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Ralph and Terry Kovel’s lifetime collection lands at Rago and Toomey Nov. 1

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LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. — Highlights from the lifetime collection of American antiques and collectibles experts Ralph and Terry Kovel will come to market at Rago and Toomey & Co. on Wednesday, November 1. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

The 87-lot sale offers insight into the personal tastes of the Kovels, nationally known for their syndicated weekly newspaper column, syndicated television show and (since the 1960s) their series of price guides designed to help aspiring collectors buy right. Their folksy writing style carried over when they made the jump to television, and viewers made their show one of the most-watched programs of its type for years.

Ralph passed away in 2008 from complications of a broken hip, but Terry and her daughter Kim continue to keep the Kovels empire moving forward as part of a larger firm.

With 33 items in the auction, Ralph and Terry were clearly fans of George E. Ohr (1857-1918), the “mad potter of Biloxi,” whose work ranged from somewhat traditional to abstract and Expressionistic long before such artistic schools were in vogue, particularly in ceramics. Ohr died largely unknown, but the Kovels became his champion, and their extensive Ohr collection demonstrates his design genius. This glazed earthenware vase, dated to 1897-1900, stands 8.75in in height and features a pink glaze with sponged-on cobalt, orange, and raspberry glazes. It is estimated at $35,000-$45,000.

Three works by French Realist Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) are also included in the sale. Bonheur, both a painter and sculptor, worked in very fine realism and often at grand scale, with some paintings, such as The Horse Fair from 1855, measuring 8 by 16ft.

Much smaller but just as detailed is Taureau, a circa-1860 full-frontal view of a bull and his mighty horns. Measuring 21.25 by 16.75in, Taureau is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

R. W. Martin & Brothers, better known as “the Martin Brothers,” operated a pottery concern in London from 1873-1914. Their best-known line of pottery, known as “Wally Birds,” feature anthropomorphic designs with grinning fowl whose heads may be removed for storing pipe tobacco. Immensely popular at the time, Martinware remains a leading collectible today. The Kovels cherished this two-faced pitcher featuring impish grins on both sides. Dated 1901 and clearly signed “R. W. Martin & Bros.,” the salt-glazed stoneware jug in apparently immaculate original condition is estimated at $4,500-$6,500.
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George E. Ohr Exceptional vase, estimated at $35,000-$45,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Rosa Bonheur, ‘Taureau,’ estimated at $6,000-$8,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Martin Brothers double-face jug, estimated at $4,500-$6,500 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Taxile Doat rare and exceptional vase, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Attributed to Alexander Roux, Louis XVI Revival music-themed cabinet, estimated at $5,000-$7,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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