Not quite 3 inches high, this pair of Louis XV-style occasional tables by Denis E.W. Hillman sold for $22,500. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image.
The collection encompassed a diverse selection of miniatures, dolls and accessories, ranging from antiques to modern day miniaturists’ works. Venus’ passion for collecting led to five decades of accumulating tens of thousands of items and was undoubtedly one of the largest and most profound private collections of its kind.
Interest prior to the sale suggested this area of the market had a strong following. Over 30 countries were signed up to bid in the sale in hopes to acquire something from Adell’s collection. The sale lasted 10 1/2 hours, with active participation in the room, on the phone and online. LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.
Spirited and competitive bidding continued throughout the entire auction, setting record prices. William (Bill) R. Robertson’s works were in high demand with a drafting set selling for $18,750, a rodent trap and a bird cage each achieved an astounding $13,750, while a fly rod set sold for $3,000.
A collection of miniature books published by Barbara Raheb at the Pennyweight Press was the top lot, realizing $23,750. Other highlights included: a pair of Louis XV-style occasional tables, not even 3 inches tall, by Denis E.W. Hillman, $22,500; a Queen Anne-style lady’s writing desk by Paul A. Runyon, $10,625; a George II-style secretaire bookcase by John J. Hodgson, $10,000; and a Federal-style slant-front desk by Ernie Levy, $10,000.
The sale was organized by John P. Walcher and Caroline McCarthy, both in the Hindman’s fine furniture and decorative arts department. “A new standard has been set in the miniature world for quality works of art,” said Walcher.
For more information about the auction, please contact Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at 312-280-1212.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Not quite 3 inches high, this pair of Louis XV-style occasional tables by Denis E.W. Hillman sold for $22,500. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image. A walnut cased drafting set by William R. Robertson sold for $18,750. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image. Acclaimed Miniaturist William R. Robertson built a better mousetrap. This tiny rodent trap of walnut, maple and ebonized wood captured $13,750 at the auction. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image. A complete 12-volume set of miniature Saints Calendars, 19th century, box 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. Price realized: $11,250. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image. An 18K gold punch set, after English examples, by Peter Acquisto, diameter of tray 1 7/8 inches. Price realized: $6,250. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers image.
