GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. – Stefek’s Auctioneers and Appraisers will conduct a fine silver, rare books and decorative antiques auction on March 19, which will feature numerous noteworthy items from the estate of philanthropist and conservationist Stephen M. Stackpole.
LiveAuctioneers.com will provide absentee and Internet live bidding for the auction, which will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Following a successful estate sale held at Stackpole’s expansive Grosse Pointe Shores estate, Stefek’s will offer a fine collection of antique furniture, decorative objects, sterling silver and rare books for sale on the international market.
Stephen M. Stackpole, a lifelong resident of Grosse Pointe, was a member of the prominent Alger family through his mother, Annette Shelden Stackpole. Stephen’s maternal great-grandfather was Russell A. Alger, who originally rose to prominence as a major general in the American Civil War. Following the war, Alger, among other accomplishments, served as the 20th governor of Michigan, was appointed secretary of war under President William McKinley, and served in the U.S. Senate from 1902 until his death in 1907.
Alger’s son, Russell A. Alger Jr. (Stephen’s maternal grandfather) was vice president of the Packard Motor Car Co. Like many of Detroit’s auto barons at the time, Alger Jr. built a family estate outside of Detroit, and he commissioned architect Charles A. Platt to design a grand home in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa. This villa on Lake St. Clair would eventually be donated in 1949 by the Alger family, and is now known as the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
The upcoming auction features a diverse array of Stackpole’s fine furniture, art and decorative objects, as well as his notable collection of fine silver and rare books. Highlights include a Queen Anne walnut highboy circa 1750; an English burl walnut drop-front secretary desk circa 1800; an oil painting by Daniel Huntington (American, 1816-1906); a pair of 19th century Venetian style mirrors; a Sevres porcelain tea set; a Continental silver jeweled reliquary casket; a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver tea and coffee service; an autographed Mellstock Edition of the Complete Works of Thomas Hardy in 37 volumes, and the autographed edition of the Writings of Mark Twain in 22 volumes.
Stefek’s is confident that the important items featured in its March auction will garner significant interest from local and international buyers alike.
Stefek’s invites interested buyers to come view this historical collection at its auction preview, which is scheduled for the following days:
- Friday, March 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Monday, March 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 18, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Stefek’s Auctioneers & Appraisers was established in 2008 with the goal of providing personalized service to clients while offering their items on the international market. In 2015, Stefek’s continues to fulfill its high standards of service while also focusing on the importance of sustaining the local art and auction economy.
For details about the auction, call Stefek’s Auctioneers & Appraisers at 313-881-1800 or email info@stefeksltd.com.
Stefek’s business is located at 18450 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., between Cadieux and Moross Roads.
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