Moran’s Studio Sale brings out California art March 24

Ben Abril (1923-1995, Los Angeles), ‘Angel’s Flight,’ oil on canvas. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Moran’s image

MONROVIA, Calif. – Moran’s Studio Sale on March 24 features fine and decorative art from all over the world. Ranging from the 18th century through the present, this studio sale has a little something for every taste. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Silver shines through Jasper52 decorative arts auction March 19

Art Deco six-piece French antique sterling silver tea set designed by Auguste Leroy, circa 1925, with silver-plated tray. Estimate: $9,000-$11,000. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – Exquisite sterling silver services, colorful glass, Russian enamel centerpieces, and even a Georg Jensen flatware set are among the treasures offered in an Exceptional Decorative Art & Silver auction that will be conducted online by Jasper52 on Tuesday, March 19. Bid absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers.Continue reading

Morphy’s rolls out rare signs, globes for April 3 Gas & Oil Auction

Boyce Moto Meter Authorized Service Station tin flange sign with image of young woman in Art Deco attire, lithographed sides in condition 8.75+ and 8.5, respectively. Estimate: $15,000-$25,000

DENVER, Pa. – If condition is king, then expect a red carpet to be rolled out on April 3 as Morphy’s presents a regal auction line-up of gorgeous signs, gas globes and early pumps in a 746-lot Automobilia & Petroliana Auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Barbie’s rich resume built over 60 years

This Barbie No. 2, with box, sold for $6,325 at a recent Theriault’s auction in Chicago. Image courtesy of Kovels.com

CLEVELAND – Barbie turned 60 on March 9.

Barbie creator Ruth Handler, and husband, Elliot Handler, founded Mattel Creations in 1945. She was inspired to design the Barbie doll after watching her daughter play with paper dolls. Most dolls made for children were baby dolls, not fashion models. The first Barbie was introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. This date is considered her official birthday.

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Hindman expands team; Joan Wagner to lead Midwest region

Joan Wagner. Image courtesy of Hindman LLC

CHICAGO — Hindman LLC today announced an expansion to the auction house’s growing team, including the appointment of finance industry veteran Joan Wagner as Vice President for its Midwest region and two new additions to the fine art department. Joe Stanfield has been appointed Director of Fine Art and will be based in the Chicago headquarters. Monica Brown will join the Denver location as Senior Specialist for Prints and Multiples. This growth follows Hindman’s previously announced acquisition of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (est.1982) and Cowan’s Auctions (est.1995), which together operate more salerooms than any other auction house in the country.
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‘Play It Loud’ rock instruments show debuts at the Met

Gibson Guitar Corp. (Kalamazoo, Mich.); painted by Keith Richards. Les Paul Custom electric guitar (serial no. 7 7277), 1957; painted 1968. Carved mahogany body and neck, ebony fingerboard, 24¾in. scale; black finish with hand-painted design; three patent-applied-for (PAF) humbucking pickups, three-way selector switch, two volume and two tone controls. Collection of Keith Richards. Met image

NEW YORK – The first major exhibition in an art museum dedicated entirely to the iconic instruments of rock ’n’ roll will go on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art beginning April 8.  Through more than 130 instruments dating from 1939 to 2017—played by artists such as Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Don Felder, Kim Gordon, Jimi Hendrix, James Hetfield, Wanda Jackson, Joan Jett, Lady Gaga, Steve Miller, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Kate Pierson, Elvis Presley, Prince, Keith Richards, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Eddie Van Halen, St. Vincent, Tina Weymouth and Nancy Wilson – “Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll” will explore one of the most influential artistic movements of the 20th century and the objects that made the music possible.

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