A fine selection of antiques from the historic Retreat House in Elkins Park, PA draws the crowds at Alderfer’s April 22 sale
May 8, 2008
HATFIELD, Penn—The emotions were high, and the memories vast, when Alderfer Auction & Appraisal began to sell the contents of the magnificent 100-room Retreat House in Elkins Park, PA. After inhabiting the home for 75 years, the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de’Ricci closed the doors. On April 22, a fine selection of Antique furnishings, oriental carpets, fine art, decorative accessories, sculpture, porcelain, historical books, garden urns and fireplace accessories were offered at the massive two-day on-site liquidation sale offering the contents of the Elkins Park retreat house. As with all Alderfer sales, auction catalog preview and Internet bidding were offered by www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
The following day, 200 lots of institutional furnishings, living furnishings for ninety bedrooms, and kitchen equipment were sold to the public. More than 400 registered bidders participated in the auction, which grossed over $525,000.
The highlight of the auction came Tuesday morning when the Elkins family English clock sold for $341,000 (all stated prices include a 10% buyers premium) against a presale estimate of $40,000-$60,000. The famous Dick Whittington Musical Tall case clock carved figural case stands almost 12 feet tall, featuring dial signed Joshua Hampson, Fecit 1743 with calendar dials, moon phase dial, two chimes and 7 songs. This clock was given to the Dominican sisters when they acquired the property from the Elkins family in 1932.
Another original Elkins family piece was an oak banquet table and 12 Queen Anne style-dining chairs that sold for a combined $15,675. To compliment the adorning iron works in the mansion, assorted bronze andiron fireplace and irons sold for $3,850 - $5,500. Fine art including oil paintings by C. Heinisch, H.W. Kemper, J. Stannard, and T.Olivito sold in a range of $2,090 to $6,050.
Furnishings throughout the home included a Louis XV style vitrine, which sold for $3,850, and a pair of bronze/wrought iron floor lamps for $4,400. Assorted carved furnishings included a Chippendale partners desk with ball and claw foot which sold for $1,650, a carved-leg dressing/window bench for $1,650 and a hall table with two drawers and paw foot at $1,540.
An assortment of Heriz Palace carpets ranged from $1,540 – 2,750. A diorama E.E. Kraeuter wood-carved nativity scene with hand painted decorations found a buyer for $5,225.
Alderfer Auction & Appraisal has more than 50 auctions each year, including weekly estate auctions on Thursday, quarterly fine and decorative arts auctions (March, June, September, December) and specialty firearms/militaria, coins, stamps and dolls sales held throughout the year.
To view past auction catalogs, with prices realized, please visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
