Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes return to Potter and Potter with A Study in Sherlock Part II Feb. 15

First National Pictures title lobby card for the 1925 film 'The Lost World,' estimated at $5,000-$10,000 at Potter and Potter.

CHICAGO — The second wave of Robert Hess’ massive Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes collection hits the market Thursday, February 15 at Potter and Potter. The first sale in April 2023 was just a sampling of the amazing collection that Hess has amassed since the 1980s. Bidding is now available at LiveAuctioneers.

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) is best remembered for his series of Sherlock Holmes adventures, but like other working authors of the period, he would accept commissions to write from outside parties. One such work, titled Uncle Bernac, was written by Doyle as part of the Gerard Saga, which appeared in The Queen and Manchester Weekly Times. Written completely by hand and apparently with much consternation (“I am labouring heavily over that wretched little Napoleonic book. It has cost me more than any big book. I never seem to be quite key, but I must slog through it somehow”), it was completed in 1896 in both Egypt and London. The lot is estimated at $30,000-$40,000.

Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, a 1912 adventure about dinosaurs roaming the earth, would become a huge silent film hit worldwide. This first English edition, second issue of the large paper edition of the book comes with an incredibly rare dust jacket featuring a dinosaur footprint, and is noted by Potter and Potter to be the first such copy ever to appear at auction. It has an estimate of $15,000-$18,000.

First National Pictures licensed The Lost World for its 1925 adventure-romance film that is best remembered for the amazing stop-motion animation of Willis O’Brien, who would go on to animate King Kong in 1933. Potter and Potter believes this title lobby card is the only example to remain in existence, and gave it an estimate of $5,000-$10,000.

Sidney Paget (1860-1908) served as illustrator on Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes works. This dressing gown, aka bathrobe, was the inspiration for Paget’s illustrations of Holmes wearing a dressing gown in at least six illustrations (out of a total of 13 illustrations of Holmes in a dressing gown). It is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

The Sign of Four was a British motion picture released in 1932, just two years after Conan Doyle’s passing. Starring Arthur Wonter as the esteemed detective, the film is an adaptation of Doyle’s second novel, originally released in February of 1880. These two British half-sheet theatrical posters have been professional restored and present very well. Together they carry an estimate of $1,000-$2,000.

Arthur Conan Doyle's autograph manuscript of the novel 'Uncle Bernac,' which sold for $42,500 at Potter & Potter.

Arthur Conan Doyle's autograph manuscript of the novel 'Uncle Bernac,' which sold for $42,500 at Potter & Potter.

Arthur Conan Doyle, 'The Lost World,' first English edition, second issue of the large paper edition with dust jacket, estimated at $15,000-$18,000 at Potter and Potter.

Arthur Conan Doyle, 'The Lost World,' first English edition, second issue of the large paper edition with dust jacket, estimated at $15,000-$18,000 at Potter and Potter.

First National Pictures title lobby card for the 1925 film 'The Lost World,' estimated at $5,000-$10,000 at Potter and Potter.

First National Pictures title lobby card for the 1925 film 'The Lost World,' estimated at $5,000-$10,000 at Potter and Potter.

Sidney Paget’s personal dressing gown, which served as inspiration for Sherlock Holmes' gown as illustrated by Paget, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Potter and Potter.

Sidney Paget’s personal dressing gown, which served as inspiration for Sherlock Holmes' gown as illustrated by Paget, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Potter and Potter.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving proclamation and Rembrandt school painting triumphed at Sarasota

Broadside of George Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving Day proclamation, which sold for $37,000 ($47,360 with buyer’s premium) at Sarasota Estate Auction.

SARASOTA, Fla. – A printing of George Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving Day proclamation and a Rembrandt School oil sold way above their estimates at Sarasota Estate Auction. Both made five-figure sums as part of the two-day sale on January 20-21. Complete results are available at LiveAuctioneers.

Quite different from the national holiday at harvest time, Washington’s second Thanksgiving Proclamation proposed a day of celebration on February 19, 1795, after the end of the Whiskey Rebellion. The potential schism caused by a violent protest against the whiskey tax imposed in 1791 to pay down the war debt had been quashed without great bloodshed.

This proclamation was published in Gazette of the United States and Daily Evening Advertiser of Philadelphia and other newspapers on January 1, 1795, and it also was issued in several variations as a broadside by the short-lived Secretary of State Edmund Randolf, whose name appears to the very foot of the text.

This 14 by 12in copy, with some tearing to the folds, had been sent through the mail to Rev. Joseph Gosse of Sutton in Worcester County, Massachusetts, with remnants of a red candle wax seal still visible on the envelope. Estimated at $300-$600, it hammered for $37,000 ($47,360 with buyer’s premium).

Far more speculative was the lot that topped day two, a painting credited to the school of Rembrandt van Rijn. Although it is undeniably an image of the 17th-century master in his late 20s, it was not dated in the catalog. Sensing it was better than just a good 19th-century imitation, two bidders pushed it way past the $1,000-$2,000 estimate. It hammered for $49,000 ($62,720 with buyer’s premium). A clue to its provenance may be found in an old ‘Christie’s P’ stamp on the verso.

Broadside of George Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving Day proclamation, which sold for $37,000 ($47,360 with buyer’s premium) at Sarasota Estate Auction.

Broadside of George Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving Day proclamation, which sold for $37,000 ($47,360 with buyer’s premium) at Sarasota Estate Auction.

School of Rembrandt portrait, which sold for $49,000 ($62,720 with buyer’s premium) at Sarasota Estate Auction.

School of Rembrandt portrait, which sold for $49,000 ($62,720 with buyer’s premium) at Sarasota Estate Auction.

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell is editor of Auction Central News and deputy editor at Antiques Trade Gazette. He has been writing about all aspects of the art and antiques market for more than 25 years.

Tony Bennett portrait of Frank Sinatra leads our five lots to watch

Tony Bennett’s portrait of a young Frank Sinatra, estimated at $10,000-$20,000 at Regency Auction House.

Tony Bennett Portrait of Frank Sinatra

ROCKAWAY, N.J. – Anthony Dominick Benedetto – best known as Tony Bennett (1926-2023) – enjoyed one of the most remarkable and lengthy careers of any American musical artist, achieving his first hit record in 1951 with Because of You, which sat at number one on the pop charts for an astounding 10 weeks. His final release, a duet album with Lady Gaga, Love For Sale, hit the charts in 2021, when he was 95 years of age. In all, Bennett won 20 Grammy Awards and innumerable other accolades throughout his more than 70 years in the business.

As a young boy, Bennett often sang, including doing a number as a 10-year-old for the opening of the Triborough Bridge in 1934 while standing next to New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who patted him on the head in admiration for his performance. He sang while in the United States Army in World War II, as his division pushed German forces back across the Rhine and onward until VE Day in spring of 1945.

After his discharge from the Army in 1946, Bennett continued to perform wherever he could, including as a singing waiter. His first big break came when he caught the attention of Pearl Bailey, who invited him to open her show in New York. Bob Hope was in the audience, and he immediately signed Bennett to perform as part of his road shows, but insisted he rename himself ‘Tony Bennett.’ And the legend was born.

Bennett had been warned in 1951 by Columbia Records chief Mitch Miller to avoid sounding like Sinatra, so he instead focused on crooning pop songs, which later would transform into more jazz-like compositions. This lingering admonition must have affected Bennett when he created this portrait of a 1940s-era Frank Sinatra. Captured in his eternal youthful pose when he was driving an entire generation of bobby-soxers insane with his voice, the rendition of Sinatra is signed ‘Benedetto’, which the singer used as a signature on all his artworks.

The undated portrait comes to market at Regency Auction House on Tuesday, February 13 as part of its Mid-Century Modern sale. No provenance is provided, and Benedetto paintings in the market are more common than one might think, ranging wildly in value. Regency has estimated the Sinatra painting at $10,000-$20,000, so the winning bidder will be leaving a lot more than their heart in San Francisco to take this original home.

Rainbow American Brilliant Cut Glass Decanter

Rainbow American Brilliant Cut Glass decanter, estimated at $7,500-$9,500 at CriticalGlass.com.
Rainbow American Brilliant Cut Glass decanter, estimated at $7,500-$9,500 at CriticalGlass.com.Rainbow American Brilliant Cut Glass decanter, estimated at $7,500-$9,500 at CriticalGlass.com.

ATLANTA – CriticalGlass.com is a relatively new seller in the cut glass space, but judging from its recent auctions, its team has deep connections to high-end collections and has been successful in convincing collectors now is the time to bring certain pieces to market.

That must have been the case when this rainbow American Brilliant Cut Glass (ABCG) decanter came to the house’s attention. Measuring 13.5in high by 6in in diameter, this stunning example of cutting and light control almost defied explanation by superlative. Fortunately, CriticalGlass.com catalogers rose to the occasion:

Rainbow glass is perhaps the rarest of color combinations from the period, but large pieces like this decanter are hardly ever seen. And to top it all off, it’s American! This piece features such good color distinction that you can even see all 3 colors passing through a couple of the hobstars. Even more so, the neck is fully colored and fluted dividing up the colors perfectly – incredible control. This is a one-off piece and one of the rarest pieces of rainbow to ever be made.

Coming to market Saturday, February 17 as part of its initial 2024 schedule and only its eighth auction ever, CriticalGlass.com estimates the rainbow ABCG decanter at $7,500-$9,500.

‘Nude Study’ by Julien Vallou de Villeneuve

‘Nude Study’ by Julien Vallou de Villeneuve, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Heritage Auctions.
‘Nude Study’ by Julien Vallou de Villeneuve, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Heritage Auctions.

DALLAS – Not long after the invention of photography was the invention of the photographic nude. French artist Julien Vallou de Villeneuve (1795-1866), who took up the new medium in 1842 as an adjunct and aid to his graphic work, was among the first to produce such ‘academic studies’. He opened a studio in Paris in 1850 and found a ready market for ‘Etudes d’apres nature’ sold as salted paper prints from paper negatives.

This example, titled simply Nude Study, dates from circa 1853. It carries an estimate of $2,000-$3,000 as part of the sale Depth of Field: The Body Photographed at Heritage Auctions on Wednesday, February 14. Perfect for Valentine’s Day?

Hubley Ferris Wheel Mechanical Bank

Hubley Ferris Wheel mechanical bank, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Alderfer Auctions.
Hubley Ferris Wheel mechanical bank, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Alderfer Auctions.

HATFIELD, Penn. – Hubley is one of the great names in American toymaking, though it lives in the shadows of other, more prominent manufacturers such as Louis Marx & Co. The Lancaster, Pennsylvania company was founded in 1894 by John Hubley and soon released a line of cast-iron playthings that would become highly sought-after collectibles in the decades to follow.

The Hubley Ferris wheel debuted circa 1906 and featured cast-iron construction and a wind-up (clockwork) chain-driven mechanism to turn the wheel. It faded in and out of the Hubley line, then reappeared around 1930 with a mechanical bank angle. Mounted on a cast-iron base with the words Ferris Wheel Bank in gilt-relief on its base, the clockwork mechanism was hidden in the base-coin box and could be activated with the drop of a coin.

This is the rarest and most desirable version of any Hubley Ferris Wheel, far more valuable than the standard Ferris Wheel variants that can sell for as little as a few hundred dollars. Alderfer Auction has a prime example in its upcoming Mechanical Banks and Toys sale scheduled for Tuesday, February 13. In largely original condition with minor repainting and a repaired but original key that still winds the clockwork mechanism, the mechanical bank has an estimate of $4,000-$6,000.

1903 Letter from Pablo Picasso to Max Jacob

Four-page letter with sketches by Pablo Picasso, sent to his roommate and friend Max Jacob in 1903, estimated at €500,000-€800,000 ($539,915-$863,865) at Piasa.
Four-page letter with sketches by Pablo Picasso, sent to his roommate and friend Max Jacob in 1903, estimated at €500,000-€800,000 ($539,915-$863,865) at Piasa.

PARIS – Max Pellequer (1903-1973) was a French banker and businessman who early in the 20th century began to collect works from Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Raoul Dufy, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, and many others. But it was his association and friendship with Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) that placed Pellequer’s name into the art world for all time. In the 1920s, he began collecting Picasso works, and ultimately became Picasso’s business advisor, acquiring many Picasso-related items during his lifetime.

One such item is a 1903 letter from Picasso to his friend and roommate Max Jacob, who would become Picasso’s first supporter. In the letter, Picasso writes “If I can work here I’ll stay but if I see that I cannot do anything I’ll get the hell out for Paris.”

“This drawing I’m sending you in the first page is a sketch for paintings I made,” Picasso explains, before asking: “You will write often, no Farewell mi old Max. Kisses. Your brother Picasso.”

The letter is accompanied by four extraordinary drawings, including a study for hands, a woman with arms extended, and an embracing couple who served as a study for the paintings Repas frugal and Pauvre couple dans un café.

Piasa is bringing this letter and 50 other lots from the Pellequer collection to market on Thursday, February 15 in a sale titled Pablo Picasso and His Friends. The letter is estimated at €500,000-€800,000 ($539,915-$863,865).

Elegant Opulence reigns supreme live from New York Feb. 13

Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons watch, estimated at $7,000-$8,000 at Jasper52.

NEW YORK — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Jasper52 presents a finely curated Elegant Opulence sale that lives up to its billing. Packed with more than 350 lots of fine jewelry and timepieces, the sale offers something for everyone, and every budget. The catalog is now available at LiveAuctioneers, with live bidding commencing at 3 pm Eastern time on Tuesday, February 13.

Chopard is a Swiss jewelry and timepiece manufacturer with a touch of playfulness in its designs. The Happy Diamonds line of ladies’ watches features three miniature stones in a raceway around the clock face, moving with the movement of the wearer. This Icons model from Chopard’s Happy Diamonds line has an 18K case and band and three superb mobile diamonds. It carries an estimate of $7,000-$8,000.

Also featured is a Chopard Happy Diamonds gold ring boasting five mobile diamonds within an openwork setting. The ring is graced with 29 brilliant-cut diamonds that have a carat weight of 0.63. It is estimated at $4,500-$5,500.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has been building fine timepieces since 1833 from its home in Switzerland. This Reverso model in 18K gold is size M, meaning it can be worn by a man or woman. It is estimated at $13,000-$16,000.

Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons watch, estimated at $7,000-$8,000 at Jasper52.

Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons watch, estimated at $7,000-$8,000 at Jasper52.

Chopard Happy Diamonds ring, estimated at $4,500-$5,500 at Jasper52.

Chopard Happy Diamonds ring, estimated at $4,500-$5,500 at Jasper52.

Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso watch, estimated at $13,000-$16,000 at Jasper52.

Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso watch, estimated at $13,000-$16,000 at Jasper52.

ACN Staff

ACN Staff

Content bearing the byline of ACN staff has been researched and written by multiple members of the Auction Central News team.