Antique button mania returns to Lion and Unicorn April 10

Large early 18th-century blue foil-backed butterfly button, estimated at $1,200-$2,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Some of the world’s most desirable buttons will be offered at Lion and Unicorn on Wednesday, April 10 as part of its Florida Spring Time Antique Button Auction. Low estimates range from $50 to more than $5,000, with bidding available via LiveAuctioneers.

Helpfully tagged as ‘the rarest button in the auction’ is an 18th-century engraved copper example sporting a profile portrait of William of Orange. Although dated 1688, the year of the so-called Glorious Revolution, the button was likely made a century later to mark the anniversary of the Protestant succession. The legend reads Pro Libertate (For Liberty). One of a number of copper pictorials offered from the collection of Harry Case of Missouri, it comes with a mighty estimate of $5,000-$8,000.

Also from the Case collection is a large circa-1790 two-color copper mourning button set with a watercolor-on-ivory scene of a lady by a funerary urn, and a large early 18th-century brass button with a foil-backed reverse-painted image of a butterfly. Both in good condition, they are estimated at $2,000-$4,000 and $1,200-$2,500, respectively.

The National Button Society formed in 1938 and created a series of guidelines for the classification of antique buttons according to size, date, type, and status. All are laid down in the Official NBS Classification System handbook, fondly known as the Blue Book, which is still provided to each new member.

‘Large’ buttons are classified as those measuring between 1.25-1.75in, while ‘Extra-large’ buttons are those that exceed 1.75in. Another prize in the April 10 sale is an extra-large cut brass and steel picture button meticulously worked with a Commedia dell’arte scene of Punchinello and Harlequin. Estimated at $1,000-$2,000, this is the very button pictured in the Big Book of Buttons by Elizabeth Hughes and Marion Lester – the collecting guide that is itself something of a collector’s item.

When the first button collections were formed in the early 20th century, the focus was very much on these deluxe items dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Today, some of the buttons made during the Art Deco period are equally sought after. Estimated at $2,000-$3,500 is a large silver and sepia tinted glass button by René Lalique. Molded with the image of a nymph picking flowers and dubbed Floret, it is one of six button designs Lalique produced.

Large 18th-century engraved copper button with a portrait of William of Orange, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large 18th-century engraved copper button with a portrait of William of Orange, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Late 18th-century copper and watercolor-on-ivory mourning button, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Late 18th-century copper and watercolor-on-ivory mourning button, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large early 18th-century blue foil-backed butterfly button, estimated at $1,200-$2,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large early 18th-century blue foil-backed butterfly button, estimated at $1,200-$2,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Extra-large 19th-century brass and steel Punchinello and Harlequin button, estimated at $1,000-$2,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Extra-large 19th-century brass and steel Punchinello and Harlequin button, estimated at $1,000-$2,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

René Lalique silver and sepia-tinted glass button, estimated at $2,000-$3,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

René Lalique silver and sepia-tinted glass button, estimated at $2,000-$3,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large tombac (brass and zinc alloy) button with an engraved image of a horse-drawn coach, estimated at $1,500-$2,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large tombac (brass and zinc alloy) button with an engraved image of a horse-drawn coach, estimated at $1,500-$2,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large early 20th-century button with a vintage car in brass on a Goodyear rubber backing, estimated at $500-$1,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Large early 20th-century button with a vintage car in brass on a Goodyear rubber backing, estimated at $500-$1,500 at Lion and Unicorn.

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell is editor of Auction Central News and deputy editor at Antiques Trade Gazette. He has been writing about all aspects of the art and antiques market for more than 25 years.

Wedgwood vases and Royal Doulton jugs add character to Lion and Unicorn Dec. 17 and 19

Royal Doulton prototype character jug depicting John Gilpin, estimated at $5,000-$6,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — In the world of Royal Doulton character jug collecting, the prototypes or trial pieces are ‘holy grail’ items. These are the jugs that were made in the factory in Burslem, Staffordshire, England as experiments and — for reasons of cost, design or an unhappy subject — never entered general production. Most survive in small numbers of half a dozen or less.

Several good examples are included in the Sunday, December 17 and Tuesday, December 19 European Ceramics and Glass Auction at Lion and Unicorn.

The most desirable of these, estimated at $5,000-$6,000, is a large jug of John Gilpin, whose exploits on a runaway horse provided the basis for a popular 18th-century comic ballad. The poem tells how Gilpin and his wife and children became separated during a journey to the Bell Inn, Edmonton — the name inscribed to the signpost that forms the jug’s handle. Only a handful of these are known — this one with a standard Royal Doulton backstamp.

Two jugs depicting the 42nd President Bill Clinton carry backstamps reading Royal Doulton Prototype Only. One of several Clinton designs by Noble Ray (another has a handle modeled as the Stars ad Stripes and an eagle), this one has Clinton’s saxophone as the handle. The large-size jug has an estimate of $3,000-$6,000, and the smaller version has an estimate of $2,000-$3,000.

The second day of the sale includes additional Doulton wares. There is much to admire about a Titanian glazed vase decorated with a standing heron on a branch of wisteria by Harry Allen. Popular in the 1920s, the Titanian glaze relied on titanium oxide to create this distinctive blue color. This vase has an estimate of $5,000-$8,000.

The Moorcroft factory also experimented with high-fired glazes in the inter-war period, and its flambe pieces are some of the most coveted. Here a circa-1930 fish-pattern vase standing more than 12in high is estimated at $8,000-$10,000.

Prices for Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre have softened in recent years, but there are two fine pieces in the sale. A baluster form vase and cover in the Rainbow pattern and a 5in Malfrey pot and cover printed with the Elves IV pattern to the exterior and Pebble and Grass to the interior both have attractive estimates of $5,000-$8,000.

Royal Doulton prototype character jug depicting John Gilpin, estimated at $5,000-$6,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton prototype character jug depicting John Gilpin, estimated at $5,000-$6,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton prototype character jug depicting Bill Clinton, estimated at $3,000-$6,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton prototype character jug depicting Bill Clinton, estimated at $3,000-$6,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre vase and cover in the Rainbow pattern, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre vase and cover in the Rainbow pattern, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Wedgwood Flame Fairyland Lustre Malfrey pot with Elves IV pattern, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Wedgwood Flame Fairyland Lustre Malfrey pot with Elves IV pattern, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell is editor of Auction Central News and deputy editor at Antiques Trade Gazette. He has been writing about all aspects of the art and antiques market for more than 25 years.

Vintage Doulton heads parade of British ceramics and pottery at Lion and Unicorn Nov. 26 and Nov. 28

Doulton Lambeth saltglaze figure of mice and frogs playing tug of war by George Tinworth. Estimate $7,000-$10,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Works by the Doulton factory dominate the two-day British Ceramics and Pottery Auction at Lion and Unicorn. No fewer than 144 of 255 lots on Sunday, November 26 and 249 of 348 lots on Tuesday, November 28 are by the famed London and Staffordshire pottery concern.

The lot with the highest estimate is a Doulton Lambeth saltglaze figure of mice and frogs playing tug of war by George Tinworth. None of Tinworth’s so-called ‘humoresques’ were made in large multiples (typically they were created in a mold, then hand-finished by Tinworth and his workshop), but the Tug of War is particularly rare. It is estimated at $7,000-$10,000.

The other great figure in the early history of the factory is Charles Noke – the genius behind a range of innovative wares that made Doulton a world leader.

Perhaps Noke’s greatest achievement as art director was the creation of a series of experimental glazed wares in ranges he called the Flambes, Titanian, Sung, Chinese Jade, Chang and Crystalline. Offered in the late November sale is a circa-1919 figure of the smiling Buddha in the high-fired Sung glaze that is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Noke is also well known for launching the HN figurines (named after Harry Nixon, who was in charge of the figure painting department). One of the most impressive pieces in the series is the 21in (55cm) Princess Badoura (HN2081), who wears a full-length pink dress as she sits on a howdah on the back of an elephant. Modeled by a trio of factory designers — Harry Tittensor, Harry E. Stanton and F. Van Allen Phillips — it was made in 1952 as a special order. This classic Doulton figure is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Doulton Lambeth saltglaze figure of mice and frogs playing tug of war by George Tinworth. Estimate $7,000-$10,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Doulton Lambeth saltglaze figure of mice and frogs playing tug of war by George Tinworth. Estimate $7,000-$10,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton Sung glazed figure of a smiling Buddha by Charles Noke, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton Sung glazed figure of a smiling Buddha by Charles Noke, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton Princess Badoura (HN2081) figure designed in 1952 and estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Royal Doulton Princess Badoura (HN2081) figure designed in 1952 and estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Martin Brothers stoneware vase, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Martin Brothers stoneware vase, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell is editor of Auction Central News and deputy editor at Antiques Trade Gazette. He has been writing about all aspects of the art and antiques market for more than 25 years.

Vintage and antique buttons adorn Lion and Unicorn Nov. 8-9

1789 Sons of Liberty George Washington Inaugural patriot button, estimated at $10,000-$25,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Collecting buttons — the ones that make clothing functional and those worn as adornments to convey messages — is a longtime passion for many in the antiques community, resulting in fine collections rarely seen at auction. Lion and Unicorn will bring nearly 1,000 lots of both button types to market on Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9, with some historical gems slated to perform. The catalogs are now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers (Day 1, Day 2).

One of the sale’s top lots is a George Washington Sons of Liberty inaugural copper button dated 1789. It was depicted in George Washington Inaugural Buttons and Medalets, 1789-1793 by J. Harold Cobb, a member of the American Button Society and an expert on Washington-era buttons. The auctioneers’ notes declare this to be the “rarest” button they have ever sold. It is estimated at $10,000-$25,000.

Ballooning was a big deal in late-18th century France, with Pilatre De Rozier launching a sheep, duck and rooster aloft for 15 minutes, and soon after, the Montgolfier brothers followed with the first aerostatic flight in modern history. This French button features a detailed image of a balloon and carries the mark Depose Paris on the back, a period term indicating the design was the equivalent of copyrighted, along with stating  the object’s place of origin. The button carries an estimate of $2,000-$3,000.

American political buttons (or pinbacks, so-called because of their inclusion of a metallic pin for affixing to one’s clothing) make a strong appearance in the two-day sale. This lot features 25 buttons from various campaigns across the 20th century, and even includes a then-popular lenticular button for Lyndon Johnson’s 1964 re-election campaign; depending on the angle of view, it’s a dour LBJ or “LBJ for the USA.” The lot is estimated at $100-$1,000.

Two additional political button lots show the long history of using pinbacks to market political candidates. This lot includes 25 buttons ranging in campaigns from Truman in 1948 to John F. Kennedy in 1960. Another 25-button lot reaches as far back as McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt. Both are estimated at $100-$1,000.

1789 Sons of Liberty George Washington Inaugural patriot button, estimated at $10,000-$25,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

1789 Sons of Liberty George Washington Inaugural patriot button, estimated at $10,000-$25,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

19th-century French pictorial balloon button, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

19th-century French pictorial balloon button, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

20th-century political pinback buttons, estimated at $100-$1,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

20th-century political pinback buttons, estimated at $100-$1,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

20th-century political pinback buttons, estimated at $100-$1,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

20th-century political pinback buttons, estimated at $100-$1,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Marie-Claude won the battle of the Laliques at Lion and Unicorn

Unique mixed-media three-panel screen by Marie-Claude Lalique, which sold for $24,000 ($30,000 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – In a sale drawn on the collection of the late Marie-Claude Lalique (1935-2003), the granddaughter of the famed French jewelry designer and glass artisan came out on top. The 271-lot auction, held at Lion and Unicorn on September 10, featured pieces by René Lalique, Marc Lalique (René’s son and Marie-Claude’s father), and Marie-Claude Lalique, who was the last member of the family to run the firm.

The overall top lot was a unique piece handmade and signed by Marie-Claude. The three-panel 80in-tall screen with a mixed media image of glass flowers on a wooden frame with brass hardware achieved $24,000 ($30,000 with buyer’s premium)

The René Lalique lot that commanded the highest sum was not a surprise. A molded plaque of a woman’s face in frosted and clear glass, believed to have been made to grace an interior of the Cote d’Azur Pullman Express luxury train, realized $8,250 ($10,312 with buyer’s premium).

And the highest price for a Marc Lalique piece went to a pair of fogged crystal wall sconces with oak leaf-form tops that can be detached from their crystal and metal bases. The pair earned $5,000 ($6,250 with buyer’s premium).

Many other lots from the Marie-Claude Lalique collection did well, and some were welcome surprises. It’s possible that the same bidder secured a set of four Lalique owl-motif lowball glasses and also a group of three other Lalique owl-motif lowball glasses. Each lot was estimated at $200-$800 and they respectively sold for $2,200 ($2,750 with buyer’s premium) and $1,300 ($1,625 with buyer’s premium).

Also posting head-turning results were a Lalique crystal figure of a Sumatra elephant that earned $2,000 ($2,500 with buyer’s premium) and a Lalique amber crystal lion figure dating to circa 2018 that brought $1,700 ($2,135 with buyer’s premium).

Unique mixed-media three-panel screen by Marie-Claude Lalique, which sold for $24,000 ($30,000 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

Unique mixed-media three-panel screen by Marie-Claude Lalique, which sold for $24,000 ($30,000 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

Detail of unique mixed-media three-panel screen by Marie-Claude Lalique, which sold for $24,000 ($30,000 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

Detail of unique mixed-media three-panel screen by Marie-Claude Lalique, which sold for $24,000 ($30,000 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

A clear and frosted glass plaque of a woman’s face by René Lalique, probably made for the interior of the Cote d’Azur Pullman Express train, which sold for $8,250 ($10,312 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

A clear and frosted glass plaque of a woman’s face by René Lalique, probably made for the interior of the Cote d’Azur Pullman Express train, which sold for $8,250 ($10,312 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

Pair of fogged crystal oak leaf-form wall sconces by Marc Lalique, which sold for $5,000 ($6,250 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

Pair of fogged crystal oak leaf-form wall sconces by Marc Lalique, which sold for $5,000 ($6,250 with buyer’s premium) at Lion and Unicorn.

Sheila Gibson Stoodley

Sheila Gibson Stoodley

Sheila Gibson Stoodley is the associate editor for Auction Central News. She has written and edited for Robb Report, Art & Antiques magazine, and Andrew Harper online. She also authored The Hot Bid, a blog devoted to intriguing and delightful lots coming up at auction.

The last Lalique’s personal collection heads to Lion and Unicorn Sept. 10

Original René Lalique frosted and clear glass plaque, believed to have been made for the Cote D’Azur Pullman Express train, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.

[av_heading heading=’The last Lalique’s personal collection heads to Lion and Unicorn Sept. 10′ 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-llgvx3vy’ 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-2n1pysm’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-lmxmu7a’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-1tq4f8m’ 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-llgvy6gz’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Marie-Claude Lalique (1935-2003) was the daughter of Marc Lalique and the granddaughter of René Lalique. She was the last member of her family to run the company before she sold it in 1994, so, unsurprisingly, her personal collection is full of great Lalique pieces – some of which she made. On Sunday, September 10, Lion and Unicorn will sell 272 lots from her collection, which is rich in jewelry, decorative arts and furniture by all three generations of Laliques. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Certain to be of interest is an original René Lalique decorative molded glass plaque of a woman’s face, believed to have been created for the interiors of the Cote D’Azur Pullman Express luxury train. Lalique was commissioned to fashion interior design elements, decorative pieces, lighting and glassware for the train, which debuted at precisely the wrong time, in late 1929, but managed to limp along during the Great Depression until mid-1932. It is estimated at $5,000-$8,000.

Also demanding mention are a quintet of cast metal works by René Lalique, all dating to circa 1900 and four of which have never been offered at auction. Perhaps the most intriguing of the bunch is a 12in relief of a standing male nude who cradles a female nude in his arms. The metalwork also has five protruding pieces of the sort designed to attach it to a second mold. That particular piece, which appears as lot 45, has an estimate of $6,000-$10,000.

Marie-Claude’s own talents are ably represented across the September 10 lineup, led by a circa-1994 artist’s test vase in frosted crystal. Decorated with Greco-Roman figures and standing 11.5in tall, it is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.

[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW COMPLETE CATALOG’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/299300_the-collection-of-marie-claude-lalique/?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-llgvys2o’ 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-am8zm5i’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-default’ 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-llgvyenx’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177831′ 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/159314787_rene-lalique-femme-face-plaque-and-frame ‘ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llgw5y93′ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Original René Lalique frosted and clear glass plaque, believed to have been made for the Cote D’Azur Pullman Express train, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 at Lion and Unicorn.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177833′ 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/159314780_lalique-crystal-coffee-table-three-lioness’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llgw7o11′ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Circa-1990 Three Lioness crystal coffee table by Lalique, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Lion and Unicorn.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177834′ 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/159314838_marie-claude-lalique-french-1935-2003-crystal-artist-test-vase-les-eleens ‘ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llgw8w6w’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Circa-1994 frosted crystal artist’s test vase by Marie-Claude Lalique, estimated at $10,000-$20,000 at Lion and Unicorn.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177835′ 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/159314782_rene-lalique-french-1860-1945-original-cast-metal-architectural-element’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llgwa3zd’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Circa-1900 cast relief metal sculpture by René Lalique, estimated at $6,000-$10,000 at Lion and Unicorn.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’177836′ 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/159314826_23pc-lalique-crystal-fish-figurines-in-original-lalique-display-tank’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-llgwb3l8′ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Lalique crystal fish figurines, 23 in all and each signed ‘Lalique France,’ in an original Lalique display tank, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Lion and Unicorn.
[/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-69wx0o6′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Lion and Unicorn’s Arron Rimpley: collecting is in his DNA

Arron Rimpley poses with a Jacobs seven-cylinder radial engine made in 1944. The fine example of industrial art, with its aluminum engine and steel cylinders, is a wonder of aviation technology and history. The work dates back to Rimpley’s previous gallery, The Whitley Collection. Image courtesy of Lion and Unicorn.
Arron Rimpley poses with a Jacobs seven-cylinder radial engine made in 1944. The fine example of industrial art, with its aluminum engine and steel cylinders, is a wonder of aviation technology and history. The work dates back to Rimpley’s previous gallery, The Whitley Collection. Image courtesy of Lion and Unicorn.
Arron Rimpley poses with a Jacobs seven-cylinder radial engine made in 1944. The fine example of industrial art, with its aluminum engine and steel cylinders, is a wonder of aviation technology and history. The work dates back to Rimpley’s previous gallery, The Whitley Collection. Image courtesy of Lion and Unicorn.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Arron Rimpley, founder of Lion and Unicorn, has long been a collector, starting when he gathered rocks as a child in his native Colorado. At age 23, he came to Miami and began working in the antiques business, soon specializing in British decorative arts. He set up at the antiques industry’s top shows around the country and helped museums mount exhibitions before deciding to open the Whitley Collection in 2000, through which he created experiences that allowed collectors to see objects in new ways. That same approach guided him when he launched Lion and Unicorn in January 2018. Rimpley’s goal is to provide top-notch customer service and well-researched information to make buying a breeze and also create an information record that helps preserve the material he auctions.

Continue reading