Gallery Report: 1921 Martiros Saryan mountain landscape climbs to $40K

ATLANTA – At the start of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from across the United States and the world at large. The February 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report features an abundance of intriguing results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Martiros Saryan landscape, $40,625, Roland Auctions

A landscape painting by Martiros Saryan (Armenian, 1880-1972) sold for $40,625 at an auction held January 7 by Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, New York. Also, a painting by Jean Dufy (French, 1888-1964), titled Clown, realized $5,000; a multicolor filet-de-verre vessel by Mary Ann “Toots” Zynsky (American, b. 1951-), achieved $7,500; a Le Coultre Marina angel fish clock earned $1,125; and an Adrian Pearsall walnut Crescent lounge chair and ottoman made $4,062.

 

Copy of Tales to Astonish, $18,125, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A copy of Marvel Comics Tales to Astonish #90 (April 1967), graded CGC 9.8, featuring the first appearance of the Abomination and the first Silver Age appearance of Byrrah, sold for $18,125 at the auction of Part 2 of the Andy Yanchus collection held January 1 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a copy of Marvel Comics Marvel Premiere #28 (Feb. 1976), graded CGC 9.8, featuring the first appearance of the Legion of Monsters, changed hands for $6,125.

Rolex Jean-Claude Killy watch, $80,000, Nadeau’s Auction Gallery

A late 1950s or early 1960s Rolex Jean-Claude Killy Chronograph Calendar stainless steel wristwatch, model 6036, sold for $80,000 at a New Year’s Day Signature Auction held January 1 by Nadeau’s Auction Gallery in Windsor, Connecticut. Also, a platinum ring set with a 10.07-carat pear-shape brilliant diamond flanked by tapered baguette diamonds realized $66,000, and an abstract landscape painting signed by Milton Clark Avery (1885-1965), titled Rolling Hills, rose to $45,000.

George Viavant watercolor, $13,750, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A watercolor on paper by George Louis Viavant (American, 1872-1925), titled Nature Morte: Crawfish, sold for $13,750 at a Winter Estates Auction held Jan. 20-21 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a 101-piece set of Herend porcelain dinnerware in the Rothschild Bird pattern flew to $8,125; a circa-1880 French provincial Henri II carved oak bookcase earned $4,062; and a painting by Alexander Drysdale (American 1870-1934), titled Louisiana Marsh, floated to $4,062.

Painting after Frank Stella, $35,280, Freeman’s 

A bright, dynamic painting after Frank Stella, titled Metropolitan Museum M, sold for $35,280 at an auction titled The Personal Collection of Vladimir Kagan, held January 25 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a green Kagan Omnibus sofa exceeded its low estimate by a multiple of seven to realize $22,680, while a selection of paintings by James Hiroshi Suzuki included his canvas dubbed Gens, which achieved $16,360. His works Poems in October and Untitled both bested their estimates as well.

1923 Babe Ruth baseball card, CA$23,600, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A 1923 Willards Chocolates Babe Ruth baseball card from a Canadian-issue set, graded BSA 3 VG, sold for $23,600 in an online Advertising & Historic Objects auction held January 21 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a cutaway model of a 1962 Vickers VC-10 BOAC jet plane soared to $18,880, and a monumental Coca-Cola porcelain sign from 1939 made $9,440. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Lalique Anemones Grand vase, $24,200, Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery

A Lalique Anemones Grand vase and pedestal sold for $24,200 at an auction of items from the collection of entertainment attorney Joel A. Katz held January 12 by Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in Atlanta. Also, an artist proof’s bronze sculpture on a brass base by Tolla Inbar (German and Israeli, b. 1958-) brought $20,570; a painting by Robert Jessup (American, b. 1952-) realized $18,150; and a Gibson Les Paul guitar custom-made for Katz captured $7,865.

Granville Redmond oil, $237,500, Andrew Jones Auctions

An oil painting by Granville Redmond (American, 1871-1935), titled Rolling hills with California poppies, sold for $237,500 at the auction of the Jack and Ellen Phillips collection held Jan. 15-16 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a painting by Guy Rose (American, 1867-1925), titled View from Arroyo Terrace, Pasadena also brought $237,500; and an oil by Edgar Alwin Payne (American, 1883-1947), titled Fishermen’s Harbor, Concarneau, France, went for $81,250.

Paul Revere silver pitcher, $138,000, Weiss Auctions

An original Paul Revere silver pitcher sold for $138,000 in an online-only estates auction held Jan. 18-19 by Weiss Auctions, based in Lynbrook, New York. Also, Alfred von Wierusz-Kowalski’s oil on canvas titled Bedouin Camp realized $99,000; and Charles Schulz original art for a Peanuts strip 10-panel Sunday page, dated 12/26/1982, changed hands for $44,400.

Tobacco trade figure, $121,500, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

An American folk art carved and painted tobacco trade figure depicting Sir Walter Raleigh, attributed to the shop of Samuel Robb, sold for $121,500 at a Premier Americana Auction held Nov. 17-19 by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in Mount Crawford, Virginia. Also, a first edition copy of The Book of Mormon settled at $60,750; a 19th-century American School portrait of a Southern belle rose to $42,525; and a Daniel Seagle 15-gallon stoneware jar scooped up $25,515.

Sargent charcoal portrait, $69,300, Sarasota Estate Auction

A charcoal-on-paper portrait by John Singer Sargent of Elisabeth Mills Reid sold for $69,300 at an auction held Jan. 8-9 by Sarasota Estate Auction in Sarasota, Florida. Also, Hunt Slonem’s Toco Toucans realized $37,800; a portrait of George Washington attributed to Gilbert Stuart brought $26,460; Fernando Botero’s wooden sculpture of a gentleman seated atop a horse, titled Man on Horse, galloped to $5,040; and a Jorge Blanco sculpture titled Thinker made $11,340.

Tom Wesselmann artwork, $162,500, Clars Auction Gallery

A 1962 artwork comprising oil, fabric and collage cutouts on a seven by seven inch tin by Tom Wesselmann (American, 1931-2004), titled Little Great American Nude #13, sold for $162,500 at a Fine Collectors Auction held November 20 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, California. Also, a Golden Sea Horse bicycle designed for Playland at Sutro Baths in San Francisco rolled to $15,000, and an Italian micromosaic of the Doves of Pliny by the Vatican Mosaic Studio earned $13,750.

Tiffany Studios Nasturtium lamp, $123,000, Morphy Auctions

A Tiffany Studios Nasturtium leaded-glass table lamp on a telescoping cat’s-paw base sold for $123,000 at a Fine & Decorative Arts Auction held Dec. 19-20 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a Loetz Lotus Leaf vase with iridescent gold and purple-blue glass settled at $33,210; an Amphora monumental Gres-Bijou cat vase with an 8179 Amphora Crown mark achieved $11,685; and a luminous signed A. Walter pate-de-verre Hermit Crab bowl changed hands for $10,455.

French marble figure, $34,650, Doyle

A dynamic 19th-century French marble figure of Victory sold for $34,650 at an auction of English & Continental Furniture, Silver & Decorative Arts held January 25 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a second quarter 18th-century George I marble-top giltwood side table came to rest at $12,600; a set of 16 George III-style painted dining chairs realized $13,860; and a pair of Italian Neoclassical terracotta masks went for $10,080.

1870-S $3 US gold coin, $5.52 million, Heritage Auctions

An 1870-S $3 US gold coin, SP50, sold for a record $5.52 million at an auction of the Bass collection, Part II US Coins Signature Auction, held January 5 in Florida at Orlando FUN by Heritage Auctions, based in Dallas. Also, the finest known 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle coin, MS64, reached $2.1 million; an 1835 Quarter Eagle, HM-1, PR67 Deep Cameo, finished at $1.2 million; a 1798/7 BD-2 Eagle, MS62, brought $1.1 million; and a 1796 BD-2 No Stars Quarter Eagle, MS63, garnered $990,000.

Sculptures after Giacometti, $40,590, Michaan’s Auctions

A pair of lithe, monumental bronze sculptures after Diego Giacometti (one shown), both dubbed Le Chat Maitre d’Hotel, sold for a combined $40,590 ($18,450 and $22,140, respectively) at a Gallery Auction held January 20 by Michaan’s Auctions in Alameda, California. Also, a Dominick & Haff sterling silver tea set earned $5,227; a set of 12 Maitland Smith-style side chairs with gilt-patinated chinoiserie motifs realized $2,460; and a set of Israeli ship’s binoculars found a new owner for $2,460.

1902 Reno, Nevada $10 banknote, $12,500, Holabird Western Americana Collections

A 1902 $10 red seal banknote from the Farmers & Merchants National Bank in Reno, Nevada, PMG graded Very Fine 20, sold for $12,500 at a Pikes Peak or Bust! Auction held Jan. 19-22 by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC in Reno. Also, an 1852 slave broadside offering a reward for “the apprehension of (two) runaway Negroes” (both females) went for $8,750; and a circa-1868 dark lime green Dr. Boerhaave’s Stomach Bitters bottle reached $8,435.

1980 Winter Olympic medal, $86,136, RR Auction 

The silver medal won by Soviet ice hockey player Sergei Starikov when the USSR beat Sweden in the contest for second place at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, sold for $86,136 in an online auction held Dec. 16-Jan. 19 by RR Auction in Boston. It was the year of the storied Miracle on Ice hockey match between the Soviet Union and the U.S., which was famously won by the U.S., 4-3. Starikov appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated when he joined the NHL’s New Jersey Devils in 1989.

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

Morphy’s Dec. 19-20 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction adds quality and beauty to the holidays

Exquisite signed/numbered Tiffany Studios Nasturtium table lamp with 19in (dia.) leaded-glass shade featuring multicolored confetti glass tiles and flowers in various shades of red, orange, purple and yellow against a green ground. Tiffany-stamped telescoping cat’s-paw base. Excellent condition. Estimate $120,000-$160,000

DENVER, Pa. – Arguably, Morphy’s most-loved sale from its always-busy calendar of events, the annual pre-Christmas Fine & Decorative Arts Auction consistently delivers luxury, rarity and peerless quality to discerning collectors and holiday gift-givers. This year’s edition, which will be held on December 19 and 20, is brimming with superior jewels and watches, paintings, art pottery, silver, and dazzling Tiffany Studios lamps. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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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/

A tale of two Tiffanys: Morphy’s sells rare ‘Poppy’ lamp for a breathtaking $541,200

Tiffany Studios table lamp, circa 1905-1910, with 20in conical leaded-glass shade in ‘Poppy’ motif exhibiting the very highest standards of Tiffany artistry. Astounding colorway and complex composition. Exceptionally rare base with 16 iridescent Favrile-glass balls as supports for the telescoping stem. Tiffany stamps to both shade and base. Sold by Morphy Auctions on June 9, 2022 for $541,200 (inclusive of 23% buyer’s premium) against an estimate of $350,000-$450,000. Morphy Auctions image

DENVER, Pa. – On June 9, Morphy Auctions sold a rare circa 1905-1910 Tiffany Studios “Poppy” leaded-glass table lamp for an astounding $541,200 (inclusive of 23% buyer’s premium).

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Tiffany Drophead Dragonfly lamp the center of attraction at Heritage, April 28

Tiffany Studios Drophead Dragonfly table lamp, est. $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Tiffany Studios Drophead Dragonfly table lamp, est. $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Tiffany Studios Drophead Dragonfly table lamp, est. $100,000-$150,000. Image courtesy Heritage Auctions

DALLAS – Property from the Collection of Jeep & Carla Harned, an assemblage well known to collectors of art glass, will grab a share of the spotlight in Heritage Auctions’ Tiffany, Lalique & Art Glass Including Art Nouveau & Art Deco Signature® Auction April 28. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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1928 Calder sculpture a star attraction at Cottone auction, March 19

Alexander Calder, ‘Femme Assise,’ est. $30,000-$50,000
Alexander Calder, ‘Femme Assise,’ est. $30,000-$50,000
Alexander Calder, ‘Femme Assise,’ est. $30,000-$50,000

GENESEO, N.Y. – Cottone Auctions will stage a Fine Art & Antiques sale on Saturday, March 19, starting at noon Eastern time. It will include more than 275 lots and feature the collections of the estate of Elizabeth Strasenburgh of Rochester, New York; Randy and Bette Swift of Fernandina Beach, Florida; the David K. Anderson grandchildren’s trust of Buffalo, New York; various upstate New York museums and institutions, as well as items from prominent estates and individuals. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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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.

 

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Tiffany lamps were key to Fontaine’s $2M result on Feb. 5

Left to right: Tiffany Studios Curtain Border leaded glass and patinated bronze floor lamp, $181,250; Tiffany Studios circa-1905 Nasturtium table lamp, $109,375; Tiffany Studios Byzantine floor lamp, $115,625
Left to right: Tiffany Studios Curtain Border leaded glass and patinated bronze floor lamp, $181,250; Tiffany Studios circa-1905 Nasturtium table lamp, $109,375; Tiffany Studios Byzantine floor lamp, $115,625

PITTSFIELD, MASS. — Three Tiffany Studios lamps topped the $100,000 mark at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery on February 5 in a sale that exceeded $2 million. The Tiffany trio shined brightest, but they were not the only lots that triumphed. The fine art and furniture categories performed admirably as well.

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Tiffany Studios table lamps lead lighting selection at Skinner, Jan. 31

Tiffany Studios Lilypad table lamp, est. $60,000-$80,000. Image courtesy of Skinner
Tiffany Studios Lilypad table lamp, est. $60,000-$80,000. Image courtesy of Skinner
Tiffany Studios Lilypad table lamp, est. $60,000-$80,000. Image courtesy of Skinner

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Skinner Auctioneers is hosting an online auction of Lighting & Design, running from January 19-31. The auction will feature a strong lighting selection as well as collections of French studio pottery and glassware. The fresh-to-market material comes from private collections that emerged at the perfect time, building a robust selection for Skinner’s auction. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.

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