LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – Rago Arts and Auction Center ended the year in spectacular style with a three-day sale that totaled $3,814,469 (reflects buyer’s premium of 25 percent) for the 1,427 lots. LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.

“This weekend’s results speak to Rago’s strength with property other than the 20th century material for which David Rago is best known.” said Miriam Tucker, managing partner at Rago. “It was entirely satisfying to succeed for the Tenaglia family, whose property formed the nucleus of the auction. That property soared above its high estimate. The sales of silver from other consignors were very strong and we achieved fine prices in jewelry lots from contemporary to 19th century, Edwardian and ancient. We also sold historic firearms for the first time. Our sales grew across the board this year. The auctions that don’t feature 20th century design added $1 million in volume alone. We’re delighted and we’re accepting consignments.”

The top lot of Friday’s auction was a Tiffany & Co. Japanesque mixed metal centerpiece, estimated at $80,000-$120,000, which sold for $117,750.

Additional highlights of the silver, coins, currency and the Tony Tenaglia estate were:

• 500 – Immense Gorham “Puritan” silver coffee pot: $18,750;
• 227 – Tiffany & Co. coin silver revolving railroad cruet: $15,000;
• 236 – Japanesque sterling and mixed metal coffeepot: $13,750;
• 244 – Gorham Martele silver center bowl: $13,750;
• 556 – Georg Jensen silver Acorn flatware service: $13,750;
• 200 – Medallion silver tea /coffee service and compote: $11,875;
• 194 – Eight-piece sterling Repousse coffee service: $10,000;
• 243 – Gorham Martele .9584 silver loving cup: $9,375;
• 187 – S. Kirk & Son coin silver water urn: $8,125.

Coins and currency, Dec. 6 highlights:

• 634 – Morgan silver $1 partial set: $6,875;
• 605 – U.S. gold and silver coins: $5,313;
• 604 – 1882 $3 U.S. gold coin: $2,250;
• 616 – World royalty and prominent figures: $2,250;
• 600 – 1920 U.S. $20 gold coins: $2,000.

Estate of Tony Tenaglia, Dec. 7 highlights:

The top item of Saturday’s sale was lot 1238, a Myochin School articulated iron snake estimated at $8,000-$12,000, which sold for $195,750.

• 1238 – Myochin School iron articulated snake: $195,750;
• 1114 – Folk art figural walking stick: $38,750;
• 1091 – Evgeny Alexandrovich Lanceray cossack on horseback: $32,500;
• 1097 – Sir William Hamo Thornycroft, R.A. Teucer: $32,500;
• 1547 – Persian saber: $25,000;
• 1001– Ivory tusk and silver cigar cutter: $17,500;
• 1258 – Pair of Famille Rose monumental palace vases: $12,500;
• 1158 – After Auguste Rodin L’Eternal Printemps: $10,625;
• 1164 – Etienne-Henri Dumaige two bronze sculptures: $9,375;
• 1261a – Carpet figured with animals and calligraphic cartouches: $9,375.

Jewelry, watches, objets de vertu, gemstones Dec. 8:

• 2425 – 9.04-carat radiant cut diamond ring: $60,000;
• 2426 – 4.16-carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring: $40,625;
• 2429 – sapphire and diamond platinum bracelet: $37,500;
• 2430 – sapphire and diamond platinum necklace: $35,000;
• 2421 – 2.25-carat diamond platinum ring: $30,000;
• 2411 – French Art Deco diamond platinum strap bracelet: $28,750;
• 2078 – suite of ancient hardstone intaglio jewelry: $21,250;
• 2417 – diamond platinum fruiting vine dress clips: $18,750;
• 2420 – Art Deco diamond platinum chain: $18,750;
• 2419 – natural pearl and diamond belle epoque necklace: $17,500.

For details contact Rago Arts and Auction Center at 609-397-9374 or email info@ragoarts.com.

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

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE