Selkirk to launch with July 31 art, furniture & jewelry auction in St. Louis

1978 MGB convertible, est. $5,000-$7,000. Selkirk image

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On July 31st, in the historic CWE (Central West End) neighborhood of St. Louis, Selkirk Auctioneers and Appraisers will hold its inaugural auction, comprised of fine and decorative art, Asian art, Continental and American furniture, and fine and vintage jewelry.

Company CEO, Richard “Jeff” Jeffers, commented: “Our first auction, in our newly renovated space on McPherson Avenue, is incredibly exciting and long awaited. I am beyond proud of the efforts of our team.”

For more than 20 years, Jeffers has led a team of seasoned auction and appraisal veterans at Garth’s, a renowned international gallery in Ohio. Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers will be the driving force behind – and sister company to – the newly formed St. Louis gallery.

“All of the strategic partnerships, thousands of client relationships, media connections – all of these assets will translate from Garth’s to Selkirk,” said Jeffers. “We believe the consolidation of resources will…benefit buyers and sellers at both auction houses.”

Many items in the July 31 auction hail from private estates, as well as the collections of Matthew Brim of Kenton, Ohio; and Jeani Anne Barrett of Sunset Beach, California.

“It has been important to us to not only keep St. Louis collections here, but also to bring in consignments from other markets – fresh material for the avid St. Louis collecting community.”

An 1978 MGB Midget Convertible (shown above) will jump start the auction. The orange classic is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, manual transmission, radio, Pioneer speakers and a new black vinyl top and is expected to drive off with a new owner for $5,000-$7,000.

Fine art is well represented by a strong grouping of paintings, works on paper and sculpture. Many of the highlights are fresh to the market, including The Rabbit Seller by William Shayer (1811-1982), estimate $10,000-12,000. Also from a private collection, is an untitled landscape by George Inness (American, 1825-1894). This particular painting, shown below, was discovered in a small retirement home in Clayton, Missouri. Estimate $10,000-$12,000.

George Inness (American, 1825-1894), untitled landscape, est. $10,000-$12,000. Selkirk image

The Asian Works of Art session will feature a wide range of decorative items including ceramics, bronze and jade. An impressive late-19th-century monumental seated gilt Buddha on a double lotus throne is estimated at $8,000-10,000.

Monumental seated gilt Buddha, est. $8,000-$10,000. Selkirk image

The session’s offerings are tastefully complemented by Continental and American furniture, and a selection of fine and vintage jewelry. A 2-carat emerald cut diamond ring set in 14K gold has presale estimate of $6,000-$8,000. Of local historical interest is the 14K gold finger purse once owned by Lillian Handlan Lemp (1877-1960), the belle of St. Louis society and daughter of railroad tycoon Alexander Handlan. After marrying William Lemp Jr., heir to the Lemp brewery, in 1899, Lillian Lemp became known as the “Lavender Lady” due to her affinity for the hue. The monogrammed bag has three purple cabochon stones, one serving as a clasp. The body of the purse opens up to multiple compartments accommodating a powder compact with mirror, calling card case, gold ringed powder puff and a brass hair clip. The purse is expected to sell for $3,000-$5,000.

Gold finger purse previously owned by St. Louis socialite Lillian Handlan Lemp (1877-1960), est. $3,000-$5,000. Selkirk image

For further information about this auction, call 314-696-9041.

Note: Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers is not affiliated with Ivey-Selkirk or the Selkirk family.

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