Continental life-size carved marble garden statue of a young woman, circa 1860, (estimate: $6,000-$8,000). Image courtesy Kamelot Auctions. PHILADELPHIA – Kamelot Auctions will celebrate the arrival of spring with its annual Antique Garden and Architectural Auction on April 24. This auction is billed as one of the most important garden-themed antiques markets in the nation, and attracts private collectors and top dealers internationally. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.
Doors open at 9 a.m. Eastern on April 24 and bidding begins at 10 a.m. The public is invited to preview the items April 21-23.
“On the heels of Philadelphia’s Flower Show, our annual Antique Garden and Architectural Auction has become a springtime tradition here and is an established source for both professional and individual buyers across the country,” said Jeff Kamal, president and CEO of Kamelot Auction House. “The sale offers residential gardeners an opportunity to furnish their outdoor living areas with flair and originality, and offers professional designers and seasoned auction-goers rare and very special garden antiques.”
Kamelot Auctions’ 15,000-square-foot showroom is overflowing with unique displays of garden and architectural elements including antique and vintage carved stone planters, urns, fountains and statuary, fine bronze and ironwork furniture, outdoor fixtures, birdcages, stained glass, lighting and a large collection of industrial tables and vitrines.
This annual auction also promises a unique selection of antique architectural iron, including a heavy Furness-style four-paneled iron gate from the 19th century, and an iron balcony from France having exactly the same design as those displayed on the façade of the Louvre.
The auction also will include an exceptional and monumental antique American Victorian iron urn, an Oscar Bach marble and bronze conservatory table, a circa 1885 conservatory table marked “Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Co.,” a pair of 1920s bronze lidded urns on square bases, a pair of Grand Tour sienna marble columns, a Rosa Verona marble bench with lion-form bases, a large antique Colebrookdale verdigris bronze-clad urn, a pair of well-proportioned 19th-century lead putty figures and dozens of life-size marble, iron and bronze statues.
For details e-mail info@kamelotauctions.com or call 215-438-6990. The catalog for the Antique Garden and Architecture Auction including photo galleries and detailed descriptions of every lot can be viewed at www.kamelotauctions.com
Kamelot Auctions is located in a historic Atwater Kent Building, 4700 Wissahickon Ave., in northwestern Philadelphia.
Monumental J.W. Fiske antique American Victorian cast- iron garden urn, circa 1870, (estimate: $5,000-$ 7,000). Image courtesy Kamelot Auctions. Bronze-clad cast-iron garden urn attributed to Colebrookdale, circa 1870, (estimate: $3,000-$5,000). Image courtesy Kamelot Auctions. Antique French cast- and wrought-iron console table, circa 1850, (estimate: $ 2,500-$3,500). Image courtesy Kamelot Auctions. American neoclassical garden table incised incised ‘Perth Amboy Terracotta Company,’verde marble top over a pair of terra-cotta supports bearing griffins and foliage designs in bas relief, circa 1890, (estimate: $4,000-$6,000). Image courtesy Kamelot Auctions. Oscar Bach marble and bronze conservatory table. Image courtesy Kamelot Auctions.
Very scarce Benjamin Harrison campaign rattler, lithographed paper on wood with original cloth ribbons. Features colorful portraits of Benjamin Harrison and Whitelaw Reid, the 1892 Republican candidates for President and Vice President. Made by J. A. Crandall, a famous American toy manufacturer of that period. Estimate $2,000-$3,000. Noel Barrett Auctions image.
NEW HOPE, Pa. – Noel Barrett has spent the last several months preparing a spring treat to boost the spirits of winter-weary collectors. His May 1-2 auction, comprised of 1,200 choice lots of early toys and other compatible categories of antiques, is led by the renowned Americana and advertising collection of the late Gordon Stark of Kansas City. Other important highlights include the Japanese boat and car collection of the late William F. “Bill” Weart, selected toys from the Kathy and Athel Spilhaus collection, and a diverse array of other select consignments from various individuals. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
“What I like so much about this sale is that it includes an extremely wide variety of material. There isn’t an overwhelming amount of any one thing,” said auction house owner and Antiques Roadshow appraiser Noel Barrett. “Originally this was going to be a mixed toy sale till the Stark collection came along. Also, because I didn’t have a fall sale in 2009, I was able to be a little more selective about what to include in this sale. The result is a visually exciting mix that will appeal to a diverse cross-section of collectors.”
The keynote Gordon Stark collection encompasses many forms of early advertising – colorfully lithographed tin signs and trays, three-dimensional figures, fixtures and trade signs. “Gordon Stark was a revered, old-time collector of Americana and advertising, and it is his lifetime collection that we are selling,” Barrett noted. “It is quite obvious that he viewed each of the objects in his collection as art.”
Within the Stark collection are two exceptional cigar store figures – one depicting an Indian maiden in a feathered headdress holding a bundle of cigars, and the other, a very unusual, small-scale bearded gentleman wearing a beret, jacket with waistcoat, shirt and tie; knee-length breeches and stockings. The beautifully patinated figure holds a bundle of cigars in his left hand and has his right hand posed as though it could actually grip a cigar. Other figures replicating people include an articulated, wax-head department store mannequin of a mustachioed gentleman in 1890s-style waistcoat and underpinnings, and wearing button-style shoes.
Those who like trade signs or antiques with a medical/pharmaceutical theme will find the colorfully red and blue-studded mortar and pestle hard to resist. Flange signs include a delightful Quick Meal Ranges figural “hand” holding an egg with a newly hatched runaway chick; and an eye-popping example advertising Pennsylvania Non-Skip Bicycle Tires that features a cyclist at the helm of his bike, in hunched-forward mode.
From the Bill Weart collection comes an outstanding selection of brightly hued Japanese tin boats and cars. “Bill was a perfectionist in everything he did, and because he was also a top Ford Motor Company designer, he was always drawn to toy autos in pristine condition,” said Barrett. “While his main collecting focus was on cast iron, he also appreciated the realistic tinplate models made in the 1950s by Japanese makers like Marusan, Kosuge and Yonezawa. He had some very desirable examples, and many of them have their original boxes.”
Highlights from the Weart collection include a1956 Linemar Lincoln Continental and a red and black Alps sedan, as well as boxed examples of a Marusan Cadillac, Yonezawa Lincoln Electro Special, and “Million Bus.”
The sale inventory is brimming with tin vehicles from other consignors and includes a scarce Auto-Polo car made by Jellus, a scrupulously detailed 1930s-era showroom model of a 24-inch-long Fiat Roadster, a JEP Rolls-Royce and a near-mint deluxe Carette limousine.
An unexpected call from the Morris Museum in Morristown, N.J., led to a treasure hunt through the institution’s archives. “What a thrill that was, being able to ‘pick’ the attic,” Barrett said. Among the discoveries that became consignments to the May sale were a Marklin/Lutz carriage, a Hubley oversize fire pumper, a Marklin (train) double tunnel, and an incredible political item: a red, white and blue campaign rattler touting the 1892 Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates Benjamin Harrison and Whitelaw Reid. “What makes this piece especially interesting is that it was made by J. A. Crandall, a famous American toy manufacturer of that period,” Barrett said.
The magical Marklin name will once again take center stage at Barrett’s May sale. Top pieces from the premier German manufacturer include an extremely rare gauge-1 passenger set with red locomotive that was made only briefly for FAO Schwarz, a very rare and desirable O-gauge Grand Central Station, and a coveted ticket display rack displaying American rather than German destinations.
Other treasures include a Hubley Sirius airplane, a unique pre-Darrow Monopoly set that was actually used as an exhibit in a court case to establish who had invented the game, a deluxe troupe of talented European automata, cast-iron toys and banks, European clockwork toys, a Steiff Felix the Cat Irish Mail toy, and a Freihofer’s delivery wagon – probably the rarest and most desirable of Schoenhut’s delivery wagon series.
Noel Barrett’s Spring 2010 Antique Toys, Americana & Advertising Auction will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2, 2010. For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Noel Barrett at 215-297-5109 or e-mail toys@noelbarrett.com.
A selection of European cars including: Carette Limousine, est. $4,000-$5,000; JEP Rolls-Royce, est. $2,500-$3,000; Crawford’s Rolls-Royce limousine biscuit tin, est. $4,000-$6,000. Noel Barrett Auctions image. American cast-iron bell toys from the Spilhaus Collection, the highlight being a Gong Bell No. 24 Girl & Boy Bell Ringer (foreground), cast iron with tin figures, est. $2,500-$3,500. Noel Barrett Auctions image. Pennsylvania Bicycle Tires flange sign, double-sided lithographed tin diecut with strong image and outstanding colors, made under patent issued June 7, 1907, est. $4,000-$5,000. Noel Barrett Auctions image. Ives Preacher, cloth-dressed figure at velvet-covered pulpit with composition head, original wire eyeglasses, cast-iron feet and tin hands. Retains original wood box with partial paper label. Estimate $4,000-$5,000. Noel Barrett Auctions image. A group of 1950s Japanese tinplate cars, including a scarce Alps rendition of a 1953 Packard (lower right) with “Packard”-marked hubcaps, nickel and lithographed grille, “Packard” marked hub caps and driver figure in a sporty checked jacket. Estimate $4,000-$5,000. Noel Barrett Auctions image. Marklin railroad rarities including a ticket kiosk with U.S. destinations, O gauge station and gauge 1 set featuring American steam profile 0-4-0 clockwork engine, locomotive and (not shown) boxcar and two passenger cars. Gauge 1 set estimate $15,000-$20,000. Noel Barrett Auctions image. Examples from the Stark collection: wood cigar store figure, early wax-head mannequin, cast-iron ice shaver on marble base, Lincoln Tea promotional bust, 10-cent peepshow and more. Noel Barrett Auctions image. Large Lambert lady automaton with a marked “Depose Tete Jumeau” bisque head (est. $6,000-$8,000) and circa-1890 Lambert or Vichy black man musician automaton with painted bisque head, curly-haired wig and wood guitar (est. $6,000-$8,000). Noel Barrett Auctions image.
Lions parade around the top of this rare Marblehead Pottery vase. Dating to about 1910, the 7-inch vase has a $2,000-$3,000 vase. Image courtesy Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – From pottery to postcards, Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers will sell more than 1,200 lots of antiques and art at their April 13-14 auction. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.
The two-day auction begins Wednesday at 10 a.m. Central with more than 100 pieces of art pottery comprising the Richard Noska collection. It all starts with lot no. 1, a Rookwood scenic vellum plaque painted by Sara Sax in the early 20th century. In its original fruitwood frame, the 6- by 8-inch plaque is signed “Sax” on the obverse and has a printed Rookwood paper label logo and typed title label, Early Morning, on the back. It is expected to sell for $2,000-$3,000.
Next up will be a rare Marblehead Arts and Crafts pottery vase decorated with carved lions around the top. The 7-inch green vase bears an impressed Marblehead logo and the artist initials “HT,” probably for Hannah Tutt. The circa 1910 vase has a $2,000-$3,000 estimate.
Following the American art pottery will be a rare hand-painted Nippon porcelain plaque molded in relief of a fisherman smoking a pipe. Dating to the early 20th century, the unusual piece has a green “M in wreath” mark on the back. The plaque, which has a moriage self-framed border, measures 9 by 12 1/4 inches. It is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. The actual piece being offered is illustrated in the Collector’s Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain by Joan Van Patten.
Day two, Wednesday, will begin at 10 a.m. Central with vintage transportation. The first lot will be a 1923 Model T two-door sedan in mostly original condition, whcih has been well-maintained and kept by the same family for the past 75 years. The black tin lizzie, carries a $4,000-$6,000 estimate, will be followed by four classic motor scooters: a 1959 Peugeot, a 1974 Vespa, a 1966 Allstate and a 1966 Daimler/Sears.
An unusual factory working display model or sales sample of an Adams Leaning Wheel Grader has a $2,000-$3,000 estimate. The early 1900s road grader in bronze has a tag that reads, ”J.D. Adams & Co. Indianapolis, Ind.” The model is 22 inches long.
The auction will also include lighting, art glass, antique clocks, a large variety of decorative arts, more than 150 American and European original works of art, American Indian art, Oriental works, and toys and dolls.
The auction will conclude with the sale of more than 7,000 vintage postcards grouped in 40 lots.
Restored from the ground up, this 1959 Peugeot Model S57 motor scooter has a $1,500-$2,500 estimate. It’s powered by a123cc engine and has a three-speed transmission. The odometer reads 2,746 miles. Image courtesy Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers. Topping the list of clocks at Jackson’s auction is this E. Howard & Co. No. 70 Wall Regulator in a cherry wood case. In nice original condition, the 31-inch-tall clock has a $2,000-$3,000 estimate. Image courtesy Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers. Rare but well-documented, this hand-painted Nippon porcelain plaque from the early 20th century is expected to sell for $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers. A deeply carved Avanyu serpent coils around this fine Santa Clara jar made by Margaret Tafoya. The 5 1/2-inch-diameter jar has a $2,500-$5,000 estimate. Image courtesy Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers.
Stephen J. Bennett. Portsmouth (N.H.) Police photo.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP and ACNI) – A veteran New Hampshire antique auctioneer is facing charges he rigged the bidding for a nautical painting and then assaulted and imprisoned the painting’s owner who had asked for payment.
The Portsmouth Herald says 52-year-old Stephen J. Bennett of Portsmouth turned himself in to police after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is charged with misdemeanor counts of collusive bidding, conspiracy, simple assault and false imprisonment.
Police say Bennett told the owner of the painting he contracted to sell in December that it did not sell and that a high bid at the auction was offered by someone working with Bennett in an attempt to drive up the price.
Police say the assault occurred after the owner told Bennett he had actually been present at the auction, held at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth, and that he saw the painting sell.
The person who offered the high bid, Harold French, 52, of Warner, N.H., has been charged with collusive bidding.
Seacoastonline.com reported in its April 7, 2010 edition that a message was posted on Bennett’s Web site stating: “After 14-years in downtown Portsmouth, Stephen Bennett & Bennett Auctions are closing the Court Street office. This is due to Mr. Bennett having recently been diagnosed with stage-3 colon cancer. The good news is that the prognosis for a full recovery is 85%. It is however, a long recovery period following major surgery.’
“I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful people who have crossed our paths over the past 14-years,” Bennett is quoted on the site. “Many of you will be friends for life. I am overwhelmed by the support that I have received since announcing my diagnosis. Thank you! – Steve.”
Both Bennett and French were released on personal recognizance bail. Their arraignment is set for May 10 in Portsmouth District Court.
– – – – –
Information from: Portsmouth Herald, http://www.seacoastonline.com. Auction Central News also contributed to this report.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Fisk University has filed a motion seeking a trial date in its quest to sell some of the artwork from its Stieglitz collection.
The works were donated to Fisk by the late painter Georgia O’Keeffe. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, in Santa Fe, N.M., had sued the school in Chancery Court claiming Fisk was violating the terms of the bequest. It asked that the artwork be turned over to the O’Keeffe estate, which it represents.
State Attorney General Bob Cooper intervened in the case to represent the people of Tennessee’s wishes to keep the collection in the state.
Tennessee’s Court of Appeals ruled in July the O’Keeffe Museum had no standing in court. It is now up to the Chancery Court to decide whether Fisk can sell any of the work.
The motion filed last week will be heard on April 16.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Interior view of the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. Photo by wallstreethotrod, courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
BALTIMORE (AP) – Medieval manuscripts from the Walters Art Museum are going digital.
The museum announced Monday that 105 medieval manuscripts will be digitally photographed, cataloged and distributed by 2012. A $315,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities is paying for the project.
Curator Will Noel says some of the greatest works of art from the Middle Ages that have never been seen will become available. People will be able to access the images for free on the museum’s Web site and other online outlets.
The project will include documents from Central Europe, Ethiopia and other regions.
The museum has 38,000 pages in its medieval manuscripts collection.
___
Information from: The (Baltimore) Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
