Gallery Report: Alice Baber painting sets record at John Moran

ATLANTA – At the start of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the wider world. Presented here is the October 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted otherwise.

Alice Baber painting, $187,500, John Moran Auctioneers

An original 1976 painting by Alice Baber (American, 1928-1982), titled Swirl of Sounds, The Ghost in the Banyan Tree, sold for $187,500, a new world auction record for the artist, at a Summer Modern & Contemporary Art auction held August 30 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, Ernie Barnes’s (American, 1938-2009) The Lineman, from 1968, hit $237,500; and Andy Warhol’s (American, 1928-1987) screenprint John Wayne, from his 1986 Cowboys and Indians series, a copy that had been owned by the late  actor, brought $150,000.

1952 Mickey Mantle card, $12.6 million, Heritage Auctions

A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 baseball card, graded Mint + 9.5, sold for $12.6 million at a Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction held August 27 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. It was the most ever paid for a sports collectible at auction. The card was found in 1985 by Al “Mr. Mint” Rosen, who received a call from a suburban Boston seller whose father had been a delivery driver for Topps. It changed hands several times after that, selling for $50,000 in 1991.

10 old Lincoln head pennies (one pictured), $1.1 million, GreatCollections.com

A collection of 10 century-old Lincoln head pennies in superb proof condition and all from the Philadelphia mint sold for a combined $1.113 million in an online auction that ended August 28 at GreatCollections.com, which is based in Irvine, California. One was a first-year issue Lincoln cent from 1909 with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials on the reverse. It sold for $365,625, a record price for that coin. Also, four other pennies dated between 1909 and 1915 brought more than $100,000 each.

Nyoman Gunarsa painting, $20,000, Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery

A vibrant and colorful four-panel oil on canvas panting by Nyoman Gunarsa (Indonesian, 1944-2017), titled Balinese Dancers, sold for $20,000 in an online-only Fine Estates & Collections auction held Aug. 25-27 by Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in Atlanta. Also, a pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain phoenix tail vases finished at $18,750, and an untitled paint splatter work by Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994), artist-signed, brought $18,750.

1899 Stanley Steamer vehicle, CA$44,250, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

An 1899 Stanley Stanhope Model No. 1 Locomobile vehicle, popularly known as the Stanley Steamer because of its steam engine, sold for $44,250 in an online-only Petroliana & Advertising auction held September 10 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a 1907 REO Model A five-passenger touring car chugged off for $41,300, and a prototype of the 1911 Model H REO pickup truck sped away for $35,400. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

E. S. Cooper oil painting, $18,750, Crescent City Auction Gallery

An 1888 painting by E. S. Cooper, titled Wooden Bridge in a Louisiana Bayou Landscape, sold for $18,750 at a September Select Auction held Sept. 9-10 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a 1984 felt-on-paper work by Keith Haring (American, 1958-1990), titled If You Want to See More rang up $10,000; a polished aluminum kinetic sculpture by Lin Emery, titled Petals, realized $7,500; and a 1987 Mercedes Benz 300 SDL earned $6,875.

37-star American flag from 1867, $10,625, Holabird Western Americana Collections

An American flag with 37 stars, made in 1867 upon the admission of Nebraska to the United States, sold for $10,625 at a Rush to the Rockies auction held Aug. 25-28 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a circa-1898-1908 Vota & DeHeines (Silverton, Colorado) pocket whiskey flask achieved $4,375, and a collection of around 90 Paleo points, aka arrowheads, in a wide variety of shapes and materials changed hands for $8,750.

1963 Belgian robot dance organ, $350,000, Morphy Auctions

A robot dance organ, created in 1963 by Gebroeders Decap of Antwerp, Belgium and one of only three made in a 105-key configuration, sold for $350,000 at the auction of the Henri Krijnen musical machines collection held Sept. 9-10 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, an ornate and gilded Koenigsberg 70-key Harmonium street organ, made in Holland in 1910, found a new home for $54,120; and a Gastaud et Raibaut for Bodson Double Tino orchestrion, made in Paris in 1925, brought $73,800.

Musgo Gasoline porcelain sign, $1.5 million, Richmond Auctions

A double-sided porcelain Musgo Gasoline sign sold for $1.5 million at an auction held August 27 by Richmond Auctions in Greenville, South Carolina. It was a new world auction record for an antique advertising sign, besting the previous record of $400,000. The sign was discovered in an attic in Michigan and had never been seen by the public. It also had never been used as a septic tank lid, which was the ultimate fate of many Musgo signs created in the company’s six months of existence during the mid-1920s.

1904 Chicago license plate, $34,000, Donley Auctions

A Chicago license plate from 1904, considered the holy grail of the Chicago plates, sold for $34,000 at a Vintage License Plates & Vehicle Tags sale held August 28 by Donley Auctions in Union, Illinois. The plate, made from aluminum sheeting and painted black, featured “1904” stamped vertically on the left-hand side, the number “1” bookended by two dashes in the middle, and the words “City of Chicago” in the lower bottom edge. Chicago switched to brass plates in 1905.

Copy of Action Comics #1, $3.4 million, Goldin Auctions

A copy of Action Comics #1, published in 1938, graded CGC FN 6.0, and known as the Rocket Copy because of a rocket stamp placed on the cover more than 80 years ago by the original owner, a 13-year-old who purchased it from a newsstand, sold for $3.4 million in a private sale handled in September by Goldin Auctions of Runnemede, New Jersey in conjunction with Metropolis Comics of New York. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster; Action Comics #1 is credited with helping to launch the superhero genre.

Costa Rica 1918 Cien Colones banknote, $36,300, Doyle

A Costa Rica 1918 Cien Colones banknote with five line provisional overprint in red, graded in Very Fine condition, sold for $36,300 at an auction of the Kop family collection of Costa Rica coins and banknotes held September 13 by Doyle in New York City. The auction totaled $1.164 million, which surpassed the total high estimate of $692,050. It was 97 percent sold by lot and 100 percent sold by value.

Paul Evans sideboard, $50,000, Roland Auctions

A Mid-century Modern sculptural two-door wall-mounted sideboard sold for $50,000 on September 10 at Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, New York. Also, a gilt framed ink and color on paper Chinese scroll depicting men on horses rose to $22,500; an oil on canvas by Ker-Xavier Roussell (French, 1867-1944), titled Baigneuses (Bathers), brought $20,000; and an oil on board by Eldridge A. Burbank (American, 1858-1949) earned $7,500.

Elon Musk mementos, $165,265, RR Auction

A collection of never-before-seen Elon Musk photos and memorabilia from his college girlfriend Jennifer Gwynne sold for $165,265 in an online auction held Aug. 12-Sept. 14 by RR Auction, based in Boston. A 1995 photo of Musk and Gwynne sold for $2,773; a 14K gold and emerald necklace given by Musk to Gwynne, plus two photos, reached $51,008; and a birthday card inscribed by Musk to Gwynne hit $16,643.

New Englands First Fruits, $277,200, Freeman’s

A first edition copy of New Englands First Fruits, which discusses early colonial New England and includes the first printed account of Harvard University, sold for $277,200 at a Books and Manuscripts auction held September 21 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a first edition copy of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz attained $37,800; a scarce copy of the Narrative of Sojourner Truth rose to $27,720; and a 1738 colonial treatise on paper money changed hands for $21,420.

Betty White director’s chair, $76,800, Julien’s Auctions

A director’s chair used by Betty White during the production of the hit TV show The Golden Girls sold for $76,800 at an auction titled Property from the Life and Career of Betty White held September 25 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, a lavender dress with white dots worn by White in 1986 publicity images rang up $32,000; and two of White’s teleplays, for the pilot and final episode of The Golden Girls, went for $57,600 and $51,200, respectively.

Nine Peaches vase, $860,000, Hindman

A famille rose Nine Peaches globular bottle vase of Tianqiuping form and dating to the Qianlong period (1735-1796) sold for $860,000 at a Chinese & Himalayan Works of Art auction held September 23 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a painting by Qi Biashi, titled Chrysanthemums and a Dragonfly, left the room for $68,750; a small lemon-yellow glazed porcelain saucer dish earned $25,000; and a blue glazed porcelain bowl and a copper red glazed porcelain dish realized $17,500 apiece.

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

Gallery Report: Green Goblin action figure scampers off with $76K at Hake’s

ATLANTA – At the start of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the wider world. Please enjoy the September 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted otherwise.

Green Goblin action figure, $76,700, Hake’s Auctions

An eight-inch Green Goblin action figure, issued by Meego in 1977 as part of its World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line, AFA-graded 80+ NM, sold for $76,700 at an auction of pop culture rarities held July 26-27 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, Gil Kane and Dick Giordano’s seven-panel art for page 27 of Marvel Premiere #15 from May 1974, featuring the debut of Iron Fist, reached $20,350; and Al Plastino’s original art for page 1 of Superman #184 from Feb. 1966 achieved $15,055.

Nantucket curlew decoy, $228,000, Copley Fine Art Auctions

A Harmon Hollow Nantucket curlew decoy sold for $228,000 at the 17th annual Sporting Sale held July 14-15 by Copley Fine Art Auctions in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Also, an oil on canvas image of Setter Puppies by Edmund Henry Osthaus earned $102,000; a dog painting titled Steady by A.F. Tait, depicting two setters pointing quail, achieved $73,800; a miniature shorebird set of 22 decoys by Elmer Crowell realized $92,250; and Crowell’s Wing-Up Greater Yellowlegs made $84,000.

12-cent U.S. postage stamp, $19,520, Holabird Western Americana Collections

A 12-cent U.S. postage stamp with a portrait bust of George Washington sold for $19,520 at a Wild West Auction held July 21-24 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, an 1860 U.S. Army Colt revolver with a Richards conversion attained $13,750; a light aqua Endlich & Good squat-shaped beer bottle, dating to circa 1861-1864, realized $7,187; and an early 1900s First National Bank of Foraker (Oklahoma) $10 bank note went for $4,458.

Chinese Export porcelain punch bowls, $64,000, Nye & Company Auctioneers

A pair of 19th-century Chinese Export porcelain punch bowls sold for $64,000 at an Estate Treasures auction held July 20 by Nye & Company Auctioneers in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Also, an early 20th-century folk art cowboy iron shooting gallery target, attributed to William F. Mangels and titled The Stick-Up, earned $19,200; and a taupe-upholstered sectional sofa designed by Joe DiUrso for Donghia, with squared corners and raised ends, finished at $12,160.

Camille Claudel sculpture, $150,000, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A bronze and hardstone sculpture of a woman sitting in a chair with her head resting against a fireplace mantel, created by Camille Claudel (French, 1864-1913), sold for $150,000 in an online Fine & Decorative Art auction held August 1 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers, based in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, an oil on canvas by B. Prabha (Indian, 1933-2001), titled Fisher Women Painting, achieved $18,750; and an ornately carved Victorian desk attributed to R. J. Horner brought $7,500.

19th-century French Japonisme armoire, $30,000, Andrew Jones Auctions

A late 19th-century French parcel paint decorated Karelian birch and faux bamboo Japonisme armoire sold for $30,000 at the Part VI sale of the John Nelson collection, held July 24-25 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a pair of circa-1900 Louis XV/XVI transitional style parcel gilt and blue painted bibliotheques brought $30,000, and a third quarter 20th-century Modernist fossil marble, granite and steel table went to a determined bidder for $27,500.

Machine Man Robot, $84,000, Morphy Auctions

A circa-1960 Machine Man Robot from the Japanese company Masudaya’s famed Gang of Five robot series, one of only a few known, sold for $84,000 at a Toys & Collectibles Auction held Aug. 9-10 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a Japanese battery-operated Electroman Robot attained $78,000, and a scarce 1950s Italian gumball vending machine in the form of a 54in full-figure robot, with prizes visible inside its chest, finished at $48,000.

39-star American flag, $24,120, New Frontier Western Show & Auction

A 39-star American flag flown at the Capitol Building in Santa Fe in 1912, the year that New Mexico joined the Union, sold for $24,120 at auction held August 27 by New Frontier Western Show & Auction of Loveland, Colorado. The auction was held in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Also, an antique Colt Single Action Army revolver attributed to the 101 Ranch sold for $8,100, and a pair of Buermann inlaid spurs with cut-out snake heelbands found a new owner for $5,700.

Jean Shrimpton photo print, $3,438, John Moran Auctioneers

A massive photo print on canvas with a neon attachment, titled Jean Shrimpton Astronaut and created in 2014 by Andrew Martin Designs after Richard Avedon, sold for $3,438 at a ReDesigned auction held July 19 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a lapis blue 1980 Mercedes Benz 450 SL automobile in pristine condition sped away for $18,750, and a red 1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr. electric guitar with a 1960s-era Gibson amp earned $8,750.

Albert York oil-on-plywood work, $110,250, Sarasota Estate Auction

An oil-on-plywood painting by Albert York, titled Imaginary Playground (Trees and Fence), sold for $110,250 at an auction held July 23-24 by Sarasota Estate Auction in Sarasota, Florida. Also, Romare Bearden’s The Quilters rose to $73,000; an unsigned, untitled Itzchak Tarkay acrylic on canvas achieved $20,790; a gouache on paper by A. R. Penck brought $13,230; a sculpture by Jorge Blanco, titled Later, made $14,490; and an antique 22K gold, sterling and diamond necklace hit $11,970.

Covered Meissen dish, $4,250, Kamelot Auctions

A 19th-century covered Meissen dish sold for $4,250 at a three-day sale held July 19-21 by Kamelot Auctions in Philadelphia. Also, an original circa-1950 set of rattan armchairs went for $3,750, and an 18K gold and sapphire necklace by Marco Bicego slipped around a new neck for $2,250. The auctions were divided into Luxury Goods: Jewelry & Handbags; Mod Interiors: Chic, Bamboo & Rattan; and Estate Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts. Most lots sold above their estimates.

King Henry VIII document, $66,435, RR Auction

A one-page vellum manuscript document signed by King Henry VIII and dated July 26, 1536, in which he discusses sponsoring the feast day of St. George, patron saint of England, sold for $66,435 in an online auction held July 20-August 10 by RR Auction, based in Boston. Also, a document Abraham Lincoln signed as president, regarding rebuilding the North-South economy in 1865, realized $41,321; and an early Marilyn Monroe document, signed twice by the starlet, earned $32,103.

Nathan Cobb, Jr. swimming Canada goose, $252,000, Guyette & Deeter

A swimming Canada goose by Nathan Cobb, Jr. of Cobb Island, Virginia sold for $252,000 at a Decoy & Sporting Art auction held July 29-30 at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, by Guyette & Deeter. Also, a Ward Brothers greenwing teal hen flew away for $33,000; an Edmund Osthaus sporting art canvas realized $69,600; a mute swan by Maryland carver Oliver Lawson finished at $15,600; and a set of Nantucket lightship baskets carried away $10,800.

Anne Ramsdell Congdon painting, $123,000, Rafael Osona Auctions

A 1941 oil on canvas by Anne Ramsdell Congdon, titled View from Monomoy, sold for $123,000 at an Americana, Fine Art & Marine auction held Aug. 6-7 by Rafael Osona Auctions in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Also, an iconic red sail painting by Robert Stark, Jr., titled Sunset Sail, drifted to $70,725; an 1895 portrait painted by Wendell Macy, titled Lady in the Sun, Nantucket, won $20,910; and Sybil Goldsmith’s View of Town from the Creeks, painted in 1976, rose to $8,190.

David Hockney lithograph, $20,480, La Belle Epoque Auction Gallery

A lithograph by David Hockney (British, b. 1937-), titled Four Flowers in a Still Life, dated and numbered 6/50, sold for $20,480 at a Multi-Estates Summer auction held August 13 by La Belle Epoque Auction Gallery in New York City. Also, an early 20th-century floral still life by Charles E. Porter (American, 1847-1923) achieved $1,920; a 102-piece set of Kirk sterling silver flatware weighing 127 troy ounces earned $2,300; and a Lucien Picard 14K Art Deco ladies’ watch brought $640.

1927-D Double Eagle gold coin, $4.44 million, Heritage Auctions

A 1927-D Double Eagle US gold coin, part of the Bob R. Simpson collection and graded MS66 PCGS, sold for $4.44 million at a US Coins Signature Auction held August 23 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The price bested the previous record for the 1927-D Double Eagle of $2.16 million, set at Heritage’s Fun US Coins Signature Auction in January 2020. In the recent sale, five bidders continued to chase the coin after it exceeded $3 million.

Kobe Bryant rookie card, $34,375, Hindman

A 1996-1997 Skybox E-X2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant rookie basketball card No. 30, graded BGS 9 Mint, sold for $34,375 at a sale of The Definitive Collection of Kobe Bryant Rookie Cards held August 24 by Hindman in Chicago. The card was considered to be a holy grail collectible and featured a die cut image of Bryant, foiled borders and a cloud background. The auction was held on August 24, which has become known as Mamba Day in honor of the numbers Bryant wore during his basketball career: 8 and 24.

Jamie Wyeth painting, $192,000, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

A mixed-media work for Study for Lighthouse by Jamie Wyeth (American, b. 1946-) sold for $192,000 at a Splendor sale held Aug. 26-28 by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine. Also, a watercolor painting by Andrew Wyeth (American, 1917-2009), titled The Pantry, achieved $162,000; an oil on canvas by Robert Scott Duncanson hit $138,000; and a Modernist color composition painting by Beauford Delaney (American, 1901-1979) made $102,000.

Herend Rothschild Bird pattern table service, $10,710, Doyle

A Herend porcelain table service in the Rothschild Bird pattern sold for $10,710 at an Entertaining with Style auction held August 11 by Doyle in New York City. Introduced in 1860, the pattern portrays a story about Baroness Rothschild of Vienna, who lost her pearl necklace in her garden. Several days later, the necklace was discovered by her gardener, who saw the birds dangling it from a tree. In addition, a group of Lettuce Ware by Dodie Thayer sold as several lots for a combined $20,853.

 

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

Gallery Report: Tiffany Poppy lamp flourishes at Morphy’s

ATLANTA – At the start of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. For your enjoyment, here is the August 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Tiffany Studios Poppy table lamp, $541,200, Morphy Auctions

A circa-1905-1910 Tiffany Studios Poppy leaded-glass table lamp sold for $541,200 at a Fine & Decorative Arts Auction held June 8-10 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a pair of circa-1920s Cartier Art Deco platinum and diamond drop earrings in the original display-case box, with a total diamond weight of 4.68 carats, attained $98,400; and a circa-1780 Connecticut Chippendale cherry slant-lid secretary went to a determined bidder for $41,820.

Presidential presentation set, $17,500, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A set of presentation items sent to Eleanor Roosevelt following the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945, from King Abdul Aziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, including a traditional Arabian robe, headdress, scarf, dagger and belt, sold for $17,500 at a Historic Arms & Militaria auction held July 21 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a circa-1941 World War II USMC Johnson Model 1941 rifle and bayonet, missing the scabbard, earned $9,038.

Queen Anne-style secretary, $25,000, Andrew Jones Auctions

A 20th-century Queen Anne-style parcel gilt ebonized Chinoiserie-decorated secretary bookcase sold for $25,000 in an At Home auction held July 17 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a French first standard silver six-piece tea and coffee service with two-handled tray (Fanniere Freres, Paris, 1868) settled at $18,750; and an English lacquered cabinet on a giltwood stand, the cabinet dating to the first quarter of the 18th century and the stand to the late 17th century, realized $18,750.

 

Colt No. 5 Paterson revolver, $38,188, Rock Island Auction Company

A cased Colt No. 5 squareback Texas Paterson percussion revolver hit the mark for $38,188 at a Sporting & Collector Firearms Auction held June 22-24 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, a U.S. Ainsworth inspected Colt Cavalry SAA revolver nearly doubled its high estimate, finishing at $10,575; and a U.S. Rock Island Arsenal model 1903 sniper rifle also surpassed estimate to achieve $10,575. Overall, the auction grossed $7.059 million.

Staffordshire platter, $14,580, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

A Staffordshire American historical transfer-printed ceramic platter featuring the Arms of Pennsylvania sold for $14,580 at a Premier Americana Auction held June 23-25 by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in Mt. Crawford, Virginia. Also, a blown-molded GII-6 deep bowl in an unusual brilliant yellow green, probably made in Kent, Ohio around 1830, realized $39,487; and a pair of Charles Peale Polk (American, 1767-1822) portraits of Gerard and Margaret Briscoe from 1799 brought $72,900.

‘Islandia’ map by Ortelius, $12,650, Old World Auctions

A 1585 map titled Islandia by Abraham Ortelius, decorated with images of sea monsters, sold for $12,650 in an online auction held June 22 by Old World Auctions in Richmond, Virginia. Also, a 1735 world atlas with 99 maps in contemporary color by Covens & Mortier achieved $19,925; a World War II persuasive map with images of Hitler, Stalin and Churchill made in 1941 by Antonio Soares realized $8,625; and A New Sectional Map of Florida from 1923, published by Matthews-Northrup Co., rose to $11,500.

Art glass tall vase, $10,620, Bodnar’s Auction

An art glass tall vase, initially believed to have been made by Duran but later found to be by Fenton, sold for $10,620 at an estate auction held June 23 by Bodnar’s Auction in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. Also, an electrified oil lamp made in the style of Tiffany changed hands for $7,965; a 14K gold Burmese ruby and diamond bracelet realized $3,068; a platinum tanzanite and ruby diamond ring made $3,068; and a Louis C. Tiffany art glass lamp shade went for $2,124.

1992 Chinese gold coin, $576,000, Heritage Auctions

A 1992 People’s Republic of China gold proof Completion of the Lunar Cycle 2000 Yuan (Kilo) coin, graded PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, sold for $576,000 at a World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session & Signature Auction held in Hong Kong on July 7-9 by Heritage Auctions, based in Dallas. Also, a Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver Pattern Dollar Year 3 from 1914, MS64 NGC, ended at $564,000; and a 1908 Kuang-hsu Dollar ND, MS67 PCGS, went for $528,000.

Sally Michel painting, $26,250, John Moran Auctioneers

A 1975 oil painting by American artist Sally Michel (1902-2003), titled Deserted Beach, sold for $26,250 at a Post-War and Contemporary Art + Design auction held June 21 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a 1941 painting by Milton Avery, titled Girl on Balcony, realized $24,700; a painting by Thomas Nozkowski, Untitled (8-50), earned $23,750; a colorful print by Frank Stella, titled The Monkey Rope, rose to $23,750; and an untitled ceramic by Doyle Lane achieved $7,500.

Nikola Tesla letter, $51,651, RR Auction

A four-page letter penned by innovator Nikola Tesla, dated July 14, 1899, handwritten from his Colorado Springs Experimental Station, in which he insists his wireless technology is superior to Marconi’s, sold for $51,651 in an online auction held June 24-July 13 by RR Auction, based in Boston. Also, a Benjamin Franklin-signed document from 1786 made $24,079; a Pope Francis-signed baseball brought $17,125; and a George Washington-signed document from 1795 hit $18,750.

Illuminated manuscript leaves, $43,750, Clars Auction Gallery

A group of three Persian illuminated manuscript leaves, gouache and gilt on paper and script in ink, sold for $43,750 at an auction held July 17 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Also, a 2004 screenprint by Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929-), titled A Pumpkin GB-D, signed, titled and dated, edition 47/80, realized $40,625; a Chinese huanghuali rounded corners cabinet made $20,000; and a 1965 Salvador Dali lithograph, titled Drawers of Memory, earned $10,625.

Sitting Bull’s Winchester rifle, $132,000, Cowan’s Auctions

A Winchester 1st Model 1876 rifle, believed to have been taken from Sitting Bull’s cabin on the day of his death in 1890 during a botched arrest attempt by U.S. Indian Police, with documentation, sold for $132,000 at a Frontier Firearms auction from the collection of Larry Ness, held June 8 by Cowan’s Auctions in Cincinnati. The rifle, along with other weapons recovered that same day, were turned in to Standing Rock Reservation Indian Agent Major James McLaughlin.

Marilyn Monroe gown, $218,750, Julien’s Auctions

A gown and headpiece Marilyn Monroe wore in the film There’s No Business Like Show Business sold for $218,750 at a Hollywood Legends auction held July 15 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, Chris Evans’s Captain America original hero prop Vibranium shield used in The Avengers went for $200,000; an original Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope stormtrooper helmet achieved $192,000; and a Harry Potter Nimbus 2001 broomstick flew away with $76,800.

1987 Hermes handbag, $8,125, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A circa-1987 Hermes Kelly Sellier handbag, in natural black box calf leather with gold hardware, sold for $8,125 at a Summer Estates Auction held July 15-16 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a watercolor on paper by Alberta Kinsey (American, 1875-1952), titled Still Life with Roses, signed and framed, brought $2,250; and a limited-edition Louis Vuitton Jeff Koons Masters Van Gogh MM Neverfull printed coated canvas bag with leather accents made $4,375.

Signed B.B. King Gibson Lucille guitar, $16,800, Potter & Potter Auctions

A Gibson Lucille electric guitar signed by B.B. King, Eric Clapton and some members of King’s original band, part of King’s 70th birthday tribute concert held in Memphis in 1995, sold for $16,800 at a Pop Culture, Disneyana & Collectibles Sale held June 16 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a James Bond Secret Agent shooting attache case toy with the original box brought $3,840; and a card inscribed by Bob Marley with accompanying backstage photos rose to $3,360.

John Singer Sargent charcoal on paper, $72,000, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

A charcoal-on-paper portrait of Sir William Headworth Williamson, 10th Baronet, by John Singer Sargent (American, British and Italian, 1856-1925) sold for $72,000 at an auction held July 8-10 by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine. Also, Andy Warhol’s iconic image of Marilyn Monroe, one of a series of 10 serigraphs from a 1967 portfolio, finished at $93,750; and a profile bust portrait oil painting of a young woman by Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) realized $25,000.

Colt .41-caliber Army revolver, $19,800, Milestone Auctions

A pearl-handled Colt .41-caliber Army Special revolver sent in 1909 as a shipment of one to J.B. Crook & Co. (N.Y.), with engraving by Cuno Helfricht’s shop, sold for $19,800 at a Premier Collectible Firearms Auction held June 17-18 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver, manufactured in 1863, brought $18,600; and a replica Colt 1851 Navy .44-caliber gun used by Clint Eastwood in the Western film The Outlaw, Josey Wales earned $17,400.

 

William Herbert Dunton oil, $1.2 million, Coeur d’Alene

A circa-1915 oil on canvas by William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936), titled Treed, sold for $1.2 million at a Coeur d’Alene Art Auction held July 23 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. It was a new auction record for the artist. Also, Philip R. Goodwin’s work Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea realized $968,000 (also a record); and Charles M. Russell’s 1925 work Mexican Vaqueros Roping a Steer hit $544,500.

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

Gallery Report: Historic 17-star flag flies to $46K at Morphy’s

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the wider world. Please enjoy the July 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

17-star United States flag, $46,740, Morphy Auctions

A 17-star, 17-stripe U.S. flag from descendants of American naval hero Stephen Decatur Jr. (1779-1820), who famously risked his life to avenge the death of his brother, Lt. James Decatur, following an 1804 U.S. attack on Barbary pirates’ ships in Tripoli harbor, sold for $46,740 at an Early Arms, Militaria & Extraordinary Firearms auction held May 17-18 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. The flag dated to 1804-1812, which coincides with Decatur’s service time in the US Navy.

Marvel Mystery Comics #9, $40,000, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A copy of Timely Comics Marvel Mystery Comics #9 from July 1940, graded CGC 4.0, sold for $40,000 at a Spring Comic, Toy & Sports auction held May 21 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a copy of Marvel Comics Fantastic Four #1 from Nov. 1961, graded CGC 2.0, realized $18,750; a copy of Marvel Comics Amazing Spider-Man #1 from March 1963, graded CGC 1.8, brought $10,938; and a Madame puppet used by entertainer Wayland Flowers made $7,812.

1971 Chevrolet Impala, $31,250, EstateOfMind

A 1971 Chevrolet Impala convertible that had been sitting, undriven, in a heated garage for 30 years sold for $31,250 at a two-session estate auction held May 21 by EstateOfMind in Middletown, New York. Also, a Louis Vuitton trunk found a new owner for $6,562; a pair of 19th- or 20th-century Italian Carrara marble guardian angels finished at $6,250; and a 1945 painting of a World War II float plane by Eric Sloane (American, 1905-1985), earned $4,625.

Sam Gilliam collage, $67,650, Neue Auctions

An abstract acrylic on canvas collage and enamel on aluminum by African American artist Sam Gilliam (1933-2022), titled Pantheon #5, sold for $67,650 in an online-only May Modern auction held May 28 by Neue Auctions in Beachwood, Ohio. Also, a paper collage by Victor Vasarely (French and Hungarian, 1906-1997), titled Kontosch-C, realized $15,990; and a 1984 bronze sculpture by Clement Meadmore (Australian and American, 1929-2005), titled Open End, hit $10,455.

288-pound meteorite found in China, $4,125, Holabird Western Americana Collections

A 288-pound iron-nickel meteorite found in China in 1958 and believed to have fallen to Earth in the year 1516 sold for $4,125 at a Minerals Galore & Western Americana auction held June 2-5 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a Wells Fargo Company (Omaha, Nebraska) stock certificate #647 for 100 shares, issued in 1870 to Henry Wells, one of the co-founders of American Express, attained $2,875; and a U.S. commemoratives stamp album that spanned 1900-1975 brought $3,750.

Boba Fett L-slot prototype action figure, $236,000, Hake’s Auctions

A Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype action figure, predecessor to the Boba Fett figure in Kenner’s popular 1979 Star Wars toy line, sold for a world record price of $236,000 at a Star Wars Special Event Auction held June 2 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, a 1978 Star Wars Jawa 12 Back-A action figure with vinyl cape rose to $40,887; and a Hungarian bootleg Return of the Jedi Boba Fett figure, AFA 50 Q-VG, went for a record price of $20,768.

Apollo 11 astronaut’s wristwatch, $765,000, Heritage Auctions

A circa-1969 gold Omega Speedmaster wristwatch, No. 19, one of only 28 made and presented to Apollo 11 moon mission astronaut Michael Collins, sold for $765,000 at a Fine Watches & Timepieces Signature Auction held June 1 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a circa-1971 Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Paul Newman Panda dial chronograph, Ref. 6263, hit $250,000; and a Kari Voutilaunen platinum wristwatch with retrograde date, No. 8/10, finished at $112,500.

Egyptian mummy mask, $175,000, Hindman

An Egyptian gilt cartonnage mummy mask sold for $175,000 at an Antiquities & Ancient Art: A Study auction held May 26 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, an Egyptian bronze cat, cast in bronze and depicted in a conventional seated position, realized $125,000; a faience female figure rang up $107,500; a Roman marble portrait head of Antisthenes achieved $100,000; and two Cycladic marble sculptures depicting female figures earned $81,250 and $31,250 respectively.

Fern Coppedge landscape, $252,000, Freeman’s

A large-scale view of Lambertville by Philadelphia Impressionist Fern Isabel Coppedge (1883-1951), titled Winter Decoration, sold for $252,000 at an American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists auction held June 6 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a Saturday Evening Post cover illustration by Sarah S. Weber (American, 1878-1939), titled Three of Us, reached $119,700; and a striking portrait by Emma Fordyce MacRae (American, 1887-1974), titled Melina in Green, changed hands for $63,000.

Saltillo Revival serape, $10,625, John Moran Auctioneers

A late 19th- or early 20th-century Saltillo Revival serape textile sold for $10,625 at an Art of the American West auction held May 24 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a Santa Clara Pueblo blackware vessel by Nancy Youngblood (Native American, b. 1955-) climbed to $5,525; an early 20th-century (Dine) Navajo double saddle blanket settled at $4,875; and a mid-20th-century hand-tooled saddle and bridle by D. Hulbert of Arboles, Colorado changed hands for $4,375.

M. C. Escher print, $59,850, Doyle New York

An iconic 1938 print by the Dutch artist M. C. Escher, titled Day and Night, depicting tessellation, or the tiling of a plane, sold for $59,850 at a Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Art & Design auction held June 8 by Doyle in New York City. Also, two works by Sharon Ellis, titled Air and Fire, both from 2002, went for $47,250 and $31,500, respectively; and a walnut cabinet by George Nakashima, featuring a live edge and three pandamus cloth sliding doors, realized $40,950.

Movie prop from The Matrix, $78,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

A lightning rifle prop from the movie The Matrix, made out of resin, rubber and foam, sold for $78,000 at a sale titled Enter the Matrix: The Wachowski Collection held May 12 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a 43in concept maquette from The Matrix for the Nebuchadnezzar, the hovercraft captained by Morpheus, who was played by Laurence Fishburne, made $36,000; and a Sentinel autonomous machine concept maquette from The Matrix hit $14,400.

 

 

Japanese reproduction ink drawings, $225,000, Roland Auctions NY

A set of eight Japanese reproduction ink drawings sold for $225,000 at a sale of Asian art, Asian decorative items and antiquities held May 20-21 by Roland Auctions NY in Glen Cove, New York. Also, an Imperial pale celadon Mei Ping vase soared to $187,500; a peach-shaped Chinese cinnabar-lacquered bridal box from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) achieved $125,000; and a circa-1689 chinoiserie harpsichord played a sweet tune for $68,750.

1959 Corvette convertible, CA$82,600, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A powder blue, fully restored 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible sold for $82,600 in an online-only Petroliana, Railroadiana & Advertising auction held June 18 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a restored 1937 Ford Model 78 Deluxe convertible sedan achieved $32,450; and a restored 1972 GMC 1500 Custom pick-up truck rose to $30,680. Prices in this entry are in Canadian dollars.

Richard Prince collage, $687,500, Abell Auction

Untitled (Kate Moss), an unsigned acrylic and printed paper collage on canvas from 2008 by Richard Prince (American, b. 1949-), sold for $687,500 at an auction held May 22 by Abell Auction in Los Angeles. Also, a drawing by Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978), titled The Checker Game, one of four Rockwells in the auction, brought $30,000; a 1948 Desoto car sped away for $39,600; and a 1966 paper collage by Betye Saar (American, b. 1926-), dubbed Untitled (The Window), made $162,000.

Edgar Allan Poe-signed letter, $154,958, RR Auction

An Edgar Allan Poe letter, signed and dated Aug. 24, 1846, in which he offers his condolences to a fellow writer, sold for $154,958 in an online auction held April 15-April 22 by RR Auction in Boston. Also, a George S. Patton typed manuscript and letter, discussing combat, its history and its cause, hit the mark for $29,475; a John Lennon typed letter with a self-portrait sketch went for $24,129; and a Mary Blair concept painting of Alice from Alice in Wonderland made $22,500.

Luke Skywalker action figure, $100,252, LCG Auctions

A Star Wars 1978 Double Telescoping Luke Skywalker production action figure, graded AFA 90 and one of only two examples graded at that level, sold for $100,252 at a Spring Premier Auction held June 12 by LCG Auctions in New Orleans. Also, a 1984 Soundwave Transformer, graded AFA 85+, settled at $20,713; a 1985 Star Wars Yak Face figure, graded AFA 85, reached $22,206; and a G.I. Joe Dreadnok Ground Assault vehicle went to a determined bidder for $9,418.

Raimonds Staprans painting, $187,500, Clars Auction Gallery

A 1990 painting by Raimonds Staprans (American and Latvian, b. 1926-), titled Blue Boats, sold for $187,500 and a world auction record for the artist at a Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction held June 17 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Also a 1959 painting by Leonor Fini (Argentine and French, 1908-1996), titled Zorniga, earned $187,500; and a 1983 screenprint in colors on peche soleil signed by Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929-), titled Pumpkin, achieved $87,500.

Babe Ruth rookie card, $244,489, Leland’s Auctions

A 1916 Babe Ruth blank back #151 rookie card sold for $244,489 in a Spring Classic Auction at Leland’s Auctions in New York City that concluded on June 11. Also, a 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket #144 Tom Brady autographed rookie card, graded BGS NM 7, achieved $513,102; LeBron James’s first-ever Los Angeles Lakers 75th anniversary City Edition game worn jersey from Dec. 3, 2021 brought $120,076; and a Michael Jordan-signed 1986 Fleer rookie card hit $70,940.

Waltham pocket watch, $100,000, Jones & Horan

A Waltham pocket watch, Crystal Plate, serial #12, model 1872, with free-sprung balance and original display case, sold for $100,000 in a four-hour auction of watches, coins and jewelry held May 1 by Jones & Horan in Manchester, New Hampshire. Also, a 1961 Patek Philippe Antimagnetic wristwatch with the original midcentury cases made $39,000; a Charles Oudin pocket watch with a cloisonne case brought $18,500; and a Rolex Oyster Panda Daytona watch finished at $40,000. Prices are hammer, exclusive of a buyer’s premium.

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

Gallery Report: Ed Clark abstract sells for record $740K at Hindman

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. Here’s the June 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Ed Clark’s Creation, $740,000, Hindman

Ed Clark’s acrylic on canvas Creation sold for $740,000 at a Post-War & Contemporary Art auction held May 11 by Hindman in Chicago. It was the highest price ever achieved for the artist. Also, John Craxton’s esoteric Cretan taverna scene Still Life with Three Sailors achieved $400,000, and four works by Chicago’s Queen of the Bohemians, Gertrude Abercrombie, went for a combined $925,000. The top achiever among the four was an oil on Masonite titled Toddy, Possim and Christine that realized $337,500.

U.S. 1901 one-cent error stamp, $5,500, Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC

A U.S. one-cent stamp commemorating the Pan American Exposition of 1901 with an inverted center – an error stamp philatelic rarity – sold for $5,500 at a Western Americana Auction held April 21-24 by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC in Reno, Nevada. Also, a US Mint San Francisco 23.06-ounce silver ingot, 999.75 fine, earned $8,125; and a Navajo squash blossom turquoise and coral necklace with matching earrings signed by Victor Moses Begay achieved $1,438.

Burchfield watercolor, $587,500, Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

A 1965 watercolor on paper by Charles Burchfield (American, 1893-1967), titled Nighthawks and the Moon, sold for $587,500 in an online-only Spring Fine Art Auction held April 28 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Milford, Connecticut. Three paintings by Burchfield combined to sell for more than $1 million. Also, a signed watercolor and pastel on paper by Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858-1924) attained $187,500.

Baignoire de Cartier watch, $9,225, Neue Auctions

A Baignoire de Cartier 18K gold and diamond ladies’ watch, made around 2010, sold for $9,225 in an online-only Fine Interiors, Art & Antiques auction held April 30 by Neue Auctions in Beachwood, Ohio. Also, a large pair of Chinese turquoise glaze terracotta foo dogs on stands rose to $5,842; a pair of 1980s Art Deco-style lacquered wood and upholstered club chairs realized $3,567; and an English sterling silver serving tray made in London in 1783 went for $4,612.

Crescent City Auction Gallery photo requests

Newcomb Pottery group, $11,938, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A collection of six Newcomb Pottery pieces sold for $11,938 at an Important Estates Auction held May 13-14 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a pair of 19th–century Chinese porcelain baluster ginger jars finished at $6,875; an untitled abstract artwork by George Bauer Dunbar (American, b. 1929-), featuring red gold leaf over red clay with die keen, realized $4,375; and a 141-piece set of sterling flatware by International in the Continental pattern made $8,125.

Presentation copy of The Great Gatsby, $67,200, Potter & Potter Auctions

A presentation copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925, Charles Scribner & Sons, N.Y.) sold for $67,200 at a Literature Sale held April 26 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a copy of Oscar Wilde’s The Ballad of Reading Gaol brought $26,400; a copy of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon went for $22,800; and a copy of Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms went to a determined bidder for $21,600.

Chinese porcelain plaques, $137,500, Clements 

A pair of 20th-century Chinese porcelain plaques bearing the artist’s marks of Pan Taoyu (1887-1926) sold for $137,500 at an auction held April 2 by Clements auction house in Hixson, Tennessee. Pan Taoyu was one of the foremost creators of porcelain during China’s Republic period (1912-1949). He adopted the studio name Gu huan and died young, at age 39, so his surviving works are very scarce. The winning bidder was a Canadian dealer who was acting on behalf of Chinese clients.

John Hancock letter, $1.896 million, Freeman’s

A 1776 letter signed by John Hancock announcing America’s independence to the state of Georgia sold for $1.896 million at a May 4 Books and Manuscripts auction held by Freeman’s in Philadelphia, the star of a pair of sales that included the auction house’s May 3 American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts auction. Also performing well at the back-to-back auctions were a Chippendale mahogany sideboard table, which rose to $163,800; Rembrandt Peale’s portrait of George Washington, which finished at $94,500; and a first American edition of Jane Austen’s book Pride and Prejudice, which achieved $21,420.

Portrait by Thomas Sully, $94,500, Doyle New York

An 1839 portrait by Thomas Sully (British and American, 1783-1872) of Commodore James Biddle sold for $94,500 at an auction of American Paintings, Furniture & Decorative Arts held May 3-4 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a 1759 Map of the Improved Part of the Province of Pennsylvania by Nicholas Scull, the largest map printed in America in the 18th century, realized $88,200; and a pair of silver vases commissioned to memorialize Thomas Biddle, who died in a duel in 1831, brought $59,850.

1798 $1 Small Eagle coin, $205,625, Legend Rare Coin Auctions

A 1798 $1 U.S. Small Eagle coin with 13 stars, graded PCGS AU 58 CAC, sold for $205,625 at Regency Auction 51, held April 28 by Legend Rare Coin Auctions in Lincroft, New Jersey. Also, a 1795 $1 U.S. coin with two leaves, PCGS AU 58 CAC, achieved $105,750; an 1802/1 $5 U.S. coin, PCGS MS64+ CAC, changed hands for $102,812; an 1809/8 $5 U.S. coin, PCGS MS64+ CAC, went for $79,312; and an 1827 $5 U.S. coin, PCGS AU58+ CAC, rang up $79,312.

Maud Lewis oil painting, CA$413,000, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A 1967 oil-on-board painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1901-1970), titled Black Truck, sold for CA$413,000 in an online-only Canadiana & Decorative Arts auction held May 14 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, Lewis’s oil painting Oxen Pulling Logs realized CA$88,500; a group of three letters from Lewis to friend and artist John Kinnear attained CA$82,600; and a circa-1825 powder horn by John Tansel made $22,420. Prices in this entry are given in Canadian dollars.

1879 map of the Western U.S., $16,675, Old World Auctions

An 1879 six-sheet Map of the Territory of the United States, West of the Mississippi River, Edward Freyhold’s updated version of Lieutenant Warren’s general map, sold for $16,675 in an online auction held April 13-27 by Old World Auctions in Richmond, Virginia. Also, William Blaeu’s atlas of China and Japan, based on the compilations of the Jesuit Father Martino Martini during his mid-17th-century travels, made $13,800; and a 1779 Thomas Jefferson signed appointment hit $10,925.

Skeletonized watch, $15,000, John Moran Auctioneers

A Vacheron Constantin skeletonized wristwatch, featuring 18K gold and diamonds with a 36-jewel stem-wind set movement, sold for $15,000 at a Spring Jewels auction held May 3 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a large 14K gold carved lapis lazuli scarab pendant necklace with an Egyptian scene on the reverse realized $5,938; a platinum ring centering an emerald-cut, 2.58-carat diamond hit $23,750; and a circa-1880 diamond brooch went for $13,750.

Imperial dragon carpet, $324,500, Skinner Auctioneers

A circa-1600 Chinese Ming Imperial dragon carpet sold for $324,500 during two sales of the Jim Dixon collection held April 25-May 5 by Skinner Auctioneers, online and in the Boston gallery. Also, a circa-18th-century Northwest Persian or South Caucasian rug, finely woven in multi-colored lozenges on a coral-colored field, rang up $40,625; a circa-1800 early central Anatolian rug fragment earned $35,000; and two Chinese Ningxia fragments from the Kangxi era rose to $5,625.

Antoni Clave painting, $37,500, Andrew Jones Auctions

An oil on canvas by Antoni Clave (Spanish, 1913-2005), titled L’enfant a l’oiseaux, sold for $37,500 at an online auction of property from the collection of Kirk and Anne Douglas held May 18 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a Chinese Export porcelain jardiniere on stand attained $11,250, and an Oushak carpet from West Anatolia finished at $10,625.

Bob Dylan lyrics, $60,500, RR Auction

Lyrics handwritten in 2013 by Bob Dylan for his classic song All Along the Watchtower, made popular by Jimi Hendrix, sold for $60,500 in an online auction that began April 14 and ended May 19 at RR Auction, based in Boston. The lyrics were written on one page in black ink and signed at the bottom “Bob Dylan, 2013.” Also, Jim Morrison’s handwritten lyrics for The Doors hit song Love Her Madly realized $43,750, and a Beatles signed Parlophone promo card achieved $25,970.

Rolex Daytona watch, $90,000, Clars Auction Gallery

A Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch, ref. 6263, slipped onto a new wrist for $90,000 at a Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction held May 19 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Soon after, on May 21-22, Clars held a Fine Art, Furniture & Asian Art auction, in which an unheated Burma ruby, diamond and 18K gold ring sold for $14,400, and a print by the Japanese painter, performer and installation artist Yayoi Kusama (b. 1933-) realized $12,000.

Kurt Cobain guitar, $4.5 million, Julien’s Auctions

Kurt Cobain’s 1969 Fender Mustang electric guitar, played in the grunge rock group Nirvana’s breakthrough hit and 1991 music video Smells Like Teen Spirit, sold for $4.5 million at a Music Icons auction held May 20, 21 and 22 by Julien’s Auctions in New York City. Also, Johnny Cash’s owned and stage-played 1956 Martin model D-21 acoustic guitar hit $437,500, and the pink gown and accessories worn by Madonna in her classic music video Material Girl went for $287,500.

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

Gallery Report: Loie Hollowell painting crests $1M at Clars

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and across the wider world. Here’s the May 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Loie Hollowell painting, $1.05 million, Clars Auction Gallery

A painting by Loie Hollowell (American, b. 1983), titled Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), sold for $1.05 million at a Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale held March 25 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Also, a 1961 drawing by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973), titled Etudes VII (d’apres Manet), brought $150,000, and a double-sided oil on canvas painting by Maria-Mela Muter (Polish/French, 1876-1967) changed hands for $106,250.

Winchester cartridge board, CA$70,800, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A Winchester cartridge board dating to circa 1884 sold for $70,800 in an online-only Petroliana & Advertising Auction held April 23 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a circa-1905 Carhartt’s Overalls single-sided porcelain corner sign achieved $25,960, and a Canadian Ford V8 dealer double-sided porcelain sign from the 1930s realized $15,340. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Marble sculpture of a woman, $21,250, Ahlers & Ogletree

A classical early 20th-century Continental School semi-nude marble sculpture of a woman sold for $21,250 in a two-day Spring Estates & Collections auction held April 9-10 by Ahlers & Ogletree in Atlanta. Also, an Untitled Abstract oil painting by Syd Solomon (American, 1917-2004) realized $20,000, and an oil on canvas by Henri Hecht Maik (French, 1922-1993), titled Le Reveille du Hibou (The Awakening of the Owl), achieved $20,000.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse motorcycle, $222,000, Bertoia Auctions

A circa-1932 Tippco (Germany) Mickey and Minnie Mouse motorcycle tin wind-up toy sold for $222,000, a new world record auction price for any Disney toy, at the sale of the Monique Knowlton antique toy collection held March 11-12 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, N.J. Also, a Masudaya (Japan) Machine Man Robot made $72,000, and a Bandai (Japan) Flying Spaceman ‘Superman’ friction cycle in the original box rose to $57,600.

B. Prabha painting, $37,500, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

An oil on canvas by B. Prabha (India, 1933-2001), depicting three women dressed in white and yellow, sold for $37,500 at an auction held April 4 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, R.I. Also, a religious painting by Mahadev Dhurandhar (India, 1867-1944), depicting a man laying down his bow and arrows at the feet of Shiva, changed hands for $31,250.

Crystal ball casket magic apparatus, $36,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

Jonathan N. Hofzinser’s Crystal Ball Casket illusion, created circa 1860, sold for $36,000 at Part 2 of the Ken Klosterman magic collection held March 26 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a color lithograph from around 1920, titled Rostrum The Last Word in Magic, commanded $26,400; and Alexander’s Sawing a Woman in Half illusion, made by F.G. Thayer of Los Angeles in 1921, finished at $24,000.

Chinese food vessel, $487,500, Hindman

A Chinese archaic bronze ceremonial food vessel from the mid-Western Han dynasty sold for $487,500 at an auction of Chinese and Himalayan Works of Art held March 29 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a semi-translucent apple green jadeite tripod censer and cover realized $287,500; a translucent grayish-celadon jadeite covered vase rang up $81,250; an archaistic bronze wine jar and cover garnered $40,625; and a carved yellow jade covered vase went for $20,000.

Wesco Model 212 gas pump, $38,400, Morphy Auctions

A West Coast Equipment Company (Wesco) Model #212 gas pump, professionally restored in Hancock Gasoline livery, sold for $38,400 at an Automobilia, Petroliana & Railroadiana auction held March 29-30 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a Buick Authorized Valve in Head neon porcelain sign in complete, original condition realized $27,600, and an Edsel Automobiles double-sided porcelain neon dealership sign went for $24,000.

Lincoln’s pocket knife, $519,000, Heritage Auctions

A custom pocket knife in its original presentation box, given to Abraham Lincoln on June 16, 1864 by Alfred B. Justice for attending the Great Central Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia, sold for $519,000 at a Lincoln and His Times Auction held Feb. 12-13 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, the key to Box No. 7 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., where Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, earned $495,000; and a bust of Lincoln by Chicago artist Leonard Volk attained $399,000.

Cartier Art Deco desk clock, $359,100, Doyle

A circa-1925 Art Deco desk clock by Cartier sold for $359,100 at an Important Jewelry auction held April 12 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a natural pearl necklace with a platinum and Fancy Intense blue diamond clasp found a new owner for $226,800; a jade bead necklace with a gold clasp earned $201,600; a platinum and diamond ring slipped onto a new finger for $195,300; and an antique gold, sapphire and diamond horseshoe brooch changed hands for $138,600.

Huanghuali armchairs, $948,000, Freeman’s

A pair of Chinese huanghuali armchairs from the late Ming to Qing dynasty sold for $948,000 at an Asian Arts auction held April 13 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, two Chinese blue and white porcelain panels went for $403,200; a Chinese Qing dynasty famille rose-decorated Butterflies and Blossoms vase with the four-character Yongzheng mark achieved $189,000; and a Chinese Qing dynasty creamy-white jade carving of a bear realized $107,100.

Handwritten Beethoven letter, $251,240, RR Auction

A four-page letter handwritten by Ludwig van Beethoven, dated Sept. 24, 1815 and penned in German to his librettist, the court poet Friedrich Treitschke, sold for $251,240 in an online auction held April 13 by RR Auction in Boston. Also, a notice of insurance claim for Lee Harvey Oswald, a proof of death certificate obligating the insurance company to pay Oswald’s mother $863 for her son’s demise, brought $79,436; and a Marilyn Monroe-signed photograph, taken in 1953, earned $28,895.

Tom Brady rookie card, $4,800, Cordier Auctions

A 2000 Bowman Chrome Tom Brady rookie card #236, graded PSA 9, sold for $4,800 in sports card and comic book auctions held April 3 and April 10 by Cordier Auctions in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Also, a copy of Detective Comics #225, the first issue of Martian Manhunter (1955) hit $4,080; a copy of Detective Comics #233, the first issue of Batwoman (1956) brought $3,120; a 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie card #164 made $3,360; and a 1980 Topps Baseball unopened wax box realized $2,250.

Popeye and Olive Oyl toy tank, $105,000, Milestone Auctions

A Linemar (Japan) battery-operated Popeye and Olive Oyl Tank with its original box sold for $105,000 at an Antique Toy Spectacular held April 9 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Linemar battery-operated Popeye and Row Boat with its original box earned $13,200; a Chein tin wind-up Popeye Overhead Puncher with its original box rang up $11,400; and a Chein tin wind-up Popeye Heavy Hitter with its original box rose to $11,400.

Saturn V digital computer memory module, $71,335, RR Auction

A Saturn V Launch Vehicle digital computer memory module sold for $71,335 in an online-only Space Exploration Auction held March 10-April 21 by RR Auction in Boston. Also, Gus Grissom’s prototype pressure suit from Project Gemini went for $64,850; Dave Scott’s Apollo 15-flown CSM update checklist achieved $58,885; Alan Shepard’s Project Mercury spacesuit glove changed hands for $43,923; and Jack Swigert’s Apollo 13-flown flag earned $52,878.

Hughie Lee-Smith painting, $365,000, Swann Auction Galleries

Aftermath, a circa-1960 painting by Hughie Lee-Smith (American, 1915-1999), sold for $365,000 – a new record for the artist – at an African American Art auction held March 31 by Swann Galleries in New York City. Also, a 1982 dry pigment work by Ed Clark, titled Spatial Image III, commanded $341,000; an untitled (Atmospheric Effects Series) acrylic on paper by Alma Thomas from 1971 made $209,000; and an untitled circa 1958-1959 oil painting by Beauford Delaney hit $137,000.

 

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

Gallery Report: Clementine Hunter’s ‘Fish Fry’ sizzles at Crescent City

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. We at ACN hope you enjoy the April 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Clementine Hunter, Fish Fry, oil, $7,680, Crescent City Auction Gallery

An oil-on-board painting by Clementine Hunter (American, 1887-1987), titled Fish Fry, sold for $7,680 at an Important Spring Estates Auction held March 18-19 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a 20th-century French Art Deco style ormolu mounted carved walnut sideboard realized $4,375; a pair of early 20th-century Oriental patinated bronze figures reached $8,750; and a ladies’ 18K rose gold link and diamond bracelet hit $14,080.

Anniversary ring with 4.61-carat diamond, $118,750, Ahlers & Ogletree

A 4.61-carat platinum and diamond anniversary ring given by the late Coca-Cola company president Robert W. Woodruff (American, 1889-1985) to his wife Nell sold for $118,750 in an online-only auction of items from the Woodruff estate held February 26 by Ahlers & Ogletree in Atlanta. Also, a portrait painting of George Washington by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower went for $50,000, and a charcoal on paper portrait of Robert Woodruff by Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) realized $43,750.

Magic: The Gathering card, $45,000, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A Magic: The Gathering Beta Block Lotus trading card from 1993, graded CGC 9 Mint, sold for $45,000 at a Winter Comic, TCG (Trading Card Game) & Toy auction held February 26 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a 1993 “MTG” Alpha Ancestral card graded CGC 9.5 Gem Mint achieved $38,750, and a copy of Detective Comics #359 (Jan. 1967), graded CGC 8.0, with the origin and first appearance of Batgirl, hit $4,000.

San Francisco Mint .999 silver ingot, $7,320, Holabird Western Americana Collections

A San Francisco Mint silver ingot, .999 fine, weighing 6.61 oz. and showing the pre-World War II logo of the Mint of San Francisco, sold for $7,320 at a Western Trails & Treasures Premier Auction held Feb. 24-28 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, five pieces of Philippines travel ephemera from the first half of the 20th century earned $10,938, and an 1853 directory for residents of Marysville City (California) reached $9,150.

World War II poster, $3,750, Fairhill Auction

An American World War II poster titled This is the Enemy, with artwork by Karl Koehler and Victor Ancona, sold for $3,750 in Vintage Poster Auction #105, held online March 10 by Fairhill Auction, based in Elkton, Maryland.

Portrait by Ryusei Kishida, $294,400, Nye & Company Auctioneers

A 1921 portrait of Kondo Tsugushige, the Japanese scientist and co-founder of the Japan Surgical Society, painted by Ryusei Kishida (Japanese, 1891-1929), sold for $294,400 at an Estate Treasures Auction held March 2-3 by Nye & Company Auctioneers in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Also, two colorful floral screenprints by Andy Warhol went to the same American bidder for $104,550 and $92,250, respectively; and a circa-1930 crayon on paper work by Marsden Hartley (American, 1877-1943), titled Mountains, hit $17,200.

R.S. Prussia bowl, $24,000, Woody Auction

The only known example of an R.S. Prussia Spring Season bowl in the Carnation mold sold for $24,000 during an auction of the David and Marlene Howard collection held March 19 by Woody Auction in Douglass, Kansas. Also, a Regina upright music box, fully operational with good sound, brought $15,400; a signed Daum Nancy French cameo art glass vase rang up $3,450; and a table lamp by Pairpoint, featuring a Venice shade, lit up the room for $7,700.

Edison Class M phonograph, CA$35,400, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

An Edison Class M cylinder phonograph sold for $35,400 in an online Music Machines, Toys & Advertising sale held March 19 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a 1960 Rock-Ola Tempo II Model 1478 jukebox, nicknamed the Windshield for its 1950s car-like look, finished at $8,260; and an early 20th-century J. & E. Stevens North Pole-themed mechanical bank hit $76,670. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Boba Fett prototype figure, $204,435, Hake’s Auctions

A Kenner 1979 Star Wars Boba Fett rocket-firing prototype action figure, J-slot, version 2, sold for $204,435, a new world auction record for a Star Wars action figure, during a sale held March 15-16 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, a 1920 James M. Cox / Franklin D. Roosevelt jugate campaign button, one of only six known, realized $185,850; and the original cover art for Incredible Hulk #283 (Marvel Comics, May 1983), with art by Ed Hannigan and inks by Al Milgrom, rose to $33,315.

Art Deco-style lamp, $5,120, La Belle Epoque Auction Gallery

An Art Deco-style bronze figural table lamp, made after a model by Pierre Le Faguays (French, 1892-1962), sold for $5,120 on February 5, during the first-ever auction held by La Belle Epoque Auction Gallery in New York City. Also, a 20th-century Mexican sterling silver charger rose to $1,525; a late 20th-century Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller bookcase rose to $1,280; and an oil on canvas painting of two women by Charles Levier (French, 1920-2003) made $2,050.

1657 map of Brazil, $181,250, PBA Galleries

An oversize map of Brazil by Georg Margraff, published by Joan Blaeu in the mid-17th-century, one of perhaps five known, sold for $181,250 at Platinum Sale 754, held February 10 by PBA Galleries in Berkeley, California. Also, a manuscript royal order authorizing the colonization of the Californias, dated 1705 and signed by Philip V of Spain, climbed to $175,000; and George Vancouver’s A Voyage Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean (1798), in three volumes, plus an atlas, made $28,125.

1779 Ethan Allen book, $78,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

A second printing (1779) of a book written by Ethan Allen, titled in part A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen’s Captivity … sold for $78,000 at a Books & Manuscripts auction held February 26 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a book by Richard Hakluyt, titled in part The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation … achieved $48,000, and a folio containing materials relating to the Treaty of Ghent changed hands for $38,400.

Glass cabinet vase, $13,860, Doyle 

A Galle acid-etched and engraved glass cabinet vase sold for $13,860 during Auction of Color & Light: The Collection of Dr. Thomas Chua, held March 2 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a KPM painted porcelain plaque changed hands for $13,860; a Louis XVI-style gilt-bronze mounted onyx jardiniere hammered for $13,230; a Galle mold-blown cameo glass water lily vase went for $12,600; and a Daum Art Nouveau mold-blown cameo glass forest sunset landscape vase made $12,600.

Mathilde Poulat necklace, $5,312, John Moran Auctioneers

An elaborate Mathilde Poulat Matl sterling silver filigree necklace sold for $5,312 at a Made in Mexico auction held February 15 and February 17 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a Spratling First Design Period silver and rosewood necklace, featuring six carved delicate rosewood hands, achieved $4,375; a group of Antonio Pineda mother-of-pearl and silver foliate design jewelry reached $4,062; and an untitled 1992 pastel drawing by Roberto Gil De Montes earned $4,062.

Banksy mural, $500,000, Julien’s Auctions

A circa-2003 aerosol mural executed by the British graffiti artist Banksy on the wall of the Parisian art studio Surface to Air, titled Bomb Middle England, sold for $500,000 at a Street, Contemporary, Pop & Fine Art auction held March 16 by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, Damien Hirst’s Beautiful, Struggling to Consume and Times to Overwhelm Potential Painting achieved $128,000, and KAWS’s black four-foot companion cast vinyl figure rang up $62,500.

Baird Coca-Cola clock, $17,010, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

A Baird Chicago-era Coca-Cola advertising store clock sold for $17,010 at a Winter Americana Auction held March 2-5 by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in Mt. Crawford, Virginia. Also, a folk art paint-decorated cloth doll by Izannah Walker (American, 1817-1888) brought $14,580; a Staffordshire transferware medallion portrait series ceramic vegetable dish realized $10,327; and a hand-sewn silk Civil War-era 11-star Confederate Bible/parade flag went to a phone bidder for $17,010.

Andrew Clemens sand bottle, $800,000, Hindman

A sand bottle by the 19th-century Iowa artist Andrew Clemens, with a label reading, “Pictured Rock Sand, Put Up By Andrew Clemens, Deaf-Mute, McGregor, Iowa,” sold for $800,000 at an American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction held March 10-11 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a circa-1860 Gothic Revival astronomical regulator by E. Howard & Co. of Boston hit $68,750; and a 126in Renaissance Revival regulator clock made for J. S. Townsend brought $50,000.

Charles “Shang” Wheeler duck decoys, $216,000, Copley Fine Art Auctions

A pair of carved wood ducks by Charles “Shang” Wheeler (American, 1867-1956) made $216,000, a new record for the artist, at a Winter Sale held March 4-5 by Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC in Hingham, Massachusetts. Also, the only known Dodge wood duck in original paint hailing from the J. N. Dodge Factory achieved $108,000; a raised-wing canvasback pair by A. Elmer Crowell (American, 1862-1952) topped out at $102,000; and a hollow golden plover by Lew Horton flew away for $108,000.

 

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

Gallery Report: Vietnamese art prevails at Doyle New York

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. Please enjoy the March 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Vu Cao Dam oil, $126,000, Doyle

A 1970 oil on canvas by Vu Cao Dam (French and Vietnamese, 1908-2000), titled Divinite, signed and dated “vu cao dam 1970” at the lower right and signed with Vietnamese and Latin characters on the reverse, sold for $126,000 at a Fine Art auction held February 23 by Doyle in New York City. Also, Le Vase Chinois by the Vietnamese artist Le Pho changed hands for $113,400, and Le Pho’s Les Poppies achieved $75,600.

Saint-Gaudens statue of Lincoln, $1.2 million, Skinner Auctioneers

A statue of Abraham Lincoln by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, titled Abraham Lincoln: The Man (Standing Lincoln), sold for just under $1.2 million at an American Art Auction held January 28 by Skinner Auctioneers in Boston. Also, an original Peanuts comic strip from 1960 by Charles Schulz, titled Tyrannosaurus Rex, realized $150,000; a Charles E. Prendergast gilded frame rose to $32,500; and a view of Giverny by John Leslie Breck, titled A Mill Stream, hit $75,000.

Von Braun-signed photo, $14,400, Weiss Auctions

A NASA photo signed and inscribed by German-born American engineer Dr. Wernher Von Braun sold for $14,400 in an online-only, two-day, two-session sale held Jan. 26-27 by Weiss Auctions in Lynbrook, New York. Also, a collection of 1916-1930 Standing Liberty quarters, missing only the 1927-S coin, soared to $161,000; an archive of material relating to Lillian Gish changed hands for $6,325; and a circa-1570 close helmet, almost certainly English and possibly worn by an Earl, made $9,300.

Alexander Jackson painting, CA$47,200, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A circa-1945 original oil painting by Canadian Group of Seven artist Alexander Young Jackson (1882-1974), titled St. Lawrence South Shore Village, sold for $47,200 in an online-only Canadiana & Folk Art auction held February 12 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a vibrant oil on board by another Group of Seven artist, Franz Johnston (1888-1949), titled The Battlement, Lake of the Woods, went for $25,960. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

LaVerne coffee table, $27,060, Neue Auctions

A Philip and Kelvin LaVerne coffee table titled Eternal Forest, cast with an all-over tree pattern and patinated in silver, sold for $27,060 in an online-only Winter Fine Antiques & Art auction held February 19 by Neue Auctions in Beachwood, Ohio. Also, a Soriana leather furniture seating group by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina realized $27,060, and a 1987 screenprint by Tom Wesselmann (American, 1931-2004), titled Bedroom Face, made $12,300.

Marx Speedboy 4 prototype, $16,800, Milestone Auctions

A Marx prototype Speedboy 4 motorcycle with a soldier driver, ‘AMMO’ box and spring-loaded cannon for shooting projectiles sold for $16,800 at a Winter Antique Toy Spectacular held January 29 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Marx tin wind-up Tom Corbett Space Cadets Rocket Ship with hand-painted details earned $6,600, and a late 19th-century Wilkins cast-iron water tower fire wagon brought $8,400.

Roger Muhl painting, $9,375, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

An original still life abstract painting by Roger Muhl (French, 1929-2008), titled Tulipes Rouges (Red Tulips), sold for $9,375 in an online-only Estate Fine Art & Antique auction held February 21 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, an interior genre painting by John Carlin (American, 1813-1891) realized $7,500; a fine silk gold thread Chinese dragon robe from the Qing dynasty hit $3,438; and a still life painting by Herbert Cash (American, 1864-1914) rose to $4,062.

1907 U.S. $10 gold eagle coin, $587,500, Legend Rare Coin

A 1907 U.S. $10 rolled edge gold eagle coin, one of only 42 struck and graded MS65+, sold for $587,500 at Regency Auction 50. The auction was held January 27 at the PCGS Members Only Show in Las Vegas, Nevada by Legend Rare Coin Auctions, based in Lincroft, New Jersey. In addition, a near-gem 1776 Continental dollar, the E.G. FECIT type, graded PCGS MS64 CAC, went for $146,875; and an 1879 Stella flowing hair $4 U.S. coin, graded PCGS PR64 CAMEI CAC, went to a determined bidder for $217,375.

BTS Grammy ensembles, $160,000, Julien’s Auctions

Seven custom-made ensembles worn by members of the pop band BTS while performing their hit song Dynamite at the Grammy awards, filmed from Seoul, South Korea in March 2021, sold for $160,000 at a Musicares Charity Relief Auction held January 30 by Julien’s Auctions, based in Los Angeles. Also, Keith Richards’ signed black Gibson gloss acoustic electric guitar, offered with an NFT, brought $57,600; and Paul McCartney’s signed Hofner B-Bass Hi Series violin bass guitar made $38,400.

Celentano oil painting, $55,000, Swann Auction Galleries

An oil-on-canvas painting by Daniel Celentano, titled Pelham Bay, sold for $55,000 at an Artists of the WPA auction held January 27 by Swann Auction Galleries in New York City. It was a new record for the artist. Also, a 1942 oil on Masonite by Aaron Bohrod, titled Getting Ready for Auction, realized $21,250; a 1936 double-sided carved woodblock, Cape Cod Cottage and The Coffee Pot, brought $23,750; and a circa-1935 early Jackson Pollock lithograph, titled Stacking Hay, made $16,250.

Smokey and the Bandit car, $500,000, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, LLC

The 1977 Pontiac Firebird TransAm car made popular in the 1977 cult classic film Smokey and the Bandit sold for just under $500,000 at an auction held January 22 by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, LLC in Scottsdale, Arizona. It wasn’t the actual car used in the movie, but it was the car given to actor Burt Reynolds for his work in the film. Reynolds sold it in 2014 due to financial problems. It had just 3,600 miles on its odometer.

Cirque Medrano lithograph, $10,200, Potter & Potter Auctions

A 1930s-era color lithograph for Cirque Medrano of Paris, signed by the designer Raoul Ortez and featuring the clown Charlie Cairoli with his father, Jean-Marie Cairoli, on the violin, sold for $10,200 at a Midwinter Vintage Poster Sale held January 29 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a 1960s-era airline poster titled India for Big Game / Air India for Service achieved $7,200; and Dozier Mobley’s Think About It! poster realized $4,800.

Lazar Vozarevic oil, $132,000, Nadeau’s Auction Gallery

An oil on wood on canvas by Lazar Vozarevic (Serbian, 1925-1968), titled Circulo, sold for $132,000 at a Modern Art & Contemporary Sale held February 5 by Nadeau’s Auction Gallery in Windsor, Connecticut. Also, a pink 1969 Ford Mustang 351 single-family owner car sped off for $19,200; a set of 12 Hans Wegner (Danish, 1914-2007) chairs, known as The Chair design, brought $12,800; and a 1950s Gio Ponti/M. Singer & Sons sideboard made $11,520.

Fernand Leger gouache, $375,000, Clarke Auction Gallery

A circa-1954 gouache painting by Fernand Leger (French, 1881-1955), titled Les loisirs, sold for $375,000 at an Awesome Estates Auction held February 6 by Clarke Auction Gallery in Larchmont, New York. Also, a painting signed by Alexandre Cabanel (French, 1823-1889), titled Contemplation or The Italian Servant, went for $55,000, and an untitled map-drawing of Las Vegas by Saul Steinberg (American, 1914-1999) rose to $40,000.

Bach signed document, $400,000, RR Auction

A handwritten receipt signed twice by composer Johann Sebastian Bach sold for $400,000 in an online auction held Jan. 14-Feb. 9 by RR Auction in Boston. Also, a photograph of the Romanov Grand Duchesses, signed by all four, earned $75,001; a draft article on the state of humanity, signed by Albert Einstein, rang up $56,914; a King Henry VIII-signed document ordering lavish leashes and collars for his dogs made $50,419; and a Beatles Hollywood Bowl acetate realized $23,837.

Charles M. Russell sculpture, $72,000, Case Antiques Inc., Auctions & Appraisals

A 1929 bronze casting of Charles M. Russell’s sculpture titled Smoking with the Spirit of the Buffalo, commissioned by his wife Nancy three years after the artist’s death, sold for $72,000 at a Winter Auction held Jan. 29-30 by Case Antiques, Inc., Auctions & Appraisals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Also, a Chinese famille verte fish bowl with poem and landscape decoration reached $66,000, and a Tiffany & Co. sword, belt and commendations presented to U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Cadwalader Ringgold hit $52,800.

Tiffany Studios floor lamp, $181,250, Fontaine’s Auction Gallery

A Tiffany Studios Curtain Border leaded glass and patinated bronze floor lamp sold for $181,250 at a Fine & Decorative Arts auction held February 5 by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Also, a Tiffany Studios Byzantine floor lamp lit up the room for $115,625; a Giambologna bronze sculpture of Aphrodite, Goddess of the Sea, made $53,750; and a 19th-century Hertz Brothers carved oak banquet table rose to $35,000.

George Brown Excelsior riverboat, $25,200, Pook & Pook and Noel Barrett

A George Brown Excelsior side-wheel toy riverboat, one of only two known, incomplete and in distressed paint condition, sold for $25,200 at an Antique Toys & Board Games auction held December 3 by Pook & Pook and Noel Barrett in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Also, a circa-1880 Ives lithograph paper on wood baseball toss target hit the mark for $9,840; a Lionel standard gauge Blue Comet flew down the tracks for $9,840; and a Schoenhut bandwagon with some repainting rang up $5,040.

Gertrude Abercrombie painting, $387,500, Hindman

A surreal 1964 oil on panel by Gertrude Abercrombie, titled The Dinosaur, sold for $387,500 at a Somewhere Out There auction held February 17 by Hindman in Chicago. It was a new world auction record for the artist. Also, Wesley Willis’s The Lakefront realized $4,375; Larissa Bates’s Sleeping Mother, Man with Lazar Beams, went for $1,375; and a work on paper by Miyoko Ito, titled Objects in the Nursery, went to a determined bidder for $2,500.

Seven Seas Comics #4, $18,750, PBA Galleries

A copy of Seven Seas Comics #4 from 1947, graded CGC 6.5 and featuring artwork by Matt Baker, sold for $18,750 at a Comic Books Sale held February 3 by PBA Galleries in Berkeley, California. Also, a copy of Crime Patrol #15, graded CGC 4.0, featuring the first Crypt Keeper story, changed hands for $9,375; a copy of Horrific #3, graded CGC 6.0, earned $5,312; a copy of Weird Mysteries #5, graded CGC 2.5, realized $6,875; and a copy of Mister Mystery #11, graded CGC 6.0, achieved $5,937.

Patek Philippe wristwatch, $229,000, Kodner Galleries

A Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A-001 men’s wristwatch sold for $229,000 at a Valentine’s Day auction held February 9 by Kodner Galleries in Dania Beach, Florida. Also, a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-001 men’s wristwatch slipped onto a new wrist for $181,500; an AGL 35.60-carat Ceylon sapphire brooch realized $78,650; a pair of fancy yellow diamond and platinum earrings achieved $66,500; and an EGL-certified 5.02-carat diamond engagement ring brought $60,500.

 

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

Gallery Report: Hale Woodruff abstract sells for record $665K at Swann

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. Here’s the February 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Hale Woodruff painting, $665,000, Swann Auction Galleries

A circa-1958 oil on canvas by Hale Woodruff, titled Carnival, sold for $665,000 at an African American art sale held October 7 by Swann Galleries in New York. It was a record for an abstract work by the artist. Also, a limestone Head carved in 1943 by Elizabeth Catlett realized $485,000 and a new record for the artist, and a circa 1950-1951 oil on canvas by Norman Lewis, titled Past Time, rose to $233,000.

Ansel Adams signed photograph, $9,687, Holabird Western Americana Collections

A 1960 Ansel Adams original photograph from his Yosemite Series, signed and titled Moon and Half Dome, print No. 10, sold for $9,687 at a December Dreams: Premier Americana Auction held Dec. 17-19 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a 12.5-cent token from The Payteller of Rhyolite, Nevada, gaveled for $5,500; and a Wells Fargo & Co. Express Directory of Chinese Houses in California, dating to 1878, went to a determined bidder for $13,750.

Oriental porcelain pieces, $17,500, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A group of four pieces of Oriental porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries sold for $17,500 at a Winter Estates Auction held Jan. 21-22 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a circa-1960 painting by Clementine Hunter (American, 1887-1987), titled Hauling Cotton, achieved $6,875; a 20th-century scratch-built ship model titled Natchez VI made $4,375; and a set of eight Louis XIII style dining chairs hit $3,125.

1951 Mercury coupe, $1.95 million, Mecum Auctions

A customized 1951 Mercury coupe sold for $1.95 million at a collector car auction held January 15 by Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. The two-tone green coupe was known as the Hirohata Merc after the 21-year-old Japanese American veteran who commissioned it in 1952. It was built by some of the most prominent names in the California car scene of the day, including George Barris, who designed cars for the TV shows Batman, The Munsters and The Beverly Hillbillies.

Julie H. Beers painting, $20,000, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A landscape painting by Hudson River School artist Julie H. Beers (American, 1835-1913), titled Summer at Mossy Brook, sold for $20,000 in an online-only Estate Fine Art & Antiques auction held January 6 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a watercolor on paper by Anthony Thieme (American, 1888-1954) of men in boats on calm waters made $12,500; and a 19th-century European mahogany-stained glass bronze bar achieved $19,200.

1930s Eco Model 160 gas pump, CA$35,400, Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd.

A 1930s Canadian Eco Model 160 clockface gasoline pump sold for CA$35,400 (all prices for this sale are given in Canadian dollars) in an online-only Petroliana, Advertising Signs & Memorabilia auction held December 4 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a 1946 McColl-Frontenac double-sided Canadian porcelain sign realized CA$35,400, and a circa-1930s Canadian Red Indian single-sided porcelain sign rose to CA$27,140.

Thornton Dial painting, $84,700, Ahlers & Ogletree

A 1991 mixed media painting by Thornton Dial (American, 1928-2016), titled Struggling Tiger, sold for $84,700 in a New Year’s Signature Estates Auction held Jan. 14-16 by Ahlers & Ogletree in Atlanta. Also, a Tiffany Studios Favrile glass door from the 1920s, titled The Sower, rose to $51,425; an oil on canvas painting by Willard Metcalf (American, 1858-1925), titled The Barn Door, realized $37,200; and a Renaissance Revival desk made by Wooten went for $37,200.

Tom Brady signed jersey, $480,000, Goldin Auctions

A 2021 Tom Brady-signed Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey, worn a few weeks before he won Super Bowl LV in Tampa, sold for $480,000 in an auction ending on January 8 that was conducted by Goldin Auctions in Runnemede, New Jersey. It was a new all-time record for an NFL game-worn jersey. Also, a 2003-2004 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection LeBron James-signed rookie patch card hit $1.5 million, and a 1958 World Cup Sweden ticket stub from Pele’s debut game on June 15, 1958 achieved $36,000.

Charles Baugniet oil, $26,400, Roan, Inc.

An oil on wood by Belgian artist Charles Baugniet (1814-1886), titled Le Toilette de la Mariee, sold for $26,400 at a two-day Pre-Christmas Auction held December 17 and 18 by Roan, Inc. in Cogan Station, Pennsylvania. Also, a vibrant fruit and candy still life painting on canvas by Annie M. Snyder (American, 1852-1927), brought $6,600, and two 13.5K solid yellow gold plate sections sold for a combined $8,690.

Hopi Indian polychrome dish, $9,400, Pook & Pook, Inc.

A Hopi Indian Sikyatki pollaca polychrome dish sold for a little more than $9,400 at a biannual Native American Indian sale held October 27 by Pook & Pook, Inc. in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Also, a Navajo Indian coin silver squash blossom necklace brought $8,064; a group of three Hopi Indian kachina dolls realized $4,221; a Native American Indian birch bark canoe went for $3,024; a double-grooved stone axe rose to $1,386; and a Navajo child-size blanket changed hands for $3,906.

Raoul Dufy painting, $125,000, Nadeau’s Auction Gallery

A watercolor and gouache on paper by Raoul Dufy (French, 1877-1953), titled Araut La Course: Epsom, signed and titled by the artist, sold for $125,000 at a New Year’s Day Auction held on the holiday by Nadeau’s Auction Gallery in Windsor, Connecticut. Also, a sideboard made in 1930 by Emile Jacques Ruhlmann (French, 1879-1933) brought $48,000, and a Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum sterling silver seven-piece tea and coffee set weighing a total of 445 troy ounces realized $28,290.

Chinese Hu-form vase, $54,000, Roland Auctions

A 19th-century Chinese famille rose Hu-form vase decorated in enamels with the Hundred Deer motif sold for $54,000 at a New Year’s Day auction held on the holiday by Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, New York. Also, a framed Tibetan thangka achieved $43,750; a pair of Neoclassical-style gilt bronze urn-form wine coolers rose to $46,875; and a pair of circa-1765 George III mahogany game tables in the manner of Thomas Chippendale went for $37,500.

Banksy’s Girl with Balloon, $174,000, Michaan’s Auctions

A screenprint by the enigmatic British graffiti artist Banksy, titled Girl with Balloon and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Banksy’s Pest Control Office, sold for $174,000 at a Winter Fine Sale held December 17 by Michaan’s Auctions in Alameda, California. Also, Ira Yeager’s oil on canvas titled Chicken Lady realized $18,000; an Ernie Barnes mixed media study sketch of a couple dancing brought $24,000; and an oil painting by Henrietta Berk rose to $16,800.

1901 Nikola Tesla letter, $341,295, RR Auction

A four-page letter handwritten in 1901 by Nikola Tesla, in which he discusses his place among America’s greatest inventors, sold for $341,295 in an auction held Dec. 13-Jan. 12 by RR Auction in Boston. Also, a Purple Rain album signed by Prince soared to $73,698; a letter signed by Queen Mary I earned $30,990; and an Alexander Hamilton Treasury Department signed circular brought $22,688.

Tiffany Dragonfly lamp, $35,000, Burchard Galleries

A Tiffany Dragonfly lamp lit up the room for $35,000 at an auction held November 14 by Burchard Galleries in St. Petersburg, Florida. Also, a pair of Alexander Calder lithographs went for $3,000 and $1,900, respectively; a Chinese bronze of Guanyin sailed past its $5,000 high estimate to bring $7,000; two Knoll Barcelona lounge chairs with ottomans designed for Knoll by Mies van der Rohe earned $5,250 and $4,500, respectively; and a pair of cloisonne Qilin figures went for $1,600.

Spider-Man’s black suit, $3.36 million, Heritage Auctions

Original comic book artwork showing Spider-Man debuting a black costume, from page 25 of the 1984 comic book Secret Wars #8 and hand-drawn by artist Mike Zeck, sold for $3.3 million on January 13 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, artwork from page 84 of the same Spider-Man comic book finished at $288,000, and a CGC Fine 6.0-graded copy of Action Comics #1, which features the first appearance of Superman, went for $3.1 million.

Herend service, $11,340, Doyle NY

A Herend porcelain Rothschild bird pattern table service sold for $11,340 at a Doyle at Home Auction held January 11 by Doyle NY in New York. Also, a Holly Hunt black lacquered wood and bronze peso dining table achieved $9,450; a chinoiserie decorated fabric eight-panel folding screen with four matching panels brought $9,450; a George Smith upholstered dark stained wood loose cushion sofa rose to $6,930; and a group of upholstered green-painted wicker furnishings hit $6,930.

 

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

Gallery Report: Newly discovered Mucha study achieves record $965K

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. Here’s the January 2022 edition of his Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Alphonse Mucha study, $965,000, Toomey & Co. Auctioneers

A newly discovered 1920 oil on canvas painting by Alphonse Mucha (Czech, 1860-1939), titled Young Couple from Rusadla, sold for $965,000 at an auction held December 2 by Toomey & Co. Auctioneers in Oak Park, Illinois. The painting is a fully realized study, depicting an embracing young couple and was part of a larger, lost composition titled Rusadla, which illustrated a procession scene from a Slavic Midsummer Feast. The price is a new auction record for a study by Mucha.

Revolutionary War powder horn, $44,280, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A Revolutionary War powder horn from 1775, owned and carved by Siege of Boston minute man Thomas Smith, sold for $44,280 at a Historic Arms & Militaria auction held Nov. 20 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Another powder horn, a circa 1746 example identified to Moses Brewer of the Provincial militia, earned $22,140. Also, a circa-1812 silver Captain Isaac Hull presentation medal given to Lt. Alexander S. Wadsworth for naval gallantry brought $40,590.

Cartier Pasha men’s watch, CA$64,900, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A Cartier Pasha minute repeater men’s wristwatch sold for CA$64,900 in an online-only Watches & Jewels sale held Nov. 20 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a Cartier Diabolo Tourbillon men’s wristwatch went for CA$29,500; a 15.45-carat diamond cocktail ring realized CA$29,500; a Rolex Explorer II “Steve McQueen” watch achieved CA$23,600; and a Rolex Submariner Date watch rose to CA$12,980. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

George I chinoiserie cabinet, $27,500, Andrew Jones Auctions

A George I chinoiserie decorated japanned cabinet on later stand, the cabinet dating to the early 18th century, sold for $27,500 during Part 2 of the auction of the John Nelson collection held December 12 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a pair of 20th-century Louis XVI style gilt bronze, cut and molded clear glass 16-light chandeliers lit up the room for $23,750, and a pair of large 19th-century Italian Carrara marble busts of classical women went to a determined bidder for $22,500.

Dr. Renz’s Herb Bitters bottle, $24,250, American Bottle Auctions

A Dr. Renz’s Herb Bitters bottle, light lime green in color and one of maybe four examples known that have a uniquely styled applied tapered top, sold for $24,150 in online-only auction #72, Part 1 of the Mel Hammer collection, held Dec. 10-19 by American Bottle Auctions in Sacramento, California. The sum represents a record for the bottle. Also, a Dr. Wonser’s USA Indian Root Bitters bottle with an applied top and medium amber in color finished at $15,525.

Freedman’s mechanical bank, $174,000, Bertoia Auctions

An original Freedman’s mechanical bank, made circa 1880 by Jerome B. Secor of Bridgeport, Connecticut and one of fewer than 10 known, sold for $174,000 at an annual Fall Sale of toys, banks and holiday antiques held Nov. 18-19 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, New Jersey. Also, a large hand-painted Marklin Central Station, produced for the English market circa 1902-1910, realized $40,800, and a circa-1870 German belsnickle with lamp fixture rang up $30,000.

Yongzheng-marked bowl, $160,000, Stefek’s Auctioneers & Appraisers

A Chinese porcelain bowl with a lid bearing the marks of the Yongzheng period (1678-1735) sold for $160,000 at an auction held October 28 by Stefek’s Auctioneers & Appraisers in Roseville, Michigan. The bowl was decorated with a blue, red and green motif with insects, and the lid had a pale jade-colored animal finial. However, the inside of the bowl and the inside of the lid both had Yongzheng markings. The winning bid was placed online.

Napoleon’s 1797 garniture, $2.875 million, Rock Island Auction Company

A gold-encrusted six-piece garniture of five relief carved firearms and a gilt dress sword presented to Napoleon Bonaparte by the Director of the French Republic in 1797 sold for $2.875 million at a Premier Firearms Auction held December 3 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, a solid silver Winchester 1866 rifle, L.D. Nimschke’s tour-de-force, hit the mark for $977,500, and a gold-plated John Ulrich signed “1 of 1000” Model 1873 lever-action rifle realized $431,250.

James P. Regimbal bronze, $5,625, John Moran Auctioneers

A patinated 1980 bronze sculpture by James P. Regimbal (American, Washington state, b. 1949-), titled Rocky Trails, sold for $5,625 at an Art of the American West auction held November 30 by John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California. Also, a 1950 painting by Ted DeGrazia (American, Arizona, 1909-1982), titled Navajo with 7 Horses, achieved $7,500; and an early 20th-century Navajo/Dine Germantown double saddle blanket hit $5,625.

Nobel Prize from 1990, $312,500, Nate D. Sanders Auctions

The 1990 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to E. Donnall Thomas for his use of bone marrow transplants to treat leukemia and other blood cancers, sold for $312,500 at an auction held December 9 by Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles. Thomas first proposed his theory in 1957 and worked methodically throughout the 1960s and 1970s to turn the theory into a clinical treatment. It was dismissed at the time as implausible and experimental but gradually gained acceptance.

Folk art portrait of a cat, $152,100, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

A late 19th- or early 20th-century American folk art portrait of a black and white cat sold for $152,100 at a Premier Americana Auction held Nov. 17-20 by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in Mt. Crawford, Virginia. Also, a hand-sewn 34-star 1864 Lincoln-and-Johnson presidential campaign flag achieved $128,700; a Native American Party political flag banner went for $99,450; and a Johannes Spitler paint-decorated yellow pine blanket chest realized $76,050.

Majolica wine cooler, $81,900, Doyle

A circa-1865 Minton majolica cobalt-blue ground Victorian wine cooler and cover sold for $81,900 at Part 1 of the Joan Stacke Graham Majolica Collection held December 14 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a Delphin Massier majolica butterfly jardiniere went for $25,200; a Mintons majolica large fish dish and cover finished at $25,200; a Delphin Massier majolica vase modeled as a grasshopper brought $20,160; and a Mintons majolica model of a fawn flower holder rose to $15,120.

Harry Houdini’s Bible, $102,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

Harry Houdini’s Bible, a 1901 Red Letter edition inscribed, “To Dunninger, best wishes, Houdini, Nov. 30, 1925”, sold for $102,000 at a Winter Magic Auction held December 11 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a 1990s-era Pyramids of Egypt wine and water trick by John Gaughan & Associates went for $14,400, and a Blaney Ladder Levitation prop, made by Walter Blaney in the 1990s, rose to $15,600.

Rembrandt etching from 1634, $20,000, Dallas Auction Gallery

A 1634 etching by Rembrandt, titled Self-Portrait with Sabre, sold for $20,000 at a Fine and Decorative Art Auction held November 17 by Dallas Auction Gallery in Dallas. Also, a portfolio of 20 Sol LeWitt serigraphs from 1981, dubbed Lines in Two Directions and in Five Colors with All Their Combinations, realized $18,750, and a 1983 mixed media on board by Dan Rizzie, titled The Blood of the Poet, earned $10,625.

Custer’s Civil War gun holster rig, $37,500, Holabird Western Americana Collections

U.S. Army Captain George Armstrong Custer’s gun holster, dispatch case, belt and brass buckle from the Civil War sold for $37,500 at a November Wonders: Western Americana Auction held Nov. 18-22 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a 14K gold necklace with diamond bands and emerald eyes, accompanied by a matching ring and earrings, achieved $11,560, and a circa-1910 10-cent brass octagonal token for the H. Champagne Bar in Genoa, Nevada hit $3,750.

Beatles-signed album, $31,251, RR Auction

A copy of the Beatles album Please Please Me, signed by all four members of the band, sold for $31,251 in an online Marvels of Modern Music auction that began October 14 and ended November 18 by RR Auction in Boston. The consignor indicated the signatures were obtained at the Adelphi Cinema in Slough, England in 1963. Also, a Beatles-signed 1963 Winter Gardens program earned $24,750, and a Nirvana-signed Smells Like Teen Spirit picture disc achieved $15,000.

Daniel Garber’s ‘Sycamores,’ $390,600, Freeman’s

A large-scale canvas painting by the Pennsylvania Impressionist Daniel Garber, titled Sycamores, sold for $390,600 at an American Art auction held December 5 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, Kenneth Nunamaker’s canvas River Road at Centre Bridge climbed to $201,600; Fern Coppedge’s December Afternoon (Carversville) achieved $226,800; Edward Redfield’s Abandoned Road hit $352,800; and Mary Elizabeth Price’s Mallow and Lily made $107,100.

1907 Saint-Gaudens gold coin, $4.75 million, Heritage Auctions

A 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief U.S. gold coin, graded proof-68 CAC, sold for $4.75 million in a private transaction between GreatCollections Coin Auctions of Irvine, California, and Heritage Auctions of Dallas. The coin last appeared in a 2007 Heritage auction where it sold for $1.84 million. The buyer then was Bob R. Simpson, founder of XTO Energy and an owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team. Fewer than 20 of the Ultra High Relief coins were minted and just 13 to 15 exist today.

1837 cutlass pistol, $27,025, Skinner Auctioneers

A Cyrus B. Allen Elgin patent cutlass pistol from 1837 with the original holster/scabbard sold for $27,025 at a Historic Arms & Militaria auction held October 29 by Skinner Auctioneers in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Also, a New Hampshire 2nd Battalion marked French model infantry musket hit the mark for $44,062; a 34th Regiment of Foot Dublin Castle pattern 1769 short land service musket rose to $34,075; and a New Hampshire-attributed Dog Pommel saber changed hands for $11,750.

Hank Aaron 1976 uniform, $224,000, Julien’s Auctions

Hank Aaron’s 1976 storied final season game-worn Milwaukee Brewers full uniform sold for $224,000 in an Icons & Idols: Sports auction held December 5 by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, Aaron’s game-used baseball glove from 1976 was a hit for $76,800; Babe Ruth’s circa 1922-1924 game-used Louisville Slugger bat (Mears A7) realized $32,000; and a Kobe Bryant original 2000 Los Angeles Lakers limited edition Jeff Hamilton signed sportsmen’s jacket achieved $28,800.

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