Audubon painting, 16th C. map climb to top of Swann’s Maps & Atlases sale

John Woodhouse Audubon, California Gray Squirrel, oil on canvas, circa 1853. Sold for $42,500

NEW YORK – Swann Galleries closed out 2020 with a marathon sale of Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books on Thursday, December 17. “Ninety-two percent of the 405 lots hammered down, with about a third above estimate — participation numbers which exhibit a very interested, willing, and active market for this material,” said Swann Specialist Caleb Kiffer. LiveAuctioneers facilitated absentee and Internet live bidding for the sale.

Continue reading

Fine jewelry brought cheer and high prices at John Moran sale

Art Deco sapphire and diamond pendant necklace, price realized: $53,125

MONROVIA, Calif. – John Moran Auctioneers‘ December 15 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction was their biggest and brightest of the year, boasting high prices and bolstered by a roster of signed pieces and impressive gemstones. Vintage jewels from quality makers performed particularly well throughout the day, and Moran’s fielded strong bids both online and over the phone. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading