Edison’s Light Bulbs Turn On Bidders, World’s First Sports Car Sells for $650K, and More Fresh News

Archive of Thomas Edison's lightbulbs that sold together with his laboratory keys for $64,375. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Archive of Thomas Edison’s light bulbs that sold together with the inventor’s laboratory keys for $64,375. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

 

News and updates from around the arts and auction community:

  • An archive of Thomas Edison’s lightbulbs, court evidence and the keys to his famed Menlo Park, N.J., laboratory where he invented the phonograph, sold for a combined $64,375 at a Dec. 3 auction in Dallas. The bulbs were entered as evidence when Edison sued three different companies for allegedly infringing on his patent for the incandescent bulb. [Read more from the Associated Press]
  • Regarded by many as the world’s first sport car, a 1914 Vauxhall Prince Henry Sports Torpedo sold for $655,000 in London over the weekend. In its day, it was quite a head-turner, as it could hit speeds of up to 80 m.p.h. [Read more from Yahoo! News]
  • A Pennsylvania wax museum that features the likeness of every U.S. president and first lady has closed, and the figures are headed to auction. The entire collection will be sold on Jan. 14 at the Inn of Gettysburg. [Read more from the Associated Press/Pocono Record]
  • On Thursday, a cricket bat that belonged to the 19th century’s most famous cricketer, W.G. Grace, will be auctioned on Thursday in England. The bat somehow ended up in an auction house in Canada, where it was purchased 30 years ago and has since remained in the same family. [Read more from the Daily Mirror]

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Clars to feature Asian art, huanghuali furniture in Dec. 10-11 auction

This pair of huanghuali horseshoe armchairs is expected to achieve $35,000-$55,000. The lot includes a matching tea stand. Clars Auction Gallery image
This pair of huanghuali horseshoe armchairs is expected to achieve $35,000-$55,000. The lot includes a matching tea stand. Clars Auction Gallery image

 

OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery’s Dec. 10 and 11 sale will be highlighted by extraordinary offerings in Asian art, fine jewelry and decorative art, plus impressive offerings in fine art from France and Russia. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Destinations spur interest in PBA Galleries Dec. 15 sale

Illustration from 'The Holy Land' by David Roberts. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. PBA Galleries image
Illustration from ‘The Holy Land’ by David Roberts. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. PBA Galleries image

 

SAN FRANCISCO – On Thursday, Dec. 15, PBA Galleries will offer the first edition of the monumental work The Holy Land, by David Roberts. The work is illustrated with 60 lithographed plates and 60 additional half-page lithographs. An outstanding success on its publication in 1842-43, never before had the ancient sites of Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem been portrayed on such a splendid scale with exquisite draftsmanship by Roberts. The volume is estimated to bring $15,000-$20,000. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.com.

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Contemporary bronze, jewelry, furniture top Capo Auction results

Bruce Newell, ‘Cow,’ bronze, 1994. Price realized: $5,700. Capo Auction image.
Bruce Newell, ‘Cow,’ bronze, 1994. Price realized: $5,700. Capo Auction image

 

NEW YORK – Contemporary bronze sculptures, Tiffany and other jewels, along with mid-century modern and other furniture all took the spotlight as Capo Auction Fine Art and Antiques wrapped up their sixth anniversary celebration with an auction Nov. 19. The sale was perfect example of the momentum Capo has built up in these areas, especially in jewelry and mid-century modern. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.com.

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