’59 Corvette convertible tops Stevens auction at $78,775
Bidding for this 1959 Corvette convertible topped out at $78,775. Stevens Auction Co. image
ABERDEEN, Miss. – A 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible car, red with white trim and in like-new condition, sold for $78,775 at an auction held Jan. 7 by Stevens Auction Co. The car was the top earner of the 420 lots offered in a sale that featured fine items in an array of categories. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
The Corvette was a hit with bidders, who were impressed by its original 283 cubic-inch engine, four-speed transmission, hard and soft tops and red leather seats. But it wasn’t the only classic car in the auction. Also sold were a 1969 Dodge Super Bee ($14,950), a 1970 Dodge Challenger ($49,450) convertible and a 1980 Corvette coupe ($10,925) – all in excellent condition.
About 225 people attended the auction in person – remarkable considering it snowed in Mississippi that day – while another 700 bidders registered to participate online, through LiveAuctioneers.
Overall the sale was declared a huge success by Dwight Stevens, the owner of Stevens Auction Co. “This auction was an absolute must for car collectors, but it was also packed with many other items in a broad range of categories,” Stevens said.
Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.
The runner-up top lot of the sale was a pair of oversize period rococo gold mirrors with cupids, made circa 1860 and impressive at 7 feet 4 inches tall by 4 feet 10 inches wide. The pair brought $23,000.
Pair of oversize period rococo gold mirrors with cupids, circa 1860, 7 feet 4 inches tall by 4 feet 10 inches wide. Price realized: $23,000. Stevens Auction Co. image
Also, a stunning two-piece rosewood Victorian bedroom suite attributed to Pottier & Stymus, bed and dresser with bronze plaques and a bronze bust in the crest, rose to $19,550.
Rosewood bedroom suite with bronze plaque and bronze bust in the crest, made by the 19th century furniture maker Pottier & Stymus. Price realized: $19,550. Stevens Auction Co. image
Other beds included a massive gold gilded bed fit for Russian royalty, made sometime between 1650 and 1750, with king stars on the footboard, 10 feet 6 inches in height ($14,950); and a fine mahogany Empire full tester plantation bed, 8 feet 9 inches tall ($6,325).
A rare 10-saw cotton gin made circa 1905 by the Continental Gin Co. of Bridgewater, Mass., a floor model in excellent working condition, drew much bidder attention, finishing at $17,250.
Rare 10-saw cotton gin made circa 1905 by the Continental Gin Co. Price realized: $17,250. Stevens Auction Co. image
Also, a walnut rococo oval breakfast table attributed to Alexander Roux, with a nicely carved base showing fruit and grapes, 82 inches long by 65 inches wide, commanded $4,830.
Additional tables included a large rosewood rococo oval parlor table with a marble top, attributed to John H. Belter, 46 inches wide, that fetched $2,990; and a rosewood rococo white marble-top center table attributed to J. & J.W. Meeks, rectangular and 40 1/2 inches wide, garnered $1,840.
A brilliant cut glass ice-cream tray, 15 inches in diameter, was a sweet number at $6,325.
Brilliant cut class ice-cream tray, 15 inches in diameter. Price realized: $6,325. Stevens Auction Co. image
A mahogany English grandfather clock, circa 1755, with original label and works made $2,645.
A 19th century Neoclassical gilt bronze three-piece argand lamp, marked Clark, Croit & Cargill (New York), still using oil and not electrified, 25 inches tall, sold for $6,038; while a mahogany Empire parlor sofa with Lincoln drape and maroon upholstery hit $2,990.
Nineteenth century Neoclassical gilt bronze three-piece argand lamp, marked Clark, Croit & Cargill, original condition. Price realized: $6,038. Stevens Auction Co. image
A pair of circa-1875 Herter Brothers polychrome and gilt armchairs, thought to be from the estate of the late pianist-entertainer Liberace (although there is no documentation to prove this) achieved $3,450. Also, a mahogany marble-top pedestal attributed to R.J. Horner, with winged griffins, claw feet and the original finish, 31 inches tall by 19 inches deep, breezed to $1,955.
For more information contact Stevens Auction Co. at 662-369-2200 or email stevensauction@bellsouth.net.
