MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – Charleston Estate Auctions will present The Notable Private Collections Auction on June 29. The auction offers important items from a Charlotte Street residence in Charleston, a private Charleston-Paris collector, as well as, the estate of a Litchfield, Conn., antique dealer.
Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.com.
The 250-plus lots in the auction include exceptional 19th–20th century period fine art and antiques, Maitland Smith & Theodore Alexander furniture and bronzes, French post-impressionist oils, antique Japanese wood blocks, notable modern and period paintings and prints, American pottery, Waterford crystal, sterling silver by Towle, handwoven rugs, mirrors, African baskets and fine jewelry including a circa 1780 enameled necklace.
Main attractions are Lots 107 and 116: monumental Maitland Smith torch floor lamps (above) that are stunning examples of exceptional bronze work. The bronze busts of Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite are set atop mahogany Ionic-style columns, topped with bronze shell crowns, and holding up Penshell torch shades. Both lamps are working, with dimming lights, and stand more than 6 feet tall. Approximate value for the pair is $7,000- $9,000.
An original gouache on paper by Gioacchino La Pira (1839-1870) of a moonlit night on the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius erupting (below) is expected to bring $4,500-$6,500. Considered one of the best and most renowned artists of “Gouaches Napoletane,” La Pira was active mainly in the Naples area in the mid-19th century. The framed piece measures 23 by 29 inches.
Lot 93 is a 19th century Ecole Francaise oil on canvas painting depicting two washerwomen on the banks of a river. Its magnificent carved gilt wood and gesso period French Frame measures 25 3/4 by 19 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches. It is estimated at $1,100-$1,400.
Fine furniture includes a carved mahogany framed and parcel gilt leather chesterfield, part of the Theodore Alexander replica collection. It is 57 inches wide by 33 inches deep by 38 inches high. The estimate is $2,800- $3,200.
A beautiful 14K white gold diamond engagement ring that has a total carat weight of 1.19 carats is like new and carries a $8,500-$9,000 estimate. The center of the ring features a round brilliant cut 0.91-carat diamond set in a Lucita-style head.