Premiere Props’ Sept. 11 sale spans Ancient Greece to the dark future

Albert Wesker’s (Shawn Roberts) hero costume from Resident Evil 4, estimate $8,000-$10,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
Albert Wesker’s (Shawn Roberts) hero costume from Resident Evil 4, estimate $8,000-$10,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
Albert Wesker’s (Shawn Roberts) hero costume from Resident Evil 4, estimate $8,000-$10,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – On Saturday, Sept. 11, Premiere Props will host a September Auction Extravaganza featuring more than 750 movie props and costumes from Hollywood’s iconic action films and hottest stars. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

In honor of the movie opening that same weekend, hundreds of costumes and props used in the making of the hotly anticipated 3D chapter of Screen Gems’ Resident Evil: Afterlife, including knives, bombs and Alice’s katana swords and hero wardrobe, will be available for fans to bid on and call their own.

Other movie props in the sale include John Dillinger’s (Johnny Depp) pistols from Public Enemies and Lt. Aldo Raine’s (Brad Pitt) screen-used star dagger, dog tags and snuff box from The Weinstein Company’s smash hit Inglourious Basterds. Collectors can own the knives and bats used by Lt. Aldo Raine and Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) in their war against Nazis.

Bikinis and bloody, torn costumes from Piranha 3D, worn by the film’s sexy stars, are also up for auction, as will be artillery and items from Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Conan the Barbarian, Outlander, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Weapons include knives, battle axes and ankle bombs.

Collectors will also have the opportunity to bid on costumes and props used by Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Sean Connery, Viggo Mortensen, Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Jessica Szohr, Kelly Brook, Wentworth Miller and many other stars.

Premiere Props also teamed up with Lionsgate to promote the Sept. 7 Movies On Demand premiere of the action-packed romantic comedy Killers. Over 50 items from the film, including hero costumes, accessories, prop guns and more will be available during the auction. The proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit Katherine Heigl’s chosen charities The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation and Dress for Success.

“We are excited to bring together such an amazing opportunity for collectors to own iconic memorabilia from the highly anticipated Resident Evil: Afterlife, Academy Award-winning Inglourious Basterds and so many other great films, as well as teaming with Killers and Lionsgate on this special charity auction to help these two great foundations.” said Dan Levin, executive vice president of marketing for Premiere Props. “These are some of the best costumes and props for fans of Hollywood’s brightest films to own as a part of their favorite film experience.”

The LIVE September Auction Extravaganza will feature movie collectibles and props including:

  • Public Enemies – John Dillinger’s (Johnny Depp) ’38 Detective Special’ Colt pistol
  • Inglourious Basterds – Lt.  Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) screen-used, hero, brown, gold, and metallic rubber dagger with black leather case and star
  • Inglourious Basterds – Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) screen-used, dark brown leather necklace with metal tag with scratches and blood stains
  • Inglourious Basterds – Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) screen-used, off white invitation ticket with gold and black writing and outlining and Dr. Joseph Goebbels signature
  • Inglourious Basterds – Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) screen-used, traditional aluminum dog tag
  • Inglourious Basterds – Shosanna Dreyfus (Melanie Laurent) screen-worn, very bloody with three bullet holes on the front, torn in the middle for stunt red dress
  • Inglourious Basterds – screen-used, hero, black and silver plastic and metal ankle bomb timer with yellow blasting cap
  • Inglourious Basterds – Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) screen-used, hero, black binoculars with scratches, clean lenses, off-white stains, worn off-brown leather neck strap, and brown leather and red suede carrying case
  • Inglourious Basterds – Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) screen-used, hero, white and black glove gun with blood and dirt stains,  wrinkles, and Velcro cuff
  • Remember Me – Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) dirty, brown wood with blue band in the middle, mini baseball bat used in the alleyway fight
  • Killers – Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher) screen-worn ‘Cole Haan’ sunglasses
  • Killers – Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher) screen-used, black rubber with realist parts including ‘Kansas City, KS’ written on one side, ‘Cal. 9 Luger’ on the other prop gun
  • Killers – Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl) screen-worn, hero, white metal and plastic fake ‘Chanel’ watch
  • Killers – Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl) hero tan long sleeve ‘Faconnable’ coat, black ‘Vince’ skirt, black pleather ‘Piper & Blue’ slip on shoes. Includes wardrobe tag
  • Killers – Metal with magnet bottom, clear hard plastic casing with red ‘Danger Semtex-A’ on each side and LED computer part in the middle bomb, black plastic with buttons and grey cord detonator, and black neoprene tube for the bomb
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Alice screen-worn hero, green with dirty tan fur fold up hood, military style jacket, custom made vest, black ‘Wilfred’ T-shirt, black, ‘Lululemon Athletica’ athletic pants, black leather gloves with cut-off fingers and dirty leather ‘Joie’ knee high boots. Includes wardrobe tag.
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Albert Wesker screen-used, hero, metal ‘VICI Micro-Flo’ high pressure syringe with long needle
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Alice silver metal with black graphite-like core grenade
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Alice black with ‘Alice’ on one side and ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ on the other in red, chairback
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Axeman screen-worn hero, brown foam with plastic nails protruding, Velcro and broken zipper on the back, muscle and veins upper body suit, and brown twin with bloody splatter all over, plastic nails protruding, black thin cord inside hood
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Plastic red body with battery inside, six silver and black legs, black and blue head, custom made Scarab with tape on the bottom
  • Resident Evil: Afterlife– Alice hero, bloody, silver painted wooden dummy katana
  • The Book of Eli – Eli (Denzel Washington) screen-worn, hero, bloody, dirty, brown fleece aged crew neck ‘Redhead’ sweatshirt, white ‘Hanes’ T-shirt, dirty and bloody, dark tan ‘Charhartt’ painter pants, and dirty, green wool knit fingerless gloves. Includes wardrobe tag.
  • 300 – Silver fiberglass spear tip the went on the Spartan’s spear
  • Piranha 3D – Danni Arslow (Kelly Brook) screen-worn hero, grey and white tye dye, racerback tank top, (no size, label) red metallic ‘Turtle Beach’ two-piece string bikini and black ‘Report Signature’ platform heels. Includes wardrobe tag.
  • Piranha 3D – Kelly Driscoll (Jessica Szohr) screen-worn, stunt, white ‘ella moss’ racerback tank top, ‘Rip Curl’ spaghetti strap, reversible bikini top, ‘Rip Curl’ swim shorts, denim ‘Guess’ short jean shorts, and pink, white, black and teal print, large ‘Ogio’ purse. Includes wardrobe tag.
  • Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – unfinished piece of the Death Star that is was cast from the original molds at Industrial Light and Magic
  • Battlestar Gallatica – Joe Johnston original illustrations. A set of three conceptual drawings of “Daggit” from Battlestar Galactica.  These are the original concepts created for the vintage film and were achieved in pen, pencil and marker. Also included is the original template that was used to make the drawings.
  • Battlestar Gallatica – Screen-used child’s wrist communicator made of resin and medical gauze, this piece has been hand painted and decorated.

For questions about any item in the sale, call 310-322-PROP or tollfree 888-761-PROP.

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

From The Book of Eli (2005) Big Dog motorcycle, estimate $15,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
From The Book of Eli (2005) Big Dog motorcycle, estimate $15,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.

Armani screen-worn costume Katherine Heigl wore in the role of Jen Kornfeldt in the film Killers, estimate $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
Armani screen-worn costume Katherine Heigl wore in the role of Jen Kornfeldt in the film Killers, estimate $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.

Resident Evil 4 Arcadia pod, white wood with silver metal, estimate $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
Resident Evil 4 Arcadia pod, white wood with silver metal, estimate $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.

Baseball bat barrel cut in half with Nazi soldiers’ names written on it, used by Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) in the movie Inglourious Basterds, estimate $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
Baseball bat barrel cut in half with Nazi soldiers’ names written on it, used by Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) in the movie Inglourious Basterds, estimate $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy Premiere Props.

Arizona patrol car license plate from the film Piranha 3D, estimate $200-$500. Image courtesy Premiere Props.
Arizona patrol car license plate from the film Piranha 3D, estimate $200-$500. Image courtesy Premiere Props.

Rachel Davis to sell collection of dog lover Janet L. Ennis, Sept. 11-12

Jimmie Lee Sudduth (American 1920-2007) created ‘Toto-White Dog’ in mud paint on board. The work is signed Jim Sudduth upper center and measures 46 3/4 inches by 22 1/2 inches. It has a $700-$1,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Jimmie Lee Sudduth (American 1920-2007) created ‘Toto-White Dog’ in mud paint on board. The work is signed Jim Sudduth upper center and measures 46 3/4 inches by 22 1/2 inches. It has a $700-$1,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Jimmie Lee Sudduth (American 1920-2007) created ‘Toto-White Dog’ in mud paint on board. The work is signed Jim Sudduth upper center and measures 46 3/4 inches by 22 1/2 inches. It has a $700-$1,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
CLEVELAND – An astute eye for outsider art, an abiding, scholarly affinity for the arts of Haiti and Mexico, and a lifelong devotion to animals – these qualities only begin to describe the lifework of the late Janet L. Ennis of Akron, Ohio, as reflected in her expansive and significant collections of paintings, prints, furnishing, and decorations that elegantly and whimsically filled her Akron home. On Saturday, Sept. 11, and Sunday, Sept. 12, Rachel Davis Fine Arts offer the Ennis collection at auction. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.

This singular two-day event will provide an opportunity for collectors, dealers, casual buyers, and animal lovers to acquire works ranging from Hutschenreuther to Claude Conover; from Marguerite Kirmse to Jean-Baptiste Jean; from Royal Doulton figurines to Southern Art pottery. The Saturday session, starting at 9:30 a.m., will include works by Mexican, Haitian, Outsider artists, Southern Art Pottery, folk art, African and Oceanic items. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Sunday session, with a special emphasis on animal imagery, encompasses traditional paintings and works on paper, porcelain and pottery, and books.

A powerful naïveté, in style and/or content, can characterize all of the pieces in the Ennis collection. This readily applies to the important Outsider paintings by artists such as Howard Finster, Jimmy L. Sudduth and Beni Kosh, to mention only a few as well as an outstanding selection of Southern Art pottery, featuring face jugs by Lanier Meaders and B.R. Hussey, among others. Manuel Felguerez headlines a strong selection of works by Mexican painters, as Mata Ortiz pottery exemplifies the extraordinary grouping of Mexican ceramics, decorations and folk art. Similarly, paintings by the late Jean-Baptiste Jean are indicative of the high quality of the Haitian portion of the Ennis collection.

The stylistic innocence of the items in the Saturday session transfers to the innocence of the content in the animalist works offered on Sunday: Ranging from the traditional depictions of the 19th century painter F.S. Beaumont, the superb graphics of Marguerite Kirmse and Morgan Dennis to the blaring Pop paintings of Jody Whitsell. Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester, Royal Copenhagen figurines, among the large selection of porcelain and pottery, offer a visual counterpoint to the Southern Art Pottery figures and Outsider sculptures included in the Saturday session, demonstrating the keen diverse eye that Ms. Ennis exercised in her acquisitions. The auction concludes on Sunday with the sale of the Ennis library.

As evidenced by the lots on both Saturday and Sunday, the connoisseurship of Ennis was also fueled by a consuming passion. This passion augmented with her love of and compassion for animals. Images of animals abound in the Ennis collection, be it traditionally, a P.E. Stretton oil, or primitively, an A. Skip Roth chain saw carving. And she worked tirelessly and generously to insure the care of domestic and wild animals. This mission continues in the sale of her collection. As mandated by the Janet L. Ennis Charitable Trust for Animals, all net proceeds from the auction will be donated to nonprofit organizations dedicated to working for the well-being and humane treatment of animals. Bidders at the Davis auction can help perpetuate the legacy of Ennis: a love of beauty, whimsy, innocence and of all creatures great and small.

Previews run through auction days at the Davis gallery. For details contact Rachel Davis Fine Arts, 1301 W. 79th St., Cleveland, OH 44102, call 216.939.1190, e-mail info@racheldavisfinearts.com or visit the website, www.racheldavisfinearts.com.

#   #   #

About Janet L. Ennis:

Written by her son, Jess Ennis

The entire animal kingdom, but especially the canine family, suffered a great loss when my mom, Janet Ennis, abruptly left this world. From the day she came into the world, she was marked, literally, by an uncanny birthmark on her leg in the unmistakable shape of a dog, of which she was infinitely proud.

For her entire life, my mom acted as a tireless, unrelenting advocate for dogs and all animals – a true warrior for their cause. I’d be surprised if there is a single good local, national or international organization working on behalf of dogs and all animals that didn’t receive my mom’s financial support.

She was always writing letters to the editor and contacting reporters to investigate one case or another of abuse of animals, many of which were institutionally sanctioned. She investigated thoroughly companies’ practices regarding animals and invested carefully. She boycotted offending companies and wrote well-reasoned and passionate letters to their boards of directors.

Not surprisingly, my mom also took on the causes of other underdogs besides dogs. She and my dad loved to travel together, but not in the typical tourist fashion. They made several trips to the poorest country in this hemisphere – Haiti – but rather than relaxing in an isolated Club Med resort, my mom & dad leaped with both feet into the chaotic, throbbing heart of Port-au-Prince. They made many friends in Haiti, common folk who invited them into their humble homes – several of them folk artists.

My mom, a great connoisseur of art, developed a tremendous knowledge and appreciation of the Haitian folk artists & their art – which is earthy, raw and soulful.

In fact, she developed a deep appreciation for and true expertise on folk art from all over the world – first in the U.S., then of Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Panama and Africa.

My mom built close friendships with several American folk artists, like face-jug potters, wooden animal carvers and painters, mostly in the Carolinas and Kentucky. They often sent her gifts they made especially for her.

My mom and dad assembled a truly remarkable collection of art throughout their 50-some years together. Visitors to their house invariably remarked, wide-eyed, that they felt like they were visiting a great museum.

This auction is about my mom’s passions – animals and art. All of the net proceeds of the sale here of my parents’ amazing collection of art will be donated to organizations that work for the support and well-being of animals.

– Jess Ennis

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

Faces, rabbits and other animals adorn this Yoruba beaded throne, which is 36 inches high. With some damage noted, it has a $400-$600 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Faces, rabbits and other animals adorn this Yoruba beaded throne, which is 36 inches high. With some damage noted, it has a $400-$600 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Twentieth-century Mexican yarn painting, Huicholes Indians, human figures with animals and the sun – Nierikas (yarn painting), mounted on fiberboard, good condition, 20 1/4 inches by 24 inches, est. $80-$150. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Twentieth-century Mexican yarn painting, Huicholes Indians, human figures with animals and the sun – Nierikas (yarn painting), mounted on fiberboard, good condition, 20 1/4 inches by 24 inches, est. $80-$150. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Lanier Meaders (American 1917-1998) signed the bottom of this 9 3/4-inch double face jug from the 1970s. It has a $2,000-$4,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Lanier Meaders (American 1917-1998) signed the bottom of this 9 3/4-inch double face jug from the 1970s. It has a $2,000-$4,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Howard Finster (American 1916-2001), ‘Mountain Goat,’ paint and marker on wood cutout, 1993, est. $300-$500. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Howard Finster (American 1916-2001), ‘Mountain Goat,’ paint and marker on wood cutout, 1993, est. $300-$500. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Mata Ortiz pottery vessel with lid, artist signed ‘Martha Marinez De Dominguez,’ white clay with black and rust design, very good condition, 10 1/2 inches high, est. $400-$600. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Mata Ortiz pottery vessel with lid, artist signed ‘Martha Marinez De Dominguez,’ white clay with black and rust design, very good condition, 10 1/2 inches high, est. $400-$600. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Leroy Archuleta (American 20th century- ) ‘Coyote,’ painted wood sculpture, 1990, signed ‘6-18-1990/ Leroy Archuleta’ on bottom, 36 inches high, est. $600-$900. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Leroy Archuleta (American 20th century- ) ‘Coyote,’ painted wood sculpture, 1990, signed ‘6-18-1990/ Leroy Archuleta’ on bottom, 36 inches high, est. $600-$900. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Marguerite Kirmse (American 1885-1954) ‘Hoot Mon,’ etching, signed and titled in pencil, slightly light struck, 10 1/2 inches by 8 5/8 inches, est. $800-$1,200. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Marguerite Kirmse (American 1885-1954) ‘Hoot Mon,’ etching, signed and titled in pencil, slightly light struck, 10 1/2 inches by 8 5/8 inches, est. $800-$1,200. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Philip E. Stretton (British 1863-1930) ‘Terrier on Chair with Books,’ oil on canvas, 1913, 21 3/8 inches by 25 7/16 inches, est. $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Philip E. Stretton (British 1863-1930) ‘Terrier on Chair with Books,’ oil on canvas, 1913, 21 3/8 inches by 25 7/16 inches, est. $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Frederick S. Beaumont (American 1861-1934) ‘Two Dogs in Landscape,’ oil on canvas, 1930, signed ‘F. S. Beaumont ’30,’ 26 inches by 33 1/2 inches, est. $1,400-$1,800. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.
Frederick S. Beaumont (American 1861-1934) ‘Two Dogs in Landscape,’ oil on canvas, 1930, signed ‘F. S. Beaumont ’30,’ 26 inches by 33 1/2 inches, est. $1,400-$1,800. Image courtesy of Rachel Davis Fine Arts.

Dragon-shape gold specimen, fine Redmond painting at Clars, Sept. 11-12

Granville Redmond (California, 1871-1935), View From Hilltop, 21-1/2 inches high by 27-1/2 inches, estimate $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.
Granville Redmond (California, 1871-1935), View From Hilltop, 21-1/2 inches high by 27-1/2 inches, estimate $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.
Granville Redmond (California, 1871-1935), View From Hilltop, 21-1/2 inches high by 27-1/2 inches, estimate $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.

OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery’s September Fine Estate Sale to be held over the weekend of Sept. 11-12 will be “over the top” with rare and important offerings across all categories. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

Collectors the world over won’t believe their eyes when they see the auction’s headliner: a massive and extraordinary granular crystalline gold named the “Siskiyou Dragon” because of its resemblance to the mythical, fire-breathing creature. Weighing in at 25.26 Troy ounces and measuring 7½ inches long, 2¼ inches high and 2¼ inches wide, the specimen was discovered in the early 1990s in the Siskiyou County, California gold field. It is entered in the sale with a presale estimate of $100,000 to $150,000.

Many of the important consignments to this two-day sale come from the Patrick Curry collection of northern California. Curry, an internationally renowned collector of the finest Continental porcelain, amassed his collection over 60 years. His collection includes rare examples of Royal Vienna, Sevres, Meissen, KPM and Limoges. Two Royal Vienna painted urns that he particularly cherished are estimated at $8,000 -$12,000. A stunning and monumental Sevres urn fitted with oil lamp is a true collector’s piece. Also from the Curry Estate are Royal Vienna plates, many signed “Wagner,” as well as KPM and Continental porcelain plaques. From another estate comes an Otto Poertzel bronze titled The Aristocrats, which is expected to earn $25,000 to $35,000.

Curry’s sterling collection includes Reed and Barton’s rare “Love Disarmed” flatware service for 12 (estimate $6,000 to $8,000). Furthering the extensive silver offerings at this sale will be works from makers including Tiffany, Gorham, Peruvian and Versace.

Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, an impressive selection of fine furniture will be offered. Spanning Continental antiques to Mid-Century Modern, the group is led by a very rare cocktail table in the Egyptian taste by Phillip Laverne estimated at $7,000 to $9,000. A wonderful pair of American Art Deco armchairs, circa 1930 by Paul Philippe Cret, will also be offered. These chairs were once used at the Cincinnati Union Terminal. Also, of importance is a Tom Ford and William Sofield lounge chair, a collaborative work that was commissioned by Yves Saint Laurent in 2000. This is one of three prototypes created. Tom Ford was the head of design at Gucci.

The extensive art category will feature amazing works from American and European listed artists. Headlining this category will be a major work by Granville Redmond (Californian, 1871-1935). Titled View From Hilltop, this signed work measures 21 ½ inches high by 27½ inches wide. The art department at Clars has assigned a presale estimate of $100,000 to $150,000 on this work.

Among the other renowned Californian and American art to be sold will be a framed oil on newsprint on canvas titled Profile in a Blue Hat attributed to Willem de Kooning (American, 1904-1997), which is estimated at $80,000 to $120,000. Yosemite Waterfall by Thomas Hill (1829-1908) is expected to earn $20,000 to $30,000; while a Selden Connor Gile (Californian, 1877-1947) painting of boats moored at a dock illuminated by morning light is estimated at $20,000 to $30,000. An unframed gelatin silver print photograph by Ansel Adams (Californian, 1902-1984) titled Painted Lady from Rae Lakes is estimated at $15,000 to $25,000, and will be offered along with two other works by Adams. Frank Tenney Johnson’s (Californian, 1874-1939) study Moonlight in the Canyon in cowhide-embellished frame carries and estimate of $15,000 to $20,000. A framed oil and mixed media on canvas by Enrico Donati (American, 1909-2008) titled Curtain Call VII is estimated to bring $30,000 to $40,000. O Natura, an unframed acrylic on canvas by Gordon Onslow Ford (Californian, 1912-2003) has been estimated at  $40,000 to $60,000. Clars will also be offering a work attributed to Jackson Pollock (American, 1912-1956) titled Rhythm Dancers, with an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

European artists will also be finely represented. A framed work attributed to French artist Georges Braque (1882-1963) is executed in oil on canvas. Le Joy, which bears the signature “Braque” at center right, is estimated to earn $80,000 to $120,000. A framed oil on canvas showing a lakeside town blanketed with snow attributed to Dutch artist Louis Apol (1850-1936) is estimated to sell for $8,000 to $12,000, as is Zaandam, Holland, by Charles Leickert (Belgian, 1818-1907).

Among the fine works on paper will be Natura Morta, drawn in ink by Giorgio Morandi (Italian, 1890-1964) and estimated at $20,000 to $30,000, and two framed gouaches on newspaper by Alfredo Ramos Martinez (Mexican, 1871-1946) showing women with flowers, estimated at $25,000 to $35,000. A group of 12 framed gouache and watercolor sketches by Maynard Dixon (Californian, 1875-1946), purportedly submitted as a mural proposal to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, is expected to bring $15,000 to $20,000. There will also be a framed watercolor and gouache work attributed to Marc Chagall (French, 1887-1985) of a vase of flowers, titled Vence (estimate: $20,000 to $30,000).

Clars has earned an international reputation for solid prices earned in their Asian category. Among the anticipated highlights in this category are a collection of Chinese figural carvings, a “tianhuang” soapstone boulder, a carved jade boulder measuring 13 inches high, and a large Korean wood treasure cabinet from the Joseon Dynasty. In addition, there will be Japanese Satsuma and Satsuma-style ware.

Rounding out this amazing two-day event is the fine jewelry category. An exquisite pink diamond ring is anticipated to fetch well above $100,000. There will also be an excellent selection of watches and fine vintage and estate jewelry.

A very special costume jewelry collection will also be offered. Totaling approximately 100 lots, this collection includes an extensive selection of Eisenburg plus pieces from makers Hattie Carnegie, Elizabeth Taylor, Simpson, Coro, Hobe and more.

For additional information on any item in the auction, call Clars tollfree at 888-339-7600 or e-mail info@clars.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

Magnificent and massive Siskiyou Dragon gold specimen, estimate $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.
Magnificent and massive Siskiyou Dragon gold specimen, estimate $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.

Sevres lidded oil lamp from the Patrick Curry collection, 19 inches high. Estimate $2,000-$4,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.
Sevres lidded oil lamp from the Patrick Curry collection, 19 inches high. Estimate $2,000-$4,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.

Rare Phillip Laverne cocktail table in the Egyptian taste, estimate $7,000-$9,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.
Rare Phillip Laverne cocktail table in the Egyptian taste, estimate $7,000-$9,000. Image courtesy Clars Auction Gallery.

Russell museum lassos art auction name from Great Falls Ad Club

Larry Pirnie's 'Touchin' Clouds' sold for $4,000 at the C.M. Russell Museum's auction in March. Image courtesy of C.M. Russell Museum and LiveAuctioneers archive.

Larry Pirnie's 'Touchin' Clouds' sold for $4,000 at the C.M. Russell Museum's auction in March. Image courtesy of C.M. Russell Museum and LiveAuctioneers archive.
Larry Pirnie’s ‘Touchin’ Clouds’ sold for $4,000 at the C.M. Russell Museum’s auction in March. Image courtesy of C.M. Russell Museum and LiveAuctioneers archive.
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) – The C.M. Russell Museum has secured the name and logo for the C.M. Russell Art Auction from the Great Falls Ad Club.

The Ad Club held the auction for 42 years and for 41 years gave some of the proceeds to the museum. A smaller donation from the 2009 auction prompted the museum to hold its own auction this spring, which raised $600,000.

The Ad Club lost money on the Russell auction in March and decided it would no longer hold an art auction.

Ad Club executive director Sara Becker says the museum sued the club earlier this year for the naming rights. Becker says the Ad Club sold the rights to the museum to avoid a legal battle.

Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp declined to say if the museum paid for the name and logo.

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

AP-WS-09-02-10 1728EDT

Kovels – Antiques & Collecting: Week of Sept. 6, 2010

A silversmith in Moscow engraved traditional designs on this circa 1900 salt chair. The 4 1/2-inch piece sold for $750 at a recent Jackson's auction in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Notice the hinged lid seat cover that helps keep the salt dry and free of lumps.
A silversmith in Moscow engraved traditional designs on this circa 1900 salt chair. The 4 1/2-inch piece sold for $750 at a recent Jackson's auction in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Notice the hinged lid seat cover that helps keep the salt dry and free of lumps.
A silversmith in Moscow engraved traditional designs on this circa 1900 salt chair. The 4 1/2-inch piece sold for $750 at a recent Jackson’s auction in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Notice the hinged lid seat cover that helps keep the salt dry and free of lumps.

Eating too much salt is a health problem today, but in past centuries salt was considered an important ingredient to be treated with reverence. It was traditional to put a large container of salt near the head of the table, where the most important person sat. To be seated “above the salt” was a sign of a person’s rank. Salt containers were large and elaborate until the early 1900s because salt was not processed to be used in a shaker. Silver bowls with elaborate decorations were favored. Russian silversmiths created a unique style of “salt chair,” a container about 5 inches high. The “chair” was really a stylized shape based on the shape of the izba, a small house with a gabled roof. The salt chair had a lid that covered the salt kept inside the “seat” of the chair. Collectors who want to put a salt chair on their table must search auctions and shops that sell antique silver. These rare salt servers sell at auction for $500 or more.

Q: About 60 years ago, my father bought my sister a used “hope chest” because she was engaged to be married. Now I have inherited the chest. It’s all cedar, on casters, and is 43 by 19 by 17 inches. A plate inside the chest says, “Manufactured by Universal Cabinet Company, Chicago, Illinois.” What can you tell me about the company, and is the chest worth saving? I’m currently storing wool blankets and clothing in it.

A: The fact that you’re using the chest makes it worth saving. The Universal Cabinet Co. was in business in Chicago during the 1910s and ’20s. It manufactured cedar chests as well as medicine cabinets, mirrors, hat racks, pedestals and floor lamps. Its cedar chests were made of Tennessee red cedar and were advertised as “moth-proof and vermin-proof.” The value of your 20th-century chest depends on its condition. If it’s in excellent original condition, it could be worth up to $500. If your chest has lost its cedar scent, rub the wood with fine sandpaper.

Q: We inherited a ceramic plaque that hung on my grandmother’s wall for decades. It pictures three Japanese women having tea and one woman holding a baby. There is a religious picture hanging on the wall behind them. The plaque is signed “Jos. Zasche Vienna.” Can you tell us something about it?

A: Josef Zasche was born in Gablonz, Bohemia (now Jablonec, Czech Republic), in 1821. He was a porcelain painter at the Vienna Porcelain Factory from 1844 until 1847, when he established his own workshop in Vienna. His paintings on porcelain, enamel and ivory often included religious themes. Some were copied from paintings in museums. Zasche died in 1881. His plaques sell for a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the subject and the frame.

Q: I found an old lithographed tin political button in my garage. There’s a picture of boxer Joe Louis in the center surrounded by the words “Vote for Roberts Says Joe Louis.” What is the historical background of this button and what is it worth?

A: The “Roberts” named on your button is probably Frederick Madison Roberts (1879-1952), a Los Angeles mortician who served in the California State Assembly from 1918 to 1934. A Republican, he was the first black to serve in the assembly. Later, in 1938 and 1946, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since Joe Louis didn’t become heavyweight champion until 1937, your button must date from one of Roberts’s congressional races. A similar Joe Louis photo button endorsing Wendell Willkie auctioned recently for more than $350. Roberts, by the way, was a descendent of Sally Hemmings and, presumably, Thomas Jefferson.

Q: Can you provide information on an electric coffee percolator that my father gave to my mother as an anniversary gift in 1929? It’s part of a set that includes an oval tray and a sugar and creamer. The manufacturer is Manning-Bowman of Meriden, Conn. The pieces appear to be chrome-plated but never need polishing. It has been making great coffee for four generations of our family and has never needed repairs. Is there any value to this set other than sentimental?

A: The coffee percolator was invented by Hanson Goodrich, an Illinois farmer, in 1889. Before that, coffee was made by boiling water and coffee grounds together and then straining out the grounds. Sometimes eggshells were added to the water before boiling to “settle” the grounds. The percolator kept the coffee grounds separate and eliminated the need to strain the coffee. Manning-Bowman was founded by Edward Manning and Robert Bowman in 1832. The company was issued several patents for percolators beginning in 1904. The first electric coffeepots were made circa 1915, and Manning-Bowman was making electric percolators by circa 1920. The company was bought by Bersted Manufacturing Co. of Fostoria, Ohio, in 1941. Your set should have a retail price of about $125.

Tip: Old tooled leather can be cleaned with a mild leather cleaner. Stores that sell leather purses usually sell a cleaner made to be used with leather.

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.

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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.

Minnesota 1927 non-resident fishing license, Serial No. 32899, orange ground with black letters, 1 3/4 inches, $75.

First Ladies paper doll book, six pages of dresses, Washington, Monroe, Wilson, Taylor, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Tyler, Saalfield Publishing, 1937, 10 x 13 inches, $85.

Battle of Gettysburg 75th Anniversary pennant, red felt with white silk-screen letters, image of war veterans, one in blue, the other in gray, July 1-4, 1938, 26 inches, $115.

“The Smoking Statesman” Churchill look-alike full standing figure, blows smoke rings when cigar is lit, Cleveland Novelty Co., World War II era, original illustrated box, 1 3/4 x 3 1/4 inches, $200.

Foxy Grandpa doll, straw hat, simulated hair, felt clothing with brass buttons, painted fabric face, 1900s, 12 inches, $450.

Majolica umbrella stand, decorated with egrets and cattails in landscape, turquoise ground, 1850s, 22 x 9 inches, $1,075.

Brass regimental drum, original painted surface, skins, cord & leather lighteners, crown design, 1880s, 21 x 27 in. $1,195.

Yeti the Abominable Snowman toy, white fur, walks, raises arms, shrieks, battery-operated, original box, Marx, 1960s, 11 inches, $1,380.

George III bachelor’s chest, molded top, four thumb-molded drawers, fluted and lamb’s tongue-carved stiles, ogee bracket feet, circa 1790, 34 x 32 x 20 inches, $1,465.

Silver-plated butler’s tray, Japonisme taste, cartouche form, leaf and dart rim, engraved with fans, ribbons and bamboo, Meriden Silver Plate Co., 1880, 37 x 21 inches, $4,675.

The best book to own if you want to buy, sell or collect: The new full-color Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, 2011, 43rd edition, is your most accurate source for current prices. This large-size paperback has more than 2,500 color photographs and 42,000 up-to-date prices for more than 700 categories of antiques and collectibles. You’ll also find hundreds of factory histories and marks and a report on the record prices of the year, plus helpful sidebars and tips about buying, selling, collecting and preserving your treasures. Available online at Kovelsonlinestore.com; by phone at 800-303-1996; at your bookstore; or send $27.95 plus $4.95 postage to Price Book, Box 22900, Beachwood, OH 44122.

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