Ralph and Terry Kovel’s lifetime collection lands at Rago and Toomey Nov. 1

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LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. — Highlights from the lifetime collection of American antiques and collectibles experts Ralph and Terry Kovel will come to market at Rago and Toomey & Co. on Wednesday, November 1. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

The 87-lot sale offers insight into the personal tastes of the Kovels, nationally known for their syndicated weekly newspaper column, syndicated television show and (since the 1960s) their series of price guides designed to help aspiring collectors buy right. Their folksy writing style carried over when they made the jump to television, and viewers made their show one of the most-watched programs of its type for years.

Ralph passed away in 2008 from complications of a broken hip, but Terry and her daughter Kim continue to keep the Kovels empire moving forward as part of a larger firm.

With 33 items in the auction, Ralph and Terry were clearly fans of George E. Ohr (1857-1918), the “mad potter of Biloxi,” whose work ranged from somewhat traditional to abstract and Expressionistic long before such artistic schools were in vogue, particularly in ceramics. Ohr died largely unknown, but the Kovels became his champion, and their extensive Ohr collection demonstrates his design genius. This glazed earthenware vase, dated to 1897-1900, stands 8.75in in height and features a pink glaze with sponged-on cobalt, orange, and raspberry glazes. It is estimated at $35,000-$45,000.

Three works by French Realist Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) are also included in the sale. Bonheur, both a painter and sculptor, worked in very fine realism and often at grand scale, with some paintings, such as The Horse Fair from 1855, measuring 8 by 16ft.

Much smaller but just as detailed is Taureau, a circa-1860 full-frontal view of a bull and his mighty horns. Measuring 21.25 by 16.75in, Taureau is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

R. W. Martin & Brothers, better known as “the Martin Brothers,” operated a pottery concern in London from 1873-1914. Their best-known line of pottery, known as “Wally Birds,” feature anthropomorphic designs with grinning fowl whose heads may be removed for storing pipe tobacco. Immensely popular at the time, Martinware remains a leading collectible today. The Kovels cherished this two-faced pitcher featuring impish grins on both sides. Dated 1901 and clearly signed “R. W. Martin & Bros.,” the salt-glazed stoneware jug in apparently immaculate original condition is estimated at $4,500-$6,500.
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George E. Ohr Exceptional vase, estimated at $35,000-$45,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Rosa Bonheur, ‘Taureau,’ estimated at $6,000-$8,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Martin Brothers double-face jug, estimated at $4,500-$6,500 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Taxile Doat rare and exceptional vase, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Attributed to Alexander Roux, Louis XVI Revival music-themed cabinet, estimated at $5,000-$7,000 at Rago and Toomey & Co.
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Active Interest Media acquires assets of antiques publishing brand Kovels

Terry Kovel, antiques expert and co-founder of the Kovels publications empire. Image courtesy of Kovels

DES MOINES, Iowa – Active Interest Media (AIM) announces the acquisition of Kovels Inc’s assets. AIM’s Antique Trader, coupled with Kovels, positions the newly combined brand as one of the longest-standing authorities in antiques and collectibles media.

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Kovels’ 2023 Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide available now

Cover of the 2023 edition of ‘Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide,’ which was released on September 27. Image courtesy of Black Dog & Leventhal
Cover of the 2023 edition of ‘Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide,’ which was released on September 27. Image courtesy of Black Dog & Leventhal
Cover of the 2023 edition of ‘Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide,’ which was released on September 27. Image courtesy of Black Dog & Leventhal

NEW YORK – The Kovels are the most trusted source for both the casual and expert collector. With 12,500 actual prices and 3,150 full-color photographs, Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2023 (Black Dog & Leventhal; release date September 27) features exceptionally well-organized, wide-ranging and up-to-the-minute information, and includes more tips, marks, logos and photographs than any other competitive title.

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Kovels releases Antiques & Collectibles 2022 Price Guide

CLEVELAND –The 54th edition of the perennially popular Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide by Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel is now available online at Kovels.com and at booksellers nationwide. With more tips, more marks, and more prices than any other price guide on the market, Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2022 gives antiques enthusiasts the information they need to quickly identify and price finds, and to buy and sell more confidently.

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Antiques expert Terry Kovel explores American silver hallmarks

This Gorham Victorian sterling water pitcher, circa 1952, realized $300 plus the buyer’s premium in June 2016 at Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery.
Detail of the hallmark on a Gorham Victorian sterling water pitcher, circa 1952, which realized $300 plus the buyer’s premium in June 2016 at Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery.

NEW YORK — What Terry Kovel doesn’t know about American silver hallmarks probably isn’t worth knowing. The renowned antiques expert, appraiser and author recently chatted with Auction Central News, sharing tips for collectors on characteristics of American silver, the many hallmarks that have been recognized, and how to care for silver.

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