DAMASCUS, Va. – If walls could talk, Martin’s Tavern in Washington, DC, would be a never-ending source of tantalizing political back stories that never made it into print. Since 1933, the beloved Georgetown restaurant has been a favorite of presidents, the press corps, sports legends and visiting dignitaries. Under the watchful eye of successive generations of the Martin family, each president from Truman through George W Bush was escorted to their favorite booth or table where, on a number of occasions, history was made. It was at Martin’s Tavern that Congressman John F Kennedy proposed to future first lady Jacqueline Bouvier. LBJ was known to discuss pending legislation there with his closest advisers, and there is evidence to suggest that spies consorted at the establishment in the 1930s and ‘40s.
Tiffany glass treasures abound at Fontaine’s spring auction
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fontaine’s Auction Gallery will welcome the spring season with a two-day auction. The sessions will take place on consecutive weekends, with each sale offering 350 lots. The first session is scheduled for May 22, starting at 11 am Eastern time, and the second will occur May 29, also starting at 11 am Eastern time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Elizabeth Catlett bronzes add weight to Clars May 23 auction
On May 23, Clars Auction Gallery will offer two exceptional bronze sculptures by Modernist African-American artist, Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012) in its Jewelry, Furniture, Art, Asian Art sale. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Large group of Paul Revere silver graces Heritage May 20 sale
DALLAS – Nine lots from the Donald G. Partrick Collection by the famed American Silversmith Paul Revere Jr., highlight Heritage Auctions’ Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu auction on May 20. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Collectors toast the artful history of German beer steins
NEW YORK — German beer steins have been collected as far back as the 14th century. Newly made steins are popular souvenirs with tourists visiting German towns and cities such as Cologne, Munich, and Heidelberg. Antique and vintage ones, however, are highly prized and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Whether old or new, steins often feature images of the city they represent or local landmarks such as a castle or mountains and rivers. Others use scenes to tell a story.