Paris street scene by Cortes earns $34,500 at Leland Little, June 19

Original oil on canvas Paris street scene by renowned French artist Edouard Cortes ($34,500). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
Original oil on canvas Paris street scene by renowned French artist Edouard Cortes ($34,500). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
Original oil on canvas Paris street scene by renowned French artist Edouard Cortes ($34,500). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. – An oil-on-canvas Paris street scene by Edouard Cortes (French, 1882-1969) titled Boulevard des Capucines sold for $34,500 (all prices quoted include 15% buyer’s premium) at a two-session Fine & Decorative Arts Catalog Auction held June 19 by Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. Held in the firm’s new gallery at 620 Cornerstone Court in Hillsborough, the sale featured Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The painting was one of the top earners of the nearly 800 fresh-to-the-market lots that crossed the block. Over 200 lots alone were dedicated to the private collection of Daisy Wade Bridges, a collector of fine porcelain and North Carolina pottery. In addition, the entire second session was devoted entirely to fine and vintage wines, a burgeoning genre on the auction circuit.

From the wine category, 12 bottles of Pauillac Chateau Latour (1995) gaveled for $4,600; 10 bottles of the same wine but from the 1994 vintage realized $2,070; 12 bottles of Saint-Julien Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (1995) brought $1,380; 9 bottles of Pomerol Chateau L’Eglise-Clinet (1995) fetched $1,092; and 9 bottles of Saint-Emilion Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf (1995) hit $805.

“There was as positive a response to this sale as we have seen in the past two years,” said company owner Leland Little. “We had 250 people – standing room only – in the gallery, to go with a heavy load of telephone, absentee and online bidding. We were very fortunate to have acquired such strong merchandise, which bidders aggressively pursued.”

The collection of Daisy Wade Bridges was “very well received,” Little said. Tops among the North Carolina pieces were a jug made by Daniel Seagle (1805-1867) from the Catawba Valley region ($5,520); a wood-fired stoneware jar by Mark Hewitt ($3,430); and one lot of three B.B. Craig miniatures (a pitcher and two face jugs) that brought a record $2,530.

Also from the Bridges collection: one lot of 16 wonderful Asian jade articles ($11,500); an 18th century Portuguese blue and white tile plaque comprising 35 tiles affixed to a wooden frame board ($6,325); a portrait of sitter W. Boyce by Allan Ramsay (Br., 1713-1784), framed and unsigned ($4,830); and an early 20th century Turkestan tribal carpet with wool base ($3,910).

Moving on to other consignments, the rare and vintage cars that came up for bid really fired up the crowd. A pair of overachievers were the 1990 Ferrari Testarossa two-door coupe, white with red interior and just 20,302 miles on the odometer ($44,725, making it the top lot of the sale); and a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500, red, with a 390 engine and only 36,180 miles ($11,500).

Continental silver commanded high prices, too. A nice William IV sterling figural wine centerpiece (London, 1833) fetched $16,100, while a Victorian sterling “Warwick” wine cooler rose to $13,225. In American silver, a Southern coin silver footed cup by Leinbach reached $4,830, and a “Federal Cotillion” sterling flatware set by Frank Smith commanded $4,140.

In American art, an oil on canvas by Francis Speight (NC/PA, 1896-1989), titled Steamboat (1819), coasted to $14,950; a mixed media work by Jane Peterson (1876-1965), titled Breton Village, brought $6,900; an oil painting by George L. Noyes (MA, 1864-1954), titled Early Spring, hit $2,760; and Comet, an oil painting by Thomas Van Zant (NY, 1814-1886), realized $2,990.

Decorative arts featured a pair of patinated bronze statues after Emile Picault (French, 1883-1915), depicting ancient Egyptians ($8,050); a pair of French 19th century bronze and ormolu figural candelabra, three light form ($2,415); a figural bronze by Andre Hogommat (French, b. 1925, $1,495); and a bronze puma by Charles C. Rumsey (NY, 1873-1922), signed ($1,725).

Asian objects were offered in abundance. Top lots included a Chinese curio box with an objets d’art collection inside ($9,488); a pair of antique Chinese porcelain bowls ($5,060); a 7-inch Chinese vase with Qianlong mark, signed on underside ($3,910); two Asian soapstone Foo Lion bookends, male and female ($1,610); and a Chinese green jade Guanyin statuette ($1,725).

Continental furniture wowed the crowd. A diminutive French Empire abattant, mahogany with mahogany veneers and a verte marble top over a frieze inlaid with classical elements, went for $9,200; a circa 1830s William IV serving stand, mahogany with rectangular shelves, brought $2,990; and a pair of circa 1900 inlaid Belle Epoque side tables with oval marble top hit $2,185.

American furniture was a hit as well. A gorgeous Southern Chippendale chest of drawers (likely Western North Carolina), early 19th century, walnut with yellow pine secondary, fetched $13,800; a rare 18th century Queen Anne drop-leaf table (North Carolina), walnut and pine, sold for $3,680; and a 19th century Southern Moravian School sofa (Forsyth County, N.C.), made $3,450.

Estate jewelry dazzled bidders. Examples included a Breitling Colt chronometer Swiss-made wristwatch with original box ($1,725); a Mikimoto-designed fine Akoya cultured pearl necklace, with 99 cultured pearls ($1,610); a pair of Retro-style moonstone and sapphire earrings centering on a round sapphire ($1,035); and a simple setting 1-ct. diamond solitaire ring ($920).

Rounding out the day’s top lots: a 1985 prismatic Steuben Glass sculpture by Bernard X. Wolff, titled Balloon Rally, hit $6,900; an 1866 Currier & Ives Western lithograph titled Life of a Trapper/A Sudden Halt breezed to $4,830; a mid-18th century stoneware salt-glazed teapot (Staffordshire) went for $3,105; and a group of Indo-Persian armor and weapons brought $3,105.

Leland Little’s next Fine & Decorative Arts Auction is slated for Saturday, Sept. 18, with another to conclude the year on Dec. 4.

To consign an item, estate or collection to a future Leland Little auction, call 919-644-1243 or e-mail info@LLAuctions.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

The top lot of the sale was this sleek 1990 Ferrari Testarossa 2-door coupe ($44,725). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
The top lot of the sale was this sleek 1990 Ferrari Testarossa 2-door coupe ($44,725). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

One lot of 9 bottles of 1995 Saint-Emilion Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf brought $805. Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
One lot of 9 bottles of 1995 Saint-Emilion Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf brought $805. Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

One lot of 16 wonderful Asian jade articles crossed the block for $11,500. Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
One lot of 16 wonderful Asian jade articles crossed the block for $11,500. Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

Early 19th century Southern Chippendale chest, likely western North Carolina ($13,800). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
Early 19th century Southern Chippendale chest, likely western North Carolina ($13,800). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

Diminutive French Empire abattant, mahogany with marble top over inlaid frieze ($9,200). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
Diminutive French Empire abattant, mahogany with marble top over inlaid frieze ($9,200). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

William IV sterling silver figural wine centerpiece with 1833 date letter ($16,100). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.
William IV sterling silver figural wine centerpiece with 1833 date letter ($16,100). Image courtesy of Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales.

N.Y.’s top photographers contribute to Bailey House auction July 8

‘Bette Midler, 2008’ by Robert Maxwell, digital chromgenic print, print size: 16 inches by 20 inches, open edition, estimate: $4,400-$4,500. Image courtesy of Bailey House.
‘Bette Midler, 2008’ by Robert Maxwell, digital chromgenic print, print size: 16 inches by 20 inches, open edition, estimate: $4,400-$4,500. Image courtesy of Bailey House.
‘Bette Midler, 2008’ by Robert Maxwell, digital chromgenic print, print size: 16 inches by 20 inches, open edition, estimate: $4,400-$4,500. Image courtesy of Bailey House.

NEW YORK – For more than 25 years, Bailey House has been providing housing and support services to homeless men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Major fund-raisers for the organization are its auctions, which sell works donated by some of the city’s finest artists.

One such event will be the Bailey House Summer On-line Art and Photography Auction to be conducted Thursday, July 8, beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern. LiveAuctioneers will facilitate Internet live bidding.

The 28 lots that comprise the auction have estimates ranging from $500 to $4,500.

One of the stars of the auction pictures a New York favorite, Bette Midler. Robert Maxwell’s Bette Midler, 2008, a digital chromgenic print, has a $4,000-$4,500 estimate. The 16-inch by 20-inch print is from an open edition. Maxwell known for his photography of celebrities as well as for 19th century-style ambrotype photos.

A black and white print photograph titled Face I by rising superstar photographer Dusan Reljin is anther auction highlight. The 16-inch by 20-inch print has a $3,900-$4,000 estimate. Reljin’s work can be seen in leading magazines and advertising.

Blooming Under the Fire is a mixed media work by Roseline Koener, a West Hampton, N.Y., painter and educator by way of Belgium. The 34-inch by 17-inch work, composed of layered fabric and paper, has a $3,400-$3,500 estimate.

Every winning bid is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and directly helps Bailey House expand and enhance services for formerly homeless men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS.

For details call Bailey House at 212-633-2500 ext. 458.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

‘Face I’ by Dusan Reljin, black and white print photograph, print size: 16 inches by 20 inches, edition no. 1/3, estimate: $3,900-$4,000. Image courtesy of Bailey House.
‘Face I’ by Dusan Reljin, black and white print photograph, print size: 16 inches by 20 inches, edition no. 1/3, estimate: $3,900-$4,000. Image courtesy of Bailey House.

‘Marissa’ by Russell James, archival pigment ink print shot in Sardina, paper size: 20 inches by 24 inches, estimate: $2,900-$3,000. Image courtesy of Bailey House.
‘Marissa’ by Russell James, archival pigment ink print shot in Sardina, paper size: 20 inches by 24 inches, estimate: $2,900-$3,000. Image courtesy of Bailey House.

‘Lake Geneva’ by Anthony Costifas, photograph of the ‘Jet d’ Eau’ in Lake Geneva against a stormy afternoon sky, size: 11 inches by 14 inches, edition: 1 of 10, estimate: $3,500-$3,600. Image courtesy of Bailey House.
‘Lake Geneva’ by Anthony Costifas, photograph of the ‘Jet d’ Eau’ in Lake Geneva against a stormy afternoon sky, size: 11 inches by 14 inches, edition: 1 of 10, estimate: $3,500-$3,600. Image courtesy of Bailey House.

‘Blooming Under the Fire’ by Roseline Koener, mixed media, 34 inches by 17 inches, estimate: $3,400-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bailey House.
‘Blooming Under the Fire’ by Roseline Koener, mixed media, 34 inches by 17 inches, estimate: $3,400-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bailey House.

Palm Beach Appraisers Assn. aligns with US Antique Shows

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Appraisers Association (PBAA) will partner with US Antique Shows at all four of the promoter’s upcoming antiques events, including the New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, the Miami Beach Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, and the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.

“We’re thrilled to forge this unique relationship with US Antique Shows,” said Chris Hayes, president of Palm Beach Appraisers Association. “As a result, we’ll be able to enter and connect with additional antiques, jewelry, watch, luxury estates dealers from around the world.”

Recent industry reports show that more Americans are planning and “actively shopping” for big-ticket items, including new and used cars, appliances, fine jewelry and luxury pieces. “In light of a recent uptick in big-ticket spending, our partnership with the Palm Beach Appraisers Association seems more relevant than ever,” said Andrea Canady, US Antique Shows’ fair director. “This on-going relationship provides our exhibitors with direct access to incomparable levels of expertise in appraising, selling, purchasing and auctioneering of fine jewelry and antiques.”

With many of the major luxury and major retailers showing an increase in sales due to increasing consumer confidence, consumer spending is rising. This trend is just in time for the New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, July 23-26, 2010, at the Metropolitan Pavilion, located at 125 West 18th Street, New York, New York. The show brings together more than 100 of the finest dealers showcasing rare and signed pieces, a wide variety of antique jewelry, exceptional jewels and gemstones and unique designer pieces, as well as the finest in personal timepieces representing multiple periods throughout jewelry history.

Show hours are from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 23; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 26. The one-time admission fee of $15 is valid for all four days of the show.

For additional partnership information about US Antique Shows, please call 239-732-6642 or visit www.usantiqueshows.com.

Palm Beach Appraisers Association is offering all new members a one month’s free membership. To enroll, log on to www.palmbeachappraisersassociation.org.

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Universal Live to offer Renoir lithographs in July 9 auction

Renoir Little Boy with Quill Pen Est $19-$24,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Renoir Little Boy with Quill Pen Est $19-$24,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Renoir Little Boy with Quill Pen Est $19-$24,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – A signed lithograph of his son by Pierre-August Renoir (French 1841-1919) is one of two Renoirs that will cross the block when Universal LiveAuctioneers hosts an online high-end fine art auction on Friday, July 9 at 3 p.m. Central Time. The sale will include 275 lots of original paintings, signed lithographs, sculptures and statues representing some of the best known names in the art world. Also to be offered is an extensive selection of antique and vintage posters.

Martin Shape, president of Universal Live, described the auction as, “far and away one of Universal’s most prestigious in its 15-year history of conducting thousands of auctions. Opening bids have been kept competitive, and there is the potential for outstanding value in this sale.”

Included in the inventory is a second Renoir signed lithograph, an oil on canvas by Alfred Manessier (French 1911-1993), five Peter Max renderings (one original), signed Warhols, a signed nude and others by Wessleman, and works by Rauschenburg, Jim Dine, Chagall, Miro and Dali; as well as Rockwell sculptures and Pescara statues.

Shape said he believes that less than 50 final full-color renderings of Renoir’s L’Enfant au Biscuit (Child with Biscuit) were produced in 1899. “Renoir outdid himself and produced what is unquestionably the artist’s finest print. The colors have a pastel tonality and a delightful matte finish. Many trials must have been made before Renoir was satisfied,” Shape said. “Some proofs exist of the drawing alone in grey-black; others have a light pink for the face. Unfinished versions were also produced in varying degrees of color. We know of only three final color stone lithographs, and this is one of those few.”

The other Renoir is Le petit garcon au porte-plume (Little Boy with Quill Pen). In it, Renoir skillfully used background shading in order to centralize the focus and the impact of his son within the composition. This intriguing portrait study of Renoir’s young son, Claude, is shown here, deep in childish thought, as he writes (or draws) with his quill pen. His gaze is that of a child’s. The overall portrait is a study in concentration, beautifully rendered with thoughtful lines and form.

Just as important is the Alfred Manessier original rare, early oil on canvas Sea. The scene portrays rough waters at sea, with seagulls catching the wind above. The artist also later worked in stained glass, and a hint of that can be seen in the pattern of the waves catching the light. His last work for auction was sold for $54,000 in 2007. Today, Manessier’s art is found in some of the world’s most prestigious private collections and museums.

Representing the pop art genre is one of the better-known artists, James Rizzi, with his artwork titled It’s Time to Buy a New TV. Rizzi captures the excitement of shopping for a new television in this fantastic three-dimensional artwork. It consists of many individual cut-out pieces that were pasted on the background at varying heights, making the vibrant scene really “pop out.” The artist deviated from his usual small renderings and produced a 26- by 36-inch image size. According to Shape it is rare to find a large Rizzi.

For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Martin Shape at 847-412-1802 or email sales@universallive.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Norman Rockwell Ltd Ed Bronze Sculpture Pen Pals Est. $9-$11,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Norman Rockwell Ltd Ed Bronze Sculpture Pen Pals Est. $9-$11,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live

Peter Max Zero Megalopolis Est $9500-$9700 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Peter Max Zero Megalopolis Est $9500-$9700 Photo courtesy Universal Live

Picasso Cercle d' Arts Paris Est. $5,200-$7,500 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Picasso Cercle d’ Arts Paris Est. $5,200-$7,500 Photo courtesy Universal Live

Warhol Sunday B Morning Marilyn Est. $7,500-$8,200 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Warhol Sunday B Morning Marilyn Est. $7,500-$8,200 Photo courtesy Universal Live

Alfred Manessier Original Rare Early Oil Painting Sea Est $16-$20,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Alfred Manessier Original Rare Early Oil Painting Sea Est $16-$20,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live

LeRoy Neiman MICKEY MANTLE
LeRoy Neiman MICKEY MANTLE

Two Boys Playing Leapfrog Pescara Sculpture Bronze Est $5,500-$6,900 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Two Boys Playing Leapfrog Pescara Sculpture Bronze Est $5,500-$6,900 Photo courtesy Universal Live

James Rizzi Time to Buy a TV Est. $5-$7,900 Photo courtesy Universal Live
James Rizzi Time to Buy a TV Est. $5-$7,900 Photo courtesy Universal Live

Renoir Child with Biscuit Est $72-$92,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live
Renoir Child with Biscuit Est $72-$92,000 Photo courtesy Universal Live

Exuberance, history and color at Brunk Auctions July 10

Detail from a "Double Suite" edition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1969 in France. The work features illustrations by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), including one signed and one unsigned color etching. The edition is expected to sell for $3,000/$5,000.
Detail from a "Double Suite" edition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1969 in France. The work features illustrations by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), including one signed and one unsigned color etching. The edition is expected to sell for $3,000/$5,000.
Detail from a "Double Suite" edition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1969 in France. The work features illustrations by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), including one signed and one unsigned color etching. The edition is expected to sell for $3,000/$5,000.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Elegant and exuberant contemporary works of art by the likes of Le Pho and André Brasilier are among the offerings at Brunk Auctions’ July 10 sale, which will feature Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

Born in Viet Nam and trained both there and in Paris, Le Pho (1907–2001) specialized in portraits and garden subjects. Two oils on canvas, Garden Party (est. $15,000/$25,000) and Still Life (est. $5,000/$8,000), reflect his cosmopolitan background. French artist André Brasilier (b. 1929) has been drawn to horses, as seen in his painting Les étangs bleus loupeigne (Blue Ponds): “I really like this animal, as much for its beauty, as for the harmony that it has with nature. In nature, the horse gives a sense of scale. It provides interesting proportions with the sea and the sky. . . .” Executed in 1984, the painting is expected to bring $15,000/$25,000.

Well-known Spanish artists Joan Miro and Salvador Dali are also represented. Five works by Miro (1893–1983) include La Nuit, l’Ours, a lithograph in three states (est. $3,000/$5,000); Composition and Ceramiques, two color lithographs (est. $2,500/$3,500; $600/$1,200); No. 18, a color etching and aquatint (est. $800/$1,500); and Le Soleil rouge rong l’arraignée, a screenprint estimated at $200/$400.

Dali (1904–1989) is represented in illustrations for three special 1969 editions of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, all published in France. The first, a “double suite edition,” includes a signed color etching, signed frontispiece, and additional illustrations with original remarks. In generally excellent condition, the pre-sale estimate is $3,000/$5,000.

A rare historic find, especially for aficionados of all things Southern, is a bentwood box with lid, inscribed to Christopher Elrod, North Carolina, Salem 1775. The lid and sides of the 5-1/2 x 11 in. box have traces of a six-petaled flower and leaf-like figures on a dark painted ground, motifs that resemble designs found on Moravian pottery produced in Salem. The recipient was likely Christopher Elrod, Sr. (1721–1785). Migrating with his family in 1751 from Maryland to North Carolina, Elrod helped to establish an English-speaking Moravian community in neighboring Hope, about 8 miles from Salem. The box is estimated to bring $2,000/$4,000.

For those with musical leanings, an exceptional 1873 Steinway piano is being offered. The mellow tone of this instrument is complemented by a rich rosewood case with carved scroll ornamented legs and a pierced music stand. Completely reconditioned in 1985, the piano is expected to bring $5,000/$10,000.

The July 10 sale includes colorful Chinese porcelains from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Among the pieces of famille rose is a monumental 32-inch lidded jar with courtyard scenes set in a trellis background with scattered flowers (est. $4,000/$6,000). A green-glazed bowl, a little over 8 inches in diameter, with incised Buddhist symbols and mark for Yngzheng (1723–1735) is estimated at $4,000/$$8,000.

Not to be overlooked among the offerings in fine jewelry is an Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. The central stone is a cabochon-cut blue sapphire, medium violet blue color, with excellent transparency. The platinum mount is accented with 36 diamonds. Marked Udall & Ballou, a New York City firm active between 1888 and the 1940s, the ring is expected to sell for $10,000/$20,000.

For more information on any item in the auction, call 828-254-6846.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Vietnamese artist Le Pho’s (1907–2001) Garden Party is a signed oil on canvas presented in its original carved and gilt wood frame. From the estate of the late Herbert and Jean Schulman of Nashville, Tennessee, its estimate is $15,000/$25,000.
Vietnamese artist Le Pho’s (1907–2001) Garden Party is a signed oil on canvas presented in its original carved and gilt wood frame. From the estate of the late Herbert and Jean Schulman of Nashville, Tennessee, its estimate is $15,000/$25,000.

Five works by Spanish artist Jean Miro (1893–1983) are in the July 10 sale. This lithograph is the final of three states of La Nuit, l’Ours, from Suites pour Ubu Roi, published in 1966. Estimate on the three, each measuring 21-1/8 x 29-1/2 inches, is $3,000/$5,000.
Five works by Spanish artist Jean Miro (1893–1983) are in the July 10 sale. This lithograph is the final of three states of La Nuit, l’Ours, from Suites pour Ubu Roi, published in 1966. Estimate on the three, each measuring 21-1/8 x 29-1/2 inches, is $3,000/$5,000.

André Brasilier’s (French, b. 1929-) love of horses and nature is apparent in his Les étangs bleus loupeigne (Blue Ponds), painted in 1984. From the estate of the late Herbert and Jean Schulman of Nashville, Tennessee, the signed oil on canvas is 44-3/4 x 64 inches (est. $15,000/$25,000).
André Brasilier’s (French, b. 1929-) love of horses and nature is apparent in his Les étangs bleus loupeigne (Blue Ponds), painted in 1984. From the estate of the late Herbert and Jean Schulman of Nashville, Tennessee, the signed oil on canvas is 44-3/4 x 64 inches (est. $15,000/$25,000).

A rare find from the Moravian settlement at Salem, North Carolina, is this bentwood box with lid. The interior of the lid is inscribed to Christopher Elrod, North Carolina, Salem 1775. The box is expected to bring $2,000/$4,000.
A rare find from the Moravian settlement at Salem, North Carolina, is this bentwood box with lid. The interior of the lid is inscribed to Christopher Elrod, North Carolina, Salem 1775. The box is expected to bring $2,000/$4,000.

This 1873 Steinway grand piano, from a private collection, has a fine mellow tone for the ear and a rosewood case with carved scroll legs and pierced music stand for the eye. Brunk Auctions placed a pre-sale estimate on the instrument of $5,000/$$10,000.
This 1873 Steinway grand piano, from a private collection, has a fine mellow tone for the ear and a rosewood case with carved scroll legs and pierced music stand for the eye. Brunk Auctions placed a pre-sale estimate on the instrument of $5,000/$$10,000.

From the Yongzheng period (1723–1735), this Chinese green-glazed bowl is incised with Buddhist symbols. The 8-1/8-inch bowl is estimated at $4,000/$8,000.
From the Yongzheng period (1723–1735), this Chinese green-glazed bowl is incised with Buddhist symbols. The 8-1/8-inch bowl is estimated at $4,000/$8,000.

The central cabochon-cut blue sapphire of this exceptional Art Deco ring is a medium violet blue color with excellent transparency. Its platinum mount is accented with 36 diamonds and is sized 5-3/4. Est.: $10,000/$20,000.
The central cabochon-cut blue sapphire of this exceptional Art Deco ring is a medium violet blue color with excellent transparency. Its platinum mount is accented with 36 diamonds and is sized 5-3/4. Est.: $10,000/$20,000.

Reyne Gauge: Vintage Ferrari hits it big

Image courtesy of RM Auctions
Image courtesy of RM Auctions
Image courtesy of RM Auctions

I’ve been a vintage and exotic car fan ever since I was a little girl. My parents had Corvettes and used to show and race them. I spent time around the track looking at polished beauties and I’ve been hooked ever since.

As I got older, I was asked to manage a few car collections. I’ve bought and sold privately for clients, a few of their cars ended up in my garage, and others sent to major auctions.

This morning a red beauty caught my attention and I had to blog about it.

RM Auctions was conducting a private treaty sale of a rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO. As you can see, these are beautiful cars.

The 250 GTO was made for racing. There were only 36 of this model made from 1962-1963.

It’s been dubbed “Greatest Ferrari of All Time” by Motor Trend Classic and was also ranked 8th on the list of Top Sports Cars by Sports Car International.

RM Auctions sold the ’63 Ferrari 250 GTO for $18 million USD. Yes, you heard right, 18 million.

They were mum about the buyer, however leave it to The Sun to report the buyer as British radio host, Chris Evans.

Since when did radio hosts make this kind of money? Outside of Howard Stern – I had no idea the gift of gab could command such a salary.

The Sun reported Evans had to sell three other Ferraris in his collection to acquire this one. I suppose at the end of the day, less is more!

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Chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ anticipated at Langston’s auction July 4-5

Late 18th-century or early 19th-century New England cherry linen press, estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
Late 18th-century or early 19th-century New England cherry linen press, estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
Late 18th-century or early 19th-century New England cherry linen press, estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.

WILSON, N.C. – In a word, “fantastic,” is how Bobby Langston describes many of the antiques in his July 4-5 auction.

LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding for the holiday weekend auction.

Langston, who has been trading in antiques for more than 50 years, will be selling a fine collection of 18th- and 19th-century English, American, and French antiques including Oriental and British porcelains; merchandise from the estate of Edward Paschal of Wake Forest, N.C. (deceased); a large consignment from New England and Pennsylvania; items from several private collections; plus silver, gold coins and jewelry.

Sunday’s sale, which begins at noon Eastern, will be highlighted by many pieces of fine antique furniture. Included are a fall-front mahogany secretary (estimate: $1,500-$2,500); an 18th-century American William and Mary pine highboy (estimate: $1,250-$1,750); a 19th-century pedestal base hunt table ($1,500-$3,000); an 18th-century mahogany Queen Anne New England lowboy (estimate: $2,500-$3,500); and a New England cherry linen press, late 18th century or early 19th century (estimate: $2,000-$3,000).

Also selling Sunday will be a pair of 19th-century Rose Mandarin palace vases, 24 inches tall, (estimate: $3,000-$4,000) and 53 pieces of 19th-century Staffordshire blue transferware dinnerware depicting cows and a milkmaid (estimate: $1,000-$1,500).

Monday’s sale, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, will include several 19th-century schoolgirl samplers from a Pennsylvania collection, two fine Persian rugs from the Wake Forest estate, a collection of tea caddies and a matched pair of 19th-century inlaid Hepplewhite mahogany knife boxes.

Also selling Monday will be an 18th-century French commode. The three-drawer chest measures 52 1/2 inches wide and has a $2,500-$3,500 estimate.

For details contact Bobby Langston Antiques Inc. at 252-237-8224.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

These oil on canvas paintings of sailing ships are signed Abraham Hulk Sr. (Dutch/English, 1817-1897). Each one measures 21 1/2 inches by 17 1/2 inches. The pair has a $10,000-15,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
These oil on canvas paintings of sailing ships are signed Abraham Hulk Sr. (Dutch/English, 1817-1897). Each one measures 21 1/2 inches by 17 1/2 inches. The pair has a $10,000-15,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.

Early 19th-century English dinnerware, likely Davenport, 121 pieces, estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
Early 19th-century English dinnerware, likely Davenport, 121 pieces, estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.

Pair of 19th-century inlaid Hepplewhite mahogany knife boxes with fitted interiors, estimate: 3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
Pair of 19th-century inlaid Hepplewhite mahogany knife boxes with fitted interiors, estimate: 3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.

Pair of 19th-century Rose Mandarin palace vases, 24 inches tall, estimate: $3,000-$4,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
Pair of 19th-century Rose Mandarin palace vases, 24 inches tall, estimate: $3,000-$4,000. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.

Eighteenth-century mahogany Queen Anne New England lowboy, estimate: $2,500-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.
Eighteenth-century mahogany Queen Anne New England lowboy, estimate: $2,500-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bobby Langston Antiques.

Exhibit on forged paintings opens in London

LONDON (AP) – The National Gallery is opening an exhibit this week about how experts use technology to properly identify art works and detect forgeries.

The exhibit, “Close Examination – Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries,” shows how devices such as infrared imaging, X-rays and a gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometer can be used to peel back layers of time in art.

One painting on exhibit is The Virgin and Child with an Angel, which was acquired by the National Gallery in 1924. It was believed to be by Italian painter Francesco Francia until a similar painting hit the market.

Last year, an investigation found the museum’s work was a fake.

The exhibit opens Wednesday and lasts until mid-September.

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Online: http://bit.ly/byeR2r

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

AP-WS-06-29-10 1041EDT

 

Ex-Mass. museum CFO gets up to 5 years in prison

WORCESTER, Mass. – The former chief financial officer of a local museum has been sentenced to serve time in state prison in connection with embezzling more than $1.3 million from the institution, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced on Monday.

On May 5, 2010, Peggy Kempton, age 53, of Hollis, New Hampshire, pled guilty in Worcester Superior Court to charges of Larceny over $250 by Single Scheme (14 Counts), Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards (3 counts), and False Entries in Corporate Books. Today, Judge Richard T. Tucker sentenced Kempton to serve three to five years in State Prison, followed by ten years of probation. While on probation, Kempton must stay away and avoid all contact with her former employer and notify any future employers of her conviction. Judge Tucker also ordered that Kempton make full restitution in the amount of $1.3 million to the museum.

“This defendant abused her position of trust to defraud her employers and misuse charitable funds for her own personal gain,” AG Coakley said. “With today’s sentence she has been held accountable for her actions and has been ordered to pay full restitution back to the charity.”

In September 2008, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation after Kempton’s activities were reported by her former employer. From July 1997 through February 2008, Kempton worked as the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the museum. Her duties as CFO included managing the institution’s accounts payable and receivable, payroll and general ledger. On numerous dates between January 2002 and February 2008, Kempton stole funds from her employer to pay for over $1.3 million in personal purchases that Kempton and her children made using 14 different credit cards. One of the credit cards was in the name of a co-worker who had no knowledge that the card existed and was being used by Kempton.

Kempton also used “cash advance checks” from credit cards in the names of three co-workers to pay for personal purchases that Kempton made on her own credit cards. Kempton did this without the knowledge or authorization of the co-workers. Investigators also discovered that Kempton manipulated the financial records of her employer to make it appear that the employer’s funds that Kempton used to pay for personal purchases and other expenses were being used for legitimate expenses. Kempton reportedly spent the money she embezzled on antiques, trips, jewelry, and even college tuition.

A Worcester County Grand Jury returned indictments against Kempton on June 19, 2009. At that time, the indictments were sealed and a warrant was issued for Kempton’s arrest. Kempton surrendered herself to authorities on June 23, 2009, and was arraigned in Worcester Superior Court where she pled not guilty and was subsequently released on $5,000 cash bail. On May 5, 2010, Kempton pled guilty to all charges. On June 28, 2010 she was sentenced to serve three to five years in State Prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Brendan O’Shea for the Attorney General’s Corruption and Fraud Division. It was investigated by Financial Investigators Jessie Dean and Jim McFadden of the Financial Investigations Division, and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office.

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Hong Kong Auctions to host July 6 auction of fine wines

Image by Andre Karwath. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 2.6 Generic License.
Image by Andre Karwath. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 2.6 Generic License.
Image by Andre Karwath. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 2.6 Generic License.

HONG KONG – On July 6, 2010, Hong Kong Auctions, will conduct a summer auction of fine and rare wines anchored by French and Hong Kong rare collections that include 1940s Bordeaux and Burgundies. The auction will be held at The Mira Hong Kong at 7 p.m. local Hong Kong time, with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The charity auction will feature more than 200 lots, from good-quality everyday wines for under $200 a bottle to high-end connoisseur’s wines in the $200,000-a-bottle range. Part of the proceeds will help raise funds for the Beijing Cultural Development Centre for Rural Women.

The remarkable selection of wine that will be available at the auction includes a bottle of Moet & Chandon 1914 (estimate: HK$40,000-50,000), a bottle of Petrus 1928 (estimate: HK$180,000-220,000), a Marie-Jeanne of Château  Lafleur 1945 (estimate: HKD200,000-230,000), a Magnum of Château E’glise Clinet 1947 (estimate: HK$70,000-90,000) and a jeroboam of 1956 Château Mouton-Rothschild (estimate: HK$80,000-$100,000).

In addition to the good value grand cru NV and rare vintage champagnes, Hong Kong Auctions is proudly offering its own recommendation of the 1998 BIG7 Best Collection, an underrated vintage  (especially the Chardonnay Dominant Champagne), which is considered their best wine in decades. Highlights include a six-magnum lot of Vilmart & Cie Coeur De Cuvee Premier Cru 1998 (estimate: HK$14,000-18,000) and a case of 1998 Dom Perignon Prestige Cuvee (estimate: HK$16,000-18,000).

Among the lots is a selection of wine by Lou Dumont, established in 2000 by Koji Nakada and his wife Jae Hwa Park. It is special not only because of its Chinese character label, but also because of its focus on traditional wine making. The popular Lou Dumont wine has been favored by fans of the influential, globally circulated Japanese manga comic series about wine, “Les Gouttes de Dieu.” This sought-after collection of Lou Dumont 2007 wine, with an estimated price ranging from HK$5,000 to $17,000 for a case, is the company’s first commercially released wine in Hong Kong and China.

Hong Kong Auctions is pleased to offer a selection of horizontal vintage 1999 of both rouge and blanc Maison Leory and a private collection of venerable 1966-2005 Maison Remoissenet 1966-2005, including 18 Premier Crus and 16 Grand Crus.

Francesco Lee, Director of Wine Assessment and Consignment at Hong Kong Auctions, remarked: “The wines I selected for the upcoming auction are my favorite best-value fine wines, with a wide range of Champagnes, Bordeaux and Burgundies available. It is almost everyone’s dream to enjoy vintage wine…It is my dream to introduce wines to fulfill your wishes and imagination, while it is you who can make it come true. One of the characteristics of this collection is enjoyment. A large number of vintage wines were reconditioned by chateaux and recently released by chateaux and domaines such as Gruaud Larose 1947, Mouton Rothschild 1956, Close Fourtet 1959, and Remoissenet Collection.

“In light of the sharp rise in interest from Asian connoisseurs, we see the surge in demand for top-quality wine,” said Brian Hodgson, Managing Director of Hong Kong Auctions, who will be presiding over the July 6 event. “Hong Kong is well positioned to hold regular wine auctions given the proximity of Chinese buyers and its advantage as an untaxed city for wine. Given the interest in our last auction, held in Macau, we expect the auction price for some of the wines in the upcoming summer auction to be close to or exceed the record price (US$21,240) fetched for the Petrus vintage 1949.”

Oenophiles from around the world can take part in the upcoming sale at Hong Kong Auctions by bidding online through LiveAuctioneers.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.