Gallery Report: Joan Mitchell drawing tops $1.2M at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

ATLANTA – At the start of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from around the United States and beyond. Here’s what made headlines since last month’s Gallery Report (prices include the buyer’s premium unless stated otherwise):

Joan Mitchell drawing, $1.2 million, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

A large, double sheet Untitled (Pastel) drawing from 1991 by Joan Mitchell sold more than $1.2 million at a Postwar and Contemporary Art Auction held Oct. 2 by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago. It was the highest price realized for a work on paper by the artist at auction. Also, Brazilian Light by Kenneth Noland brought $187,500; 2 Slaves #2 and White Dog 2 by Jonas Wood fetched $131,250; and Black Jack by Gene Davis changed hands for $68,000.

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Items owned by Tupac Shakur donated to Temple University

Autographed photo of Tupac Shakur, sold by Christiana Auction Gallery in August 2016. Image courtesy of Christiana Auction Gallery and LiveAuctioneers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Items owned by Tupac Shakur have been donated to Temple University, including a bullet-dented golden medallion the rapper was wearing in 1994 when he was shot five times.

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Auction Team Breker showcases 200 years of audio Nov. 9-10

Fine silver-gilt and enamel singing bird box automaton by Charles Bruguier, circa 1845
Estimate: €25,000–€30.000/$29,000–$34,800. Auction Team Breker image

COLOGNE, Germany – On Nov. 9-10, Auction Team Breker will be hosting an important auction that celebrates audio technology over the past 200 years. At the heart of the auction is the remarkable collection of the Dutch author and historian Luuk Goldhoorn, whose eye and ear for the rare and the early established him as an authority in the field of mechanical music. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Online coin auction Nov. 6 to recall Russian Empire’s history

Nicholas II 25 kopeks 1896, uncirculated. Estimate: $350-$400. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – The ruble is one of Europe’s oldest currencies, dating back 800 years. The basic monetary unit of Russia, the ruble equal to 100 kopeks. The currency derives its namesake from the Russian word “rubit,” which means to chop or hack, and originally was made from fragmented pieces of silver wire. The attractive appearance, rarity and high commercial value make Russian coins popular among numismatic collectors. More than 200 lots of antique coins from the Russian Empire are offered in a Jasper52 online auction that will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Biscuit tins: the original gift with purchase

This Rolls-Royce biscuit tin, 12 inches long, was made for William Crawford & Sons bakery. Byron Fink collection. Auction estimate: $2,500-$3,500. Photo courtesy of Bertoia’s and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK — Antique biscuit tins come in seemingly endless varieties and forms, ranging from books and vases to planes and buses. First things first, though – let’s clarify the meaning of “biscuit.” In the United States, a biscuit is soft and doughy like a dinner roll, while in the United Kingdom, a biscuit is what Americans would call a “cookie.”

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Rare glass stands out in Jeffrey Evans Americana sale Nov. 8-10

Lafayette boat-form salt in peacock green, from the Breckel Collection. Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates image

CRAWFORD, Va. – Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates will conduct its 35th semiannual Americana and Fine Antiques Auction Nov. 8-10. Consisting of a diverse range of rare and desirable material, the large sale promises to be a noteworthy event. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

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