DENVER, Pa. – Rare Tiffany lamps and silver designs, luxury watches, exquisite gems, and decorative art of uncompromising quality adorn Morphy’s gallery in anticipation of a June 8-9 auction featuring more than 2,500 expertly curated lots. The auction will commence at 9 a.m. ET each day, with absentee and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.
Special highlight: 19th-century molded and weathervane depicting full-bodied Massasoit Indian with bow and arrow atop directional arrow – estimate $200,000-$400,000
Overseeing the luxe array of goods is a New England classic: a molded and gilded-copper weathervane (shown at top of page) depicting a full-bodied standing Massasoit Indian with a three-feather headdress, holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. Created in the late 19th century by Harris & Co., Boston, this stunning production gleams with its high percentage of original gilding. “It is unquestionably one of the best of all known original examples of an early American weathervane,” said Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions. Measuring 37½ by 36½ by 7½ inches, the stately figural vane is expected to reach $200,000-$400,000 at auction.
More than 80 lots of antique lamps will be offered, including several rare and desirable designs by Tiffany Studios. A Tiffany Daffodil table lamp with gorgeous mottled yellow flowers and green foliage exhibits some of the deepest and most outstanding colors seen in stained glass of the early 20th century. Its reticulated Pineapple body is a work of art in itself, with blow-out green glass displayed within a bronze webwork. The auction estimate is $120,000-$160,000. Another premier entry is Tiffany’s unusual stained-glass Belted Rose table lamp. Its shade is encircled by a band of vibrant pink, red and white flowers; sitting atop a patinated bronze and yellow damascene Favrile-decorated base. The pre-sale estimate is $80,000-$100,000.
The incomparable Tiffany name is behind not only dozens of wonderful lamps in the auction, but also vases and silver objets d’art. The design features on a circa-1881 Tiffany & Co., sterling silver water pitcher are perfection, from the softly hammered finish of its cylindrical body to the applied dragon, butterfly and bamboo shoot decorations. Standing 10¼ inches tall and having a total silver weight of 43ozt, this quintessential representation of the Art Nouveau aesthetic comes to auction with a $12,000-$18,000 estimate. An additional art glass selection features a broad choice, with vases and other forms by Tiffany Studios as well as Lino Tagliapietra, Daum Nancy, Loetz and Lalique.
Those who have a passion for antique ceramics will be well served with Morphy’s auction selection, which includes seldom-seen designs by Picasso (Madoura), Amphora, Grueby, Boch Freres, and other revered names. A rare and beautiful Tiffany Studios Favrile glazed pottery vase with a lemony hue and trumpet-vine motif stands 12 inches tall and is in excellent condition, free of cracks, chips or repairs. Its underside is incised ‘LCT,’ with the addition of a possible numeral ‘7.’ Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.
It is extremely uncommon for a large, original Keith Haring ceramic to reach the marketplace, so aggressive bidding is expected when a 15½-inch Haring vase covered with many of the artist’s iconic motifs crosses the auction block during Morphy’s June 9 session. Profusely decorated overall, the vessel includes depictions of Haring’s crawling baby, dancing man and other visuals in an eye-catching medley of blues, pinks and greens, accented in black. The vase is signed “K. Haring” twice under the base, alongside an encircled plus sign. With provenance from an important Scottsdale, Arizona, collection, the vase is estimated at $20,000-$30,000.
Morphy’s sales are known the world over for their presentations of luxury timepieces and fine jewelry. The June event will showcase more than 50 select wristwatches and pocket watches from some of Switzerland’s most admired brands, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Ebel and Tag Heuer. Among the top highlights is a gentlemen’s platinum A Lange & Sohne 1815 limited-edition wristwatch, Ref. 233.025. It is No. 362 of only 500 that were produced and is triple-signed and fully hallmarked. Its auction estimate is $20,000-$30,000.
A dazzling array of jewelry set with fiery diamonds and other precious gemstones awaits bidders at the June 8 session. Of superlative quality, a platinum ladies’ ring features an emerald step-cut Natural Fancy Light Yellow 6.19ct diamond set in 18K yellow gold. It is surrounded by 48 near-colorless, round, brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of 1.02cts. The pre-sale estimate is $40,000-$60,000. The perfect accompaniment is the pair of platinum earrings with two oval, VS2-clarity, brilliant-cut Natural Fancy Yellow diamonds – one in each earring, with a total weight of 6.37 carats. The earrings will be offered with a $30,000-$50,000 estimate. Both the ring and pair of earrings come with an EGL USA Colored Diamond Report, EGL USA Gem ID Card, and UGS Appraisal Report citing the value.
Fifty lots of fine coins will be auctioned, including early American examples, e.g., a 1794 Half Dollar VF35 Flowing Hair coin, $14,000-$20,000; 1803/2 $5 coin, $8,000-$10,000; and many more. There are also examples of double-die coins, which are avidly pursued in the numismatic world. A 1916 double-die obverse Buffalo nickel, graded AU58 by NGC, will be a winner for some lucky bidder at Morphy’s, whether they choose heads or tails. Estimate: $32,000-$38,000
The two-day sale also includes more than 50 vintage bronzes (including some by Carl Kauba), paintings and lithographs; antique clocks, 50+ lots of vintage cameras, a collection of Victorian sterling silver baby rattles, copper wares, and more.
Morphy’s June 8-9, 2021 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction will start at 9 a.m. ET on both days. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. For questions about any item in the sale, call 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com.
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