Henry Miller trove, Bob Dylan master tapes headline at Guernsey’s Dec. 14

Henry Miller's 500 remarkable letters to Brenda Venue, $600,000-$800,000 at Guernsey's.

[av_heading heading=’Henry Miller trove, Bob Dylan master tapes headline at Guernsey’s Dec. 14′ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-loyh9q9d’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Jim Bunte |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-loyh9ys3′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-10pi2s0r’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-umooj2z’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-o3q77q3′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
NEW YORK — Guernsey’s returns on Thursday, December 14 with a tightly focused, 31-lot auction called Iconic Items From The 20th Century, including sports and music items, and an incredible cache of correspondence and art from famed semi-autobiographical novelist Henry Miller. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

Miller (1891-1980) is best remembered for his 1934 novel Tropic of Cancer, which caused a worldwide sensation for its focus on frank sexual subject matter. Miller changed the rules of writing by using first person for many of his works, something that would not only become his trademark but also influence generations of writers thereafter.

Central to the 16 lots associated with Miller is a series of 500 letters sent by the author to model and writer Brenda Muse, which were used as source material for her 1986 book Dear, Dear Brenda – The Love Letters of Henry Miller to Brenda Venus. Despite their 60-year age difference, Miller shares his thoughts, memories and passions (including those for Venus) throughout. The lot comes with no conveyance of copyright and is estimated at $600,000-$800,000.

Top lots in the sale are from musical pioneers and icons of the Baby Boom generation. First up are the original 1961 master recording tapes from Bob Dylan’s eponymous first album, released in 1962. Discovered and produced by John Hammond, who would go on to influence the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin and Leonard Cohen, the tapes include both released and unreleased tracks, plus his booth conversations with Dylan. The lot is estimated at $800,000-$1.2 million.

In 1968 the Beatles released The Beatles, better known as The White Album. Each double album came with a serialized embossed numbering stamp on the cover. The Guernsey’s auction includes the absolute first record, one of three created at Capitol Records’ supplier Queens Litho in New York, numbered A0000001, still factory-sealed. It was kept by a Queens Litho employee who oversaw the run, and was conveyed to the consignor in 1998, himself a respected Beatles collector and author. The double-LP is estimated at $750,000-$1 million.
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW COMPLETE CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/309154_iconic-items-from-the-20th-century/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-loyha8fd’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-mu16ja3′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-loyhac9p’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181225′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165281942_henry-miller-s-500-remarkable-letters’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-loyi7kmx’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Trove of 500 letters Henry Miller wrote to Brenda Venue, estimated at $600,000-$800,000 at Guernsey’s.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181224′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165281927_bob-dylan-original-master-tapes’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-loyi8pl7′ sc_version=’1.0′]
Original master tapes for Bob Dylan’s 1962 debut LP, estimated at $800,000-$1,200,000 at Guernsey’s.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181223′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165281926_the-beatles-factory-sealed-white-album’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-loyia51p’ sc_version=’1.0′]
The Beatles factory-sealed ‘White Album’ numbered A0000001, estimated at $750,000-$1 million at Guernsey’s.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181222′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165281916_don-larsen-perfect-game-ticket-stub’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-loyibmne’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Ticket stub from New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series, estimated at $80,000-$120,000 at Guernsey’s.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181221′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165281913_coney-island-carousel-horse’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-loyick8y’ sc_version=’1.0′]
1915 Charles Carmel Coney Island carousel horse, estimated at $8,000-$10,000 at Guernsey’s.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-i6wbvrv’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-a2zdp0b’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_textblock]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-5hlmzmj’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Rolex watches, Tiffany lamps and an Amphora Crocodile vase enliven Morphy’s Dec. 18-19 auction

[av_heading heading=’Rolex watches, Tiffany lamps and an Amphora Crocodile vase enliven Morphy’s Dec. 18-19 auction’ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpququ7j’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Jim Bunte |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqur0l9′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-urrgmbc’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-ptjpji0′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqus7wj’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
DENVER, Penn. – December is traditionally a time to decorate, entertain and display one’s best heirloom silver, crystal and other antique wares. Morphy Auctions is capturing the holiday spirit with a glittering pre-Christmas Fine & Decorative Arts Auction Monday, December 18 and Tuesday, December 19.

Those seeking the ultimate in stocking stuffers are sure to find them within the 200-plus lots of jewelry, watches and coins. Nearly two dozen Swiss wristwatches await bidders, including 12 superlative models by Rolex. A circa-2019 Oyster Perpetual 40mm Cosmograph Daytona 18K gold and stainless-steel model with a black dial has an estimate of $20,000-$25,000.

Seventy-seven lots of coins and currency will be offered. Highlights include several 19th-century $20 Gold Liberty coins and something extra special: an 1851 US $50 gold coin known as an Augustus Humbert 887, smoothed with VF details. This scarce coin has been PCGS authenticated and comes to auction with a $20,000-$30,000 estimate.

Nearly 100 art glass lamps will welcome auction guests to Morphy’s gallery. Leading the breathtaking lineup is a Tiffany Studios Peacock leaded-glass table lamp on its matching Peacock base. Both the shade and base are signed and in excellent condition and estimated at $200,000-$300,000. Another great beauty is a Tiffany Studios 18-inch Nasturtium leaded-glass table lamp. Its stunning pattern is composed of some of Tiffany’s most complex types of glass, including streamer, confetti, ripple and drapery. Both the shade and its wonderfully decorated library base are signed. In excellent condition, the lamp is estimated at $100,000-$150,000.

For many years, collectors have flocked to Morphy’s Fine & Decorative Arts sales to seek out the least common and most unusual examples of Amphora’s fantasy wares. The top lot is an extremely rare circa-1902 Amphora Crocodile vase, with all of the desired marks. It is actually a book example, appearing in Vreeland’s Monsters and Maidens: Collectors Edition, and stands 16½ inches tall. In mint condition, it is estimated at $15,000-$20,000.
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 1 CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/309295_fine-and-decorative-arts-day-1/?keyword=&page=1′ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqurbqm’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 2 CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/309299_fine-and-decorative-arts-day-2/?keyword=&page=1′ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqvp8o5′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-mr0883c’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-default’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpquricc’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181881′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165440407_rolex-cosmograph-daytona-40mm-gold-and-steel-wristwatch-w-bandp-ref-116503′ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-p1hcxx4′ sc_version=’1.0′]
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 40mm Cosmograph Daytona, estimated at $20,000-$25,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181882′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165440525_1851-50-gold-coin-re-humbert-887-smoothed-pcgs-genuine-vf-details’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-299rz08′ sc_version=’1.0′]
1851 US $50 gold coin known as an Augustus Humbert 887, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181883′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165440589_tiffany-studios-peacock-leaded-glass-table-lamp’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-fsvsf08′ sc_version=’1.0′]
Tiffany Studios Peacock leaded-glass table lamp, estimated at $200,000-$300,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181884′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165440597_tiffany-studios-18-nasturtium-leaded-glass-table-lamp’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-dprlldk’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Tiffany Studios Nasturtium leaded-glass table lamp, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181885′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/165440700_extremely-rare-amphora-crocodile-vase’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-5po6jco’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Amphora Crocodile vase, estimated at $15,000-$20,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-hbfc03c’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-10onc3c’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_textblock]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-6hxoc6w’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Elegant watches and John Lennon lithographs come to market at DuMouchelles Dec. 14-15

[av_heading heading=’Elegant watches and John Lennon lithographs come to market at DuMouchelles Dec. 14-15′ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqz61tr’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Jim Bunte |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqz6cdf’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-1icnf872′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-1dii4s72′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpqzky5i’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
DETROIT — More than 1,000 lots of fine jewelry, art and collectibles will appear in DuMouchelles’ December sale, being held Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15. The catalogs are now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

One of the sale’s star lots is a beautiful and ingenious ladies’ watch by Perret Geneve. Crafted with diamonds and 14K gold, the watch mechanism itself can be detached from the band, or by pressing a button, flip open to reveal a hidden miniature portrait within. The watch is estimated at $15,000-$25,000.

Created in 1970 as a form of ‘wedding present’ to his new wife, Yoko Ono, John Lennon compiled a collection of ‘erotic’ illustrations of his own creation and packaged them as Bag One in a satchel. They were sold through select galleries and signed and numbered by the former Beatle. DuMouchelles has one of these collections, apparently incomplete (only three of the original lithos remain), with an estimate of $4,000-$6,000.

Martime artist James Clary (1939-2018) created a major body of work during his lengthy career, with an enduring love of ships from all eras. In US-1 Racing Boat, he captures the thrill of speedboat racing, with the location of the work identified as St. Clair River near the Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario. The oil on canvas board measures 14 by 18in and is estimated at $3,000-$4,000.

French Fauvist painter Achille-Émile Othon Friesz (1879-1949) was born in Le Havre but would relocate to Paris, where he lived the majority of his life. His oil on canvas Festive Scene at a French Park measures 21.5 by 25.5in and bears all the striking use of color and realism that defines Fauvism. The painting is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 1 CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/311436_december-2023-day-1/?page=1&sort=lotNumber’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-16u94r9a’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 2 CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/311483_december-2023-day-2/?page=1&sort=lotNumber’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lpr0bays’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-14mb3czi’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-x9s2zzy’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181887′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/166584860_perret-geneve-swiss-diamond-enamel-14-kt-yellow-gold-lady-s-revolving-watch-l-7-dia-15′ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lpr0l2no’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Perret Geneve diamond, enamel and 14K gold ladies’ revolving watch, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at DuMouchelles.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181891′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/166609861_john-lennon-british-1940-1980-lithographs-on-paper-1970-bag-one-h-26-w-33′ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lpr0mhoa’ sc_version=’1.0′]
John Lennon, ‘Bag One’ portfolio of lithographs, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at DuMouchelles.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181890′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/166609833_jim-clary-american-1939-2018-oil-on-canvasboard-us-1-racing-boat-h-14-w-18′ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-jru7c3i’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Jim Clary, ‘US-1 Racing Boat,’ estimated at $3,000-$4,000 at DuMouchelles.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181889′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/166609830_achille-emile-othon-friesz-french-1879-1949-oil-on-canvas-festive-scene-at-a-french-park’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-icy8jpa’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Achille-Émile Othon Friesz, ‘Festive Scene at a French Park,’ estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at DuMouchelles.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’181888′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/166609827_romare-bearden-american-1911-1988-collage-and-mixed-media-on-masonite-1971-enchanted-woman-h’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-aayy2pq’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Romare Bearden, ‘Enchanted Woman,’ estimated at $50,000-$60,000 at DuMouchelles.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-ge0oe4e’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-9xo9kce’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_textblock]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-6qc4ji6′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Neon advertising: Classic Americana that dominates auction results

[av_heading heading=’Neon advertising: Classic Americana that dominates auction results’ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lm69w8ng’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Jim Bunte |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lm6a6l8a’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-15t24t6z’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-14ut43d7′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lm6ap58b’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
Neon. Just say the word and the buzzing glow of lighted glass tubes in the night fill the imagination. Probably the definitive form of electrically powered advertising in the first part of the 20th century, neon remains a vital member of the marketing and promotional trade, more than 120 years after its discovery in London by Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers.

Neon advertising signs began to gain traction in the 1920s, and soon, every commercial enterprise looking to draw attention was installing their own neon display. By mid-century, neon was everywhere: from the wall clock in a gas station office to the marquee of the local movie theater.

As the rise of incandescent lighting began to replace neon in the postwar era, neon began to be seen as a fading icon of the past, often associated with tawdry places that had fallen into disrepair. Neon experienced a resurgence as a retro esthetic in the 1980s, and survives today both in advertising and art.

Sharp collectors began to preserve neon signs and advertising decades ago, whether architectural (e.g. an automotive dealer sign) or promotional (a neon Coca-Cola sign). Today these items are often top sellers at auctions due to rarity, design, and entertainment value.

Recent auction results show dominating returns for large-format neon advertising, particularly those intended for exterior, all-weather display. More affordable items such as clocks also continue to perform.

Browse some examples from LiveAuctioneers, and enjoy the Karla Klein Albertson article on those working to preserve our neon past.
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’SEARCH UPCOMING NEON LOTS AT LIVEAUCTIONEERS’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/search/?keyword=neon&sort=-relevance&status=online’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-z3r11jf’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’SEARCH NEON RESULTS AT LIVEAUCTIONEERS’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/search/?keyword=neon&sort=-relevance&status=archive’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lm6dokap’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-tuytz63′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-psu3txn’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178580′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/132788099_rare-john-deere-quality-farm-equipment-neon-hood-sign’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lm6bg1oh’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
John Deere Quality Farm Equipment Neon Hood Sign, sold for $107,000 ($133,750 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond Auctions in August 2022.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178581′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/135153443_outstanding-and-rare-mohawk-gasoline-porcelain-and-neon-tombstone-sign-w-native-american-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lm6bi7oa’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Mohawk Gasoline porcelain and neon tombstone sign, sold for $75,000 ($96,000 with buyer’s premium) at Morphy Auctions in September 2022.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178582′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/135153654_outstanding-drink-coca-cola-in-bottles-porcelain-neon-sign-w-double-bullnose’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lm6bk5iy’ sc_version=’1.0′]
‘Drink Coca-Cola In Bottles’ porcelain and neon double-bullnose sign, sold for $37,000 ($47,360 with buyer’s premium) at Morphy Auctions in September 2022.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178578′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/110852299_rare-and-outstanding-edsel-automobiles-porcelain-neon’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lm6bm61j’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Edsel porcelain and neon automotive dealership sign, sold for $22,000 ($28,160 with buyer’s premium) at Morphy Auctions in October 2021.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178579′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/122783992_13ft-bob-s-big-boy-double-sided-neon-sign’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-by0fhsb’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Bob’s Big Boy double-sided neon sign (13ft in length), sold for $37,000 ($44,400 with buyer’s premium) at Rockabilly Auction Company in March 2022.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-7t5gtqj’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow_full size=’no scaling’ stretch=” animation=’fade’ autoplay=’false’ interval=’5′ control_layout=’av-control-default’ src=” attachment=” attachment_size=” position=’top left’ repeat=’no-repeat’ attach=’scroll’ av_uid=’av-q0ovqq’]
[av_slide_full slide_type=’image’ id=’60383′ video=” mobile_image=” video_format=” video_ratio=” title=’Neon art lights up the night’ custom_title_size=’48’ custom_content_size=’20’ caption_pos=’caption_center’ link_apply=” link=’lightbox’ link_target=” button_label=” button_color=’light’ link1=’manually,http://’ link_target1=” button_label2=” button_color2=’light’ link2=’manually,http://’ link_target2=” font_color=’custom’ custom_title=’#ffffff’ custom_content=’#ededed’ overlay_enable=’aviaTBaviaTBoverlay_enable’ overlay_opacity=’0.1′ overlay_color=’#444444′ overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_uid=’av-olpqxe’]
BY KARLA KLEIN ALBERTSON
[/av_slide_full]
[/av_slideshow_full]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=’custom’ color=’#ffffff’ av_uid=’av-mkwncy’]

Manny, Moe and Jack, Pep Boys sign from Southern California. Image courtesy Museum of Neon Art.

[/av_textblock]

[av_section min_height=” min_height_px=’500px’ padding=’default’ shadow=’no-border-styling’ bottom_border=’no-border-styling’ id=” color=’main_color’ custom_bg=’#f2f2f2′ src=” attachment=” attachment_size=” attach=’scroll’ position=’top left’ repeat=’no-repeat’ video=” video_ratio=’16:9′ overlay_opacity=’0.5′ overlay_color=” overlay_pattern=” overlay_custom_pattern=” av_uid=’av-kj898y’]
[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=’av-align-top’ space=” margin=’0px’ margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10px,20px,10px,20px’ border=’1′ border_color=’#eaeaea’ radius=’0px’ radius_sync=’true’ background_color=’#ffffff’ src=” attachment=” attachment_size=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ av_uid=’av-ioyhwi’]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’20’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-hvfm0i’]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av_uid=’av-flkama’]

The process is simple science; the ultimate effect is magical.

[/av_textblock]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’20’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-e47n3m’]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=’16’ av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=’custom’ color=’#686868′ fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-d361ua’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
In the hands of craftsmen, neon can be formed into classic signs that lure customers like beacons in the night. In the hands of artists, tubing filled with neon and other gases becomes a glowing medium of expression for contemporary creativity.

Whether the goal is art or advertising, neon bending requires an understanding of science and technique from the outset. The best way to understand the procedure is to talk with someone who works with the gas-filled glass. David Hutson runs Neon Time in St. Charles, Mo., where he makes new signs to order and restores classic works in need of repair.

Hutson told Style Century Magazine, “As a teenager, I started collecting old signs that were coming off of buildings, as a generation of companies from the 1930s to 1950s went out of business. And I realized I wouldn’t be able to do much with my collection, unless I possessed the glass skills myself – it would be prohibitive to pay for the restoration. I did begin as a collector, but after school, I would hang out with glassworkers from that era who were about to retire. I really admired their craftsmanship and that hooked me on working with glass. So in college I took glass blowing. Not many people today have the patience to do it.”

Having gained the necessary skills, Hutson moved on from working on his own signs to taking on outside jobs: “I’m just so busy. We make neon signs for businesses, and we’re involved in a couple of restorations. We just completed the restoration of an old sign for a donut shop – it has animated blinking donuts that descend the length of the sign. It’s on Route 66 where it passes through St. Louis, and it was done in conjunction with a grant from the National Park Service.” Neon Time will work on several more restoration projects of this type in 2009.

The neon bender says he takes pride in the results. “It’s exciting to be doing this – the big-box stores and name-brand corporations are taking over America, so Mom and Pop can’t always afford to restore their old sign. With a neon sign, you get a lot of longevity for your dollar. They’re really not that expensive. To me, signs used to be part of the architecture, included in the planning at the beginning. Now a lot of businesses only last five years and the sign seems to come last. You see a lot of ads for budget signs.”

“The technique of neon has not changed in over 100 years,” said Hutson. “There are minor improvements in equipment, but the basic process is exactly the same. There is no innovation to be made because it’s all done by hand. It’s really a handcraft, it’s time consuming – that’s where the cost comes in.”

As far as the science is concerned, he said, “Inert gases when ionized all produce a different color. Neon in a clear tube gives off a reddish-orange glow when ionized. With the red-orange neon, you can use a tube that is coated with phosphorescent powder to produce orange and pink, but that’s the gamut for neon. We also use argon gas with a little bead of mercury we introduce into the tube. When that mercury is vaporized with electricity in an argon tube, it burns a soft blue in a clear tube. From there, the phosphorescent coating produces other colors in an argon mercury tube, such as white, blue, purple.”

Neon signs first appeared in France around 1910 with credit for their development going to Georges Claude and his company Claude Neon. In the 1920s, the firm sold the idea of neon advertising to a Packard auto dealership in Los Angeles, where the popularity of big bright signs quickly caught on. As Hutson indicated above, neon and argon were the most commonly used of the noble gases for commercial projects. Krypton, xenon and helium are also occasionally employed by artists.

In California, glass artist David Svenson also was inspired by the classic highway signs he saw as a young man. “I was always intrigued by the lights around me when I was growing up close to Route 66,” he recalled. “In college, I took glass blowing so I had a little of that experience. But I finally connected with a father and son who did wholesale neon. I worked with them for about three years. Many of the tube benders at this time were my dad’s age, they came out of World War II.”

Svenson continued, “I’m a neon artist and a glass artist. The glass pieces I make are processed with the gas – they’re sculptures that light up basically. I’m sculpting with hollow tubes. I do a lot of glowing lizard forms, reptiles and amphibians – the animals that are indigenous around me because I live in the high desert mountains. I’ve followed my own path, which doesn’t necessarily fit in with the modern art movement – or any movement. It’s my path and I love it.”

The artist’s works have been exhibited at the Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles.

Certain artists and sculptors have incorporated neon and other types of lighting into major artworks. Some of the best known have produced significant light compositions that have entered important museum collections and realize substantial prices in contemporary art auctions. Multifaceted artist Bruce Nauman (born 1961) has been honored with exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London. His neon sculptures include Human/Need/Desire (1983) and Double Poke in the Eye II (1985), one of his works at Carolina Nitsch Contemporary Art, which represents the artist in New York.

Dan Flavin (1933-1996) was a substantially self-taught artist, interested in working with industrial materials, who began exploring the possibilities of fluorescent lighting in the early 1960s. His installation at Richmond Hall in Houston was the final commission of French-American art collector Dominque de Menil and one of the minimalist sculptor’s last works. In May 2008, two limited edition fluorescent compostions by Flavin brought $445,000 and $1,553,000 at a Sotheby’s Contemporary Art auction in New York.

For designer Todd Sanders of Roadhouse Relics in Austin, Texas, making neon signs has proved an enjoyable way to make a living. Like anyone interested in neon, he had to learn the trade: “I apprenticed at a neon shop for three years and learned how to build signs. But now I’m more of a designer. I design the pieces, paint them and weather them. My dad, Richard Sanders, actually does the metalwork for me now, and I have someone else who bends the neon.”

“I have a wide-ranging customer base. Urban lofts have a lot of my pieces. Dynamic architecture requires dynamic art. These pieces I’ve created are considered pop art. I have people who collect my work and put it next to great paintings.”

From the time of its invention, neon advertising has been associated with automobile products, and the Austin artist has established a strong market for his work among classic car buffs. He previously took his “Speed Shop” sign and other work to the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California.

“I don’t work on the computer – I design them by sketching the signs. That’s the human element, they’re not perfect,” said Sanders. “These signs really affect people in a positive way. I’m drawn like a moth to great neon signs, whether I create them or I see a great old one that’s still working. There are survivors from the ’50s that are still going strong.”

In an unusual twist, Sanders has produced custom orders for street scenes in Hollywood films, including signs designed to reflect styles from the past.
[/av_textblock]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lm6dlklb’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’60371′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=” link=’lightbox’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-lm6disk0′ sc_version=’1.0′]
This vintage version of the classic Big Boy sign once tempted hungry travelers on old Route 40, east of St. Louis. Image courtesy David Hutson/Neon Time.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’60370′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=” link=’lightbox’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-lm6djo3y’ sc_version=’1.0′]
A restored bakery sign, circa 1947, features a glowing baker proudly showing off a cake. Image courtesy David Hutson/Neon Time.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’60375′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=” link=’lightbox’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-lm6dkdxb’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Part of the mission of the Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles is the preservation of significant local advertising works such as this animated Hofbrau restaurant sign from Oakland. Image courtesy Museum of Neon Art, Los Angeles.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’60377′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=” link=’lightbox’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-lm6dla8g’ sc_version=’1.0′]
The Museum of Neon Art preserves classic signs of the past and organizes exhibitions by contemporary artists. Courtesy Museum of Neon Art, Los Angeles, image by Tom Zimmerman.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=’16’ av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=’custom’ color=’#686868′ fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lm6dhmgr’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

MUSEUM OF NEON ART GLOWS

The Museum of Neon Art shares neon’s split personality, looking back to classic signage of the past and forward to artworks of the 21st century. The mission statement in the institution’s own words: “MONA offers an energizing, colorful and engaging experience through changing exhibits of neon art, glass and kinetic works and a premier collection of historic neon signs.”

One of the most interesting efforts is MONA’s role in the LUMENS project – Living Urban Museum of Electric and Neon Signs – which works to conserve and restore important neon signs in public settings. The museum states, “To date, MONA has restored a number of historical neon icons, including tower signs, theater marquees and rooftop signs. MONA also helped to restore a section of the famed Chinatown district neon.”

Since neon is part of every movie and memory of Los Angeles, the Museum of Neon Art also offers the Neon Cruise, a nighttime narrated bus tour around the city, which highlights important light-up signs on the street. The tour takes place from May through October.

Light fans at the other side of the country will enjoy the Neon Museum of Philadelphia, established by collector Len Davidson in 1985. The collection of over 100 vintage signs includes many treasured advertising works – Buster Brown and his dog Tige, Levi’s hot dogs and the Pontiac Indian head logo.

Thirteen of the best signs were placed on display at the Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch St., near Philadelphia’s famous Reading Terminal Market. More of the collection can be viewed in Davidson’s book, Vintage Neon, published by Schiffer and available at Amazon.com.

Iconic neon signs exist in every community, and cities that care will find a way to ensure the continued existence of these landmarks. For example, a 58-foot-tall Western Auto sign with 2,500 lightbulbs and 1,000 feet of neon dominated the nighttime sky in downtown Kansas City, Mo., throughout much of the 20th century. The company building is now lofts and condominiums, but the huge red and white sign still shines over the skyline.
[/av_textblock]

[/av_one_full]
[/av_section]

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=’av-align-top’ space=” margin=’0px’ margin_sync=’true’ padding=’80px,40px,80px,40px’ border=’1′ border_color=’#eaeaea’ radius=’0px’ radius_sync=’true’ background_color=’#ffffff’ src=” attachment=” attachment_size=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ av_uid=’av-14id4i’]
[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-9qk9tu’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

karlakleinalbertsonAbout Karla Klein Albertson

Karla Klein Albertson focuses on the decorative arts, from excavated antiquities to contemporary pop-culture icons. She holds a master’s degree in classical archaeology from Bryn Mawr College.
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’50’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-7cyzwi’]

[av_one_fifth first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ av_uid=’av-57dkmq’][/av_one_fifth]

[av_four_fifth min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ av_uid=’av-4ez72q’]
[av_sidebar widget_area=’SCM – 728×90 – footer’ av_uid=’av-2ptz8y’]
[/av_four_fifth]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-m4pt6z’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]