Skip to content
Unusually small is this Simon Willard tall clock from the late 1700s standing just 86 inches high. It has a $30,000-$50,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.

Skinner’s March 7 Americana auction lists Bradford ship portrait

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

Unusually small is this Simon Willard tall clock from the late 1700s standing just 86 inches high. It has a $30,000-$50,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.
Unusually small is this Simon Willard tall clock from the late 1700s standing just 86 inches high. It has a $30,000-$50,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.
BOSTON –Skinner’s semi-annual auction of American Furniture and Decorative Arts on March 7 will feature perhaps the most extensive collection of mocha utilitarian pottery ever offered at the auction house in a single sale.

The sale kicks off at 11 a.m. Eastern in the Boston gallery located at 63 Park Plaza and is comprised of 667 lots of material. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.

Also offered in the upcoming Americana auction are several lots of interesting tall clocks, highlighted by a Simon Willard in a classic Roxbury case. This particular clock is especially unusual due to its small size. It is estimated at $30,000-$50,000. The sale also boasts a nice group of Connecticut production clocks from the early 19th century, coming to Skinner from a discerning collector.

A hallmark of Skinner’s Americana auctions has always been prolific folk portraiture, and distinguished in this sale is Portrait of a Girl and Her Dog in a Grape Arbor by Susan Catherine Moore Waters. The painting has remained in a New Hampshire collection since it was purchased at Skinner 30 years ago. It is estimated at $8,000-$12,000. Another portrait of interest is a John Samuel Blunt work, Portrait of a Lady Wearing a Green Dress with Jewelry. While the face is very carefully rendered, the remainder of the picture was done far more quickly, but effectively. The painting, which is estimate at $15,000-$25,000 was bought by the consignor’s grandmother in 1930 and has remained in the family since.

The sale also features some particularly fine landscapes, including Overlooking the Harbor, Cohasset, Massachusetts by Frank Henry Shapleigh, most regarded for his New Hampshire scenes. The piece is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. Marine art is highlighted by William Bradford’s Portrait of the Whaleship Young Hector off Clark’s Point, New Bedford. Created early in Bradford’s career, the painting is very luminous in nature and reminiscent of Fitz Henry Lane style, from whom he was influenced. It is estimated at $60,000-$80,000. Other marine offerings include James Edward Buttersworth’s Yacht Race estimated at $15,000-$20,000 as well as a scrimshaw and whale tooth carvings.

Finally, the sale is highlighted by a pair of fire buckets from Salem, Mass. While many fire buckets have survived, few pairs have remained intact. Painting on one bucket in particular is in very good condition. The pair is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

Previews for the auction will be held March 3 from noon-5 p.m.; March 4 from noon-8 p.m., March 5 from noon-8 p.m., March 6 from noon- 5 p.m., March 7 from 8-10 a.m. In conjunction with Friday’s preview, Skinner will host an Americana gallery walk. The reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., with the gallery walk commencing at 6:30 p.m. Make reservations by calling 617-350-5400.

For details call 508-970-3000.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view Skinner’s complete catalog.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Estimates range from $200 to $1,200 for these individual pieces of distinctly decorated mocha pottery. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.
Estimates range from $200 to $1,200 for these individual pieces of distinctly decorated mocha pottery. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.

William Bradford (American, 1823-1892) painted this ‘Portrait of the Whaleship Young Hector off Clark's Point, New Bedford.’ The 20- by 30-inch oil on canvas has a $60,000-$80,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.
William Bradford (American, 1823-1892) painted this ‘Portrait of the Whaleship Young Hector off Clark’s Point, New Bedford.’ The 20- by 30-inch oil on canvas has a $60,000-$80,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.

It is unusual to find a matched pair of polychrome painted leather fire buckets. This set from Salem, Mass., has a $4,000-$6,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.
It is unusual to find a matched pair of polychrome painted leather fire buckets. This set from Salem, Mass., has a $4,000-$6,000 estimate. Image courtesy Skinner Inc.