OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery set a new world record on a Moorcroft for Shreve example on Sunday, Oct. 6. The circa 1905 silver overlay loving cup, executed in the Claremont pattern, was estimated to sell for $1,200 but, after highly spirited bidding from the floor, phones and Internet, the increments quickly escalated to a new world auction record, achieving $32,130. The base of the cup was numbered R’N’ 420081 and was signed “W. Moorcroft/Shreve & Co./San Francisco. ” It measured 7 1/2 inches high by 7 inches wide overall.

Internet live bidding was provided by LiveAucitoneers.com

The success of the Moorcroft for Shreve cup along with several other exceptionally strong prices contributed to the auction being the strongest October sale in the firm’s history, generating $850,000 in total sales.

There were numerous other surprises at this sale. Two Persian carpets each went for several times their high estimates. A circa 1935 Persian Tabriz rug was offered for $1,500 to $2,500 but sold for $17,850, followed by a palace-size Persian Bakhtiari carpet, circa 1930, which achieved $16,600 against its high estimate of $6,000.

Rounding out the exciting decorative arts and furnishings category was a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair, which flew past its high estimate going for $7,735, as did a Chinese Export silver handled presentation tray by Nanking, which tripled high estimate selling for $6,545.

Diamond-laden jewelry was the next category to achieve unexpected prices with an emerald cut diamond ring weighing 1.97 carats bringing $10,710 and a stunning Art Deco diamond and platinum ring featuring a single old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.92 carats selling for well over estimate at $8,330.

In the Asian offerings, several lots flew past their estimates. Highlighting this category was a Chinese mixed stone inlaid gilt lacquered wood plaque measuring 63 1/4 inches high by 32 3/4 inches wide that sold for $7,735. A pair of Chinese wood side tables reached six times their high estimate achieving $7,140, and a lovely Chinese enameled porcelain warming dish, the base with a Tonggzhi mark, followed suit selling for $6,545 against its $800 estimate.

For details on Clars’ Oct. 5-6 fine art and antiques sale, call 510-428-0100 or email info@clars.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

---

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

---