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Mid-19th-century Emperor Maximilian cross given by Pope Pius IX, 18K gold with 12 large emeralds representing the apostles. Accompanied by letters verifying its authenticity. Est. $25,000-$30,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.

Cross given by Pope to Maximilian to sell at Kaminski’s, Oct. 30-31

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

Mid-19th-century Emperor Maximilian cross given by Pope Pius IX, 18K gold with 12 large emeralds representing the apostles. Accompanied by letters verifying its authenticity. Est. $25,000-$30,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Mid-19th-century Emperor Maximilian cross given by Pope Pius IX, 18K gold with 12 large emeralds representing the apostles. Accompanied by letters verifying its authenticity. Est. $25,000-$30,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
BOSTON – A rare Celtic cross with documented roots in the history of the Catholic Church will be one of the many highlights at Kaminski Auctions’ October Estates Auction. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding for the Oct. 30-31 sale.

The auction will also offer a wide selection of fine art, antiques and fine furnishings. The sale will take place Saturday and Sunday at Woodman’s Function Hall, State Route 133 (Main Street) in Essex, Mass. Bidding will commence at 10 a.m. Eastern on both days. Auction previews are scheduled Friday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and on the days of the sale beginning at 8 a.m.

Highlighting this exciting two-day auction is a rare mid-19th-century gold and emerald Celtic cross (est. $25,000-$30,000), which was given by Pope Pius IX to Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, who wore the piece on all state occasions. According to a series of letters that accompany the piece, this is also the same cross that Maximilian kissed and faced to the firing squad just before he was executed at Queretaro in 1867. The cross is made of 18k gold and has 12 large emeralds representing the 12 apostles and four medallions representing the four disciples.

Among a wide selection of important fine art offerings is a painting (est. $50,000-$75,000) by American artist Howard Pyle (1853-1911). The painting, a portrait of 13th- century English philosopher Roger Bacon, is signed and dated 1900 by the artist. Pyle is best known for his numerous contributions as an illustrator for Harper’s Weekly, and for The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, which he both wrote and illustrated.

Additional fine art offerings include two paintings by Lilly Martin Spencer. The most notable of the two is a portrait of Benjamin Franklin with a young girl (est. $25,000-$35,000). Spencer was one of the most popular and widely reproduced American female genre painters in the mid-19th century. She is renowned for her domestic scenes, which depict women and children in warm and prosperous atmospheres.

A striking Gothic light fixture (est. $15,000-$25,000) is also featured. The piece, made of wrought iron and steel, is intricately detailed and four gargoyles are perched on its edges. The fixture was consigned from 20th Century Props of California, and was a featured set piece in the film Moulin Rouge.

“We’ve assembled a rare lineup of consignments from both East and West Coast estates for our October auction,” said Frank Kaminski, owner of Kaminski Auctions. “With a wonderful selection of documented historical items, fine art and antique furniture, this auction truly has something for everyone.”

For information visit www.KaminskiAuctions.com or call 978-927-2223.

 

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Howard Pyle (American, 1853-1911), ‘Portrait of Roger Bacon,’ 1900, oil on canvas, 35 1/4 inches x 20 inches. Estimate: $50,000-$75,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Howard Pyle (American, 1853-1911), ‘Portrait of Roger Bacon,’ 1900, oil on canvas, 35 1/4 inches x 20 inches. Estimate: $50,000-$75,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Mid-19th-century Emperor Maximilian cross given by Pope Pius IX, 18k gold with 12 large emeralds representing the apostles. Accompanied by letters verifying its authenticity. Est. $25,000-$30,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Mid-19th-century Emperor Maximilian cross given by Pope Pius IX, 18k gold with 12 large emeralds representing the apostles. Accompanied by letters verifying its authenticity. Est. $25,000-$30,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Gothic light fixture made of wrought iron and steel with resin gargoyles. From 20th Century Props of California. Est. $15,000-$25,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Gothic light fixture made of wrought iron and steel with resin gargoyles. From 20th Century Props of California. Est. $15,000-$25,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Lilly Martin Spencer (American, 1822-1902), portrait of Benjamin Franklin with a young girl, oil on canvas, signed, 48 inches x 36 inches sight size and 51 inches x 38 3/4 inches frame size. Est. $25,000-$35,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Lilly Martin Spencer (American, 1822-1902), portrait of Benjamin Franklin with a young girl, oil on canvas, signed, 48 inches x 36 inches sight size and 51 inches x 38 3/4 inches frame size. Est. $25,000-$35,000. Image courtesy of Kaminski Auctions.
Harry Roseland (American, 1867-1950), ‘A Penny Short,’ oil on canvas, signed ‘Harry Roseland’ lower left, 14 3/4 inches x 22 3/4 inches sight size, 29 inches x 37 inches frame size. Est. $30,000-$50,000.
Harry Roseland (American, 1867-1950), ‘A Penny Short,’ oil on canvas, signed ‘Harry Roseland’ lower left, 14 3/4 inches x 22 3/4 inches sight size, 29 inches x 37 inches frame size. Est. $30,000-$50,000.