website: www.Antiquities-Saleroom.com. For questions on any item in the sale, call Teresa Dodge at 720-890-7700 or e-mail antiquitiessaleroom@gmail.com.

Egyptian New Kingdom wood shabti, wood, late 18th dynasty (circa 1300 B.C.), relatively early and rare, especially in this quality. Estimate $12,000- $15,000

Greek Attic pelike (used for storing wine and oil) with very fine red-figure decoration by the Washing Painter, a well-known artist who worked in Athens, circa 430-420 BC. Estimate
$12,000-$14,000.

Mayan cylinder from Peten region of Guatemala, circa 600 to 800 A.D., with depiction of guards, glyph band. Estimate $10,000-$15,000.

FLORIDA AUCTION RETURNS AFTER SUMMER BREAK WITH STOCKPILE OF ANTIQUES, FINE ART & COLLECTIBLES

2011-10-24T13:03:00.003-04:00

PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS & LIQUIDATORS LLC

FLORIDA AUCTION RETURNS AFTER SUMMER BREAK WITH STOCKPILE OF ANTIQUES, FINE ART & COLLECTIBLES

Over 750 Lots will be Auctioned on October 29 Two-Session Sale Starting at 10am and 5pm

Contact: Diane Fudge
Phone: 352-795-2061 or 800-542-3877
Email: webuyit@tampabay.rr.com
Website: http://www.charliefudge.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crystal River, FL
October 20, 2011

Much a squirrel, who stores its' nuts for the winter, Auctioneer Charles Fudge has been setting back Antiques, Estate Jewelry and Fine Art all Summer Long for his Spectacular October 29, 2011 Auction, which will have over 750 Lots, and will be divided into two sessions. One starting at 10am and one beginning at 5pm.

Fall is finally here, and thus begins the Florida auctioneer's “Season”. For Auctioneer Charles Fudge, the Season will start with a fantastic two-session Auction of over 750 Lots of Antiques, Fine Art & Collectibles on Saturday October 29,with sessions beginning at 10am and 5pm. His Auction Gallery, Professional Appraisers and Liquidators, is in Crystal River, Florida but his auctions are attended by enthusiasts from all over the world due to the option of on-line bidding as well as Absentee and Telephone Bidding.

Fudge, a veteran auctioneer of over forty years, always associates Autumn with one thing – its time for him to bring out the treasures he set aside throughout the summer and prepare for his first auction of what Florida auctioneers refer to as “The Season”. His finds from the summer's hunt come out of storage and are displayed in a manner in which any interior decorator would be proud. Says Fudge, “I always love preparing for our October auctions, because I'm able to sell the cream of the crop from estates I've been purchasing for the past six months. No other auction offers me such lead time, so for October's Auction, I'm actually able to hand select the best of the best from thousands of antiques I've obtained during the Summer months.” His October 29th auction will showcase the fruits of his labor with items such as Estate Fine Jewelry that represents eras ranging from Victorian and Edwardian to the Art Deco and Retro Periods.

What was this auctioneer stocking up on last summer? Antique Furniture will include, among many others, a 19th Century Southern Pine Two-piece Corner Cupboard (Lot 97) and a 19th Century Louis XV Style Lighted Curio Cabinet (Lot 483), as well as an Early 19th Century David Cullen Tall Case Clock (Lot 734); and examples of Mid Century Modern Furniture include Baker (Two-Door Armoire – Lot 708), L and J.G. Stickley (Mission Oak Slant Front Desk Lot #617), Henredon, and two Teak Wall Units (Lots 367 and 368) by Danish maker Domino Mobler, as well as some solid Cherry pieces. Antique and Contemporary Art includes a large collection of Miniature Portraits and Paintings on Ivory, Oil Paintings by Listed Artists, and Carved Ivory Sculptures to name a few.

This auctioneer holds only a few auctions a year, so expect to find the best of the best. If you haven't been to an auction before, fear not. The auctioneer will be open on Thursday evening, October 27, for those who would like a class on “How to Bid at an Auction”. The class lasts about an hour and begins at 7pm. Says Fudge, “There is nothing to fear. We like to have fun at our auctions.”. Will you accidently bid by waving to a friend? “No” replies Fudge, “That's only on television”.

The October event will also include a fine array of Crystal and Glassware in the auction includes Steuben, Waterford, Loetz, Moser, Pairpoint, American Brillaint Period Cut Glass, Victorian Art Glass including a Plated Amberina Jack in the Pulpit Vase, Czechoslovakian Perfume Bottles, Lalique, Heisey, Carnival and Depression Glass as well as a stunning 38.75 inch tall Gladiola Vase (Lot 99). The Pottery category includes American Art Pottery such as Weller, Rookwood, Roseville and Hull, and even a piece from North Carolina by Pisgah Forest Potters. A stunning lamp (Lot 667) and several lovely vases display the talent of the English potters at Moorcroft, while the Dutch are represented with Gouda Rondo (Lot 565) by Faroga Royal, from Germany a fine Mettlach stein, a lovely soup tureen by Henriot Quimper (Lot 93) hails from France.

Porcelain makers that will cross the block at the two-session sale include Meissen, Shelley, Dresden, German Bisque, Lladro, Royal Doulton, Royal Dux, Minton, Nippon, Limoges, Rosenthal, Nineteenth Century Chinese Export, and many others. A nice assortment of Sterling Silver including Tiffany, Lunt, C.J. Begeer, Gorham, Steiff, Sampson Mordan and other famous makers will be auctioned at the upcoming sale as well.

Additional lots of note are a Velvet-Lined Slag Glass and Bronze Jewelry box with lift out tray signed Tiffany Studios (Lot 536), and a rare Walking Stick or Cane with a Sterling Silver top inscribed with information regarding the 1892 commission of United States cruiser, the U.S.S. Columbia (Lot 174).

Offerings include several unique Sterling Silver items, such as the ladies purse or handbag made solely of Sterling Silver, by William B Kerr (Lot 333), a Continental Silver Table Ornament that depicts a Reindeer Pulling its Sleigh with a Cherub at the Reins (Lot 338). And, the Auctioneer's pick in this category is an .800 Dutch Silver Ladle by C.J. Begeer (Utrecht, 1868-1920) in its original fitted presentation box (Lot 340). Begeer's silver has been exhibited in museums, and auctioned at world famous auction houses including Christie's, and Sotheby's. The C.J. Begeer silver in Sotheby's Auction came from the Estate of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, and was donated to benefit charity.

A complete catalog with detailed descriptions and photographs depicting several views for each item can be found on the company's website: http://www.charliefudge.com. Preview is Friday, October 28 from 10am to 6pm and prior to each session on Saturday, beginning at 8am. If you have further questions, please contact: Antique Auctions by Professional Appraisers and Liquidators LLC, 811 US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL, 34446. Their telephone numbers are 352-795-2061 or 800-542-3877. They can be reached at email at webuyit@tampabay.rr.com

Velvet-Lined Slag Glass and Bronze Jewelry box with lift out tray signed Tiffany Studios

Soup tureen by Henriot Quimper from France

38.75 Inch Tall Gladiola Vase

---

Auctioneer, Charles Fudge of Professional Appraisers and Liquidators LLC, has been auctioning Fine Art, Antiques and Collectibles for over 40 years in West Central Florida. Over the past 5 years, their audience has broadened significantly due to their offering real-time, live bidding. The auctioneer is always looking for quality consignments, and he also buys antiques, gold, fine art, and jewelry outright, whether one item or an entire collection. Sellers can decide whether they would like their Estate Sales or Auctions – to be held at your location or in the firm's 7,500 square foot gallery. Fudge is willing to travel in order to evaluate quality estates and collections. There is no charge for verbal consultations or appraisals, when items in question are carried in. To reach Mr. Fudge directly for questions regarding buying, consigning items to auction, or buying or appraising estates, please call his cell phone at 727-385-6109. Questions regarding auction items should be directed to the auction gallery at 352-795-2061.

Don Presley To Auction Beverly Hills Collection Of Superb Antique Clocks, Porcelain, Silver, Nov 5-6

2011-10-24T09:47:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Oct. 23, 2011

Don Presley To Auction Beverly Hills Collection Of Superb Antique Clocks,
Porcelain, Silver, Nov 5-6

Featured additional highlight: John Wayne’s silver-trimmed leather saddle along with other fine and decorative art.

ORANGE, Calif. – The 90210 zip code has become a familiar destination for Southern California auctioneer Don Presley, and on Nov. 5-6, Presley will again present a premier private collection sourced directly from a Beverly Hills estate. This time the contents consist of superb clocks, silver, porcelains and other fine and decorative art from a collector whom Presley describes as having “an eye for the exquisite.” A fine jewelry wholesaler by profession, the consignor has always selected pieces of the highest quality for their collection, never settling for anything less.

The Beverly Hills collection comprises 400 of the 1,000 lots to be auctioned, and features 200 absolutely fresh to the market antique European and American clocks.

“This is such a great clock collection that visitors to our gallery have been asking if a high-end antique store went out of business – but that’s not the case. This is a collection built over many years by an individual who happens to love beautiful clocks and porcelains, and knows how to pick the very best,” Presley said.

“When I first went to visit the collection, my jaw dropped,” Presley continued. “I could not believe what I saw on the walls and shelves – gorgeous champleve clocks, Tiffany, Sevres, old silver. These are the kinds of things that make an auctioneer love his business.”

The spectacular array of fancy French clocks features 18th- and 19th-century designs, including gilt bronze figural, tortoiseshell, dore bronze, inlaid marquetry, bronze and porcelain; and elegant champleve designs, as well as many 3-piece clock and garniture sets. There are no fewer than 10 jewel-face miniature French clocks and a fine collection of carriage clocks, including Tiffany & Co.

Among the innumerable highlights are six French boulle clocks – one of them dating to around 1710 and signed “JB Baillon Paris.” At least two of the clocks are among the earliest of their type to have been manufactured. A magnificent gilt bronze horse-drawn chariot clock, with figures of two riders and a lion, also dates to the 18th century.

Taking pride of place in the collection are no fewer than six clocks from Tiffany & Co., including a rare bronze bell-shape clock supported by two pillars and a crossbar. Japy Freres produced the mechanism for at least one of the Tiffany clocks to be auctioned.

A sumptuous 200-piece selection of fine porcelain features many designs by Sevres, including lavishly gilded pairs of lidded urns, clock sets and an ornately decorated tray. An Old Paris hand-painted vase exhibits the unmistakable aesthetic favored by many porcelain artists in the City of Paris during the mid to latter 18th century. Other manufactories represented in the collection include: Meissen, Limoges, Dresden, and Villeroy & Boch. These exalted names of golden-era porcelain are also seen in the vast array of cups and saucers to be sold.

The Presley gallery is laden with heavy sterling silver, including a complete International Silver La Paglia-designed tea service with tray, an S. Kirk & Son double-handle repousse urn with lid, and a pair of 18th-century Jean Baptiste Francois candelabra having a total weight of 250 ozt. One of the candelabra has a Francois mark designated for Paris, while the other bears a 1784 stamp for Semur. Additional candelabra lots are Sevres style and of gilt bronze and marble.

A 31-piece Moser cranberry stemware set is among the top lots in the glassware and art glass section, which also includes designs by Galle, Lalique, Tiffany, Loetz and Steuben. Extravagantly gilded, a set of green glass goblets might be of Russian origin.

Antique Asian ivory continues to draw the bidders to Presley’s sales. The Nov. 5-6 event includes a pair of 3-ft.-tall elephant tusks, figures of Immortals and elephants, a “jeweled” Guan Yin figure on pedestal, and a lady’s fan with gilded frame, among many other ivory objects.

Paintings and bronzes – many by listed artists – will be auctioned. Russian icons and a pair of signed and framed Napoleon and Josephine portraits, hand-painted on ivory, are among the select offerings.

A featured lot that combines Hollywood legend with the lore of California’s Old West is a leather saddle made by the Visalia Stock Saddle Co. of San Francisco for American screen icon John Wayne. Heavily tooled overall and trimmed with sterling silver conchos, stirrups and other adornments, the saddle also bears a silver diamond-shape cartouche engraved with the initials “JW.” The saddle comes with a matching bridle and breast collar, and is accompanied by extensive provenance and a letter of authenticity. “This saddle dates to the early days of John Wayne’s career, and with the interest currently so strong in items having a personal connection to John Wayne, this saddle should prove very appealing to collectors,” Presley said.

An additional 600 items from several California estates, collectors and other consignors add variety to the Nov. 5-6 auction inventory. The sale summary reveals many pieces of Chinese jade, hand-painted scrolls, musical instruments, a 40-piece majolica collection, a 1933 Rock-ola 5¢ Horse Race Sweepstakes trade stimulator, and novelty furniture designed as a 1956 Chevy sofa and Harley-Davidson chairs with saddlebags.

For the adventurous, Don Presley suggests the remote control twin-engine F-15 Navy jet. “It’s 7 feet long and can reach a top speed of 200 miles per hours. But before anyone decides to fire it up, they should be aware that it requires a special license. It’s a big plane,” Presley said.

Both the Saturday and Sunday sessions will commence at 12 noon Pacific Time. Preview daily 9-5. The gallery is located at 1319 W. Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867. All forms of bidding will be available, including at the gallery, by phone, absentee or live via the Internet. For additional information, call Don Presley at 714-633-2437 or e-mail info@donpresleyauction.com. Visit the company’s website at www.donpresleyauction.com.

Bronze and Sevres porcelain clock and garniture set, one of many from a Beverly Hills private collection. Don Presley Auction image.

John Coker’s Oct. 29-30 No-Reserve Auction Features Two Fresh, Long-Held Collections of Toys, Lunchboxes and Folk Art

2011-10-24T09:44:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: Oct. 23, 2011

John Coker’s Oct. 29-30 No-Reserve Auction Features Two Fresh, Long-Held Collections of Toys, Lunchboxes and Folk Art

The Saturday auction contains more than 450 lots of toys and folk art. The Sunday auction features approximately 360 lunchboxes.

NEW MARKET, Tenn. – John W. Coker is a Tennessee auctioneer better known for his sales of fine and decorative art, but when the opportunity arose to handle two outstanding toy and lunchbox collections – each from a collector of 40+ years – he jumped at the chance. More than 100 cardboard boxes later, Coker knew he had the makings of a terrific auction, and one that toy collectors “would go crazy over.”

Coker’s 1,000-lot Oct. 29-30 event, which will be held at the company’s gallery near Knoxville, is 100% unreserved. “Whatever the high bid is, that’s what the toy, lunchbox or folk art item will sell for,” Coker said.

The Saturday, Oct. 29 session, which commences at 10 a.m. Eastern time, contains more than 450 lots of toys and folk art from the collection of a prominent Eastern Tennessee businessman who began collecting in the 1950s. Many of the toys were displayed at the consignor’s place of business; he always bought and never sold.

A featured highlight is the vast collection of Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola advertising toys, many of them rare, early examples pictured in Petretti’s Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide. “There are more than 100 Coca-Cola toys, and all are different,” said Coker. “They’re across the board in terms of manufacturers – Metalcraft, Smith-Miller, Buddy ‘L’ – and there are many from foreign countries, including Spain (Paya), Germany, Mexico and Italy. There are also special-edition Christmas productions and wooden ones made during World War II. There are many that I have never seen before.”

The consignor recalled that the first toy he ever owned was a Metalcraft Shell Oil truck complete with wood barrels. “My daddy paid only one dollar – maybe less – for that toy. It made me appreciate the unusual, and that followed through in my collecting,” he said. The truck is included in the auction inventory.

The owner of the toys commented that the advertising trucks in the collection have never been polished, waxed or restored. “I kept them as original as possible, in ‘as-found’ condition,” he said. “Most of them have 85% or more of their original paint.”

The consignor’s brother-in-law once worked for Lionel, and through that connection, the collector was able to acquire several coveted train sets, including a rare Coca-Cola set and another branded for Ford Motor Co. that was available only to employees.

Additionally, there are die-cast advertising toys, two matchstick ships and a carved Noah’s Ark with figures. A rustic log farmhouse that took 10 years to make is so highly detailed, it even includes a gun over the mantel and a dog on the porch. It opens up and is accompanied by many additional accessories and outbuildings.

The consignor explained that many of his best pieces purchased over some 40 years came from Northern or Eastern dealers who traveled to the Mt. Dora show in Florida to escape winter weather. “They would come to sell, then they’d go fishing. They knew what I wanted and would bring along their best for me,” he said.

The consignor also built a sizable collection of folk art and unusual advertising items. The auction will include a Meaders family stoneware vase adorned with a snake, leaves and grapes; and 20-25 face jugs, including around five from the fabled Medders family of potters. Other noteworthy items include two Nipper ‘His Master’s Voice’ chalk figures, and a 6-ft.-high Leland McNamee’s Minstrels poster.

The Sunday, Oct. 30 session features approximately 360 lunchboxes, 30+ loose Thermoses – some quite scarce and desirable – and box lots of Thermoses and lids.

The lunchbox collection came from the estate of a man who collected from the time he was 15 until the day of his passing last fall. “His collection reflected pleasant memories of the lunches his mother packed for him when he was a boy,” Coker said. “His family owned a grocery store that made local deliveries, and his mother, who worked at the store, was an excellent cook. She would fix unbelievable sandwiches for the children, and opening their lunchboxes at school each day was an eagerly anticipated event.”

In his adult life, the collector traveled to shows far and wide, searching for lunchboxes. He bought metal, vinyl and plastic lunchboxes; and brunch bags, and he favored those that depicted robots/space, Western scenes and TV series of the 1950s and ’60s.

“There are many very rare lunchboxes in this collection, and they’re in absolutely beautiful condition,” said Coker. Among the highlights: Captain Kangaroo, Beany and Cecil, three or four Tom Corbett Space Cadet boxes in baby blue and red; five different Roy Rogers lunchboxes and many coveted dome-tops, including a Porky Pig model. An especially nice brunch bag promotes Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. It is finished in bright yellow and black, and emblazoned with the show’s best-known catch phrases.

The rarest of all lunchboxes in the sale is the 1954 ADCO metal Superman box depicting the Man of Steel fighting an evil robot with eyes that can ignite anything in their path. With its colorful graphics and superhero theme, it is considered the ultimate prize to lunchbox collectors.

“There is so much to see in this sale. If I were a collector of toys or lunchboxes, I would make it my mission to view the contents of these collections, either in person or online,” said Coker. “Everyone loves fresh collections, and these are two of the freshest.”

John W. Coker’s Oct. 29-30 auction will take place at the Coker gallery at 1511 W. Hwy. 11 East in New Market, TN 37820. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet. Tel. 865-475-5163, e-mail john@antiquesonline.com. Visit Coker’s online at www.antiquesonline.com.

Smith-Miller pressed-steel and wood Coca-Cola delivery truck, complete with wood Coke crates. John W. Coker Auctions image.

LARGE, RARE UNITED MOTORS SERVICE SINGLE-SIDED PORCELAIN OVAL NEON SIGN REALIZES $6,325 AT AUCTION HELD OCT. 14 BY MATTHEWS AUCTIONS, LLC

2011-10-21T15:03:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dan Matthews
(217) 563-8880 or (217) 259-7059
danm@matthewsauctions.com

LARGE, RARE UNITED MOTORS SERVICE SINGLE-SIDED PORCELAIN OVAL NEON SIGN REALIZES $6,325 AT AUCTION HELD OCT. 14 BY MATTHEWS AUCTIONS, LLC

The auction was held the day before the popular Chicagoland Petroliana & Advertising Show.

(PEOTONE, Ill.) – A large and hard to find United Motors Service oval neon sign, only rated 7.9 out of 10 for condition but still coveted by collectors for its rarity, sold for $6,325 at a Fall Petroliana & Advertising Auction held Oct. 14 by Matthews Auctions, LLC. The sale was held the day before the semiannual Chicagoland Petroliana & Advertising Show in Peotone, Ill.

The single-sided porcelain sign, measuring 42 inches by 72 inches, had its share of flaws. The blue was milky and it had chips around the mount holes and holes in the neon. But its scarcity, combined with the fact that the neon made it look like the wheels were spinning, was just too much for the bidders who competed for it. The sign was the top lot of the 475 items sold.

Around 150 people attended the auction in person, while another 250 bidders registered online (accounting for a 34 percent sell-through). Phone and absentee bids were also accepted. Matthews Auctions, LLC has been staging auctions prior to the spring and fall Peotone shows for years, and they have consistently been well-attended and spirited events.

“We had a good bidding crowd, and better merchandise was fetching 5 percent more than I was expecting,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions, LLC. “What made this auction such a success was the fact that we had an interesting mix of items. Usually we feature 85 percent gas station collectibles, but this sale had country store collectibles and other unique and rare items.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 10 percent buyer’s premium.

A USL Batteries single-sided porcelain self-framed sign (“Economical, Dependable”), 17 inches by 60 inches, rated 9 and with excellent color and gloss but with some bubbles in the paint, brought $3,850; and a rare Marathon Gas single-sided porcelain die-cut embossed neon sign (“Best in the Long Run”), with the running man logo, went for a surprisingly low $3,740.

Two lots sold for identical prices of $3,025 each. The first was a Case Quality Machine single-sided tin reflective painted sign (“For Profitable Farming”), with Old Abe logo and rated 8.5 for condition. The other was a Favorite Stoves and Ranges double-sided porcelain sign (“Best in the World”), both sides rated 9.5, in excellent condition and with great gloss and color.

An original and fragile Lucky Strike Cigarettes wood and cardboard counter-top display with four old-style packs and six new-style green packs, rated 9, with minor wear around the edges, coasted to $2,860; and a Mobiloil Socony double-sided porcelain five-point shield, with the iconic Mobil Pegasus graphic and measuring 32 inches by 32 inches, rated 9, rose to $2,750.

An Atlantic Gasoline double-sided porcelain curb sign with Ethyl logo, in a stand and strap base, 30 inches in diameter and both sides rated 9 out of 10 for condition, changed hands for $2,200; and an AC Spark Plugs Cleaning Station tin flange sign with the familiar Sparky logo, 15 inches by 11 inches, both sides rated 8.75 with a little rust here and there, hit $1,265.

A Holley Carburetor Company Automotive Accessories light counter-top display, rated 9 and in great shape, breezed to $1,045; an Oakwood Taxi Company lighted counter-top display (“All 7-Passenger Packards – No Cheaper Rates in Town”), rated 9, garnered $880; and a “Buy on Universal Credit” (Ford cars and trucks, Lincoln, Zephyr and Mercury 8) lighted counter-top reverse painted display, fully illuminated and in great shape, 9 inches by 20 inches, made $880.

Rounding out the day’s top lots, a Motorola Auto Radio neon and lighted sign with reverse painted bottom panel, in working order and rated 8.9, 12 inches by 26 inches, demanded $880; and a rare die-cast aluminum Dino, marked “Colonial Hites, West Cola, S.C.”, rated 9 and once used as a decoration on the outside of a gas station, went to a determined bidder for $550.

Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 2, and on the first Wednesday of each month through the winter, Matthews Auctions, LLC will conduct online and absentee petroliana and advertising auctions, at the firm’s gallery facility in Nokomis, Ill., starting at 4 p.m. (CST). Each auction will feature 300-400 lots of high quality merchandise. There will be no live audience at these sales.

On Saturday, Nov. 26, Matthews Auctions, LLC will hold an auction in Raymond, Ill., at the gallery of Gavin Pope Auction, with whom Matthews Auctions, LLC often partners. Offered will be hundreds of lots of petroliana, automobilia, country store collectibles and antiques. The sale will begin promptly at 10 a.m. (CST) and will be held at 823 North Bannon in Raymond, Ill.

Matthews Auctions, LLC is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free at (877) 968-8880, or you can send an e-mail directly to Mr. Matthews, at danm@matthewsauctions.com.

Mr. Matthews recently completed writing a book about petroliana, titled The Fine Art of Collecting and Displaying Petroliana. For information on how to order a copy, please log on to the Matthews Auctions, LLC website, at www.matthewsauctions.com. For more information about Matthews Auctions, LLC and their upcoming sales, log on to www.matthewsauctions.com.

Rare United Motors Service single-sided porcelain oval neon sign, rated 7.9 out of 10 ($6,325).

Case Quality Machine 'For Profitable Farming' single-sided tin sign with Old Abe logo ($3,025).

Original Lucky Strike cigarette counter-top display, with wood and cardboard stand ($2,860).

Marathon Gas “Best in the Long Run” neon sign with running man logo, rated 8.5 ($3,740).

Favorite Stoves and Ranges “Best in the World” double-sided porcelain sign, rated 9.5 ($3,025).

USL Batteries “Economical, Dependable” single-sided porcelain self-framed sign ($3,850).

AuctionZip Auctioneer Tip: Writing Effective Auction Listings

2011-10-21T09:24:00.000-04:00

Listing your auction online is a great way to attract more bidders at a minimal cost. This short guide is intended to help you make the most of your AuctionZip Listings.

What makes a good title?
Your title should be simple, clear and tell people what you’re selling. “Memorial Day Weekend Sale-Day 1” doesn’t draw anyone in or let them know that you have vintage posters, gold coins or a fleet of tractors. Also, there is no need to include the date or your auction house name in the title. Both of those pieces of information have their own sections within your AuctionZip Listing.

Have a good lead sentence.
The first sentence of your description should grab the reader’s attention. If there is a really exceptional lot, it is fine to lead with one lot and follow with a description of the rest of the catalogue. For example, “Join Baseball Card Auctions as we auction off a mint condition Babe Ruth autographed rookie card, along with an exceptional catalogue of over 300 lots of baseball memorabilia.”

What, who, where, when, how.
In the first one or two sentences, you should answer the question of what is being sold, who is selling it, where/when the auction is, and how someone can bid. If online or phone bidding is available, let people know. “If you can’t join us on Saturday, May 25th at 3 P.M. in Oxford, OH, bid online at auctionzip.com/live or by calling 111-222-3333.”

Pick a few lots to feature.
Pick three or four of your most important lots and describe them in detail. Then use one or two sentences to generally describe the rest of the catalogue.

How to make it Google-friendly.
Like your lot descriptions, you want to use plenty of vivid keywords, while still sounding natural. It should be relatively easy to fit a lot of keywords in your listing, and listing a few specific lots will help draw some highly-targeted traffic. If there is online bidding or the catalogue is online, link to it. Also link to the press release, your house’s website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed, if you have them. As always, check that your spelling and grammar are correct.

Hittin’ The Road with AuctionZip: Join Us at the 2011 IAA Convention

2011-10-21T09:23:00.003-04:00

Calling all Indiana Auctioneers! Come join AuctionZip at the annual Indiana Auctioneers Association Convention on November 3-6 in Indianapolis, IN. AuctionZip will be donating two advertising packages valued at over $900 to the Annual Spotlight Advertising Auction which is part of the exciting Indiana Champion Auctioneer Contest. The advertising donations are sold to auctioneers throughout the state and proceeds sponsor programs for education and business development.

Our team will also be giving the keynote presentation at Thursday’s kick off dinner and will be conducting a 2 hour seminar titled ‘Auctioneering 2020: Direct to Consumer Marketing As A Competitive Edge’ on Friday. We look forward to seeing all of our wonderful Indiana AuctionZip’pers at the convention!

The Indiana Auctioneers Association is the professional organization for practicing auctioneers, their associates, affiliated businesses and other related professionals. Visit http://www.indianaauctioneers.org/2011convention for more information on the 2011 annual IAA convention.

KAPTAIN KIRK'S TO HOST FIRST TIME HISTORY CHANNEL AMERICAN PICKERS CELEBRITY

2011-10-20T11:31:00.003-04:00

September 28th, 2011
Kaptain Kirk West, Auctioneer
Rockford, IL

KAPTAIN KIRK'S TO HOST FIRST TIME HISTORY CHANNEL AMERICAN PICKERS CELEBRITY

HIPPIE TOM AUCTIONS!!!

The well-known celebrity Hippie Tom, noted for his special appearances on the television show American Pickers, along with Mike and Frank, will be bringing truckloads of items from his personal collection to be offered at auction at the state-of-the-art indoor auction facility of Kaptain Kirk's Auction & Appraisals at the corner of 18th Ave & 9th St in Rockford, IL.

Tom is an avid collector of antiques, collectibles, primitives, advertising, architectural items, leaded stained glass windows, toys, structural items, signs, garden items, furniture, artwork, pottery, and many more such items.

The first in a series of auctions will be held on November 5th & 6th, Saturday and Sunday, at Kaptain Kirk's facility. Tom will be available both days starting at 10:00 am for photographs, autographs, and interaction with the auction crowd. This will be a rare opportunity to buy an item from Hippie Tom's personal collection, have it autographed, and have your picture taken with Tom.

Tom has a special relationship with Rockford, due to his relationship with Frank and Mike from American Pickers, and their visits to Rockford to "pick" Judy Gambrel's old national lock building, and their recent visit to Rockford to entertain crowds at Midway Village & Museum Center. Tom will be featured again in upcoming episodes that have already been filmed and will be showing in late October.

Kaptain Kirk's is excited to be part of the American Pickers craze and holds auctions on a regular basis at their facility. Consignment auctions are held the last Saturday and Sunday of every month, with many more auctions filled in during the month, both on-site and off-site as needed, and always feature antiques, collectibles, pottery, glassware, sports collectibles, guns, antique toys, marbles, coins,stamps, artwork, tools, and many other related items, including household items.

www.KaptainKirksAuction.com
CHECK THE WEBISTE FOR DETAILS OR CALL KAPTAIN KIRK AT 815-494-8045

AuctionZip Announces Mobile Website AuctionZip Mobile to Launch for Smartphones, Tablets and Major Mobile Devices

2011-10-20T11:07:00.008-04:00

With the launch of AuctionZip Mobile, auction-goers now can search using their smartphones for their favorite items and collectibles upcoming at auction. AuctionZip Mobile offers AuctionZip’s signature ZIP Code Locator in a compact and streamlined design. The new mobile site functions with all major mobile devices, offering compatibility with iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and others.

AuctionZip maintains the world's largest directory of live auction listings, with more than 200,000 auctions listed annually. The addition of AuctionZip Mobile makes locating antique, estate and storage auctions faster and easier than ever before. Visitors to AuctionZip Mobile will be able to search for auctions by ZIP Code, browse listings and view detailed photo galleries, all from their smartphone device. Smartphone users also will be able to phone or e-mail auctioneers, map auction locations and get directions to local auctions.

AuctionZip Mobile responds to a massive increase in mobile traffic to AuctionZip in recent months—since January 2011, mobile device traffic to the site has more than doubled, reflecting a clear demand for this improved functionality as well as the rapid growth of the global smartphone market. Indeed, industry research leader International Data Corporation (IDC)’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker indicates that, “vendors will ship a total of 472 million smartphones in 2011 compared to roughly 305 million units shipped in 2010. That figure will nearly double to 982 million by the end of 2015.”

“AuctionZip has long been one of the best resources for finding and bidding at local auctions,” comments Steve Oriola, AuctionZip Senior Vice President of Product Management. “We know our dedicated users are frequently on the go, and rely on AuctionZip’s powerful search tools such as our ZIP Code Locator to find local auctions around the country. AuctionZip Mobile incorporates the same features AuctionZip users love, but now in an easy-to-use interface optimized for use with all major mobile devices.”

Media Contact: Molly Hennessey
617-746-9844
molly@auctionzip.com

Editor’s Notes:
• Additional background on request.
• Interviews with the Vice President of Marketing, Michael Evers and President Adam Kirsch can be arranged.

WASHINGTON BUST CALABASH FLASK WITH STRIKING BLUE COBALT COLOR SOARS TO $28,080 AT AUCTION #93 HELD BY NORMAN C. HECKLER & COMPANY

2011-10-19T09:30:00.003-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Heckler
(860) 974-1634
jheckler@hecklerauction.com

WASHINGTON BUST CALABASH FLASK WITH STRIKING BLUE COBALT COLOR SOARS TO $28,080 AT AUCTION #93 HELD BY NORMAN C. HECKLER & COMPANY

The auction went online Sept. 1 and concluded Sept. 14. In all, 149 quality lots changed hands.

(WOODSTOCK VALLEY, Conn.) – A vintage American Calabash flask showing a tree-in-leaf bust portrait of George Washington (circa 1845-1860) soared to $28,080 to take top lot honors in an auction held Sept. 1-14 by Norman C. Heckler & Co. The sale featured 151 lots (149 sold) of early glass, bottles, flasks, pottery, game boards, antiques and select Americana.

“Color is king today, and this Calabash bottle had a striking cobalt blue coloration, together with a fantastic mold impression,” said Norman C. Heckler, Sr. “With fabulous color, great embossing and excellent condition, the flask had everything going for it.” The quart flask had an applied sloping collared mouth and tubular pontil scar. It was an exceptional example.

The auction’s second top lot – which also boasted rare color, exceptional condition and great embossing – was a peacock blue “Corn for the World” historical quart flask, made by the Baltimore Glass Works circa 1860-1870 ($19,890). The bottle had an applied flat collared mouth and smooth base. It was visually arresting, with a Baltimore monument and husked ear of corn.

The sale was conducted mostly online, with 320 bidders competing via the Internet (on the Norman C. Heckler & Co. website, at www.hecklerauction.com) and the telephone. Some absentee bids were also recorded. In all, there were 93 winning bidders. Norman C. Heckler & Co. is known mostly for its rare and vintage bottle auctions, but this sale featured more than that.

“The select Americana items represented in this auction (the 93rd for the firm) all did exceedingly well,” remarked Norman C. Heckler, Jr. “The folk art items, and specifically the game boards, far exceeded the pre-sale estimates. Redware and Stoneware pieces, too, were very strong, great decorative items from early manufacturers. Overall it was just a successful auction.”

Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include a 17 percent buyer’s premium.

The aforementioned game boards included a fine pair of American paint-decorated examples, rendered in multiple colors. One that measured 16 ½ inches by 16 ½ inches went for $4,680, while the other, measuring 18 ½ inches by 18 inches, finished at $4,387 (it might have fetched more, but for a loss of wood trim border on one side). Both were made circa 19th century.

Period American furniture featured a diminutive wood-painted decorated blanket chest, made in New England in the 19th century and colored an old bright bayberry blue, 21 inches tall and with dovetail construction ($2,925); and a small wooden watchmaker’s (or seed) chest, also 19th century, with 55 dovetailed segmented drawers and diminutive turned pull knobs ($2,691).

Other Americana included a Sicilian glass (or “lava” glass) art glass vase, made circa 1878-1880 by the Washington Glass Company in New Bedford, Mass., black and with pink, green and blue highlights, 6 inches tall ($3,218); and a Redware handled jug marked “John Bell, Waynesboro” (Pa., circa 1860), 12 inches tall and having brown and tan mottled glazes ($2,223).

Returning to early glass, bottles and flasks, a rectangular, light yellow amber “Dr. Stephen Jewett’s Celebrated Health” bitters bottle, probably from the Stoddard glass house (Stoddard, N.H., circa 1840-1860) soared to $5,265; and a small Pitkin type flask, probably made by Pitkin Glass Works (Manchester, Conn., circa 1783-1830), in great condition, made $3,218.

Medicines featured a “Phelps / Arcanum” bottle (Worcester, Mass., circa 1840-1860), cylindrical, with indented panels and a brilliant bubbly yellowish olive color ($3,510); and a “Rushton & Aspinall” (‘No. 86 William St. & 110 Broadway, New York’) medicine bottle, probably made by Willington Glass Works in West Willington, Conn., circa 1830-1850 ($4,973).

Rounding out the sale’s top lots was a cylindrical Pitkin type inkwell, ribbed and swirled to the left, with 36 ribs, and probably made by the Pitkin Glass Works (Manchester, Conn., circa 1773-1830), with a deep yellowish green coloration and small, standing 1 ½ inches tall ($1,989).

Norman C. Heckler & Co. has just concluded the first two sessions of a three-session sale dedicated to the lifetime single-owner bottle and flask collection of Tom McCandless. Over the course of 40 years, Mr. McCandless accumulated the very best of flasks, bitters, whiskeys, medicines, milks, sodas, fruit jars, pickles and more, which he kept at his New Jersey home.

Session III (122 lots) will go online Jan. 18, 2012 and conclude Feb. 1, 2012. After that, Norman C. Heckler & Co. will have another auction with a strong antiques and Americana component, slated for Mar. 1, 2012. Watch the website for details: www.hecklerauction.com.

Norman C. Heckler & Company was founded in 1987 as a full-service auction and appraisal firm. Today it is the foremost auction house for antique glass. In October 2010, the firm set a record for an antique glass bottle at auction when a General Jackson eagle portrait flask sold for $176,670. In addition to glass Heckler’s also offers early American antique objects.

Norman C. Heckler & Company is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To inquire about consigning a single piece or an entire collection, you may call them at (860) 974-1634; or, you can e-mail them at info@hecklerauction.com. To learn more about the company’s upcoming calendar of auction events, please log on to www.hecklerauction.com.

American Calabash flask showing a tree-in-leaf bust portrait of George Washington ($28,080).

Peacock blue “Corn for the World” historical quart flask, by Baltimore Glass Works ($19,890).

Diminutive American wooden watchmaker's (or seed) chest, made in the 19th century ($2,691).

Sicilian glass (or “lava” glass) art glass vase, made circa 1878-1880 in Mass. ($3,218).

Redware handled jug marked “John Bell, Waynesboro” (Pa.), made circa 1860 ($2,223).

American 19th century paint-decorated game board, rendered in multiple colors ($4,680).

HUNDREDS OF LOTS DISNEY ITEMS, CAST-IRON TOY STOVES, TRADE CARDS, VINTAGE DOLLS AND BEARS, HALLOWEEN AND CHRISTMAS, OLD GAS PUMPS, VINTAGE STORE ADVE

2011-10-19T09:21:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sharon Finney
(518) 479-4371 or (518) 229-3233
finneysauction@nycap.rr.com

HUNDREDS OF LOTS DISNEY ITEMS, CAST-IRON TOY STOVES, TRADE CARDS, VINTAGE DOLLS AND BEARS, HALLOWEEN AND CHRISTMAS, OLD GAS PUMPS, VINTAGE STORE ADVERTISING, MORE AT FINNEY’S AUCTION SERVICE OCT. 29th

The massive single-owner collection will be sold at Finney’s showroom, in Schodack, N.Y.

(SCHODACK, N.Y.) – A massive single-owner collection consisting of hundreds of rare, vintage and hard-to-find items in a variety of categories will be sold on Saturday, Oct. 29, by Finney’s Auction Service, beginning promptly at 11 a.m. (EST). The auction will be held in Finney’s showroom in Schodack, located about 15 minutes from Albany, in upstate New York.

Offered will be cast-iron toy stoves, trade cards, miniatures, photos, Disney collectibles, vintage Christmas and Halloween, vintage dolls and Steiff bears, antique gas pumps, advertising signs, old toys, vintage store advertising and more. Many of the items may be viewed online, at www.finneysauction.com.

One lot expected to generate much bidder interest is rare Walt Disney Duckster award, bearing the earliest known Duckster date of 1952. The 9-inch bronze statuette features a figure of Donald Duck on a Bakelite base with a metal face plate and the engraved words, “Max Westebbe Best Personal Wishes Walt Disney 1952.” The inside base has a tag from the United Bronze Co.

Walt Disney personally presented fewer than two dozen Duckster awards, all to people who made significant contributions to the Walt Disney Studios (including Clarence Nash, the original voice of Donald Duck, and the famed illustrator Carl Banks). A few are in the Walt Disney archives. The one being sold by Finney’s is expected change hands for $3,000-$5,000. Cast-iron toy stoves will feature a Buck’s Junior #2 cast-iron salesman’s sample toy stove in very good condition and marked on the top “Buck’s Junior #2”, 23 inches tall by 19 inches wide (est. $800-$1,200); and an Acorn cast-iron stove, marked 819-19, in very good condition and with acorns impressed on the burner plate tops, 19 inches by 18 inches (est. $100-$250).

Also offered will be the pride of the owner’s collection: a rare and antique Reliable Parlor Stove clock and bank, 6 ½ inches tall and in remarkable condition (est. $350-$850). The clock is by Waterbury and the back is marked ‘Cleveland Ohio, The Schneider Trenkamp & Co.’

Toys to watch will include a Captain Marvel tin wind-up car made by the Automatic Toy Company (1947), 4 inches long, with rubber wheels (est. $75-$100); and a Drinking Captain battery-operated toy depicting a ship’s captain holding a bottle of Old Hooch, with a pack of Lucky Strikes laying buy his feet. The box says it emits smoke when he drinks (est. $75-$100),

Holiday offerings will feature a Santa Claus roly-poly toy made circa 1915 by Schoenhut Toys (Philadelphia), 9 ¼ inches tall and showing Santa holding a doll and a horse under each arm (est. $400-$500); a 21-inch tall vintage Christmas feather tree with assorted glass ornaments (est. $75-100); and a group of metal Halloween pumpkins and noise-makers (est. $75-$100).

Fans of petroliana will be treated to lots such as a Pure Oil Tokheim gas pump, model #39, 75 inches tall, partially restored with the top globe light replaced and marked ‘1987’ (est. $800-$1,200); and a Mobil gas pump with cut-out Mobil top, 63 inches tall, very nice and ready for a restoration (est. $450-$700). The top is original and has the word Mobil on front and back.

Dolls will include an unmarked bisque shoulder head doll with kid body and stationary eyes, a beautiful face with closed mouth, 14 inches tall and in good condition but with repair needed to the body (est. $175-$300); and a large, 22-inch Simon & Halbig bisque head doll with composition jointed body, sleep glass eyes and open mouth and original clothes (est. $150-$250).

Steiff bears will feature a Disney Convention “The Sea Bear” teddy bear (#651380), with grey curly mohair and an anchor on the foot, in very good condition (est. 175-$350). Speaking of Disney, one lot of note promises to be a colorful unsigned graphic painting of Mickey Mouse and Pluto, measuring 35 inches by 23 inches and in very good condition (est. $250-$350).

Rounding out a short list of the day’s expected top lots are a Buddy L Express large 24-inch truck with swing-open back doors, in super condition (est. $450-$650); a large 12-inch Parrot cast-iron door stop with “Nekoosa Foundry & Mich Works” impressed on it (est. $175-$225); and an old photo of a group of men holding pictures of the Advance Stove (est. $35-$45).

Previews will be held Thursday and Friday, Oct. 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, the day of sale, from 9-11 a.m. A 15 percent buyer’s premium will be applied to all purchases. Terms will be cash, known checks, and Visa and Master Card. Phone and absentee bids will be accepted. Finney’s gallery is located at 1568 Columbia Turnpike in Schodack, N.Y.

Finney’s Auction Services’ next big sale after this one will be an antique and art auction slated for Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. in the firm’s Schodack showroom. Sold will be several paintings and bronzes (to include a Raoul Larche bronze) from a single-owner collector, along with a super Oriental chinoiserie red lacquer cabinet, a lovely collection of early Flip glass, a Newcomb College rabbit tile, Zuniga bronzes, Oriental porcelains, ivory pieces and much more.
Finney’s Auction Service is a full-service, family-owned and operated business. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection you may call them at (518) 479-4371 or e-mail them at finneysauction@nycap.rr.com.

To learn more about Finney’s Auction Service and the upcoming auctions, please log on to www.finneysauction.com. Updates are posted frequently.

Very rare Walt Disney Duckster award, dated 1952, bronze on a Bakelite base, 9 inches tall.

Bucks Junior cast-iron #2 salesman's sample toy stove, 19 inches wide by 23 inches tall.

Antique Coca-Cola stand-up store display, saying “Serve Yourself – Please Pay the Clerk.”

Large 22-inch Simon & Halbig bisque head doll with composition jointed body, glass eyes.

Vintage Pure Oil Tokheim model #39 gas pump, 75 inches tall, with replaced top globe light.

Santa Claus Roly Poly toys made by Schoenhut (Philadelphia, circa 1915), 9 ¼ inches tall.

OVER 800 LOTS OF VINTAGE TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES WILL BE SOLD IN AN INTERNET AND CATALOG AUCTION ENDING DEC. 2-3 BY SERIOUSTOYZ.COM

2011-10-14T15:39:00.006-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tom Miano
(866) 653-8699
tom@serioustoyz.com

OVER 800 LOTS OF VINTAGE TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES WILL BE SOLD IN AN INTERNET AND CATALOG AUCTION ENDING DEC. 2-3 BY SERIOUSTOYZ.COM

The unreserved sale will feature hundreds of collectible near-mint and mint-in-the box toys.

(CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.) – Over 800 lots of rare and desirable vintage toys and collectibles – many of them near-mint or mint-in-the-box examples– will be sold without reserve (but with modest minimum opening bids) in an Internet and catalog auction that will begin in mid-November and conclude Dec. 2-3 by Serious Toyz (www.SeriousToyz.com).

“I am really impressed by the quality and depth of the collections consigned to this auction,” said Tom Miano, owner of Serious Toyz. “Usually we have 40 or 50 consignors all contributing to any given sale. But this one has fewer than 15 consignors, with the vast majority of pieces coming from only five or six collections.” This will be the 54th auction for Serious Toyz.

Offerings will include more than two dozen early glass candy containers of all sizes and themes (including a rare and desirable Felix the Cat piece); and building sets, from makers like Erector, Meccano, Richter, Anchor and Bing (including a giant Bing stone block set, circa 1880, with three layers of trays and weighing over 50 pounds). Most sets are complete and unused.

Battery-operated toys will be served up in abundance, and every one is in perfect working order. Coin-operated machines will feature a 1930s “All-Win Deluxe” gambling machine, a 1960s “Health Garde” condom machine (with original contents), a 1933 “Select-‘Em” dice gambling machine and a 1902 clockwork “Zero Chewing Gum” machine. All the coin-ops are in good working order and come with keys.

Wind-up and friction tin toys will be sold by makers from Germany, Japan, the U.S. and elsewhere, in a variety of categories. Figures sets of plastic, rubber and lead will also be well-represented, and there will be several desirable playsets, including the rare version of Marx’s “Fire House.”

Fans of promo cars from the 1950s and ‘60s will be impressed by the fact that just about every one of the nearly 20 to be sold is mint in the original box. Plastic vehicles and sets from highly collectible makers like Renwall, Aurora, Hubley, Ideal, Banner, Thomas and others show no cracks or breaks, while over 30 pre-war rubber vehicles, all with original paint, will be sold.

An outstanding array of die-cast vehicles (a staple in most Serious Toyz auctions) will come up for bid, including hundreds of 1950s-‘60s Matchbox cars, all mint in the box. A great group of 1950s-era pressed steel vehicles (by Tonka, Nylint, Structo and Marx) will also be offered, in boxes with inserts.

Serious Toyz is also proud to present a fine selection of near-mint and mint lunchboxes and thermoses, consigned by Joe Soucy, the noted collector and author of Warman’s Lunchboxes Field Guide. Some of the pieces to be sold are, in fact, pictured in Mr. Souncy’s book. Others are so rare they’re not pictured in any book. All would be welcome additions to anyone’s collection.

The sale will also feature a nice selection of advertising character items, to include an unused 1949 Coke window sign promoting Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy’s TV show, and a large, 1930s die-cut retail sign for “Bickmore Easy-Shave Cream” (featuring none other than Ronald Reagan). Other familiar faces from television, movies, sports and more will also be represented.

Rounding out the list of just some of the auction’s expected top lots are a previously unknown 1955 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Disney local movie house poster, some large framed original photographs from the corporate offices of the New York Central Railroad, and a wide range of cartoon friends from Disney, Hanna-Barbera, King Features and more (1920s-‘60s).

All lots will be sold, regardless or price, and hundreds of lots will carry opening bids as low as $10, allowing collectors at all levels to get in on the action. Serious Toyz offers online bidders a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, website to register, place bids and track the action as it happens. Each item has multiple, oversize online views and its own live countdown clock.

Bidders without computer access can use their beautiful printed color catalog ($10 postpaid, $15 international, call to order) to check and/or place bids by phone (by calling toll-free, 1-866-OLD-TOYZ) or by mail (Serious Toyz, 1 Baltic Place, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520). Auction rules are structured to ensure online bidders have no advantages over phone bidders.

There are no “sudden death” endings in SeriousToyz.com auctions. Each lot has its own computerized “clock,” and items will close individually when 60 minutes pass without a bid. As such, there is no advantage or need for participants to wait for the last minute to place a bid, especially if they are bidding by phone. Pre-registration with a valid credit card is required before a bid can be placed.

SeriousToyz.com was launched in 1995 by Tom and Patti Miano, dedicated toy collectors who turned their passion into a thriving business. For 15 years, they’ve sold thousands of items to discriminating collectors worldwide. Serious Toyz has earned numerous Toy Shop Magazine customer service awards, and is widely regarded as one of the premier old toy auction house in the U.S.

Serious Toyz are contributors to vintage toy price guides, such as Schroeder's Collecting Toys & Toys & Prices. Serious Toyz is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single toy or a whole collection, you may call Serious Toyz toll-free, at (866) 653-8699; or you can e-mail them at auctions@SeriousToyz.com.

For more information about SeriousToyz.com and the current auction ending Dec. 2-3, please log on to www.SeriousToyz.com. Check the website as November approaches for the sale’s start date. Friday, Dec. 2 is the official end date for characters and classic toys. Saturday, Dec. 3, is the sale’s end date for the toy vehicles category.

Offered will be die-cast vehicles, including hundreds of 1950s-'60s Matchbox cars, all mint in the box.

There will be more that 50 advertising character lots offered, including these rare examples shown.

Serious Toyz is proud to offer many near-mint and mint examples of rare lunchboxes and Thermoses.

Beautiful battery-operated toys, almost all mint in the box with inserts, will be sold in the auction.

There will be a wide range of familiar faces from TV, movies, sports, cartoons and more (1920s-'60s).

More than two dozen early glass candy containers of all sizes and themes will cross the block.

1950s pressed steel toys from Tonka, Nylint, Structo and Marx, many in original boxes with inserts.

More than 50 vintage Steiff animals, all near-mint or mint, with buttons and tags, will be sold.

THE ESTATE OF THE LATE DUKE LOUIS d’ANTIN, A FRENCH NOBLEMAN, WILL BE SOLD SAT., OCT. 22nd, BY ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS IN BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

2011-10-13T16:42:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Hayes or Scott Cieckiewicz
(561) 200-0893
info@eliteauction.com

THE ESTATE OF THE LATE DUKE LOUIS d’ANTIN, A FRENCH NOBLEMAN, WILL BE SOLD SAT., OCT. 22nd, BY ELITE DECORATIVE ARTS IN BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

Objects from the Duke’s condominium home in Key Biscayne will be sold to the highest bidder.

(BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – The estate of the late Duke Louis d’Antin – a French-born nobleman who led a rich and interesting life prior to his passing earlier this year – will be sold on Saturday, Oct. 22, by Elite Decorative Arts. The event will be held at the Elite Decorative Arts gallery, located in the Quantum Town Center at 1034 Gateway Boulevard in Boynton Beach..

Duke d’Antin was born in 1919 in post-World War I France. He fled to Spain during World War II and fought alongside Generalissimo Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), rising to the rank of colonel. He later went on to become an Olympic swimmer and a competitive race car driver. In the early 1950s, he competed at LeMans in his native France.

The Duke’s connection to Florida would be his opulent estate condominium home in Key Biscayne, where he resided up until the time of his death. In keeping with his attraction to the finer things in life, he stocked the residence with the best in original artworks, silver, porcelain, estate jewelry, glass, furniture, bronze and more. In all, more than 300 lots will cross the block.

One item carries a pre-sale estimate of $200,000-$250,000. It is a stunning Russian gold and silver enameled desk clock with Faberge marks. The clock has magnificent translucent pink guilloche enameling enclosing a white enameled dial with black Arabic numerals and pierced gold hands. The back bears an 88 silver purity and the mark of the maker (Henrik Wigstgrom).

Two pieces of estate jewelry are expected to realize $20,000-$30,000. The first is a late 19th or early 20th century breathtaking ladies’ Patek Philippe platinum diamond and pearl lapel watch. The watch boasts magnificent craftsmanship, with 165 round cut white diamonds and 78 round graduating pearls in a platinum setting. The face features black and gold Arabic numerals.

The other piece is an exquisite ladies’ platinum ring (size 7.75) having approximately 31 graduating baguette diamonds surrounding a 3-carat oval emerald in the center. The emerald measures 11.16 millimeters by 9.35 millimeters, with a transparent green cushion antique mixed cut to stone. The ring has a total weight of 8.60 dwt (13.4 grams) and is absolutely gorgeous.

Original works of art will include an acrylic oil on canvas landscape rendering by the Italian artist Nicola Simbari (b. 1929). The 32 inch by 40 inch framed and matted painting is an Impressionistic interpretation of the coastal shoreline in Sabaudia (in Italy, south of Rome). The artist employed vivid colors in thick paint and wide brush strokes. It should bring $3,000-$5,000.

Also from the fine art category, an Art Deco gilt bronze and cold painted sculpture of a young girl treating the wound of an injured dog, by Dimitri (Demeter) H. Chiparus (Romanian, 1886-1947) is expected to command $2,000-$4,000. The sculpture – titled Accident Chasse, or in English: A Hunting Accident – is exquisitely detailed and is raised on an octagonal marble plinth.

A spectacular 7-piece Genoese (Italian) 916 silver tea set with handled serving tray has a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-$12,000. The set, crafted circa 1935, has a regal ribbed design with scrolled attributes. Included are a large tea kettle with heater, a coffee pot, a tea pot, a creamer, a covered sugar, a tea strainer and cup and tray. The total weight of this fine set is 261 troy ounces.

An antique and beautifully crafted Teplitz amphora bust of a young maiden, depicted with fanning portions of her dress billowing in all directions, should garner $150-$250. The bust, set on a wooden base and made circa 1892-1905, is 13 inches tall and holds the red Turn Teplitz Bohemia vase mark, indicating the initials of the three owners (Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel).

Certain to get paddles wagging is a 19th century signed Sevres French porcelain urn with bronze mounts and lid (est. $3,000-$4,000). The piece features a rich cobalt matte and glossy ground, with extensive gilt highlights. The body depicts a continuous landscape and heavenly figures. Raised on a bronze base, the urn is 27 ½ inches tall and is signed by the artist (“Schill”).

Rounding out a list of just some of the day’s expected top lots is a Meissen porcelain reticulated floral footed basket (est. $800-$1,200). It features a hand-painted interior and exterior floral motif, a sculpted border, and applied floral blossoms supported with branch design feet and handles. The 4-inch-tall basket is nicely marked on the bottom with a blue crossed-sword stamp.

The auction will begin promptly at 1 p.m. (EST), with previews scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, the day of sale, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A healthy in-house crowd is anticipated, and Internet bidding should be brisk. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A buyer’s premium will apply to all sales.

Elite Decorative Arts’ next big auction after this one is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19, with a special start time of 6 p.m. (EST). The sale will be dedicated to Chinese carvings and works of art. Featured will be hundreds of quality lots of ivory, jade, stone carvings, porcelain, bronze, silver and more. After that, a decorative arts auction is planned for Saturday, Dec. 10.
Elite Decorative Arts is an established, third-generation, full-service antique and auction gallery, specializing in fine decorative arts, paintings, estate jewelry and more. The gallery is located in the Quantum Town Center, located at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Suite 106) in Boynton Beach, Fla. A full-time, knowledgeable staff is on hand Monday-Friday, from 10-6.

Elite Decorative Arts is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign a single piece, an entire estate or a collection, you may call them at either (561) 200-0893, or toll-free, at (800) 991-3340; or, you can e-mail them at info@eliteauction.com. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts and its upcoming sales, log on to www.eliteauction.com.

Items from the Key Biscayne estate home of Duke Louis d’Antin will be sold Saturday, Oct. 22.

Beautiful ladies;’ Patek Philippe platinum diamond and pearl lapel watch (est. $20,000-$30,000).

Stunning Russian gold and silver enameled desk clock with Faberge marks (est. $200,000-$250,000).

Gorgeous 7-piece Genoese (Italian) 916 silver tea set with serving tray (est. $8,000-$12,000).

Meissen reticulated floral porcelain footed basket, just 4 inches in height (est. $800-$1,200).

Art Deco gilt bronze and cold painted sculpture by Dimitri H. Chiparus (est. $2,000-$4,000).

Exquisite ladies’ platinum ring with diamonds and 3-carat oval emerald (est. $20,000-$30,000).

BURCHARD GALLERIES Presents Important Estate Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Auction

2011-10-13T16:19:00.002-04:00

2528 30th Avenue North
St Petersburg Florida
727.821.116
www.burchardgalleries.com
SunSideB

BURCHARD GALLERIES Presents Important Estate Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Auction

Sunday October 23rd 2011 @ 12 Noon
Preview: Saturday, 10/22 1-6 PM Sunday, 10/23 10 AM

BURCHARD GALLERIES Presents Important Estate Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Auction Featuring items from the Lemonopoulos Collection and over 100 works of original artwork to include important 18th - 20th C. Oils, Watercolors, Bronzes, Sculptures, Prints & Drawings by artists such as Humberto Peraza, Salvador Dali, Frank Rampolla, Paul Cadmus, Le Corbusier, Andrew Wyeth, Henri Jean Pontoy, and clay sculpture, mosaics and paintings by Local Artist and Teacher Harold Nosti.

Also estate fresh items from over 80+ consignors representing many Important New England & Florida Estates. 40+ Paperweights: Stankard, Perthshire etc.; Period Lighting; Elegant Mahagany Chippendale style Formal Dining Suite; Modern Furnishings, Vodder, Moebler etc.; Important Porcelains; Meissen; 19th C Tall Case Clocks; Bohlin and Karl’s Silver Studded Saddles; Richly Carved and Inlaid European Furniture; Antiquarian Books; A Superb Collection of Sumptuous Estate Gold and Diamond Jewelry and much more.. Please do not forget our Saturday October 22nd Discovery Auction beginning at 8:30 AM.

Always accepting Quality Consignments for future Auction events. 727-821-1167

ON-SITE AUCTION OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE JULIA JEAN PAIS WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, OCT. 29, BY THE SPECIALISTS OF THE SOUTH IN PANAMA CITY, FLA.

2011-10-11T17:25:00.003-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Logan Adams
(850) 785-2577
specialists@knology.net

ON-SITE AUCTION OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE JULIA JEAN PAIS WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, OCT. 29, BY THE SPECIALISTS OF THE SOUTH IN PANAMA CITY, FLA.

Ms. Pais collected Belleek, Royal Doulton, Hummel, Lladro, miniature Bulova clocks and more.

(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) – The estate of the late Julia Jean Pais -- a warm and friendly lady whose family and friends all called “Julie” -- will be sold in an on-site auction slated for Saturday, Oct. 29, at Ms. Pais’ former home, located at 113 Queens Circle in Panama City (zip: 32405) The auction will be conducted by The Specialists of the South, based in Panama City.

“Julie Pais had a quick wit, a quirky sense of humor and a fun-loving nature that naturally drew people to her, and her home was filled with items that matched her colorful personality,” said Logan Adams of The Specialists of the South, Inc. “She loved Henredon, Jasper and Ethan Allen furniture and owned hundreds of items that will most certainly be of interest to collectors.”

These items include Belleek fine Irish Parian china, Lenox Rutledge dinnerware and other Lenox accessory pieces, Lladro figurines, Hummel pieces, Royal Doulton, Florence figurines, Haviland Limoges, a collection of miniature Bulova clocks, Carlton Caprice and Nikko Provincial Japanese china, Italian hand-made Colony Blue glass stems and crystal stems.

Also offered will be colorful hand-painted Portuguese pottery, beautiful hand-made Portuguese framed needlepoint art, artwork (to include several decorative oil on canvas works), brass from Portugal, snow globes, tins, area rugs, cookbooks, beautifully made vintage ladies’ lingerie and a nightgown, and vintage dolls (to include several Madame Alexander Pollyannas).
Still other items to cross the block will include miniature porcelain animals, art glass pieces, about a half-dozen vintage cameras, a collection of smoking pipes and pipe stand, pocket knives, political and collectible buttons, and costume jewelry (to include Vatican jewelry).

Individual items of note will include a glass epergne with single trumpet, a Hull Little Red Riding Hood dresser jar, a Seth Thomas Napoleon mantel clock, a Gorham music box, a German Aker figure, a Black Forest (or continental) metal monster-themed inkwell, a retro vanity with bench seat, a bow-front lighted display, a Syroco sunburst wall clock, a trunk, a baker’s rack, and an ox yoke.

Furniture pieces will feature a Henredon watered glass china cabinet, a fine Ridgeway mahogany grandfather clock (with moon phase dial, triple chime movements and West German Black Forest movement), a Jasper china cabinet, a coffee table with shaped marble top, a drop-leaf table, Federal dining room furniture with inlaid table, a maple Federal bedroom suite with lyres and shield-shaped mirror, a lighted curio cabinet, a gorgeous mahogany Drexel corner cabinet, a mahogany buffet/side bar, a Lane Cedar Crest chest on raised legs, and accent tables.

Ms. Pais’s love of Portuguese items was handed down to her by her parents, who were natives of the Madeira Islands, once a Portuguese colony and where Portuguese is still spoken. Ms. Pais was born in the U.S., the youngest of three sisters. As a young woman, she worked retail in New York City and it is there she developed a love and appreciation for fine furnishings.

From retail she went into banking, rising to the rank of head teller at Bank of New York and later, after a relocation to Florida, head teller at First National Bank of Northwest Florida in Panama City. Over time, she developed superlative organizational skills and an uncanny knack for numbers. Until her death at age 89, she could recite anyone’s phone numbers with ease.

Ms. Pais had striking good looks in her youth, with strawberry blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She surprised people when she told them she was Portuguese. She was a career woman, a mother to two daughters, an accomplished cook and, later in life, a caretaker for her mother, her mother-in law and her husband. Her daughter described her as “a 4-foot-eleven-inch dynamo.”

For the most part the auction will be absolute (everything sells, regardless of price), but a few lots will have reserves (minimums). Online bidding will be available (starting Oct. 11) and phone and absentee bids will also be taken. Previews will be held the week prior to auction day, by appointment, and on the morning of the sale (from 8-9 a.m., CST).

The Specialists of the South, Inc., has been serving the Panama City community for over 30 years. The firm specializes in a broad range of services, to include estate auctions, furniture refurbishing, interior decoration, personal property appraisals and business liquidation services. It has been awarded the Small Business of the Month by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

The Specialists of the South, Inc., is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (850) 785-2577, or you may e-mail them at specialists@knology.net. To learn more, or to register for the Oct. 29 auction, you may log on to either www.SpecialistsoftheSouth.com or www.PanamaCityAuctions.com.

The auction will feature Belleek fine Irish Parian china (shown), Lenox pieces and more.

A nice collection of miniature Bulova clocks, like these shown, will cross the block Oct. 29.

Beautiful hand-made Portuguese needlepoint art of a girl with her dog, nicely framed.

Beautiful hand-made Portuguese needlepoint art of a horse and rider, nicely framed.

Beautiful glass epergne with single trumpet.

Rare and unusual Black Forest (or continental) metal monster-themed inkwell.

Monumental Henredon watered glass china cabinet.

Maple Federal bedroom suite with lyres and shield-shaped mirror.

Fine Ridgeway mahogany grandfather clock with moon phase dial, triple chime movements.