Comic book and pulp imagery makes for eye-catching wall space. Mural by Faile, photography by Kelsey Savage Hays.
NEW YORK – Faile, the Brooklyn-based pair of street artists, are the creators of that vibrant, arresting mural on the space at Houston and Bowery. The superhero collage took several days to wheat paste, and that’s before the duo went in to hand-paint details.
The result is one of the most astounding murals that has ever gone up on the NYC wall, which is owned by Goldman Properties and has been home to many well-regarded works, including Shepard Fairey’s May Day in 2010.
Patrick McNeil and Patrick Mullen joined together in 1999 to form Faile. Their repurposing of mass culture and pulp images has brought them great acclaim across the United States and Europe—including an invitation in 2008 to paint the exterior of the Tate Modern in London.
Since the start of their collaboration the two Patricks have adapted their signature use of collage to create puzzle boxes, sculptures and prayer wheels. They’ve even developed their own app (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/faile-puzzle-boxes/id437115432?mt=8&ls=1) designed for iPhone and iPad in which you can create your own art work out of pieces of Faile’s original images.
Since completing the mural downtown, they’ve opened a solo show called “Fragments of Faile,” on display at the Lazarides Gallery in London (http://www.lazinc.com/).
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ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE
Comic book and pulp imagery makes for eye-catching wall space. Mural by Faile, photography by Kelsey Savage Hays.The detailed mural took several days to complete. Mural by Faile, photography by Kelsey Savage Hays.The wall space on Bowery and Houston Street has been a host to some of the best names in street art, including Shepard Fairey and Kenny Scharf. Mural by Faile, photography by Kelsey Savage Hays.A close-up of the large-scale, graphic art collage by Faile. Mural by Faile, photography by Kelsey Savage Hays.
AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France, (AFP) – Five men went on trial in France on Monday for the brazen theft from a Nice museum of four paintings by Monet, Sisley and Brueghel that were recovered in an FBI sting operation.
The works, valued at 20 million euros ($27 million), were stolen in August 2007 from the Beaux-Arts Jules Cheret museum in Nice in a heist that saw the thieves threaten staff, stuff the paintings into bags and escape in under five minutes.
Two of the men, Pierre-Noel Dumarais, 64, and Patrick Chelelekian, 59, are accused of having organized the heist with their alleged accomplices, Patrice Lhomme, 46, Gregory Moullec, 41, and Lionel Ritter, 39.
The five admitted at the trial in southern France on Monday to having carried out the robbery but denied accusations from museum staff that they were armed.
They face between 30 years and life in prison if convicted on the charges of organized armed robbery and criminal association. A verdict is expected on Friday.
The paintings—Cliffs Near Dieppe by Claude Monet; The Lane of Poplars at Moret by Alfred Sisley; and Allegory of Water and Allegory of Earth by Jan Brueghel the Elder—were recovered in a sting organized by the FBI and French police in June 2008.
The paintings were allegedly stolen on the orders of a French citizen living in Florida, Bernard Jean Ternus, who pleaded guilty in a U.S. court in 2008 to conspiring to sell the art works. He was sentenced to five years and two months in prison.
Ternus allegedly told the thieves he had buyers lined up to pay 3 million euros for the paintings, which because of their fame would have been difficult to unload on the black market.
Ternus arranged for the thieves to meet the buyers in the southern French port city of Marseille, but was unaware that he had been dealing with undercover FBI and French police agents.
The five were arrested after finalizing the deal, and Ternus was detained in Florida.
Both the Monet and Sisley paintings had previously been stolen from the same museum in 1998 when thieves were said to have broken into the curator’s home and forced him to drive to and let them into the premises.
But they were recovered a week later and the curator subsequently pleaded guilty to having masterminded the theft.
The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.
CHICAGO ‐ On Dec. 15, 2011 the Chicago auction company Wright will auction the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kenneth Laurent House and furnishings. The property, located in the Chicago suburb of Rockford, has been consigned by Kenneth Laurent, who is the original owner.
In 1948, Laurent commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build a home that integrated his needs as a wheelchair‐bound disabled veteran with Wright’s signature open plan designs. Wright used to opportunity to develop his elliptical plan for the first time. The resulting soft curves, open floor plan and flowing space were utilized in later houses in the 1950s.
The Laurents became friendly with Wright and traveled often to his Wisconsin home ‘Taliesin,’ commissioning interior furnishings for their home and a later addition to the property. In conversation with fellow architect Edgar Kaufmann Jr., Frank Lloyd Wright referred to the Laurent House as a serene masterpiece and his “little gem.”
“We are interested in the preservation mid‐century architectural masterpieces,” said Richard Wright, president of Wright. “We have an audience that appreciates the historical and aesthetic value of these special homes and is not strictly bound by the values of the local real estate market.”
The Kenneth Laurent house and furnishings will be sold on December 15, 2011 during Wright’s semiannual Important Design auction, a sale featuring more than 250 lots of exceptional mid‐century designs. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
The home and original Frank Lloyd Wright designed furnishings are to be estimated at $500,000-$700,000.
Wright is an international auction house based in Chicago that has offered historically important architectural masterpieces in their art and design auctions before, most famously with the sale of Pierre Koenig’s Case Study House #21 in Los Angeles that sold in December 2006 for $3,185,600.
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ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE
The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.The Kenneth Rockford House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Image courtesy of Wright, Chicago.
Old master framed portrait of a lady. Image courtesy of Woodbury Auctions. WOODBURY, Conn. – On Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Eastern time, Woodbury Auction will present its Holiday Fine Estates Auction featuring a superb single-owner collection of English, Irish, Scottish and China Trade sterling silver—over 245 pieces of hallmarked fine estate silver. Also included will be more than 50 lots of fine estate jewelry, including gold, silver and platinum mounted diamonds and other gemstones, as well as a selection of folk and fine art, antique American and mid-century modern furniture and decorations, and selected Asian and European artwork and vertu.
LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.
This pre-holiday auction is being held in the firm’s new saleroom at 710 Main St. South, Middle Quarter Plaza, in Woodbury. Preview times are Wednesday, Nov. 30, from noon to 5 p.m, Thursday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. sale time.
Highlights of the sterling silver lots being offered on behalf of a single owner include a Chinese Export large silver creamer by Leeching, circa 1850; a Chinese Export silver trophy bowl by Hung Chong Co., pierced and chased with dragon and clouds, with plaque engraved “Tennis Tournament/Handicap/Presented By/a Few Ladies/of Newchwang/1901/Gentlemen’s Singles”; an Irish silver teapot, James Fray, Dublin 1842; a William IV Irish silver footed bowl by Edward Power, Dublin, 1831; a George III silver cake basket, Craddock & Reed, London, 1814; a George III Irish silver salver, William Homer, Dublin, 1770; a George III Irish silver large sauceboat by Matthew West, Dublin, 1788; a George IV Irish silver mug by William Nowlan & William Law, Dublin, 1827; a stunning pierced openwork George III silver cake basket by William Plummer, London, 1776; a George III silver oval salver by Crispin Fuller, London, 1814; a George III silver waiter by John Cox, London, 1768; and a George III silver salver by John Crouch and Thomas Hannan, London, 1779. A group of Bateman family silver is also being offered.
Other estate silver lots include a round repousse decorated silver footed salver, marked for George Hape, Sheffield, 1899; a fine sterling silver footed inkstand, Birmingham, 1909; a sterling silver flatware service by Wallace, in the Putnam pattern, circa 1912; and a partial American sterling silver assembled flatware service, Tiffany & Co., circa 1885-1902, in the English Kings pattern, composed of 86 pieces weighing 166 troy ounces.
Wonderful lots of estate jewelry are included from a California consignor, including an Art Deco platinum diamond and sapphire evening watch by E. Gubelin; a 20th century platinum cocktail ring with diamonds, emeralds, and blue sapphire; an Art Deco platinum, diamond and blue sapphire bracelet, signed Hennell; an art deco platinum bar clasp with diamonds and blue sapphires, holding two strands of 7-7.5mm saltwater Akoya pearls; and an art deco platinum jeweled charm bracelet with six platinum figural charms.
Other estate jewelry lots include a platinum and diamond solitaire engagement ring, 2.8 carats; a 14K gold diamond eternity band ring comprised of 72 round diamonds; a 14K gold bracelet with 180 round brilliant cut diamonds; and a freeform style 14K yellow gold ring with a vintage mine cut 1.5 carat diamond. Also offered are several lots of Native American silver and turquoise jewelry.
According to owner/auctioneer Thomas Schwenke, the firm expects strong interest in a group of American furniture with Southern provenance, consigned by a Westchester County estate. The group includes a late 18th century Southern inlaid cherrywood Chippendale slant-front desk with yellow pine secondary woods, ogee bracket feet and original hardware; a Hepplewhite cherrywood Southern huntboard; a Pennsylvania Sheraton tiger maple one drawer side table; a rare Sheraton maple mixing table with turned, carved legs; and an inlaid walnut tall clock with painted dial and case with fluted quarter columns and an old finish, also probably Southern. English furniture includes a Regency round satinwood inlaid center table, and a Regency carved mahogany slab table. Among the revival furniture consigned for this auction is a striking gothic flat-top writing table with extruded cluster column legs and carved frieze.
The sale also features several pieces of modernist chrome and glass furniture, designer leather covered sofas, and numerous other eclectic items from local estates, including porcelains, glassware and decorations.
Asian items include a rare pair of small celadon jade bowls, an overlay snuff bottle, and a blue and white porcelain garden seat.
Internet bidding will be handled by LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information on any lot in the sale, call 203-266-0323.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com
Hugo Boss Prize 2012 finalist Rashid Johnson’s, ‘The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Dr. Minton), 2010,’ gelatin silver print, 111.1 x 89.5 cm. Image courtesy of the artist.
NEW YORK – Richard Armstrong, Director, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, and Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, Chairman and CEO, Hugo Boss AG, today announced the finalists for the Hugo Boss Prize 2012. The biennial award was established in 1996 to recognize significant achievement in contemporary art.
The following artists are finalists for the Hugo Boss Prize 2012:
Trisha Donnelly (b. 1974, San Francisco)
Rashid Johnson (b. 1977, Chicago)
Qiu Zhijie (b. 1969, Zhangzhou, China)
Monika Sosnowska (b. 1972, Ryki, Poland)
Danh Vo (b. 1975, Bà Ria, Vietnam)
Tris Vonna-Michell (b. 1982, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom)
“On behalf of the jury, we are delighted to announce the ninth biennial Hugo Boss Prize finalists,” said Mr. Armstrong. “Since its inception in 1996, the Hugo Boss Prize has become one of the world’s most noted juried prizes. The selection of these six exceptional artists for the 2012 short list offers insight into some of today’s most dynamic practices.”
A publication featuring the work of the six finalists with accompanying essays will be published in summer 2012. The winner will be selected and announced in fall 2012, followed by an exhibition of the artist’s work to be presented in 2013 at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.
“Already in its sixteenth year, the Hugo Boss Prize has become a fixture in our arts sponsorship program and a key feature of our corporate culture,” said Mr. Lahrs. “We are therefore particularly delighted that it enjoys such a fine reputation on the international arts scene. We congratulate the six short-listed candidates and are already looking forward to the award ceremony in the fall of 2012.”
The Hugo Boss Prize is given to an artist whose work represents a significant development in contemporary art. The award sets no restrictions in terms of age, gender, nationality, or medium, and the nominations may include emerging artists as well as more established individuals whose public recognition may be long overdue. The 2012 prize carries an award of $100,000.
The prize is juried by an international panel of museum directors, curators, and critics. The 2012 jury is chaired by Nancy Spector, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and the jurors are Magali Arriola, Curator, Colección Jumex, Ecatepec de Morelos, Mexico; Suzanne Cotter, Curator, Abu Dhabi Project, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation; Kate Fowle, Executive Director, Independent Curators International, New York; Nat Trotman, Associate Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; and Theodora Vischer, Senior Curator at Large, Fondation Beyeler, Basel.
History of the Prize:
This year marks the ninth presentation of the Hugo Boss Prize at the Guggenheim Museum. Since 1996, the prize has been awarded to American artist Matthew Barney (1996), Scottish artist Douglas Gordon (1998), Slovenian artist Marjetica Potrc (2000), French artist Pierre Huyghe (2002), Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija (2004), British artist Tacita Dean (2006), Palestinian artist Emily Jacir (2008), and German artist Hans-Peter Feldmann (2010). Previous finalists have included Laurie Anderson, Janine Antoni, Cai Guo-Qiang, Stan Douglas, and Yasumasa Morimura in 1996; Huang Yong Ping, William Kentridge, Lee Bul, Pipilotti Rist, and Lorna Simpson in 1998; Vito Acconci, Maurizio Cattelan, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, Tom Friedman, Barry Le Va, and Tunga in 2000; Francis Alÿs, Olafur Eliasson, Hachiya Kazuhiko, Koo Jeong-a, and Anri Sala in 2002; Franz Ackermann, Rivane Neuenschwander, Jeroen de Rijke and Willem de Rooij, Simon Starling, and Yang Fudong in 2004; Allora & Calzadilla, John Bock, Damián Ortega, Aïda Ruilova, and Tino Sehgal in 2006; Christoph Büchel, Patty Chang, Sam Durant, Joachim Koester, and Roman Signer in 2008; and Cao Fei, Roman Ondák, Walid Raad, Natascha Sadr Haghighian, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul in 2010.
About Hugo Boss AG:
Arts sponsorship has a long tradition at Hugo Boss. Since 1995, the company has been providing support to both established and upcoming artists in a variety of ways. Above all, the collaboration with the Guggenheim Museum has made it possible to organize numerous special exhibitions featuring major artists – ranging from Matthew Barney, Georg Baselitz, and Ross Bleckner to Francesco Clemente, Ellsworth Kelly, and James Rosenquist.
Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. Currently the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation owns and operates the Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue in New York and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection on the Grand Canal in Venice, and provides programming and management for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin is the result of a collaboration, begun in 1997, between the Guggenheim Foundation and Deutsche Bank. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum of modern and contemporary art designed by Frank Gehry on Saadiyat Island, adjacent to the main island of Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is currently in progress. More information about the foundation can be found at guggenheim.org.
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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE
Hugo Boss Prize 2012 finalist Rashid Johnson’s, ‘The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Dr. Minton), 2010,’ gelatin silver print, 111.1 x 89.5 cm. Image courtesy of the artist.
Frank Gardner Hale jeweled and enameled bold Arts and Crafts suite, circa 1920. A pendant necklace and earrings composed of a principal demantoid garnet, blue-green tourmalines and sapphires arranged among 18K gold fronds in shades of blue and green guilloche enamel. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center. LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Rago Arts and Auction Center will hold an auction featuring fine estate jewelry and couture. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding for the auction, which begins at noon Eastern.
The fresh-to-market material that comprises Rago’s jewelry auction, gathered from estates over the course of a year, includes Georgian and Victorian revivals, examples of American and European art jewelry from 1880-1930, fine timepieces, accessories and couture, gem jewelry and estate diamond engagement rings for every budget.
For the men there are outstanding cufflinks and a selection of watches by Patek Philippe. The variety and quality of property is very strong and Rago’s has estimated it well.
“This is a sale for everyone from the serious collector of irreplaceable historic jewelry to those seeking beautiful and wearable jewelry for personal use or for others. These aren’t just luxury goods,” says Sarah Churgin, director of the Jewelry and Silver department at Rago’s. “Estate jewelry contains old mine gems that can’t be sourced today; the quality of their workmanship is extinct. Estate diamonds and pre-owned gold transcend current issues of labor and environment. These are luxury goods that preserve what’s rare and beautiful in a time when so many are allowing rising commodity values to eclipse aesthetic merit and quality of construction.”
Previews will be conducted daily leading up to the sale: noon-5 p.m. and by appointment through Wed., Nov. 30; and open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2-3 and the day of the sale. An open house will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29, which will feature a talk on American Silver by Newark Museum Curator Ulysses Grant Dietz. A reception begins at 5 p.m. and Dietz will speak at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
For details email info@ragoarts.com or call 609-397-9374.
Frank Gardner Hale jeweled and enameled bold Arts and Crafts suite, circa 1920. A pendant necklace and earrings composed of a principal demantoid garnet, blue-green tourmalines and sapphires arranged among 18K gold fronds in shades of blue and green guilloche enamel. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center.
Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond pendant/brooch, circa 1895, 1 3/8 inches x 1 inch. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500. Rago Arts and Auction Center.
Marcus & Co. art nouveau diamond and enameled 18K gold ring, 1904, size 6 1/2. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center.
Large jeweled gold comet brooch, circa 1970, oval lapis cabochon with textured gold and diamond trails, approximately 1.60 carats, 3 1/8 x 1 5/8 inches. Estimate: $3,500-$4,500. Rago Arts and Auction Center.
Art deco 3.39-carat Columbian emerald and diamond platinum ring (2397) in hand-built platinum setting, size 6 1/2. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center.
Important Julius Cohen platinum and diamond necklace, circa 1956, ribbon of baguette cut diamonds, suspends graduated circular brilliant and marquise cut diamonds, approximately 47 carats total weight. Estimate: $70,000-$90,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center.
Adam Marczynski (Polish, 1908-1985), Zmienne 13 1969, wood and oil construction, signed and titled verso. Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
AVON, Conn. — Trinity International Auctions will conduct its fall auction of fine art and sculpture Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at noon Eastern time. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
The auction will include 215 works from a broad range of artists with an emphasis on fresh to the market pieces. Among the featured artist are Romare Beardon, John Holyfield, Milton Avery, Marc Chagall, Robert Natkin, Rolph Scarlett, Helen Escobedo, Eugene Galien Laloue, Eric Sloane, Aaron Draper Shattuck, Martha Walter and Julian Alden Weir.
Trinity’s auctions typically include a fine representation of Russian and Polish artists, and this auction is no exception. A stellar entry is by Mikhail Larionov (Russian 1884-1964) and is titled Fish on a Silver Platter. This was a recurring theme for the renowned Russian painter. This picture was sold by Christie’s in May 1982 and was authenticated in 1963. It dates to sometime between 1903-1905. The painting is the property of a private collector who has owned it since 1982.
Polish artworks will be auctioned, as well, with works by Aleksander Kobzdej, Adam Marczynski and Jacek Sienicki.
Some American offerings of note include works by Eric Sloane, The Spring House; Aaron Draper Shattuck’s The Narrows in Simsbury; and Martha Walter’s Flowers in a White Vase. A spectacular work by Samuel Lancaster Gerry is titled Autumn in New England. The sale also features paintings by Julian Alden Weir and John Twachtman.
Previews will be conducted Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1 and 2, from noon to 5 p.m Eastern, and 9:30 to noon on auction day. Additional information on all lots can be obtained by contacting Trinity at 860-677-9996 or by emailing info@tiauctions.com.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
Adam Marczynski (Polish, 1908-1985), Zmienne 13 1969, wood and oil construction, signed and titled verso. Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
Pang Yongjie (Chinese, b. 1968-), Two Figures, oil on linen, signed. Provenance: William Doyle, Nov. 2007. Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
Bernard Lorjou (French, 1908-1986), Flowers in an Orange Vase, oil on canvas, signed lower right. Provenance: Private collector in Greenwich, Conn. Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
Eric Sloane (American, 1905-1985), The Spring House, oil on board, signed lower left. Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
Samuel Lancaster Gerry (American, 1813-1891), Autumn in New England, oil on canvas. Provenance: Label on verso shows name of original owner ‘Hugo Bullock Esq. 120 Broadway NYC, NY’ and is signed ‘Samuel Lancaster Gerry.’ Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
Mikhail Larionov (Russian, 1881-1964), Fish on a Plannter, oil on canvas, signed lower right and dated indistinctly. Provenance: Christie’s, May 21, 1982 to a private collector in N.J. Authenticated 1963. Image courtesy of Trinity International Auctions.
French Victorian mask decorated silver coffeepot (27ozt) made by E. Hugo. Image courtesy of Wilson’s Auctioneers & Appraisers. CESTER HEIGHTS, Pa. – Wilson’s Auctioneers & Appraisers will present an exclusive auction of sterling silver and majolica pottery from the private collection of the late Dr. Seymour M. Shay of Wynnewood, Pa. This eclectic auction will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.
This is the largest collection of silver ever offered in Wilson’s 100-year history. With over 300 pounds of sterling silver, there is a representation of most every American maker as well as English silver, American coin silver, hand wrought, Israeli, Russian and Mexican silver. Makers include Tiffany & Co., Gorham, S. Kirk & Son Co., Black, Starr & Frost, Sanborns, Mexico, and many more. There is a strong presence of International Silver Prelude pattern, which includes seven tea sets that are approximately 50 troy ounces each, estimated at $1,200-$1,500 each. There are over 300 pieces of Prelude flatware weighing over 300 troy ounces estimated at $7,500-$8,500. Other highlights include an French Victorian mask decorated silver coffee pot (27 troy ounces) made by E. Hugo estimated at $700-1,000 and a group of four graduated Revere bowls (60 troy ounces) estimated at $1,500-2,000.
There is also a large Sanborns Mexican silver twin handled tray, 60 troy ounces, estimated at $1,500-2,000. This exquisite collection includes a quantity of Tiffany pieces including goblets, candlesticks, ewers, bowls and more. There are such unique items as a bread crumber, two sterling cigar carriers, Bureau Sets, several elaborate floral Art Deco and Art Nouveau serving platters and bowls, wine coasters, shakers, pitchers, several hundred pieces of flatware including partial sets and ornate large serving pieces, a silver Jewish nodder, art deco cigarette cases, four sets of sterling goblets, three light candelabras, menorahs and just about anything that could be made from silver. This striking collection of sterling silver will be sold beginning at 6 p.m.
From the glistening gray of silver to the colorful glow of majolica, Wilson’s will also be selling the largest collection of majolica pottery that it has encountered. There are over 400 pieces of this pottery with its deep and brilliant translucent color and its variety of whimsical forms. The collection features noted English majolica makers, such as Minton, George Jones, Wedgwood, Joseph Holdcroft, T.C. Brown, Westhead, and Moore & Co. Highlights are to include a Joseph Holdcroft majolica centerpiece flower frog in the form of two vintagers carrying a barrel 10 1/2 inches high x 10 1/2 inches wide. It has a $900-1,200 estimate.
There is a large quantity of Etruscan shell and seaweed pieces including comports, bowls, plates, teapots, cups and saucers, pitchers, platters and a footed salad bowl the collection combined is estimated at $1,800-$2,200. A Majolica pineapple teakettle circa 1875 attributed to Adams and Bromley has an estimate of $300-$400. A George Jones Chestnut Leaf on Folded Napkin compote 5 1/2 inches x 9 1/2 inches in diameter is estimated at $200-300. The collection represents the many avenues that majolica explores.
This memorable majolica auction begins at 3 p.m.
The Sterling Silver and Majolica Pottery auction catalog is available at www.wilsonsauction.net. Absentee and phone bidding are available. Items from this auction will be available for online bidding at LiveAuctioneers.com. Preview for the auction will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 29, noon-7 p.m. and Wednesday Nov. 30, noon- 3 p.m. Wilson’s Auction Gallery is located at 344 Valleybrook Road, Chester Heights, PA 19017. Call 610-358-9515 or email info@wilsonsauction.net.
Shakers from the Enfield, N.H., community probably made this rocking chair with typical shaped splats and candle-flame finials. The chair’s condition, proportion and design make it one of the finest of Shaker chairs. It sold for $43,875 at a 2011 Willis Henry auction in Concord, N.H.
The Shakers are a religious group that came to America from England in 1774 led by Mother Ann Lee. The group grew until there were 18 Shaker communities in the eastern part of the country.
Some of the communities made furniture that was sold to outsiders. The Shakers’ religious beliefs required that their designs be undecorated, so their furniture was made with slender shaped spindles, woven seats and legs without a separate foot. No veneer was used and turned wooden knobs, not metal ones, were used as hardware. In 1970 Shaker furniture was featured in the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 70, the World’s Fair in Japan, and the old but very modern-looking furniture became popular with collectors.
There are a relatively small number of authentic Shaker-made pieces of furniture, so prices went up for a long time. But they have come down a little in the last few years. Today an average chair sells for about $700 to $900.
Q: I have a hanging lamp that reads “Patent Feb. 28th, 1905, B & H.” The globe is decorated with lilies of the valley and is 13 1/2 inches in diameter. We would like to know who made this lamp.
A: Your lamp was made in the early 1900s by Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Co. of Meriden, Conn. Nathaniel Bradley, William Bradley and Walter Hubbard founded Bradley & Hubbard in 1854. At first the company made clocks, sewing machines and call bells. Other products were gradually introduced, and by the 1860s, it was making kerosene lamps. The company was reorganized as Bradley and Hubbard Manufacturing Co. in 1875. It made clocks, andirons, iron, brass and other metalwork. Bradley & Hubbard held several lamp patents. The Feb. 28, 1905, patent on your lamp refers to a wick raiser for central-draft lamps. The company became a division of the Charles Parker Co. in 1940. Production of Bradley & Hubbard lamps ceased in the early 1950s, and the company’s buildings were torn down in 1973.
Q: I have had an old gas iron for a long time. It got its gas fuel from a hose on the wall in our apartment in Poland. I use it as a doorstop because it’s so heavy. There are no markings on it. Can you give me more information about it?
A: Before 1850, irons had to be heated on a stove or in a fireplace. Charcoal-burning irons were invented in the early 1850s. Gas irons were invented in about 1860. Some, like yours, have a rubber or metal tube that could be connected to a gas light jet or gas canister. Others had tanks that could be filled with gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or another fuel and then ignited. One early manufacturer of natural-gas irons advertised that its irons could be heated in four minutes. Keep using your iron as a doorstop. Do not try to heat it. We hear that some have exploded.
Q: Why is there a mirror on my inkstand?
A: Inkstands, common desk accessories in the 18th and 19th centuries, held a container for ink, a pen tray or holder and other items needed for writing letters. Some had a candleholder and a pounce holder or sander for fixing the ink. The candle could be used to light the page, but it was also used to melt the wax that sealed the envelopes. We’ve seen traveling inkwells with hinged mirrored lids, and recently we’ve seen some inkstands with mirrors. While travelers may have used the mirror to check their appearance, we’re not sure why some inkstands have mirrors. A mirror does increase the light a candle throws, but there may be other reasons. Perhaps our readers have other suggestions.
Q: I have six decanters from the Jim Beam Collector’s Edition, Volume V. The bottles are decorated with copies of famous works of art by Manet, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. One bottle has been opened. They are all in their original boxes. I’m interested in finding out the value of these decanters.
A: Jim Beam Collector’s Edition decanters were made from 1966 to 1986. Your set, Volume V, was issued in 1970. The first decanters sold for $5.95. They have not gained in value through the years. Any Collector’s Edition decanter currently sells for $5 or less. A set of all six Volume V decanters, with original boxes and matching glasses, recently sold for under $30.
Q: We have an Oriental folding fan given to us by a relative in Italy who was an international antiques dealer. Unfortunately, he died before we could ask him anything about the fan. We would like to know when it was made and what it’s worth. It has silvered and pierced ivory sticks and silvered ivory guards (edges). The leaf is decorated with flowers and birds.
A: Your fan was more than likely not made in Asia. The description you give matches closely the types of fans made in France, Italy or England at the end of the 18th century or the beginning of the 19th. Fans with floral designs are not as valuable as those decorated with scenes, but your fan could still be worth close to $300. The value also depends on its condition and the material the leaf is made of (the leaf is the fabric or paper that forms the upper part of a folding fan).
Tip: During World War II, metal buttons were often made of a nickel alloy that’s silver-colored and soft. The alloy does not tarnish. Clean the buttons by simply rubbing them with a soft cloth. Closely examine any glass or plastic decorations, including rhinestones. The glue holding rhinestones or other decorations eventually shrinks, so the decorations may have to be re-glued.
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 email 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.
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.
Ted Kennedy teddy bear, plush, vinyl face, tag reads “Teddy Bear 1980, A Unique Collectable,” Wes Soderstrom, 17 inches, $85.
Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan umbrella, white and pink cotton shade with images of Charlie and Jackie from 1921 movie “The Kid,” metal staves, 1920s, 24 inches, $175.
Tom Mix siren ring, Ralston cereal premium, instruction sheet, mailer and 16-page secret manual with Mix’s life story, 1944, $230.
Victorian beaver-skin top hat, grosgrain ribbon around crown, air vent at top, Young Bros. label, size 8, $235.
Heubach figurine, dancing girl, blond hair, wearing pale turquoise pleated dress, white lace bodice, marked, circa 1900, 6 1/4 x 4 inches, $250.
Toothbrush holder, celluloid, advertising Square Cut Rate Store, Harrisburg, Pa., black-and-white image of little boy and girl on scooter, cream ground, 2 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches, $330.
Georg Jensen sterling-silver carving set, Acorn pattern, stainless-steel fork tines and knife blade, c. 1933, fork 11 1/4 inches, knife 14 1/2 inches, $860.
Contemporary daybed, raised padded ends, conforming bolsters, tapering circular legs, silk upholstery in Scalamandre Yang Tze pattern, 24 x 85 inches, $2,700.
New! The Kovels.com Premium website is up and running. In addition to accessing 750,000 free prices for antiques and collectibles, many with photographs, Premium subscribers will find a dictionary of marks for silver and another for ceramics, both with pictured marks and company histories. Premium membership also includes a subscription to the digital edition of our newsletter, “Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles,” and its archives, where you’ll find articles about almost anything you might collect. Up-to-date information for the savvy collector. Go to Kovels.com and click on “Subscriptions” for more information.
The National Park Service will restore Teddy Roosevelt’s home, Sagamore Hill. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
OYSTER BAY, N.Y. (AP) – Theodore Roosevelt had a lot of stuff.
There’s the massive head of a 2,000-pound African cape buffalo hanging over a fireplace near the front entrance of his home, Sagamore Hill, on the north shore of Long Island. Next to a large desk in the North Room sits a wastepaper basket made from the hollowed foot of an elephant. Nearby, there’s an inkwell crafted from part of a rhino. More than four dozen rugs made from bearskins and other creatures taken down by the noted big game hunter adorn nearly every room.
There are 8,000 books, and thousands of items from flags to furniture, busts to baubles and medals to mementoes.
Everything must go.
The entire contents of Sagamore Hill are being packed up and put in storage as the National Park Service prepares for a three-year, $6.2 million renovation of the 28-room, Queen Anne Shingle-style mansion in Oyster Bay. The 26th president of the United States, who had the home built for him in 1885, lived there until his death in 1919. He used Sagamore Hill as a “summer White House” during his presidency from 1901-1909.
Workers have already spent nine months packing books and other smaller items into boxes, using special care to catalog every one and place it on a computer spreadsheet. The three-story home has 15 bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as sitting rooms and offices. It sits on nearly 83 acres high atop a hill overlooking an inlet that leads to Long Island Sound.
Sagamore Hill, which sees about 50,000 visitors annually, closes to the public on Dec. 5 so craftspeople can begin the heavy lifting in earnest to rehabilitate the home that hasn’t seen any major renovations in more than a half century. A much smaller display of Roosevelt memorabilia—including his White House china—will remain on display in a smaller building on the property throughout the three-year project.
Plans call for upgrades to the electrical, heating, security and fire suppression systems throughout the home, which has been a National Park Service historic site since the early 1960s. Exterior work will include a new roof, gutter and drainage system, foundation waterproofing, and restoration of 78 historic windows, doors, porches and siding.
Also to be restored are Sagamore Hill’s original rear porch and a skylight in the center of the house, both of which were altered or removed in the 1950s when the Theodore Roosevelt Association owned the property and first opened it to public visits. The association ran Sagamore Hill for about a decade before the National Park Service took over in 1962—a somewhat fitting custodian for the home of the man who championed the creation of the national park system.
“Theodore Roosevelt’s house is like anybody else’s house,” said Amy Verone, chief of cultural resources at Sagamore Hill. She joked, however, that not everyone tackling a renovation project in their home has to contend with finding a place for 10-foot elephant tusks adorned with silver inlays.
“You should replace your furnace system, you should update your electrical system, you should do all those kinds of things,” Verone said. “But in order to facilitate that work, we have to empty the house, because the artifacts are historic. We can’t just run out and buy a new one if we drop or break something.”
National Park officials at Sagamore Hill first talked of rehabilitating the mansion in the late 1990s, competing for finances with other park projects across the country. Finally, funding was awarded in 2008, and after three years of planning, actual construction is set to begin next spring.
Although officials have consulted with museum experts—including someone at the Smithsonian Institution who advised on the care and storage of the animal skin rugs—they confess finding inspiration in many places. “We love This Old House, Verone said of the Public Broadcasting Service series on home fix-ups. “We’re always watching it for clues.”
Sagamore Hill is somewhat of a precursor to the modern concept of presidential libraries, which didn’t come into fashion until one was built for President Herbert Hoover in the 1930s, Verone said. Before that, presidents usually gave their official papers to the Library of Congress, as was the case with Roosevelt, although his personal papers went to Harvard, his alma mater, she said.
The first national historic site was designated in the 19th century when volunteers worked to rehabilitate George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon after it had fallen into disrepair. Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello and several locations associated with Abraham Lincoln are among the other sites. Most former presidents are remembered in some way, either by private associations, the park service or state-run programs, she said.
Roosevelt’s birthplace in Manhattan, the site where he was inaugurated in Buffalo after the assassination of William McKinley, a national park in North Dakota and a small island in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., are also historic sites operated by the Park Service. Sagamore Hill superintendent Tom Ross said “TR” also has a “home” at Mount Rushmore.
Sagamore Hill, Ross said, “is a priceless, irreplaceable resource.” He said the preservation is important “so that we can preserve the history and heritage and share it with future generations.”
Verone said visitors to Sagamore Hill learn that Roosevelt tackled many of the same problems the country faces today. “What kind of country will we be? A place like Sagamore Hill helps remind the public of that.
“These aren’t new problems; these are conversations we’ve been having for 100 years.”
Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
AP-WF-11-26-11 2308GMT
ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE
The National Park Service will restore Teddy Roosevelt’s home, Sagamore Hill. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
