DALLAS – A rare French commode sold for $45,000 to lead Heritage Auctions’ May 28 Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction to $1,342,485 in total sales. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
“This auction merged several notable private collections, as well as a stellar assortment of individual lots that sparked excitement,” said Karen Rigdon, Heritage Auctions silver and decorative arts director. “When that happens, results like this are possible.”
A French gilt bronze and Jasperware plaque-mounted mahogany commode à vantaux (above) after the model by Joseph Stöckel and Guillaume Benneman attributed to Francois Linke, late 19th century nearly quadrupled its high estimate to claim top-lot honors. The commode, from the collection of Virginia Cook of Dallas, Texas, has three drawers and two cabinet doors opening to six drawers, set with a porcelain plaque with classical figures, topped with white marble.
A 60-piece Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica pattern gilt silver and porcelain flatware service for 12, from an important Miami, Florida, collection more than doubled its low estimate when it brought $42,500. This was exciting while not unexpected as Flora Danica Flatware services rarely are offered at auction. The flatware service was made to accompany Royal Copenhagen’s Flora Danica porcelain service. Now in the 230th anniversary of its introduction, it is one of the oldest patterns still in production.
More than three dozen collectors made bids for a marble bust of Marie Antoinette from a private overseas collection before it finished at $35,000, nearly 12 times its high estimate.
From an important Dallas, Texas collection, a pair of fine Jean-Eugène LeClaire Neoclassical gilt bronze mounted mahogany, tulipwood, and fruitwood parquetry commodes, third quarter 19th century, found a new home at $25,000. Merging beautiful materials and rare craftsmanship, the pair has a fascinating past. The 18th century mark “JME” (Jurande des Menuisiers- Ébénistes) is struck to the top of each leg. The legs were later skillfully incorporated into the making of this pair in the 19th century; presumably by Jean-Eugene Leclaire (granted master prior to 1855), whose mark is struck to the underside.
Another lot that soared past its estimate was a Wooton Desk Co. Renaissance Revival walnut secretary with original hardware, circa 1880, which drew $23,750 against an estimate of $3,000-5,000). The secretary is crowned by a scrolling pediment with three finials, the two curve-topped doors open to a drop-front writing surface with interior postcard boxes, letter racks and drawers.
Other top lots included:
– After Carmelo Fontana, ‘Rebecca at the Well,’ circa 1870: $21,250.
– Edward Onslow Ford, portrait bust of Queen Victoria, 1898: $18,750.
– Audrey Flack Islandia, ‘Goddess of the Healing Waters,’ 1988: $17,500.
– A John Henry Belter Fountain Elms pattern carved and laminated rosewood sofa and side chair, New York, circa 1860: $16,250.
– A 58-piece Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica pattern porcelain partial table service, Denmark, 20th century: $15,000.
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View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/
