Internet bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com.
“This was a classic estate auction with exceptional property from private homes, estates and collections, priced reasonably,” said Tom Martin, who directed the sale. “That’s a formula for success. It’s also clear to me that more buyers than ever before look to Rago for beautiful traditional furnishings, carpets, silver, American, Continental, and Asian fine and decorative art. We have top-notch property in house already for the next auction in September and we are looking for more.”
Almost all categories performed well in the March 22 auction save for a somewhat disappointing showing by coins. Some of the strongest results in the auction were achieved by Asian lots, the hammer exceeding the high estimate by 37 percent overall. The top lot of the auction was Asian: a Chinese nephrite jade four-panel screen for $58,750.
Russian pieces brought spirited bidding. As a result, a Russian Imperial Porcelain Factory military plate sold at $35,000 and a Russian Imperial Glass Factory (attr.) amethyst glass beaker at $3,625.
Fine art did well overall, with several paintings and sculptures significantly exceeding their high estimates. Lot 132, a bronze and ivory sculpture of a young woman attributed to Demetre Chiparus, sold for $18,750.
The selling prices of porcelain plaques were stellar. Most hammered at or above high estimate, notably lot 71, a KPM porcelain plaque titled Solitude, which sold for $20,000. Lot 90, a pair of Meissen pate sur pate covered urns, also sold very well at $16,250.
Traditional furnishings finished close to high estimate, with several outstanding pieces, such as lot 196, a Chippendale chest of drawers for $16,250, and lot 243, a Chippendale walnut corner cabinet for $21,250.
Rugs and tapestries were also successful, finishing at high estimate. Noteworthy ephemera includes lot 615, a presidential autograph album at $27,500, and lot 616, a signed H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds first edition for $15,000, sought after by museums, bookstores and private collectors.
Rago Auctions will hold the next Great Estates Auction on Sept. 14. Consignments are now being accepted for all auctions: phone 609-397-9374 or email info@ragoarts.com.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
