1887 Andrew Clemens sand bottle first among offerings at Hindman’s Oct. 4 auction

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CINCINNATI, Ohio — A top example of the sand bottle artistry of Andrew Clemens (1857-1894) is on display at Hindman’s American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction on Wednesday, October 4. The catalog is now open for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

During his short life — he died at just 37 years of age — Clemens gained national fame for his sand art, relying only on colored sand, some homemade tools and wire to arrange the intricate illustrations. He specialized in images of flags, boats, eagles and landscapes, usually with complex geometric patterns. Clemens began his career while attending the Iowa State School for the Deaf, having lost his hearing as a child from a bout of encephalitis.

Few of Clemens’ works have survived, making those that come to market exciting lots to watch. This example, commissioned by John and Margaret Leary of McGregor, Iowa, (Clemens’ hometown) dates to circa 1887 and features a sampler-style design with radiant colors. The item comes with direct provenance from the family and is estimated at $60,000-$80,000.

Born in Prussia, Severin Roesen (1815–1872) grew from humble origins to become one of the acknowledged leaders of the still life movement in 19th-century America. Roesen emigrated to the United States in 1848, earning a living by selling his paintings. His last known painting is dated 1872, and there is no historical record of him after that, interestingly.

This floral still life is dated circa 1870, near the end of his career. The painting comes with authentication by Judith Hansen O’Toole, formerly of the Westmoreland Museum, stating in part, “It should be noted that Roesen painted a much greater number of fruit pieces than floral, making the latter more rare.” The lot is estimated at $30,000-$50,000.

Bernard Barenholtz was a titan in the American toy industry, both as founder of Creative Playthings, an early educational toy company, and as a collector and author of antique toys and Americana. This unique early 20th-century bird cage, fashioned from steel sheets and wire to resemble an American riverboat, was formerly part of the Barenholtz collection. It carries an estimate of $2,000-$3,000.

View the catalog and bid now on this interesting auction at LiveAuctioneers.
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Andrew Clemens sand bottle from 1887, estimated at $60,000-$80,000 at Hindman.
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Circa-1870 Severin Roesen floral still life, estimated at $30,000-$50,000 at Hindman.
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Steamboat-form birdcage, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Hindman.
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Renaissance Revival marble-mounted, carved and laminated rosewood etagere, estimated at $10,000-$20,000 at Hindman.
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Steelcraft Pierce pedal car, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Hindman.
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Saturday Evening Post cover art tops $103K at Case auction

Detail of George E. Hughes summer beach scene, created as the cover illustration for the Aug. 2, 1952 ‘Saturday Evening Post,’ $103,700
George E. Hughes summer beach scene, created as the cover illustration for the Aug. 2, 1952 ‘Saturday Evening Post,’ $103,700
George E. Hughes summer beach scene, created as the cover illustration for the Aug. 2, 1952 ‘Saturday Evening Post,’ $103,700

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A cheerful bird’s-eye view of beachgoers by illustration artist George E. Hughes was the top seller at Case’s Summer Auction, held July 8-9, soaring to $103,700 against an $18,000-$22,000 estimate. Hughes, who lived from 1907-1990, was second only to Norman Rockwell as the most prolific artist for the Saturday Evening Post, and this oil-on-Masonite beach painting was the Post’s cover image for its August 2, 1952 issue. The anonymous buyer won it on the phone, underbid by a suitor in the saleroom and others online. The auction, featuring art from multiple Southeastern estates and private collections, attracted more than 7,500 registered bidders from more than 60 countries and achieved a 98% sell-through rate. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated through LiveAuctioneers.

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Beachy keen: Case readies 1,200-lot auction, July 8-9

Detail of George Hughes cover illustration for the August 2, 1952 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, estimated at $18,000-$22,000. Image courtesy of Case
George Hughes cover illustration for the August 2, 1952 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, estimated at $18,000-$22,000. Image courtesy of Case
George Hughes cover illustration for the August 2, 1952 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, estimated at $18,000-$22,000. Image courtesy of Case

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — 20th-century fine art provides a vivid backdrop for an array of more than 1,200 lots at Case’s Summer Auction, set for Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9. Standouts include large estate collections of fine jewelry and luxury fashion, as well as a treasure trove of flags and other Civil War Navy relics that descended from Rear Admiral John Ancrum Winslow, who commanded the USS Kearsarge to victory against the CSS Alabama. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Gallery Report: Ted Williams, Uncle Sam and a prize pumpkin made headlines in May

ATLANTA – At the beginning of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall compiles the most notable auction highlights from across the United States and the world as well. The June 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report showcases a wealth of compelling results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Kusama’s A Pumpkin (RT), $56,250, John Moran Auctioneers

A 2004 painting by Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929-), titled A Pumpkin (RT), sold for $56,250 at a California Living auction held April 11 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a 1958 Fender Stratocaster electric guitar played a sweet tune for $32,500; Edouardo Sarabia’s (b. 1976-) Painted Memories 2 from 2008 made $18,750; four topiary lounge chairs with ottoman by Richard Schultz for Knoll earned $6,500; and a circa-1980s-90s Art Deco Revival credenza settled at $5,850.

Houdini’s strait jacket, $43,200, Potter & Potter Auctions

Legendary magician Harry Houdini’s strait jacket escape, a heavy canvas jacket reinforced with leather across the neck, back, arms and waist, sold for $43,200 at a dedicated Harry Houdini event held April 8 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, Houdini’s spirit cabinet escape realized $50,400; a circa-1925 poster advertising The World Famous Houdini /Master Mystifier, commanded $11,400; and a circa-1891 tintype portrait of a young Houdini, probably taken at Coney Island, New York, reached $21,600.

John Wilkes Booth reward poster, $166,375, Nate D. Sanders Auctions

The first printing of the reward poster for the capture of John Wilkes Booth and two other conspirators in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln – issued by the War Department in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 1865, five days after President Lincoln died and six days before Booth was killed – sold for $166,375 at an auction held April 27 by Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles. The poster, originally displayed on a tree, had never been auctioned before.

Tiffany Studios Nasturtium lamp, $71,500, Woody Auction

A Tiffany Studios table lamp with a 32in Nasturtium shade sold for $71,500 in the auction of Part 2 of the Ron Blessing collection, held March 18 by Woody Auction in Douglass, Kan. Also, an R.J. Horner china cabinet in the Atlas pattern climbed to $22,000; a French cameo art glass vase marked Daum Nancy, with penguin decor, waddled off with $17,000; and a Brilliant Period Cut Glass amethyst cut to clear water pitcher attributed to Stevens and Williams brought $9,200.

Gilt Bronze Tibetan Buddha, $200,000, Briggs Auction

A gilt bronze Tibetan Buddha sold for $200,000 at a Fine Estates Auction held March 24 by Briggs Auction in Garnet Valley, Penn. It was the most ever paid for a single item at a Briggs Auction event. Also, a nearly life-size portrait of a seated beauty, titled Lorelai, changed hands for $32,000; and a pocket watch by the 18th-century Delaware clockmaker Thomas Crow earned $5,500. These sums are hammer prices, exclusive of the buyer’s premium.

German World War II machine gun, $456,000, Morphy Auctions

A German World War II Model FG-42 machine gun, Model E 1st Model, one of only about 2,000 made, sold for $456,000 at a Firearms & Militaria Auction held April 11-13 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Penn. Also, a British-made WWII silenced Sten Mark IV (SD) machine gun went for $129,000; a mid-1950s American-made Harrington & Richardson T48 (FAL) machine gun with box achieved $114,000; and a circa-2000 David McKay Brown (Scotland) 20-gauge shotgun attained $61,200.

Ted Williams’ Baseball Hall of Fame ring, $444,000, Heritage Auctions

Boston Red Sox immortal Ted Williams’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction ring, given to him upon his entry into Cooperstown on July 25, 1966, sold for $444,000 at a Spring Sports Catalog Auction held May 11-13 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a Mickey Mantle Topps rookie card from 1952, graded SGC Near Mint+ 7.5, earned $384,00, a record for the grade; and a 1916 M101-5 (blank back) Babe Ruth card also set a new record for its graded (SGC Fair 1.5) when it achieved the home-run price of $276,000.

Andrew Clemens sand bottles, $151,200, Hindman

A pair of Sweetheart sand bottles from 1883 by Andrew Clemens (1857-1894) sold for $151,200 at an American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction held March 30 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a Tiffany & Co. seven-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray made $18,000; a Baltimore Federal mahogany tall case clock realized $11,970; and a Renaissance Revival etagere attributed to John Henry Belter went to a determined bidder for $22,800.

Uncle Sam clockwork toy, $72,000, Bertoia Auctions

An Ives (USA) Uncle Sam clockwork preambulator, one of two known, sold for $72,000 at a Spring Signature Sale held March 24-25 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, N.J. Also, an oversized Ives horse-drawn fire hose reel in pristine condition went for $14,400; a Kenton Speed Truck, the largest of its series, rolled away with $16,800; and a Kyser & Rex (USA) Chimpanzee cast-iron mechanical bank brought $34,800.

George Washington-owned book, $441,000, Freeman’s

A volume from the personal library of George Washington, titled The Transactions of the Royal Humane Society, a first edition copy given to Washington during his second presidential term by physician Dr. John Coakley Lettsom and featuring Washington’s bold signature at the top of the half-title page, sold for $441,000 at a Books and Manuscripts auction held May 3 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. In addition, a 1787 land grant signed by Benjamin Franklin finished at $17,640.

1854 US $1 coin, $91,062, Legend Rare Coin Auctions

An 1854 US $1 coin, graded MS65 CAC, sold for $91,062 at the Central States Numismatic Society’s 84th Anniversary Convention held April 27 in Schaumburg, Illinois by Legend Rare Coin Auctions, based in Red Bank, N.J. Also, an 1837 US $2.50 coin, graded MS65 CAC, went for $88,125; a 1942-S US 50-cent coin, graded MS 67 CAC, hit $70,500; a 1935-S US 50-cent coin, MS 67 CAC, brought $67,562; and a 1795 US 1-cent coin, PCGS MS 65 BN CAC, made $61,687.

Jefferson Davis revolver, $470,000, Rock Island Auction Company

The Jefferson Davis surrender Beaumont-Adams double action revolver, one of the most important war trophies of the Civil War, sold for $470,000 at Premier Firearms Auction #88, held May 19-21 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Ill. Also, the engraved gold and Winchester Model 1895 belonging to Zane Grey realized $440,625; a Krieghoff FH42 Type 1 changed hands for $411,250; and the cased Colt 1861 Navy revolver presented to Capt. George Williams rose to $258,500.

Circa-1820 Armoire Crocodile, CA$29,500, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A circa-1820 Quebec armoire in a strong alligatored yellow paint that earned it the family nickname “Armoire Crocodile” sold for $29,500 at the sale of the Belzile collection held in Quebec, Canada by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg. Also, a Louis XIII armchair in old green paint realized $21,240, and an 18th-century Quebec pine armoire with four Louis XIV hourglass-shaped panels won $17,700.

Kurt Cobain Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, $595,000, Julien’s Auctions

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s Nevermind smashed and signed black Fender Stratocaster electric guitar sold for $595,900 at a Music Icons auction held May 19-20 by Julien’s Auctions in New York City. Also, Bono’s 2002 U2 stage-played Gretsch Irish Falcon electric guitar achieved $238,125; Eddie Van Halen’s 2004 Charvel EVH Art Series 78 electric guitar settled at $114,300; and Michael Jackson’s Dangerous world tour jacket made $117,000.

Xavier de Charlevoix account, $5,700, Old World Auction

F. Xavier de Charlevoix’s Histoire et Description de la Nouvelle France – an account of French possessions in colonial North America, featuring 28 maps – sold for $5,700 in an online auction held April 12-26 by Old World Auctions in Richmond, Va. Also, The New Twelve Inch British Celestial Globe by William and T.M. Bardin, composed of 12 paper gores, a brass meridian and an engraved horizon ring, realized $5,100.

Marklin toy paddle boat, $250,000, Pook & Pook

The Marklin toy paddle wheel river boat New York, in exceptional condition, sold for $250,000 at an Americana auction held May 4-5 by Pook & Pook in Downingtown, Penn. Also, an English Staffordshire slipware doll cradle dating to 1698 brought $22,500; a Berks or Montgomery County (Penn.) painted poplar shrank, a robust example of early 18th-century German furniture design, earned $81,250; and a Mifflin County (Penn.) Samuel Plank-painted box brought $45,360.

Steve Jobs-signed check, $106,985, RR Auction

An Apple Computer check signed by Steve Jobs in 1976 – the year of the company’s founding – sold for $106,985 in an online auction held April 17-May 10 by RR Auction in Boston. The check was filled out in type and signed by Jobs himself, for $175.00, payable to Crampton, Remke & Miller, Inc., a provider of business processing consulting services to high-tech companies. Also, an early 1990s NeXT business card listing Jobs as chairman and CEO brought $3,076.

1897 experimental pistol, $72,000, Cowan’s Auctions

A Bergmann Schmeisser prototype 1897 model 5 experimental pistol with holster stock sold for $72,000 at an Arms, Armor & Militaria auction held May 3-4 by Cowan’s Auctions in Cincinnati. Also, a Peter Chapman 28 gauge sidelock hammerless side-by-side shotgun with straight English stock hit the mark for $36,000; a Parker GH grade 20 gauge shotgun with 32in barrels attained $25,200; and a Japanese model 1902 Grandpa Nambu holster stock rose to $15,600.

Maurice Prendergast beach scene, $162,500, Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

A colorful oil-on-panel Boston beach scene by Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858-1924), painted circa 1907-1910, sold for $162,500 in a Spring Fine Art Auction held April 27 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Milford, Conn. Also, a circa-1880s oil on canvas by Martin Johnson Heade (American, 1819-1904), titled Vase of Red Roses, went for $125,000; and a 1904 oil on canvas by Richard Hayley Lever (American, 1876-1958) titled Sunshine in the Hills, brought $106,250.

Click to view top auction results on LiveAuctioneers: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

 

Andrew Clemens bottle, marine art top sellers at Doyle events

Detail of Andrew Clemens sand art bottle with Centennial imagery, $113,400. Images courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers
Left, Andrew Clemens sand art bottle with Centennial imagery, $113,400; Right, Alfred Thompson Bricher, ‘Cliffs off Grand Manan Island,’ $44,100. Images courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers
Left, Andrew Clemens sand art bottle with Centennial imagery, $113,400; Right, Alfred Thompson Bricher, ‘Cliffs off Grand Manan Island,’ $44,100. Images courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK – Doyle held a successful auction of American Furniture, Silver, Decorative Arts, and Folk Art on May 2, and enjoyed triumph anew the next day with its American Paintings & Prints sale on May 3. Continue reading

Silver, furniture and Andrew Clemens sand bottles ruled the day at Hindman

Gorham five-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray, $31,500
Gorham five-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray, $31,500
Gorham five-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray, $31,500

CINCINNATI – A striking selection of 18th- and 19th-century silver and furniture achieved exceptional prices during the March 30th American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction at Hindman. Queen Anne, Chippendale and Federal furniture sold for strong prices, and music players also caught the attention of bidders. Additional top lots included four Andrew Clemens sand bottles that displayed the development of the renowned artist’s craft. A painting by William B.T. Trego depicting General Custer leading his men on horseback, from the collection of the Bloomington Public Library in Bloomington, Illinois, was another important lot. For years, the painting was believed to be completely lost.

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Doyle presents American fine furniture, folk art, and decorative art, May 2

Circa-1825 classical rosewood gilt stencil decorated and painted fold-over games table, attributed to Barzilla Deming and Erastus Bulkley of New York, estimated at $20,000-$40,000. Image courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers
Circa-1825 classical rosewood gilt stencil decorated and painted fold-over games table, attributed to Barzilla Deming and Erastus Bulkley of New York, estimated at $20,000-$40,000. Image courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers
Circa-1825 classical rosewood gilt stencil decorated and painted fold-over games table, attributed to Barzilla Deming and Erastus Bulkley of New York, estimated at $20,000-$40,000. Image courtesy of Doyle and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK – Doyle will hold an American Furniture, Silver, Decorative Arts, and Folk Art auction on Tuesday, May 2, beginning at 10 am Eastern time. It features fine American furniture spanning nearly 150 years; folk art and American country furniture from several collections; nautical antiques from a prominent private collection, including a group of colorful woolwork maritime scenes; an array of American silver and decorative arts; and a selection of Chinese export porcelain. Among the sale’s varied highlights are folk portraits by William Matthew Prior, a sand art bottle by Andrew Clemens, a high chest of drawers from Salem, Massachusetts, and furniture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries attributed to accomplished American cabinetmakers and clockmakers from Baltimore to Boston. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Andrew Clemens sand bottles, American silver headline at Hindman, March 30

Pair of Andrew Clemens Sweetheart sand bottles, estimated at $60,000-$80,000
Left, pair of Andrew Clemens Sweetheart sand bottles, estimated at $60,000-$80,000; Right, 18th-century American silver tankard by Myer Myers, estimated at $15,000-$25,000
Left, pair of Andrew Clemens Sweetheart sand bottles, estimated at $60,000-$80,000; Right, 18th-century American silver tankard by Myer Myers, estimated at $15,000-$25,000

CINCINNATI – Four Andrew Clemens sand bottles spanning the artist’s career will headline Hindman’s American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction on Thursday, March 30. The bottles, spread across three lots, will be offered alongside more than 300 lots of American furniture, silver, portraiture, textiles and folk art. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Hindman celebrates sales of more than $100M in 2022

Ed Clark, ‘Creation,’ $740,000. Image courtesy of Hindman
Ed Clark, ‘Creation,’ $740,000. Image courtesy of Hindman
Ed Clark, ‘Creation,’ $740,000. Image courtesy of Hindman

CHICAGO – 2022 was a historic year for Hindman. The auction house reported more than $100 million in total sales, marking a record revenue for the second year in a row. The firm also grew significantly across the country to a total of 16 offices and presented major collections for sale. The majority of the 140 auctions in 2022 exceeded their estimates, with a 121% average sell-through rate by value and an 89% average sell-through rate by lot. More than 30 new records were set. Throughout the year, buyers from more than 70 countries competed for works.

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Gallery Report: Auction sector wraps 2022 with exceptional results

ATLANTA – At the start of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world as a whole. Please enjoy the January 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Bo Bartlett painting, $352,800, Freeman’s

A monumental 2015 painting by American artist Bo Bartlett, titled The Promised Land, sold for $352,800 during American Art Week sales held Dec. 4-6 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, William Herbert Dunton’s Grizzly Bear earned $302,400; Edward Willis Redfield’s Winter Brook brought $151,200; Robert Spencer’s Courtyard at Noon achieved $63,000; Charles Burchfield’s The Garden Path wound its way to $119,700; and Everett Shinn’s Philadelphia Docks went for $113,400.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, CA$54,870, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, Ref. 116515, with 18K Everose gold, sold for $54,870 in an online-only Luxury Watches Sale held November 19 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a circa-1988 Rolex Day-Date President watch, Ref. 18038, with an 18K gold case, made $23,600; and a circa-2001 De Grisogono Grande ladies’ watch brought $20,060. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Chanel shoulder bag, $4,062, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A classic double flap Chanel shoulder bag in black quilted lambskin calf leather with gold hardware sold for $4,062 at a Holiday Estates & Couture Auction held December 2 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, an oil painting titled Portrait of a Lady with Fan by Fernand Toussaint (French and Belgian, 1873-1956) went for $2,176; an early 20th-century Louis Vuitton steamer trunk finished at $1,920; and an etching by Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926) won $1,024.

Gold Rush-era jeans, $114,000, Holabird Western Americana Collections

Miner’s work pants recovered from the 1857 sinking of the S.S. Central America, the oldest known California Gold Rush-era jeans of their kind, possibly made by or for Levi Strauss, sold for $114,000 at auction held December 3 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, the historic brass name tag and keys from the ship’s Purser, Edward W. Hull, collected $102,300; and the lid to the oldest known Wells Fargo treasure shipment box went for $99,600.

‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag, $28,566, Hake’s Auctions

A circa-1864 ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ Civil War-era Confederate Gadsden flag sold for $28,566 at a Pop Culture auction held Nov. 15-16 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, hand-colored stat paper sheets for the 1987 ‘Marvel Masterworks’ #1 hardcover book that reprints the 1963 Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1, #1, with artwork by Steve Ditko, commanded $14,437.

Diamond Planet Robot, $33,210, Milestone Auctions

An original Yonezawa 10in tin windup Diamond Planet Robot with reproduction box sold for $33,210 at a Winter Toy Extravaganza held December 10 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Masudaya 15in battery-op Target Robot from the Gang of Five robot series, with correct dart gun and dart, brought $14,400; and a Distler 8in tin windup Directional Policeman car with comical bug-eyed driver and graphics hit $14,400.

Marklin Fidelitas clown train, $84,000, Bertoia Auctions

A Marklin Fidelitas clown train with all-original paint sold for $84,000 at a sale held Nov. 17-18 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, New Jersey. Also, a Tippco lithographed tin Santa car rolled away for $60,000; a Santa belsnickle with reindeer-drawn sleigh pull-toy, accompanied by what might be its original wooden crate realized $50,400; and a Hubley cast-iron Hill Climber motorcycle, olive green with nickel wheels, made $48,000.

Gertrude Abercrombie painting, $437,500, Hindman

A 1947 painting by Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1947), Untitled (Woman with Tethered Horse and Moon), sold for $437,500 and a new world auction record for the artist at a Post-War & Contemporary Auction held December 14 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, Subterrachial Bop Boop, a 1967 work by Gladys Nilsson (American, b. 1940-) realized $75,000; and a complete Locus portfolio, dating to 1972-1975 and made by Dorothea Rockburne (Canadian, b. 1932-), rose to $46,875.

Bird-form lamps, $63,000, Doyle

A pair of 1950s Italian ceramic bird-form lamps retailed by Beth Weissman sold for $63,000 in Day 1 of a Doyle+Design auction held Dec. 7-8 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a 1950s carved Sapele cabinet by Alexandre Noll with provenance to his estate changed hands for $44,100. Day 2 saw record prices for paintings and prints spanning the 20th century to the present day.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Smith & Wesson, $910,625, Rock Island Auction Company

A documented Col. Theodore Roosevelt Smith & Wesson No. 3 pistol sold for $910,625 at a Premier Auction held Dec. 9-11 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, a factory Cuno Helfricht Master engraved Colt Model 1877 Lightning realized $323,125, and an exhibition grade Gustave Young engraved gold Winchester Model 1866 garnered $211,500.

Molesworth-style sofa, $18,750, John Moran Auctioneers

A 21st-century New West Furniture Co. Molesworth-style sofa sold for $18,750 at an Art of the American West sale held November 16 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a circa-1890-1910 cigar store Native American figure in the style of Samuel Robb went for $18,750, and a 2012 painting by Logan Maxwell Hagege (b. 1980-), titled Dry Air, changed hands for $22,500.

Signed Marilyn Monroe photo, $300,000, Heritage Auctions

The only known photograph of Marilyn Monroe that she inscribed to Joe DiMaggio sold for $300,000 at an auction held December 1 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. It was a new auction record for a signed Monroe photograph. The picture was a publicity still taken in 1953 for the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and it was already among the most famous and coveted of Monroe’s portraits. Monroe inscribed it, “I love you Joe, Marilyn,” and it came with a signed letter from DiMaggio’s daughters Paula and Kathie.

Aaron Judge home run ball, $1.5 million, Goldin Auctions

The baseball that New York Yankees star Aaron Judge hit for his American League record 62nd home run sold for $1.5 million in an auction that began Nov. 29 and ended Dec. 18 at Goldin Auctions in Runnemede, New Jersey. The seller was Cory Youmans, who caught the ball in his glove when Judge launched it into the left field stands at Globe Life Field in Texas on Oct. 4. It was the second highest amount ever paid for a baseball at auction. The most was $3 million for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run, hit on Sept. 27, 1998.

Thurston Master Magician poster, $9,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

 A linen-mounted ‘Thurston Master Magician. Million Dollar Mystery’ broadside poster, printed in Cleveland around 1928 by Otis Lithograph Company, sold for $9,000 at a Winter Magic Auction held December 10 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a pair of Tower Bean Pattern handcuffs believed to have been worn by Harry Houdini realized $7,200, and a Silk and Water Vase magic apparatus made in Philadelphia in 1925 by Carl Brema and Sons earned $6,600.

Martha Walter painting, $27,500, Lark Mason Associates

An oil on panel by Martha Walter (American, 1875-1976), titled Coney Island on Monday Morning, sold for $27,500 at a Fine and Decorative Works of Art auction held Nov. 16-17 by Lark Mason Associates in New Braunfels, Texas. Also, a maritime painting by Henry Moret, titled Marine, finished at $78,500; a Chinese jade mounted wood table screen realized $22,500; a Roman-style marble torso of Aphrodite won $12,438; and a Qing dynasty porcelain Jue made $43,750.

Bob Dylan love letters, $669,875, RR Auction          

An archive of 42 love letters written by Bob Dylan to a high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Hewittt, sold for $669,875 in an auction that began Oct. 26 and ended Nov. 17 at RR Auction, based in Boston. Included in the archive were early drawings and photos, including one of the earliest signed Dylan photos known to exist, which realized $24,361. Another Dylan archive in the sale consisted of 24 handwritten works collectively dubbed Poems Without Titles, written while he was at college. It brought $249,563.

E.T. mechatronic model, $2.56 million, Julien’s Auctions

The original, film-used mechatronic model for the 1982 movie E.T. The Extraterrestrial sold for $2.56 million at an Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction held Dec. 17-18 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, the E.T. character maquette went for $125,000 and the Kuwahara BMX bike from film production brought $115,200; Charlton Heston’s so-called “Holy Staff” from The Ten Commandments summoned $448,000; and dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe rose to $256,000 and $224,000, respectively.

“Mean” Joe Greene jersey, $60,043, Lelands

A “Mean” Joe Greene Pittsburgh Steelers game-worn jersey from the team’s 1975 Super Bowl-winning season sold for $60,043 at a Fall Classic Auction that closed on December 10 at Lelands in Matawan, New Jersey. Also, a New York Yankees batting helmet worn by Mickey Mantle circa 1957-1958 settled at $51,868; an early 1930s Home Run Special baseball signed by Babe Ruth brought $32,497; and a Frank Robinson 1966 Orioles jersey from his MVP / Triple Crown season hit $50,400.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/