Lot 66 – Canadian oil on canvas by B.C. Cariboo artist Sonia Cornwall (1919-2006) ‘Tigerlilies in Woods.’ Start: $830 – estimate: $1,150. Mumbling Muse image.
For over 100 years and across four generations the Pappas family name has been synonymous with trading posts and auctions in North America. The first generation (Theodore Pappas I) arrived from Greece to New York in 1913 with only a pocketful of change. Working along the railroad line as a shoeshine and water boy, he eventually settling along a trade route in Prince George British Columbia.
Now fourth generation, The Mumbling Muse strives to be as unique as the items they sell and is definitely not the regular bricks-and-mortar auction house. Built on a strong foundation of family values and decades of combined experience in the trade, The Mumbling Muse has taken a 21st-century approach to the traditional auction house model.
“Even after 100 years in the trade, we are still very much a family affair,” says Alethea Pappas, founder and owner. “By abandoning the traditional auction model we have been able to maintain exceptional customer service, 0 percent buyer’s buyers premium, no ‘hidden reserves’ and low opening bids (usually at or below estate probate value) while still maintaining in-house insurance, packing and shipping services (at cost).”
The Mumbling Muse currently holds sales six times per year in an Internet-only style auction. Bidders can register at LiveAuctioneers.com to either leave an absentee/proxy bid with the system or participate live during the automated Internet-only sale.
Some of the upcoming auction highlights include:
Lot 4 – circa 1800 engraved Persian Qajar Dynasty steel war mace. Starting bid: $225.00 – estimate: $350.
Lot 46 – antique Chinese Sung Dynasty (960-1279) glazed ceramic bowl. Start: $74 – estimate $195.
Lot 61 – Japanese Meiji Period cast bronze quail sculptures. Start: $150 – estimate: $550.
Lot 68 – signed and dated 1839 William Moore Sr. oil on copper panel, The Merry Widow. Start: $375 – estimate: $1,475.
Lot 73 – antique 14K gold seed pearl and carved hard stone cameo brooch/pendant, stamped 14K. Start: $375 – estimate: $825.
Lots 89-90 – to be sold individually, two Alfred Leyman (British 1856-1933) signed watercolors – city street scene and country lane. Start: $435 – estimate: $1,095 each.
Lot 93 – large antique tripod Chinese dragon motif censer bowl, Silvered on yellow base metal. Start: $350 – estimate: $550.
Lot 96 – antique Hispano Moresque handled amphora with cobalt inscription. Start: $375 – estimate: $800.
Lot 97 – 1735-1736 ornate silver cup holder, Augsburg, Germany. Start: $80 – estimate: $175.
Lot 119 – antique patinated cast bronze lizard, circa 1900, Viennese or possibly Japanese. Start: $375 – estimate $650.
Lot 58 – Japanese Export tapestry with Continental motif, possibly Edo Period. Start: $550 – estimate: $1,500.
Lot 63 – 17th century German silver cup, Nuremburg, for the Ferrn family, circa 1650-1675. Start: $550 – estimate: $800.
Lot 66 – Canadian oil on canvas by B.C. Cariboo artist Sonia Cornwall (1919-2006) Tiger Lilies in Woods. Start: $830 – estimate: $1,150.
Lot 83 – carved cinnabar lacquer dish, Qianlong, 1736-95. Start: $950 – estimate: $1,500.
Lot 87-88 – to be sold individually, a pair of Walter J. Phillips signed woodcuts from the “Dreams of Fort Garry Series.” Starting bid: $635 – estimate: $895 each.
Lot 91 – Ottoman silver-gilt belt and buckle, period of Abdulhamid II. Starting bid: $450 – estimate: $650.
Lot 95 – Famille Bleu phoenix tureen with elephant head lugs, Guangxu Period, 1875-1908. Start: $550 – estimate: $1,200.
Lot 118 – Fantoni Firenze, Italy, metal sculpture, signed on base. Start: $450 – estimate: $750. Mumbling Muse image.
For details contact The Mumbling Muse at 604-716-9059.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Lot 66 – Canadian oil on canvas by B.C. Cariboo artist Sonia Cornwall (1919-2006) ‘Tigerlilies in Woods.’ Start: $830 – estimate: $1,150. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 58 – Japanese Export tapestry with Continental motif, possibly Edo Period. Start: $550 – estimate: $1,500. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 63 – 17th century German silver cup, Nuremburg, for the Ferrn family, circa 1650-1675. Start: $550 – estimate: $800. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 83 – Qianlong 1736-95 carved cinnabar lacquer dish. Start: $950 – estimate: $1,500. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 87-88 – to be sold individually a pair of Walter J. Phillips signed woodcuts from the ‘Dreams of Fort Garry’ series. Garden Sundal and Metis Assemble. Starting bid: $635 – estimate: $895 each. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 91 – Ottoman silver-gilt belt and buckle, period of Abdulhamid II. Starting bid: $450 – estimate: $650. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 95 – Guangxu Period, 1875-1908, Famille Bleu phoenix tureen with elephant head lugs. Start: $550 – estimate: $1,200. Mumbling Muse image. Lot 118 – Fantoni Firenze, Italy, metal sculpture, signed on Base. Start: $450 – estimate: $750. Mumbling Muse image.
