A Charlotte Bronte letter and a Walt Whitman-signed photo lead the treasures at PBA Galleries, Sept. 7

Walt Whitman’s own copy of a famed 1860 portrait that he signed and dated in ink, offered with an 1855 first edition of ‘Leaves of Grass, together estimated at $120,000-$180,000 at PBA Galleries.

[av_heading heading=’A Charlotte Bronte letter and a Walt Whitman-signed photo lead the treasures at PBA Galleries, Sept. 7′ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llmoq4ca’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Sheila Gibson Stoodley |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-u4x8wxb’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-pjlvxyn’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-m54jnsf’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llmopfu0′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

BERKELEY, Calif. – A wistful and chatty letter from Charlotte Bronte to her editor headlines PBA Galleries’ next Rare Books & Manuscripts auction, which takes place Thursday, September 7. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Dated July 27, 1850, Bronte wrote the letter to the man whose firm, Smith, Elder, & Co., accepted the manuscripts for the debut novels of all three Bronte sisters, who had submitted them under the masculine pen names of Currer (Charlotte), Ellis (Emily) and Acton (Anne) Bell.

At the time she wrote the letter, Charlotte was the sole survivor of the three, having lost Emily and Anne to tuberculosis in 1848 and 1849, respectively, at the painfully young ages of 30 and 29. Also, by late July of 1850, the true identities of the Bronte sisters had been revealed.

Charlotte begins the three-page letter with a nod to the era when she and her sisters needed to masquerade in print as men, saying, “My dear Sir, The long and interesting letter you sent me reminded me of the old days – (they seem old days now) when you wrote to me as ‘Currer Bell Esq’…”

Within 54 lines, she speaks of a portrait she sat for and has yet to see, and shares an opinion on country living, stating, “where there is so little of human and social interest to give a lasting charm,” and goes on to say, “In Scotland, for instance, though the narrowness and prejudice of which you complain, may indeed be found, yet that stagnation of ideas, that insensibility to natural beauties, that extreme pettiness of feeling scarcely, I should think exist. I am bound, however, to confess that all these weeds grow rank enough in the cold, Moorish soil of the North of England….”

The letter, which is protected by a circa-1920s green leather folder that bears the armorial bookplate of Max Aitken, the first Lord Beaverbrook and publisher of the British tabloid The Daily Express, has an estimate of $40,000-$60,000.

Another standout lot in the September 7 sale lineup is an 1855 first edition, first issue of Walt Whitman’s immortal Leaves of Grass, offered with Whitman’s own copy of his famed 1860 photographic portrait, which he signed in ink. The lot carries an estimate of $120,000-$180,000.

Perhaps the prettiest author’s inscription to come to auction this year belongs to that on the first book in a complete set of first editions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Estimated at $35,000-$45,000, Tolkien inscribed the book to Hal Coomer, with whom he had appeared on a radio program in 1958.

Also demanding mention is The Magic Volume! an 1840 book that might be unique. Dubbed a “blow book,” it features more than one hand-colored illustration of Queen Victoria as the Queen of Hearts. As the lot notes explain, “The book appears to change its contents depending on how the pages are flicked through, an effect achieved with different-sized tabs along the fore-edge.” Its estimate is $8,000-$12,000.

[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW COMPLETE CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/299378_pba-platinum-rare-books-and-manuscripts/?page=1&sort=lotNumber’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-gj41tgv’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-aji5nvz’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-llmori3z’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178032′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/159362900_letter-from-charlotte-bronta-to-her-editor-1850′ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llmp06p4′ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Significant three-page autograph letter, in ink, from Charlotte Bronte to her editor, William S. Williams, dated July 27, 1850, presented in a circa-1920s green leather folder and estimated at $40,000-$60,000 at PBA Galleries.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178033′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/159362978_1855-leaves-of-grass-with-signed-whitman-portrait ‘ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llmp1o16′ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
1855 first edition, first issue of Walt Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass,’ offered with the author’s own copy of a famed 1860 portrait, which he signed and dated in ink, estimated at $120,000-$180,000 at PBA Galleries.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178034′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/159362976_lord-of-the-rings-with-inscription-by-tolkien’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llmp2vqi’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
First edition, first printings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy with a beautifully lettered inscription by Tolkien at the front of the first book, estimated at $35,000-$45,000 at PBA Galleries.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178035′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/159362942_rare-magic-book-features-queen-victoria-1840 ‘ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llmp3zyb’ sc_version=’1.0′]
1840 magic book featuring a hand-colored illustration of Queen Victoria, possibly unique, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at PBA Galleries.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-5vjjc4v’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Beethoven handwritten 1823 letter nears $100K at RR Auction

A circa-1823 one-page letter written by famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven on sending his work ‘Missa Solemnis’ to London sold for $99,000 at RR Auction on April 12. Image courtesy of RR Auction
A circa-1823 one-page letter written by famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven on sending his work ‘Missa Solemnis’ to London sold for $99,000 at RR Auction on April 12. Image courtesy of RR Auction
A circa-1823 one-page letter written by famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven on sending his work ‘Missa Solemnis’ to London sold for $99,000 at RR Auction on April 12. Image courtesy of RR Auction

BOSTON – A handwritten letter by the legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven sold for nearly $100,000 at RR Auction on April 12. It concerned his standout work Missa Solemnis, which translates from Latin as ‘Solemn Mass.’

Continue reading

University Archives invites you to own a piece of history, Dec. 14

NASA Manned Spacecraft Center Stamp Club insurance cover signed by Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, estimated at $8,000-$10,000
NASA Manned Spacecraft Center Stamp Club insurance cover signed by Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, estimated at $8,000-$10,000
NASA Manned Spacecraft Center Stamp Club insurance cover signed by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, estimated at $8,000-$10,000

WILTON, Conn. – A NASA Manned Spacecraft Center Stamp Club insurance cover from the Buzz Aldrin family space collection, signed by all three Apollo 11 crew members, and an autograph letter signed by Thomas Jefferson from Monticello in which he mentions Napoleon Bonaparte are a few of the expected highlights in University Archives’ online auction slated for Wednesday, December 14 at 11 am Eastern time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Washington ‘Constitution’ letter to Jefferson achieves $2.4M at Freeman’s

Handwritten letter from George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, announcing the completion of the Constitution, $2.4 million. Image courtesy of Freeman’s
Handwritten letter from George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, announcing the completion of the Constitution, $2.4 million. Image courtesy of Freeman’s
Handwritten letter from George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, announcing the completion of the Constitution, $2.4 million. Image courtesy of Freeman’s

PHILADELPHIA — Freeman’s November 15 Books and Manuscripts: Rare Americana auction featured the $2,389,500 sale of the letter George Washington sent to Thomas Jefferson announcing the Constitution’s completion, one day following its adoption by the Constitutional Convention.

Continue reading

Counterculture marches to its own drum at PBA Galleries, Dec. 1

1967 poster for the Grateful Dead, signed by designer Bob Fried, estimated at $4,000-$6,000
1967 poster for the Grateful Dead, signed by designer Bob Fried, estimated at $4,000-$6,000
1967 poster for the Grateful Dead, estimated at $4,000-$6,000

BERKELEY, Calif. – On Tuesday, December 1, PBA Galleries will host an auction with more than 450 lots of fine literature and ephemera, featuring scarce works from the counterculture and the Beat Generation, plus a large section of rock and psychedelic posters. Also included are editions from Charles Bukowski, many with original artwork, as well as large samplings of the works of Ray Bradbury, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway and other major voices of 20th-century literature. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Books signed by MLK and Gandhi set records at Hindman

Cover of 1958 first printing, first edition of Stride Toward Freedom, The Montgomery Story, signed by Martin Luther King Jr., $50,000, a record for a King-signed book
Cover of 1958 first printing, first edition of Stride Toward Freedom, The Montgomery Story, signed by Martin Luther King Jr., $50,000, a record for a King-signed book
Cover of 1958 first printing, first edition of Stride Toward Freedom, The Montgomery Story, signed by Martin Luther King Jr., $50,000, a record for a King-signed book

CHICAGO – A collection of letters by notorious American gangster Al Capone achieved exceptional prices in Hindman’s Fine Books & Manuscripts auction, which took place November 8 and 9. Books and manuscripts authored and signed by presidents and world leaders from the Patrick Atkinson collection also saw significant attention, with new auction records set for books signed by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi. The total sale nearly doubled its estimate, and realized more than $1.2 million, representing one of Hindman’s most successful various-owner Books & Manuscripts auctions in recent years.

Continue reading

Gallery Report: Le Pho painting blooms at Hindman

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

Le Pho painting, $337,500, Hindman

A painting by Vietnamese artist Le Pho (1907-2001), titled Femme Peignant (Woman Painting), sold for $337,500 at Fine Art auctions held Sept. 27-29 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, Le Pho’s paintings La Lettre and Les Dahlia Jaunes brought $237,500 and $137,500, respectively; an untitled portrait of a baseball player by Ernie Barnes rang up $312,500; Friedel Dzubas’s 1978 work Aglaura went for $137,500; Ron Davis’s Red Top, from 1968, realized $131,250; and Gertrude Abercrombie’s Blue Screen, completed in 1945, hit $225,000.

Copy of Wonder Woman #1, $54,000, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A copy of DC Comics’ Wonder Woman #1, featuring the first appearance of Ares and a retelling of the origin of Wonder Woman, graded CGC 5.5, sold for $54,000 at a sale of the Henry Anderson collection held October 1 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a copy of DC Comics’ Detective Comics #38, featuring the origin and first appearance of Batman’s sidekick Robin, the Boy Wonder, graded CGC 3.0, brought $51,600.

American National pedal car, $66,000, Milestone Auctions

An American National Deluxe Coupe pedal car, fitted with opening doors, sliding windows, interior upholstery and curtains, sold for $66,000 at a sale of antique and vintage toys from the Mark Smith collection held September 24 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Gendron 50in-long chain-drive pedal car with a steel body and a wooden radiator, tires and frame sped off for $24,000; and a Domo Maserati 4cl tether race car made in Italy brought $6,600.

Chinoiserie-style table, $10,000, John Moran Auctioneers

A black lacquered Chinoiserie-style console table with gilt highlights sold for $10,000 at an auction of Property from the Thomas and Erika Jayne Girardi Residence held September 21 at John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, an 81in-tall bronze sculpture of a man by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. brought $13,750; a pair of Michael Taylor Monticello outdoor garden armchairs realized $7,150; and a 19th-century Continental hand-painted, black lacquered cabinet with mythological oil paintings rose to $11,875.

John Speed map of the world, $12,650, Old World Auctions

 A New and Accurat Map of the World by John Speed, an iconic 1626 first state version of Speed’s double-hemisphere world map with blank verso, sold for $12,650 in an online auction held in September by Old World Auctions, based in Richmond, Virginia. Also, Islandia, a 1585 map by Abraham Ortelius – one of Ortelius’s most decorative maps, featuring fantastical sea monsters – earned $12,075, and an unusual 1658 oval bible map of the world by Danckert Danckerts made $7,475.

1821 Half Eagle gold coin, $4.62 million, Heritage Auctions

An 1821 Half Eagle $5 gold U.S. proof coin, graded PR65 Cameo, the only proof in private hands and one of only two proof examples known (the other is in the Smithsonian Institution), sold for $4.62 million at Part 1 of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection held September 29 by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions in Long Beach, California. Also, a 1795 BD-1 13 leaves $10 U.S. coin, MS64, rose to $690,000; and an 1848 CAL. quarter eagle coin, MS64, garnered $552,000.

Chinese porcelain vase, $504,000, Doyle

A Chinese famille rose porcelain vase with the Qianlong mark and of the period sold for $504,000 at an Asian Works of Art auction held September 21 by Doyle in New York City. Also, another exceptional Qianlong mark and period tianqiuping-form vase, decorated with a monochrome blue glaze, went to a determined bidder for $94,500, many times its $10,000-$15,000 estimate.

Maud Lewis folk art painting, $100,300, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A mixed media painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1980), titled Winter Sleigh Ride, sold for $100,300 in an online-only Canadiana & Folk Art auction held October 8 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a mixed media diorama by Adelard Brousseau of Quebec, titled Maple Sugar Time, rose to $10,620; and an acrylic on paper by Norval Morrisseau (Canadian, 1932-2007), titled Ancestral Visitors, made $11,800. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Tiffany Poppy table lamp, $93,750, Fontaine’s Auction Gallery

A circa-1905 Tiffany Studios Poppy table lamp with vibrant red poppies surrounded by blue and yellow background glass sold for $93,750 at a fall sale held Sept. 24-25 by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Also, a circa-1910 Tiffany Studios Peony Border chandelier realized $87,500; a platinum bracelet with more than 45 carats of diamonds finished at $81,250; and a circa-1880 Eastlake walnut four-piece bedroom set commanded $27,500.

Winchester Model 21 shotgun, $14,100, Rock Island Auction Company

An engraved and gold-inlaid Winchester 16-gauge Model 21 double-barrel shotgun set, offered with its case, hit the mark for $14,200 at a Sporting & Collector Auction held Oct. 5-6 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, a Ben Shostle signed master relief engraved Colt first generation single-action Army revolver with its case earned $11,750, and a pair of Remington Custom Ship Model 547 sporting bolt action rifles scored a bull’s-eye for $10,575.

William Skilling elephant painting, $18,750, Dallas Auction Gallery

An undated, signed oil on canvas dubbed Untitled (Elephant profile) by William Skilling sold for $18,750 at a Fine & Decorative Art auction held September 21 by Dallas Auction Gallery in Dallas. Also, an undated oil on canvas by Edouard Leon Cortes, titled La Place de l’Opera, realized $18,750; Texas artist Jose Vives-Astara’s 1982 painting titled Landscape of Vail – Colorado went for $6,875; and a pastel by Texas artist Reveau Basset, titled Mallards Landing, attained $3,750.

John Steinbeck letter, $32,426, RR Auction

A two-page letter John Steinbeck wrote to his 14-year-old son, Thomas, dated Nov. 10, 1958, in which he offers wise, fatherly advice on matters of the heart, sold for $32,426 in an online auction held Sept. 23-Oct. 12 by RR Auction, based in Boston. Also, Edgar Allan Poe’s handwritten letter soliciting a donation for the Southern Literary Messenger garnered $149,999, and Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten letter regarding the mutinous crew of John Paul Jones’s flagship earned $62,500.

Ansel Adams Yosemite photo print, $38,750, Holabird Western Americana Collections

An Ansel Adams-signed Yosemite photo print from around 1959 sold for $38,750 at a Western Frontiers auction held October 13-16 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a Gibson model ES175 Sunburst electric guitar with a factory Bixbee whammy bar realized $3,500; a beautiful circa-1900 red mesa chief pattern rug went for $4,000; and a gold 1914 $50 American Buffalo coin brought $2,250.

Diamond and gold brooch, $2,080, Clars Auction Gallery

An antique diamond and platinum-topped 14K gold brooch designed as an old mine or old European-cut diamond-set flower, the diamond weighing 2.0 carats, sold for $2,080 at an auction held Oct. 15-16 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Also, a monumental 1996 work by Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928-2010), titled Wing-Owl, flew to $28,750; and a suite of prints by Richard Diebenkorn (American, 1922-1993), titled Six Soft Ground Etchings, finished at $16,250.

Lion model circus wagon, $6,600, Potter & Potter Auctions

A lion model circus wagon from around 1940, finely detailed and painted, sold for $6,600 at a Circus Sale held September 24 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a 1944 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey / World’s Biggest Menagerie bird’s-eye view poster settled at $3,600; a 1930s Sells-Floto Miss Arline and Kiddo Balloon horse poster maquette earned $4,080; and a pair of gloves believed to have been owned by Buffalo Bill Cody changed hands for $1,560.

First edition 2007 factory-sealed iPhone, $39,340, LCG Auctions

A factory-sealed 2007 first-edition iPhone sold for a record price of $39,340 at a Fall Premier Auction held October 16 by LCG Auctions in New Orleans. Also, a 1978 Star Wars Luke Skywalker action figure with a double telescoping lightsaber, graded AFA 85, achieved $33.359; a 1987 G.I. Joe Defiant playset, CAS 80, earned $32,513; a 1982 Masters of the Universe He-Man action figure, AFA 80, brought $32,513; and a 1985 Transformers Jetfire, AFA 90, realized $18,353.

Gorham silver candelabras, $84,000, Cottone Auctions

A pair of Gorham sterling silver Art Nouveau candelabras made for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair sold for $84,000 at a Fine Art & Antiques auction held September 23 by Cottone Auctions in Geneseo, New York. Also, a 1963 gouache on paper by Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976), titled The Beams, went for $90,000; a Tiffany Studios Peony table lamp lit up the room for $103,200; and a Chinese Ming-style blue and white ewer, with a Qianlong mark and of the period, brought $282,000.

William S. Kendall painting, $24,000, Kaminski Auctions

A painting by William Sergeant Kendall (American, 1869-1938), titled St. Ives Pray for Us, signed and dated 1890, sold for $24,000 at a two-day estates auction held Sept. 24-25 by Kaminski Auctions in Beverly, Massachusetts. Also, a set of six circa-1970 Tucroma leather chairs, by Guido Faleschini for Pace Furniture, climbed to $4,800; an 18K gold bracelet with two sapphires at the closure settled at $12,000; and a set of Hermes Le Jardin de Pythagore dinnerware made $4,200.

Rolex Daytona Big Red watch, $90,000, Jones & Horan

A Rolex Daytona Big Red ref 6263 watch sold for $90,000 at a four-hour afternoon sale held September 25 by Jones & Horan in Manchester, New Hampshire. Also, a Patek Philippe Calatrava ref 2526 achieved $27,000; a Rolex Submariner ref 16808 reached $26,000; and a Tropical Deep Sea Alarm Diver finished at $25,000.

Zhang Daqian handscroll, $23,370, Michaan’s Auction

A large handscroll painting attributed to Zhang Daqian (Chinese, 1899-1983), titled Landscape, sold for $23,370 at an Annex Auction held Aug. 15-18 by Michaan’s Auction in Alameda, California. Also, a Chinese blue and white moon flask realized $19,680; an oil on canvas Self Portrait by Henrietta Berks (American, 1919-1990), achieved $9,225; an unmounted 2.20-carat diamond with pendant mount made $10,455; and two Flora Danica items, a tureen and a dish, won $3,382.

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/