Profiles in History lines up cavalcade of glamour images, March 25-27

George Hurrell’s portrait of Jean Harlow for ‘Vanity Fair’ measures 36 by 48 inches. The image, signed by the artist, was printed 1979-82. Image courtesy Profiles in History.

George Hurrell’s portrait of Jean Harlow for ‘Vanity Fair’ measures 36 by 48 inches. The image, signed by the artist, was printed 1979-82. Image courtesy Profiles in History.
George Hurrell’s portrait of Jean Harlow for ‘Vanity Fair’ measures 36 by 48 inches. The image, signed by the artist, was printed 1979-82. Image courtesy Profiles in History.
CALABASAS, Calif. – George Hurrell’s iconic portrait of Jean Harlow on a white bearskin rug created for Vanity Fair magazine now spearheads the largest auction of glamour photography in art history. The original camera negative, as well as a custom print of this incomparable photograph is regarded as Hurrell’s most important portrait and is estimated to sell for well over $20,000.

Profiles in History will auction the multimillion dollar Michael H. Epstein and Scott E. Schwimer collection, which contains tens of thousands of the best examples of Hollywood fine art, March 25-27. Bids can be placed either in person, via mail, phone, fax or live on the Internet through www.liveauctioneers.com.

This is recognized as the world’s largest collection of George Hurrell (1904-1992) and includes more than 1,000 original vintage photographs as well as 500 negatives. Featured are dozens of the most valuable 8 x 10 camera negatives from Hurrell’s career. Included is another bearskin rug portrait of Ann Sheridan as well as the negatives used for the Hurrell Portfolios together with those of Gary Cooper, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Veronica Lake and Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan.

The sequence of photographic lots include most of the heralded stars of Hollywood’s golden age, including Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and Norma Shearer. Incorporated are two custom photographs of silent film star Ramon Novarro taken in 1929 from Hurrell’s first sitting with a Hollywood subject.

In addition to the glamour photography collection, there are many significant master prints by Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe, Man Ray, Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, Cindy Sherman, Julius Schulman, Jock Sturges, Howard Zieff and Edward Steichen. Moreover, the collection contains an incomparable assemblage of Len Prince and Mel Roberts works as well as fine art by Andy Warhol, Richard Duardo, Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, Roy Lichtenstein, Beatrice Wood and numerous others.

Epstein and Schwimer recently decided to open up their vaults and for the first time will be selling their collected photographic and fine art masterpieces to benefit many of the charitable organizations they support, primarily the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center on which Epstein served as board member for seven years.

“It’s time for Scott and me to share the fruits of our 25-year collection with the rest of the world. We want others to enjoy and embrace the most rewarding field of collecting with which we can ever imagine being involved,” said Epstein. “There is no better organization than Profiles in History to entrust our collection. I am certain that Scott and I will be back collecting once this auction is over.”

Also included in the auction will be several hundred photographs and camera negatives from Hurrell’s contemporaries in Hollywood, featuring a comprehensive sequence from Clarence Sinclair Bull, who was Hurrell’s contemporary and stylistic rival at MGM. Included are dozens of master images from Bull’s most important subject, Greta Garbo. There are dozens of rare prints of some of the most important Hollywood subjects including a Louise Brooks from 1925 before she signed with Paramount, Marlene Dietrich by Edward Steichen, and unseen prints of a luminous teenaged Marilyn Monroe.

Len Prince is one of the few master photographers utilizing the large-format 8 x 10 view camera and detailed lighting in the fashion of Hurrell, Bull and Richard Avedon during their peak years. Prince rarely uses the digital format and prefers the “old school” refinement of shadows and highlights achieved by the rigorous demands of 8 x10 view cameras. He is recognized as one of the foremost glamour photographers. Among his celebrated subjects are some of the world’s most beautiful women including his most recent muse, Jessie Mann, daughter of acclaimed photographer, Sally Mann. Drew Barrymore, Kirsten Dunst, Teri Hatcher, Kelly Klein and Sarah Jessica Parker are also featured. Prince’s prints are almost all in expensive and archival permanent selenium toned papers, which produce rich deep tones.

The Harry Langdon archive includes the life work of a master photographer from the large-format fashion work of the 1960s to the present. He has photographed virtually every Hollywood celebrity from the magical Angelina Jolie at 15, to Ann-Margret, Halle Berry, Cher and Diana Ross at their most memorable. Also included, a young George Clooney, Will Smith, Rock Hudson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, all during their prime. Included in the sale of this vast archive covering 40 years of work in black-and-white and lush color includes approximately 50,000 vintage prints, black-and-white and color negatives and transparencies, as well as full copyrights.

The complete Mel Roberts archive will be also sold intact including several thousand vintage prints with many unpublished, black and white negatives and color transparencies. All reproduction rights and copyrights for his name and photographs will also be part of this archive. First published in a physique magazine in the early 1960s, Roberts took more than 50,000 photographs of nearly 200 male models, many of them friends and lovers. They were not the perfectly bodied men common in the physique magazines of the time but tanned in the California sun and casually posed by the pool or beach. In 2003, The New Yorker described his “witty Technicolor pictures” as “capturing all the giddy delights of being young during summertime.” Roberts’ photographs are included in many notable collections in Hollywood.

Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is a leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts.

Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the ‘Cowardly Lion’ costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); a King Kong six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the USS Enterprise ($304,750).

For details call 800-942-8856.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view Profiles in History’s complete catalog.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Clarence Sinclair Bull photographed Greta Garbo for the 1931 MGM release ‘Mata Hari.’ The 10- by 13-inch gallery portrait is in very fine condition and estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy Profiles in History.
Clarence Sinclair Bull photographed Greta Garbo for the 1931 MGM release ‘Mata Hari.’ The 10- by 13-inch gallery portrait is in very fine condition and estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy Profiles in History.

Hays Code censorship guidelines prompted producers to put more clothing on Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan for their 1936 MGM release ‘Tarzan Escapes.’ Photographed by George Hurrell, the oversize gallery portrait, 10 by 13 inches, is in fine condition and has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate. Image courtesy Profiles in History.
Hays Code censorship guidelines prompted producers to put more clothing on Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan for their 1936 MGM release ‘Tarzan Escapes.’ Photographed by George Hurrell, the oversize gallery portrait, 10 by 13 inches, is in fine condition and has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate. Image courtesy Profiles in History.

The notorious image of Jane Russell from ‘The Outlaw’ (UA, 1943) was photographed and printed by George Hurrell. The unique color cibachrome print, 36 by 48 inches, is framed with a linen matte. It has a $3,000-$5,000 estimate.
The notorious image of Jane Russell from ‘The Outlaw’ (UA, 1943) was photographed and printed by George Hurrell. The unique color cibachrome print, 36 by 48 inches, is framed with a linen matte. It has a $3,000-$5,000 estimate.

Veronica Lake’s trademark wavy tresses are accentuated in this signed portfolio portrait by George Hurrell. The gelatin silver matte double-weight print, 36 x 48 inches, is in excellent condition and estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy Profiles in History.
Veronica Lake’s trademark wavy tresses are accentuated in this signed portfolio portrait by George Hurrell. The gelatin silver matte double-weight print, 36 x 48 inches, is in excellent condition and estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy Profiles in History.

Auction Ten to sell treasures from around the world March 6

Both sides of this 8 1/2-inch signed Moorcroft pottery have floral decoration. One of several pieces of Moorcroft in the sale, this vase has a $250-$600 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.

Both sides of this 8 1/2-inch signed Moorcroft pottery have floral decoration. One of several pieces of Moorcroft in the sale, this vase has a $250-$600 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.
Both sides of this 8 1/2-inch signed Moorcroft pottery have floral decoration. One of several pieces of Moorcroft in the sale, this vase has a $250-$600 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.
ROCKLIN, Calif. – Antiques from a governor’s mansion and a Chinese general’s estate are among the highlights of an auction titled “Discover Auction Treasures Live and Online,” which will be conducted March 6 by Auction Ten, the new auction house in the Sacramento area. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.

The auction will feature antiques, art, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and even real estate. Fine china and porcelain from countries like England, France, Germany, China and Japan will be sold along with beautiful antiques and art from the Orient. A Chickering square grand piano made in Boston and a nice selection of Victorian furniture will also be available.

“Most of these items are rare and valuable. We were lucky to get a hold of such nice pieces,” said auctioneer Gloria Freeman.

“We anticipate this auction to be a huge success,” said Freeman added. “We get bidders from all over the world who are interested in these beautiful vintage pieces.”

The auction will begin at 11:30 a.m. Pacific. A preview begins at 8 a.m. the day of the sale.

For details call (916) 774-6500.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view Auction Ten’s complete catalog.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

A crack runs vertically on one side of this carved cinnabar lacquer vase. The rare vase is 25 inches high by 20 inches in diameter. It has a $2,000-$10,000 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.
A crack runs vertically on one side of this carved cinnabar lacquer vase. The rare vase is 25 inches high by 20 inches in diameter. It has a $2,000-$10,000 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.

Made by Haviland in Limoges, France, this porcelain tea set consists of the teapot, six cups and saucers and a large serving tray. The set is estimated at $300-$500. Image courtesy Auction Ten.
Made by Haviland in Limoges, France, this porcelain tea set consists of the teapot, six cups and saucers and a large serving tray. The set is estimated at $300-$500. Image courtesy Auction Ten.

Collectors Guild published this Salvador Dali etching titled ‘Velazquez.’ The visible paper size of the print is 5 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches; the frame is 15 inches by 12 inches. It has a certificate of authenticity and a $100-$100 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.
Collectors Guild published this Salvador Dali etching titled ‘Velazquez.’ The visible paper size of the print is 5 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches; the frame is 15 inches by 12 inches. It has a certificate of authenticity and a $100-$100 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.

The RCA Commemorative Gramophone is a reproduction of an early 1900s Victor phonograph. It has a $200-$300 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.
The RCA Commemorative Gramophone is a reproduction of an early 1900s Victor phonograph. It has a $200-$300 estimate. Image courtesy Auction Ten.

Kovels – Antiques & Collecting: Week of March 1, 2010

Ivy-covered tree branches with birds and a nest surround this 22-by-16-inch mirror. The majolica frame was made by Hugo Lonitz, who worked in Germany between 1886 and 1904. It brought $3,824 at a Sloans & Kenyon auction in Chevy Chase, Md.

Ivy-covered tree branches with birds and a nest surround this 22-by-16-inch mirror. The majolica frame was made by Hugo Lonitz, who worked in Germany between 1886 and 1904. It brought $3,824 at a Sloans & Kenyon auction in Chevy Chase, Md.
Ivy-covered tree branches with birds and a nest surround this 22-by-16-inch mirror. The majolica frame was made by Hugo Lonitz, who worked in Germany between 1886 and 1904. It brought $3,824 at a Sloans & Kenyon auction in Chevy Chase, Md.
Mirrors have been used since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans used polished metal disks. It was not until the 16th century in Venice that someone came up with the idea of using a thin piece of glass backed by a reflecting piece of metal. By 1835 a German scientist made mirrors by coating a piece of glass with metallic silver. That method, with improvements, is used today. Glass mirrors were small at first because of the problem of making large pieces of glass, but by the 17th century the wealthy were buying large mirrors made in England, France or Venice. By 1800 mirrors with frames were important decorative pieces. Some frames were made of silver, ivory or tortoiseshell, veneered with expensive woods or covered in needlework or beads. Carved wooden frames were made to match other household decorations, and soon a mirror over the mantel was almost required. Because glass was the expensive part of any mirror, the old glass was often used in a new frame when redecorating. By the 19th century, a mirror was no longer a luxury. Mirrors were built into pieces of furniture, such as wardrobes and wall-mounted candleholders, and were hung on the wall to make a room look larger. If you have an old mirror with a broken frame or cloudy glass, resilver the glass and use it again. New glass is thinner and gives a whiter reflection than old glass. You can test this by holding the edge of a white card against the glass. If the card and the reflection are the same white color, the mirror was made after 1850. If the reflection is more yellow or gray, the glass was made before 1850. Mirrors in any traditional style can be found, some original, some reproductions. Even today, mirrors are popular room accessories.

Q: I have a hot plate pad from the 1930s made from bottle caps with crocheted covers. It’s the shape of a bunch of grapes. Are these collectible?

A: Collectors of beer- and soda-bottle caps buy bottle-cap hot pads and take them apart hoping to find rare or collectible caps. William Painter patented the crown cork-lined cap and founded the Crown Cork & Seal Co. in Baltimore in 1892. The company is still in business. Early caps had 24 “teeth” and were made for beer bottles. Liners were solid cork. Composition cork liners were used beginning about 1915. A substitute for cork, called Nepro Cork, was invented in 1927. Plastic liners were used after the early 1960s. Cork-lined caps and caps from small breweries or brands that were not made in large quantities bring more money than later caps or caps from popular brands. Common bottle caps may sell for 25 cents, while rare caps sell for hundreds of dollars to serious collectors, some of whom might belong to the Crowncap Collectors Society International. Its Web site is www.bottlecapclub.org.

Q: After cleaning out my grown children’s rooms, I found a nearly unused 1960s-era G.I. Joe action figure and footlocker. The locker is filled with uniforms, weapons, hats, ID tags, etc. — more than 40 pieces. Is it worth anything?

A: The 11 1/2-inch G.I. Joe action figure – never referred to as a “doll”- was introduced by Hasbro in 1964. At least seven different footlockers, either wood or plastic, were sold between 1965 and 1969. Most of them were marketed as “Adventure Packs” and contained all sorts of military equipment, from helmets to hand grenades. Some came with snowshoes and climbing rope. Depending on which footlocker you have and its condition, it could sell for $100 to $250 if you have the original packaging. The value of your action figure also depends on which model you have. Some sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars if you have the original box. Prices drop considerably if you don’t have the original packaging or if any parts or pieces are missing.

Q: We own a framed reverse-painting on glass of an American battleship. The printed title on it is “USS Georgia, Preparedness.” When did the U.S. Navy use this ship? And can you tell me who painted my picture?

A: Unless the painting is signed, the artist will remain unknown. Painting on the reverse side of glass has been popular in the United States for about 200 years, and it was done by professional artists as well as self-taught painters. The USS Georgia was commissioned in 1906 and served as a training and escort ship during World War I. It was decommissioned in 1920 and was sold for scrap three years later. The use of the word “Preparedness” in the title probably narrows the date of your painting to the years immediately before or during America’s participation in World War I, 1917-18. The U.S. Naval Secretary, Josephus Daniels, started urging “preparedness” for war in his public speeches in 1915.

Tip: Label photographs with the name of the people, place and date of the event. Do not write on the front of the picture. Do not use a ballpoint pen. Use a graphite pencil or an acid-free label.

Terry Kovel answers as many questions as possible through the column. By sending a letter with a question, you give full permission for use in the column or any other Kovel forum. Names, addresses or e-mail addresses will not be published. We cannot guarantee the return of any photograph, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. The volume of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, Auction Central News, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.

Need more information about collectibles? Find it at Kovels.com, our Web site for collectors. Check prices there, too. More than 700,000 are listed, and viewing them is free. You can also sign up to read our weekly Kovels Komments. It includes the latest news, tips and questions and is delivered by e-mail, free, if you register. Kovels.com offers extra collector’s information and lists of publications, clubs, appraisers, auction houses, people who sell parts or repair antiques and much more. You can subscribe to Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles, our monthly newsletter filled with prices, facts and color photos. Kovels.com adds to the information in our newspaper column and helps you find useful sources needed by collectors.

CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

  • The Great American Baseball Game, tin lithograph, painted red wood sides, wooden players, Hustler Toy Corp., Sterling, Ill., 1935, 13 x 9 inches, $196.
  • Dizzy Dino paddle toy, black round paddle, red dinosaur with blue head, No. 407, Fisher-Price, 1931, 14 inches, $400.
  • Squirrel Peanut Butter ceiling hanger, tin lithograph, trademark, 8 x 10 inches, $522.
  • Cast-iron Huckleberry Finn doorstop, dressed in bluejeans, large hat, marked “Littco Products, Littlestown, Pa.,” 12 1/4 x 9 3/8 inches, $630.
  • Harlequin hoop-back Windsor chairs, elm, spindled backs, shaped wooden seats, circa 1800, 35 in., set of four, $900.
  • Steuben glass wine goblets, trumpet-form rose opal bowls, spiral-entwined alabaster stems, marked, 7 1/4 inches, set of eight, $1,080.
  • Rookwood vase, dark red clematis design, olive ground, ruffles and flourishes, Gorham silver overlay, marked, 1892, 4 3/4 inches, $1,045.
  • Hooked rug, wool, flower pot surrounded by diamond-shaped panels, border of hearts and scrolling sprays, beige, brown and reds, 68 1/2 x 39 inches, $1,195.
  • Madame Alexander Margaret O’Brien doll, composition portrait doll, sleep eyes, eyeshadow, rosy cheeks, brown wig with bangs and braids, 1946, 14 inches, $1,725.
  • Victor “Monarch Special” Victrola, fluted wooden horn with decal, carved oak case, Victor Talking Machine Co., 19 x 11 x 12 1/2 inches, $2,300.

Special offer. Free gift bag when you buy The Label Made Me Buy It by Ralph and Terry Kovel. It’s a picture history of labels that once decorated products from cigar boxes to orange crates and salmon tins. The 320 full-color labels picture Indians, famous people, buildings and symbols. Learn how to identify and date labels or just enjoy the rare pictured labels (hardcover, 224 pages). Out-of-print but available at kovelsonlinestore.com. By mail, send $40 plus $5.95 shipping to Kovels, Box 22900, Beachwood, OH, 44122; or call 800-571-1555.

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