VALLEJO, Calif. – Ron Fox has been in the business of collecting and selling antique drinking vessels for most of his life. His fascination started modestly in 1971, when he decided he wanted a stein to put his pennies in. Four steins later, and all his change in its place, a passion was born.
Fox has spent the past 41 years traveling throughout Europe and across America, visiting museums and private collections, researching and photographing steins. He has amassed an amazing knowledge that puts him at the top of his field. He has given numerous lectures and appraisals for the best-known collections in the world. He is editor of PROSIT, the magazine for members of Stein Collectors International.
The Stein Collectors International 2012 Convention is being held in Annapolis, Md. Fox Auctions has been appointed the official auction for this year’s event. The auction is open to the public and all interested collectors are welcome. The Internet live bidding will be exclusively provided by LiveAuctioneers.com
This live and Internet auction is being held Aug. 14, at Lowes Hotel, Annapolis, starting at noon EDT.
This is one of the largest and most diversified auctions of Antique beer steins and other drinking vessels to come to the market in more than 50 years. Every type and manufacturer of beer steins is represented in the 452 lots of this phenomenal sale. Some of the examples are Mettlach, character, regimental, Russian enamel, military, pewter, sports themes, glass, silver, ivory, wood, faience, early stoneware, souvenir, Whites Utica, Lenox, Rookwood, Royal Vienna, Meissen, Viennese enameled silver and more.
“It is a sale not to be missed, if you have the slightest interest in antique beer steins. This is the type of sale that collectors talk about for years,” said Fox.
Some rare examples in this sale are:
– Lot 287, a Russian enameled, gilded silver tankard, Moscow, 1883, maker’s marks with imperial warrant. The cylindrical body has stylized flowers, trelliswork and scrolling foliage with pinecone finial and engraved inscriptions. Rare and in mint condition. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000.
– Lot 300, a 11-inch-tall silver tankard with hand-chased scenes of Pan. Eight bubble- shape Viennese enamel panels of cherubs and Pan on both the fabulous lid and the base. Figural silver cherub finial. Silver marks. Wonderful quality on both the enamel and hand-chased decoration. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000.
– Lot 278, an exceptionally rare basket weave stein dated 1702. It is a large wide tankard shape, made of tightly woven reed material. It has a pewter lid, base rim, top rim and handle straps. Excellent condition. Estimate: $10,000-$14,000.
For details contact Ron Fox at Fox Auctions 631-553-3841 or email Foxauctions@yahoo.com. Bidders are invited to post absentee bids early on LiveAuctioneers.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Russian enameled silver stein. Fox Auctions image. Viennese enameled stein. Fox Auctions image. Rare basket stein. Fox Auctions image.
