Strawser Majolica Auctions uncovers rare pieces for March 26-27 sale
Part of the George Jones Continents series, the Africa With Lions table center comport is a rare form. It stands 11 1/2 inches high and is expected to bring $15,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions.
HATFIELD, Pa. – Many rare and desirable pieces of majolica from several estates and collections will be offered by Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions on March 26-27. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding for the two-day, 1,000-lot sale.
Strawser, will conduct the auction at Alderfer Auction Center, 501 Fairgrounds Road in Hatfield, Pa. Friday’s session will begin at 3 p.m. Eastern. Saturday’s sale will begin at 9 a.m.
“This is the finest offering of majolica we’ve have in five years. There are many rare and fine pieces in this sale,” said Strawser, an Indiana-based auctioneer who has been conducting the specialty sales for 20 years.
Included in the lineup will be high quality pieces by George Jones, Minton, Wedgwood, Holdcroft, Etruscan, Massier, Palissy and others. Oyster plates, a popular subcategory, will be available in majolica and porcelain from Minton, George Jones, Havilland and others. An added attraction is a collection of more than 150 ceramic still banks including majolica.
The most valuable items in the auction have estimates will into five figures. A Minton majolica rare form figural tea kettle in the form of a flat iron with a cat on the handle looking down upon a mouse with a carrot on the lid is expected to sell for $40,000-$50,000.
Also by Minton will be a Hare and Mallard game tureen with two rabbits and two ducks on the lid. Considered one of most difficult Minton game tureens to find, this professionally repaired (base) piece has a $30,000-$40,000 estimate.
A monumental Minton Amorini fountain modeled as a cherub seated on a rocky base strewn with seaweed and a fishing net, supporting another cherub balancing a dolphin on his shoulder, with water spout is from mouth of the dolphin, is similar to an example shown at the London International Exhibition in 1862. It stands 25 1/2 inches high and has an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.
The Friday afternoon session will include many multiple lots and numerous sets. An example of the latter is a French majolica asparagus and artichoke service including a 17-inch platter and a dozen 10-inch plates. All in nice color and detail, with rim repair to one plate, the set has a $600-$900 estimate. Most of the lots Friday have high estimates of less than $500.
For details contact Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions at 260-854-2859.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Featured in Marilyn G. Karmason and Joan B. Stacke’s book on majolica, this rare form figural tea kettle by Minton could sell for $40,000-$50,000. Image courtesy Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions.
Also pictured in Karmason and Stacke’s book is this rare Minton Hare and Mallard game tureen, which has two rabbits and two ducks the lid. The base is 18 inches in diameter. It has a $30,000-$40,000 estimate. Image courtesy Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions.
Four faces of Punch grace the Wedgwood Punch and Toby punch bowl, which has a $10,000-$15,000 estimate. Four Toby dogs support the bowl, each with clown collars and hats. With professional line repair, this rare bowl has a $15,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions.
Panels of putti depicting Earth, Wind and Fire highlight this 20-inch-high Minton jardinière, which was once exhibited at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. It has a $6,000-$9,000 estimate. Image courtesy Michael G. Strawser Majolica Auctions.
