Pre-code comics bring hair-raising prices at PBA Galleries

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One of the most lurid covers of the pre-code era, ‘Weird Mysteries No. 5,’ depicts a mad scientist removing the brain from a severed head. Price realized: $19,200. PBA Galleries image

BERKELEY, Calif. – PBA Galleries announced world record-breaking results from their June 4 auction of Comic Books: Pre-Code Horror, Silver Age Marvel and Undergrounds. The sale was PBA’s inaugural comic book auction under the direction of Ivan Briggs, whose catalog showcased “the best overlooked gems in the world of comics, all the good stuff that hasn’t been vacuumed up by the big guys yet.” Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Quinn’s to launch summer auction lineup online June 27

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Wedgwood ‘Gargoyles’ Fairyland Lustre bowl designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones (British, 1881-1945), circa 1928, marked on the bottom, 3¾ x 7in, estimate $1,000-$1,500. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Quinn’s Auction Galleries will welcome the summer season with an online-only Fine & Decorative Arts Auction on Saturday, June 27, starting at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers. The sale includes a fine selection of Asian, American, European and Modern artworks, with selections by Merton Simpson, Dale Chihuly, Anton Chittussi and other noted artists. Distinctive furniture designs by Mira Nakashima also highlight the sale.

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Morphy’s June 30 auction boasts 650+ gold pocket watches, 250 with complications

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Rare and important Marius LeCoultre 18K pink gold hunter case minute repeating perpetual calendar chronograph pocket watch with moonphase and retrograde date. Signed ‘M. Le Coultre, Geneva.’ Estimate $20,000-$40,000

DENVER, Pa. – Times may change, but time never does. Whether measured by the Greenwich Royal Observatory clock in England or a bedside digital alarm clock, a day is universally considered to be a 24-hour period with 60 minutes in each hour. And as Morphy’s Tuesday, June 30 auction attests, no device keeps track of the hours and minutes quite as precisely or beautifully as an antique pocket watch. Over 650 high-quality pocket watches from a single-owner collection, including more than 250 complicated examples, are entered in the no-reserve sale, each a reflection of the era in which it was created. It is believed to be one of the largest collections of gold pocket watches ever to be offered for public sale.

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Abney triptych leads William Bunch June 30 art auction

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Nina Chanel Abney (African-American, b. 1982-), ‘Untitled (Black Soap),’ 19ft triptych, acrylic on canvas, 2007, label on verso from Kravets Wehby Gallery, N.Y. Estimate $150,000-$300,000. Bunch Auctions image

CHADDS FORD, Pa. – William Bunch Auctions’ June 30 auction of 20th and 21st century fine art draws together a remarkable selection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and media art by influential contemporary artists. The 278-lot sale is comprised exclusively of two private collections and offers an eclectic variety of American, European and South Asian works. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. No in-gallery bidding will be permitted, due to Pennsylvania’s restrictions on public gatherings.

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The Hot Bid: Washington’s lock of hair could raise $25K

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A lock of George Washington’s (1732-1799) hair, framed and encased in ornate gilt-metal locket. Two applied notes of provenance on verso indicating the hair was ‘Cut by Mrs. Oliver Wolcot (sic.) at her house 4th & Spruce Sts. Phila 1798’ for Mrs. Joseph Hopkinson.’ Hopkinson Family Archive. Estimate $15,000-$25,000. Bunch Auctions image

What you see: A lock of George Washington’s hair, taken late in 1798 in Philadelphia. William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals estimates it at $15,000 to $25,000.

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Stainless steel cars to be auctioned Labor Day weekend

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The stainless steel-bodied cars (from left) – a 1967 Lincoln Continental convertible, a 1936 Ford sedan and a 1960 Ford Thunderbird – will be sold as a single lot Labor Day Weekend. Image courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers

NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. (AP) – Stainless steel may be resistant to rust and the ravages of time, but the tangible history of Allegheny Ludlum may not be as resilient.

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Jasper52 online auction June 19 features ancient treasures

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Bamiyan glazed terra-cotta bowl, circa 12th century A.D., 5 1/8in diameter. Estimate: $1100-$1,500. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – Antiquities and ancient art from the Mediterranean, namely Egypt, the Near East and Europe, comprise a Jasper52 online auction that will be conducted Friday, June 19, at noon Eastern time. The selections consist of sculptures, amulets, figures, idols and jewelry reflecting the art and cultures of the ancient world. Bid absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers.

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Roadie’s rock ’n’ roll collection to debut at Turner auction June 27

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A 1994 poster for Bill Graham’s Rolling Stones Trick or Treat concert at the Oakland Stadium, 18½in high x 28in. Estimate $100-$200. Turner Auctions + Appraisals image

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Turner Auctions + Appraisals will present Rock ‘n’ Roll Memorabilia from a Roadie on Saturday, June 27, featuring over 130 posters and memorabilia from a man who has worked with renowned musicians like the Grateful Dead for many years. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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Swann sells Richmond Barthé sculpture for record $629K

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Richmond Barthé, ‘Feral Benga,’ cast bronze with dark brown patina, modeled in 1935. Price realized: $629,000. Swann Galleries image

NEW YORK – Swann Galleries’ sale of African American Fine Art on June 4 was met with much fanfare, despite an online-only format due to social distancing guidelines in New York City. The sale was led with an artist record for Richmond Barthé, whose cast bronze sculpture Feral Benga sold to a collector for $629,000. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Pax Romana presents ancient weaponry, coins & jewelry, June 20-21

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Rare two-part Greek bronze Chalcidian helmet, circa 500-300 BC, Classical to Alexander the Great period. High-crested crown and hinged cheek pieces. Perfect condition with beautiful patina. Estimate £15,000-£30,000

LONDON – On June 20-21, Pax Romana, the acclaimed London antiquities gallery and boutique auction house headed by Dr. Ivan Bonchev (PhD, University of Oxford), will present The King’s Sale. Traditionally a favorite with its international clientele, the blue-chip event with a royal theme is specifically focused on ancient objects that symbolize the wealth and power vested in reigning monarchs. Absentee and live online bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers. All lots are offered with no reserve and will be sold to the highest bidder at or above the starting price.

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