Gallery Report: Pegge Hopper painting lent Hawaiian vibe to Andrew Jones sale

 

ATLANTA – At the beginning of the month, ACN columnist Ken Hall collects and presents the most interesting auction results from the United States and the world at large. His Gallery Report for August 2023 features many standout sales. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Pegge Hopper painting, $23,750, Andrew Jones Auctions

A 1984 acrylic on canvas by Pegge Hopper (American, b. 1936-), titled Three Strand Ilima, sold for $23,750 at a Design for the Home & Garden auction held June 21 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, a limestone portrait bust of an Egyptian pharaoh on a white metal pedestal went for $52,500, and a portrait of a Moor in traditional robes by a follower of Horace Vernet (French, 1789-1863) brought $16,250.

1909 15-cent U.S. stamp, $1,080, Ahlers & Ogletree

A 1909 15-cent U.S. stamp (Scott #366) on bluish paper, mint and hinged, in fine condition, sold for $1,080 at a U.S. & World Stamps auction held July 13 by Ahlers & Ogletree in Atlanta. Also, an 1863 10-cent Confederate States of America stamp (Scott #10), blue, graded extremely fine, attained $1,020; a collection of British and Australian 1st issue stamps garnered $2,700; and an 1867 3-cent U.S. stamp (Scott #79), rose colored, in average condition, went for $960.

Sterling silver parade saddle, $50,820, Brian Lebel’s and Morphy Auctions

A circa-1930s Edward H. Bohlin sterling silver parade saddle with leather and silver carving sold for $50,820 at Brian Lebel’s 33rd annual Cody Old West Show & Auction, held June 23-25 in association with Morphy Auctions at the Community Convention Center in Santa Fe, N.M. Also, a two-page  Nov. 14, 1904-dated Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid pictorial ‘wanted’ poster brought $19,965, and a painting by Will James (1892-1942) of a cowboy roping a steer lassoed $36,300.

Gold and diamond evening clutch, $20,160, Doyle

A two-color gold and diamond evening clutch sold for $20,160 at a Fine Jewelry & Luxury Handbags auction held July 20 by Doyle in New York City. Also, an antique platinum, gold and diamond crossover ring slipped onto a new finger for $16,380; a wide gold and diamond bracelet finished at $11,970; a French gold, star sapphire and diamond clip brooch hit $9,450; and a Patek Philippe gentleman’s gold Gondolo wristwatch (ref. 1488) found a new owner for $7,560.

Tribal door carving, $20,000, Clars Auction Gallery

A dynamic figural door made in Toradia, Sulawesi Island, centering a monkey carved in high relief, sold for $20,000 at a Tribal Arts, Interiors, Art & Jewelry auction held July 14 by Clars Auction Gallery in Oakland, Calif. Also, a painting by Arthur Hill Gilbert (American, 1894-1970), titled Monterey Oaks, brought $8,750; and a Bakota reliquary from Gabon, overall 22 ½in including stand, left the room for $8,750.

Howard Terpning painting, $2.36 million, Coeur d’Alene Art Auction

A 2008 painting by Howard Terpning titled Paper That Talks Two Ways – The Treaty Signing sold for $2.36 million at the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction held July 15 in Reno, Nev. It was a record price for a work by the artist. Also, Maynard Dixon’s The Pony Boy commanded $2.13 million, also a record for the artist; Gerald Curtis Delano’s Evening settled at $786,500; and William Herbert Dunton’s A Race for the Chuckwagon ($786,500) and Two Braves ($574,750) both did well.

Albert Einstein manuscript, $43,750, RR Auction

A one-page scientific working manuscript with equations handwritten and signed by the legendary physicist Albert Einstein sold for $43,750 in an online Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction held June 23-July 12 by RR Auction, based in Boston. Also, the Dr. Martin Breckstein presidential collection of 41 autographs, spanning Washington to Clinton, went for $47,768; and a Napoleon document from 1812, signed amid the disastrous Russian campaign, changed hands for $39,214.

Chinese porcelain vase, $20,910, Neue Auctions

A 17in-tall Chinese blue and white porcelain vase, probably early 20th century, sold for $20,910 in an online-only Fine Art & Antiques auction held June 24 by Neue Auctions in Beachwood, Ohio. Also, a pair of late 19th-century Aesthetic Movement leaded glass windows realized $7,995, and an early 20th-century carved and painted carousel giraffe, restored and attributed to Herschell-Spillman, sauntered away for $7,380.

Edison electric pen, $12,800, Nye & Company Auctioneers

A late 1800s Edison electric pen, No. 8263 on wheel, including stand, wire and stencil, sold for $12,800 at a Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction held April 26-28 by Nye & Company Auctioneers in Bloomfield, N.J. Also, a circa-1440 framed portion of a leaf from the Sloan-Krech copy of the Catholicon, published by Gutenberg in 1459, secured $7,680; and a 19th- or 20th-century Louis XVI-style chinoiserie-decorated chest rose to $3,520.

Lalique chandelier, $14,080, Nadeau’s Auction Gallery

A Lalique Champs-Elysee chandelier sold for $14,080 at a Spring Outdoor, Mid-Century, Art and Furnishings auction held June 10 by Nadeau’s Auction Gallery in Windsor, Conn. Also, a painting titled End of Night by Arpana Caur (Indian, b. 1954-) achieved $7,680; a pair of Charles and Ray Eames Potato Chip chairs settled at $7,680; an Eames 670 lounge chair and rosewood ottoman went for $5,120; and a gilt metal cut glass and ruby glass eight-light chandelier attained $9,840.

Babe Ruth 1916 rookie card, $645,000, Heritage Auctions

Babe Ruth’s 1916 Famous & Barr Co. rookie baseball card, graded PSA Very Good / Excellent 4, sold for $645,000 at a Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction held July 14-15 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, another Ruth card, the 1917 E135 Collins-McCarthy example, graded PSA Very Good 3, realized $144,000; a 1952 Mickey Mantle Topps card, graded PSA Excellent 5, made $162,000; and a signed 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle card brought $99,000.

Jean-Baptiste Corot painting, $120,000, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

A painting by the French Impressionist Jean-Baptiste Corot, titled Le Chariot d’Arras, sold for $120,000 at a July Splendor Sale held July 7-9 by Thomaston Place Art Galleries in Thomaston, Maine. Also, an untitled painting by Etel Adnan brought $68,750; a folk-art painting by Bill Traylor secured $51,000; an inscribed original watercolor remarque by Andrew Wyeth on a book endpaper from Christina’s World earned $34,375; and a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair finished at $19,200.

Harry Houdini poster, $45,600, Potter & Potter Auctions

A 1911 poster colloquially known as the Houdini for President poster sold for $45,600 at a Summer Magic Auction held June 17 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a Ouija prediction watch magic apparatus changed hands for $21,600; a circa-1902 German Harry Houdini poster attained $36,000; a Thurston poster from 1928 achieved $5,280; a ringing alarm clock production stand earned $13,200; and a butterfly silk production illusion by Jon Martin made $9,000.

The Legend of Zelda, $7,188, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A 1989 copy of The Legend of Zelda, a video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, factory-sealed and graded CGC 9.2, sold for $7,188 at a Comics, Toys & Video Games auction held May 6 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, R.I. Also, a copy of Science Comics #1 (Feb. 1940, Fox Features Syndicate), with a cover by George Tuska, secured $6,250; and a copy of Captain America Comics #36 (March 1944, Timely Comics), graded CGC 1.5, brought $4,000.

 

 Va. /N.C. corner cupboard, $96,000, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

A Roanoke River Basin (Va./N.C.) carved walnut corner cupboard sold for $96,000 at a Premier Americana Auction held June 15-17 by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in Mt. Crawford, Va. Also, a pair of emerald green Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. notch-cut and pressed vases climbed to $10,800; a Yosemite landscape painting by Thomas Hill (British and American, 1829-1908) settled at $30,000; and a Staffordshire platter bearing the arms of Pennsylvania found a new home for $15,600.

Sculpture after Troubetzkoy, $18,750, John Moran Auctioneers

A bronze sculpture after Prince Paul Troubetzkoy (1866-1938), titled Danseuse Jambe Droite Levee (Lady Constance Stewart Richardson), 1921, sold for $18,750 at a ReDesign Sale held July 11 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, Shane Guffogg’s (b. 1962-) A Second from Now, from 1999, realized $2,000; two Hollywood Regency gilt bronze and glass nesting tables brought $2,000; and a 1961 Leica single-stroke 33mm Rangefinder camera captured $2,813.

2007 4GB iPhone, $190,373, LCG Auctions

A factory-sealed 4GB original 2007 iPhone sold for $190,373 at a Summer Premier Auction held in July by LCG Auctions in Baton Rouge, La. It was the highest price ever paid at auction for an iPhone. Three other 2007 iPhones – an 8GB, a 16GB and an 8GB European version – also sold, with all four lots combining for $264,962. Also, a factory-sealed 1984 Transformers: Megatron AFA 85 made $57,596, and a 1978 Star Wars: vinyl cape Jawa AFA 85 brought $22,206.

George Hughes cover art, $103,700, Case Auctions

A summer beach scene created by artist George E. Hughes (1907-1990) and used as the cover illustration for the Aug. 2, 1952 issue of the Saturday Evening Post sold for $103,700 at a Summer Auction held July 8-9 by Case Auctions in Knoxville, Tenn. Also, an Andrew Clemens sand art bottle with a flag motif achieved $35,600; a Herter Brothers signed easel changed hands for $48,640; and an earthenware Great Road jug attributed to Thomas J. Myers (Smyth County, Va.) earned $29,280.

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

Gallery Report: N.C. Wyeth Maine landscape achieves $2.5M at Freeman’s

ATLANTA – As each month begins, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers the most notable auction highlights from the United States and across the world. His Gallery Report for July 2023 delivers a bounty of intriguing results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

N.C. Wyeth painting, $2.45 million, Freeman’s

A painting by N. C. Wyeth titled Jetty Tree (Port Clyde, Maine), a landscape depicting the Maine coast, sold for $2.45 million at an auction held June 4 during America Week by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, Henriette Wyeth’s Portrait of Peter Hurd topped out at $138,600; a winter scene by German-born American wildlife artist Carl Rungius, titled After the Storm (Tundra), finished at $453,600; and Morgan Colt’s painting A Glorious Day earned $126,000.

Dale Chihuly bowl basket, $5,227, Michaan’s Auctions

A shapely art glass Macchia Bowl Basket by Dale Chihuly sold for $5,227 at a Luxury Auction held May 19 by Michaan’s Auctions in Alameda, Calif. Also, an Edith Baretto Stevens Parsons figural bronze fountain settled at $7,995; a Bosendorfer concert grand piano attained $46,125; a Van Cleef & Arpels ruby, enamel, diamond and 18K gold terrier brooch commanded $7,995; and a Buccellati sterling silver soup tureen went to a determined bidder for $6,765.

Frank Herbert’s Dune$22,500, PBA Galleries

A first edition copy of Frank Herbert’s Dune sold for $22,500 at a Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror auction held June 1 by PBA Galleries in Berkeley, Calif. Also, the Dark Tower series by Stephen King brought $22,500; The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin rose to $10,000; Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein realized $11,250; the Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov secured $15,000; and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick made $13,750.

Japanese incense burner, $250,000, Heritage Auctions

A massive Japanese dragon-form incense burner containing almost 45 pounds of pure silver sold for $250,000 at a Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu Signature Auction held May 16 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a Tiffany & Company partial gilt water pitcher finished at $35,000; a circa-1870 Gorham partial gilt figural punch bowl with the original ladle realized $35,000; and a Gorham Martele six-piece Blue Lily motif tea and coffee set left the room for $20,000.

Mandarin court robe, $39,060, Sarasota Estate Auctions

A Qing dynasty Mandarin court robe sold for $39,060 at a two-day sale held May 20-21 by Sarasota Estate Auctions in Sarasota, Fla. Also, a blanc de chine Buddha statue with a spiritual symbol made $25,200; a pair of Han warriors finished at $7,560; a Tang white pigment prancing horse trotted off with $6,930; an oil on canvas portrait attributed to Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860) went for $19,530; and a Modernist sculpture by Aurora Canero (Spanish, b. 1940-) brought $7,560.

Rolex Big Red Daytona watch, $65,000, Jones & Horan

A Rolex Big Red Daytona watch, ref. 6263, sold for $65,000 at a four-hour auction held May 7 by Jones & Horan in Manchester, N.H. Also, a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar watch, ref. 3940, achieved $49,000; a Rolex Small Red Daytona watch, ref. 6265, brought $32,000; a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II watch, ref. 1655, went for $16,500; a Patek Philippe Ricochet watch by Gilbert Albert hit $16,500; and a Rolex Kermit Submariner watch, ref. 16610LV, hopped away with $13,500.

Masudaya Target Robot, $34,440, Milestone Auctions

A Masudaya (Japan) 15in battery-operated Target Robot from the Gang of Five series with a dart gun and two darts, plus the original box, sold for $34,440 at a Spring Premier Toy Auction held May 27 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Yonezawa (Japan) 13in battery-operated 8 Man Walking Robot with its original box claimed $8,400; a Yonezawa battery-operated Jupiter robot finished at $20,400; and a Nomura (Japan) battery-operated Walking Batman earned $12,915.  

New Haven Arms carbine, $23,500, Rock Island Auction Company

A factory-engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic carbine rifle sold for $23,500 at a Sporting & Collector Auction held June 21-23 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Ill. Also, a Colt Paterson Second Model ring lever rifle hit the mark for $16,450; a Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle doubled its high estimate to bring $11,163; and an engraved silver-plated Colt Hartford English dragoon revolver made $8,813. Overall, the sale grossed more than $6.5 million.

1880 silver ingot, $42,175, Holabird Western Americana Collections

An 1880 Mathey, Kustel & Riotte silver ingot with documented information, the only known example, with logo punch and weighing 4.97 troy ounces, sold for $42,175 at a High-Grade auction held June 15-18 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nev. Also, one of a few known copies of De Groot’s original third edition map of the Washoe mines of Nevada, published in 1860, brought $15,000; and a remarkable archive from a legal Nevada prostitute went for $5,750.

David Hockney lithograph, $47,795, Ahlers & Ogletree

A 1979 color lithograph on paper of a tropical scene by David Hockney (British, b. 1937-), titled Bora Bora, sold for $47,795 at auctions held June 15-17 by Ahlers & Ogletree in Atlanta. Also, a 1909 pastel on medium light brown paper by Thomas Wilmer Dewing (American, 1851-1938), titled Study in Orange and Rose, realized $39,325; and a 1910 oil on canvas, Portrait of Lady with Pitcher, by William Worcester Churchill (American, 1858-1926) attained $39,325.

First edition, first issue Great Expectations$24,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

A first edition, first issue, three-volume copy of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, printed by Chapman and Hall, London in 1861, sold for $24,000 at a Fine Books and Manuscripts sale held June 1 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a copy of H. P. Lovecraft’s The Outsider and Others settled at $11,400; a first edition copy of Henry Roth’s Call It Sleep achieved $9,000; and a copy of Barack Obama’s Dreams from My Father went for $6,000.

Flora Danica table service, $118,750, Andrew Jones Auctions

An extensive service of Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica porcelain tableware that was offered in 24 lots totaled $118,750 at an auction held June 18 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. Also, an 89-piece Puiforcat first standard silver Royal pattern flatware service achieved $18,750; a Chinese gilt and black coromandel lacquer eight-panel screen secured $11,875; and a group of seven Buccellati sterling silver clad shells and a shell-form footed dish garnered $11,875.

Wurlitzer Model 71 jukebox, CA$14,750, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

An American circa-1940-1941 Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox, restored and on a Wurlitzer model 810 stand, sold for $14,750 in an online-only Petroliana, Advertising & Coin-Op auction held June 10 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a Canadian 1900 Kuntz Park Brewery Waterloo beer tray served up $12,980, and an American 1924 Globe Amusement Lighthouse grip strength tester fought its way to $12,980. All prices in this entry are in Canadian dollars.

Vacheron Constantin watch, $100,800, Doyle

A circa-2012 wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, created to celebrate the Opera National de Paris sold for $100,800 at an Important Jewelry auction held June 22 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a Bulgari ring featuring a Fancy Intense blue-green diamond flanked by two Fancy Intense pink diamonds slipped onto a new finger for $1.059 million, and a circa-1930 Raymond Yard Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring changed hands for $289,800. Overall, the sale grossed $4.139 million.

Caldwell bronze figures, $10,625, Roland Auctions

A pair of circa-1900 Caldwell & Co. gilt and patinated bronze figures mounted on green marble bases, since transformed into lamps, sold for $10,625 at a Multi-Estates Sale held June 2-3 by Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, N.Y. Also, a still life of flowers in a vase by Yanoucher Yektai (1921-2019), signed and dated 1969, brought $15,000; and a signed watercolor landscape of a hillside by Richard Mayhew (American, b. 1924-) went for $10,625.

Chinese Export clock, $34,375, John Moran Auctioneers

A Chinese Export French-style automaton clock, signed Cheon S’Nag Comton to the mechanism, sold for $34,375 at a Traditional Collector sale held April 25-26 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a 1738 red-and-white chalk drawing by Francois Boucher, titled The Vegetable Vendor: A Sheet of Studies, achieved $81,250; Sally James Farnham’s New York City Mounted Policeman in the Rain strode to $34,375; and a Francois Linke gilt-bronze mounted armoire realized $11,250.

Kentucky Derby trophies, $317,000, Julien’s Auctions

A group of five Lemon & Son brand sterling silver engraved Kentucky Derby trophies, won between 1957 to 1969 by renowned horse jockey Bill Hartack, sold for $317,000 at a Sports Legends auction held June 23 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, Calif. Also, a training jersey signed by basketball star Michael Jordan commanded $104,000; a pair of Converse shoes signed by Jordan brought $104,000; and a tournament jersey from 1968 signed by soccer star Pele secured $16,250.

Daguerreotype of gold miners, $37,800, Hindman Auctions

A half-plate daguerreotype of three miners, looking resolute behind their lit cigars, sold for $37,800 at an American Historical Ephemera & Photography auction held June 15-16 by Hindman Auctions in Cincinnati. Also, a circa-1855 quarter-plate daguerreotype of Fort Mackinac, Mich., possibly the earliest image of the important military outpost, brought $31,500; a quarter-plate daguerreotype of photographer Andrew Joseph Russell (1830-1902) earned $28,350; and a photograph of Lincoln’s second inauguration in 1865 reached $18,900.

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

Gallery Report: Ted Williams, Uncle Sam and a prize pumpkin made headlines in May

ATLANTA – At the beginning of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall compiles the most notable auction highlights from across the United States and the world as well. The June 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report showcases a wealth of compelling results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Kusama’s A Pumpkin (RT), $56,250, John Moran Auctioneers

A 2004 painting by Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929-), titled A Pumpkin (RT), sold for $56,250 at a California Living auction held April 11 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a 1958 Fender Stratocaster electric guitar played a sweet tune for $32,500; Edouardo Sarabia’s (b. 1976-) Painted Memories 2 from 2008 made $18,750; four topiary lounge chairs with ottoman by Richard Schultz for Knoll earned $6,500; and a circa-1980s-90s Art Deco Revival credenza settled at $5,850.

Houdini’s strait jacket, $43,200, Potter & Potter Auctions

Legendary magician Harry Houdini’s strait jacket escape, a heavy canvas jacket reinforced with leather across the neck, back, arms and waist, sold for $43,200 at a dedicated Harry Houdini event held April 8 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, Houdini’s spirit cabinet escape realized $50,400; a circa-1925 poster advertising The World Famous Houdini /Master Mystifier, commanded $11,400; and a circa-1891 tintype portrait of a young Houdini, probably taken at Coney Island, New York, reached $21,600.

John Wilkes Booth reward poster, $166,375, Nate D. Sanders Auctions

The first printing of the reward poster for the capture of John Wilkes Booth and two other conspirators in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln – issued by the War Department in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 1865, five days after President Lincoln died and six days before Booth was killed – sold for $166,375 at an auction held April 27 by Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles. The poster, originally displayed on a tree, had never been auctioned before.

Tiffany Studios Nasturtium lamp, $71,500, Woody Auction

A Tiffany Studios table lamp with a 32in Nasturtium shade sold for $71,500 in the auction of Part 2 of the Ron Blessing collection, held March 18 by Woody Auction in Douglass, Kan. Also, an R.J. Horner china cabinet in the Atlas pattern climbed to $22,000; a French cameo art glass vase marked Daum Nancy, with penguin decor, waddled off with $17,000; and a Brilliant Period Cut Glass amethyst cut to clear water pitcher attributed to Stevens and Williams brought $9,200.

Gilt Bronze Tibetan Buddha, $200,000, Briggs Auction

A gilt bronze Tibetan Buddha sold for $200,000 at a Fine Estates Auction held March 24 by Briggs Auction in Garnet Valley, Penn. It was the most ever paid for a single item at a Briggs Auction event. Also, a nearly life-size portrait of a seated beauty, titled Lorelai, changed hands for $32,000; and a pocket watch by the 18th-century Delaware clockmaker Thomas Crow earned $5,500. These sums are hammer prices, exclusive of the buyer’s premium.

German World War II machine gun, $456,000, Morphy Auctions

A German World War II Model FG-42 machine gun, Model E 1st Model, one of only about 2,000 made, sold for $456,000 at a Firearms & Militaria Auction held April 11-13 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Penn. Also, a British-made WWII silenced Sten Mark IV (SD) machine gun went for $129,000; a mid-1950s American-made Harrington & Richardson T48 (FAL) machine gun with box achieved $114,000; and a circa-2000 David McKay Brown (Scotland) 20-gauge shotgun attained $61,200.

Ted Williams’ Baseball Hall of Fame ring, $444,000, Heritage Auctions

Boston Red Sox immortal Ted Williams’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction ring, given to him upon his entry into Cooperstown on July 25, 1966, sold for $444,000 at a Spring Sports Catalog Auction held May 11-13 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a Mickey Mantle Topps rookie card from 1952, graded SGC Near Mint+ 7.5, earned $384,00, a record for the grade; and a 1916 M101-5 (blank back) Babe Ruth card also set a new record for its graded (SGC Fair 1.5) when it achieved the home-run price of $276,000.

Andrew Clemens sand bottles, $151,200, Hindman

A pair of Sweetheart sand bottles from 1883 by Andrew Clemens (1857-1894) sold for $151,200 at an American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction held March 30 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a Tiffany & Co. seven-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray made $18,000; a Baltimore Federal mahogany tall case clock realized $11,970; and a Renaissance Revival etagere attributed to John Henry Belter went to a determined bidder for $22,800.

Uncle Sam clockwork toy, $72,000, Bertoia Auctions

An Ives (USA) Uncle Sam clockwork preambulator, one of two known, sold for $72,000 at a Spring Signature Sale held March 24-25 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, N.J. Also, an oversized Ives horse-drawn fire hose reel in pristine condition went for $14,400; a Kenton Speed Truck, the largest of its series, rolled away with $16,800; and a Kyser & Rex (USA) Chimpanzee cast-iron mechanical bank brought $34,800.

George Washington-owned book, $441,000, Freeman’s

A volume from the personal library of George Washington, titled The Transactions of the Royal Humane Society, a first edition copy given to Washington during his second presidential term by physician Dr. John Coakley Lettsom and featuring Washington’s bold signature at the top of the half-title page, sold for $441,000 at a Books and Manuscripts auction held May 3 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. In addition, a 1787 land grant signed by Benjamin Franklin finished at $17,640.

1854 US $1 coin, $91,062, Legend Rare Coin Auctions

An 1854 US $1 coin, graded MS65 CAC, sold for $91,062 at the Central States Numismatic Society’s 84th Anniversary Convention held April 27 in Schaumburg, Illinois by Legend Rare Coin Auctions, based in Red Bank, N.J. Also, an 1837 US $2.50 coin, graded MS65 CAC, went for $88,125; a 1942-S US 50-cent coin, graded MS 67 CAC, hit $70,500; a 1935-S US 50-cent coin, MS 67 CAC, brought $67,562; and a 1795 US 1-cent coin, PCGS MS 65 BN CAC, made $61,687.

Jefferson Davis revolver, $470,000, Rock Island Auction Company

The Jefferson Davis surrender Beaumont-Adams double action revolver, one of the most important war trophies of the Civil War, sold for $470,000 at Premier Firearms Auction #88, held May 19-21 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Ill. Also, the engraved gold and Winchester Model 1895 belonging to Zane Grey realized $440,625; a Krieghoff FH42 Type 1 changed hands for $411,250; and the cased Colt 1861 Navy revolver presented to Capt. George Williams rose to $258,500.

Circa-1820 Armoire Crocodile, CA$29,500, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A circa-1820 Quebec armoire in a strong alligatored yellow paint that earned it the family nickname “Armoire Crocodile” sold for $29,500 at the sale of the Belzile collection held in Quebec, Canada by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg. Also, a Louis XIII armchair in old green paint realized $21,240, and an 18th-century Quebec pine armoire with four Louis XIV hourglass-shaped panels won $17,700.

Kurt Cobain Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, $595,000, Julien’s Auctions

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s Nevermind smashed and signed black Fender Stratocaster electric guitar sold for $595,900 at a Music Icons auction held May 19-20 by Julien’s Auctions in New York City. Also, Bono’s 2002 U2 stage-played Gretsch Irish Falcon electric guitar achieved $238,125; Eddie Van Halen’s 2004 Charvel EVH Art Series 78 electric guitar settled at $114,300; and Michael Jackson’s Dangerous world tour jacket made $117,000.

Xavier de Charlevoix account, $5,700, Old World Auction

F. Xavier de Charlevoix’s Histoire et Description de la Nouvelle France – an account of French possessions in colonial North America, featuring 28 maps – sold for $5,700 in an online auction held April 12-26 by Old World Auctions in Richmond, Va. Also, The New Twelve Inch British Celestial Globe by William and T.M. Bardin, composed of 12 paper gores, a brass meridian and an engraved horizon ring, realized $5,100.

Marklin toy paddle boat, $250,000, Pook & Pook

The Marklin toy paddle wheel river boat New York, in exceptional condition, sold for $250,000 at an Americana auction held May 4-5 by Pook & Pook in Downingtown, Penn. Also, an English Staffordshire slipware doll cradle dating to 1698 brought $22,500; a Berks or Montgomery County (Penn.) painted poplar shrank, a robust example of early 18th-century German furniture design, earned $81,250; and a Mifflin County (Penn.) Samuel Plank-painted box brought $45,360.

Steve Jobs-signed check, $106,985, RR Auction

An Apple Computer check signed by Steve Jobs in 1976 – the year of the company’s founding – sold for $106,985 in an online auction held April 17-May 10 by RR Auction in Boston. The check was filled out in type and signed by Jobs himself, for $175.00, payable to Crampton, Remke & Miller, Inc., a provider of business processing consulting services to high-tech companies. Also, an early 1990s NeXT business card listing Jobs as chairman and CEO brought $3,076.

1897 experimental pistol, $72,000, Cowan’s Auctions

A Bergmann Schmeisser prototype 1897 model 5 experimental pistol with holster stock sold for $72,000 at an Arms, Armor & Militaria auction held May 3-4 by Cowan’s Auctions in Cincinnati. Also, a Peter Chapman 28 gauge sidelock hammerless side-by-side shotgun with straight English stock hit the mark for $36,000; a Parker GH grade 20 gauge shotgun with 32in barrels attained $25,200; and a Japanese model 1902 Grandpa Nambu holster stock rose to $15,600.

Maurice Prendergast beach scene, $162,500, Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

A colorful oil-on-panel Boston beach scene by Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858-1924), painted circa 1907-1910, sold for $162,500 in a Spring Fine Art Auction held April 27 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Milford, Conn. Also, a circa-1880s oil on canvas by Martin Johnson Heade (American, 1819-1904), titled Vase of Red Roses, went for $125,000; and a 1904 oil on canvas by Richard Hayley Lever (American, 1876-1958) titled Sunshine in the Hills, brought $106,250.

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

 

Gallery Report: Maud Lewis work was a showstopper at Miller & Miller

ATLANTA – At the start of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall compiles the most notable auction highlights from across the United States and also the world. The May 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report showcases a bumper crop of standout results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Maud Lewis painting, CA$91,450, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

An oil-on-board painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970), titled Traffic Jam, sold for $91,450 in an online-only Canadiana & Decorative Arts auction held March 25 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a circa-1820s Georgian period Canadian breakfast table in mahogany, attributed to Thomas Nisbet, rose to $16,520; and a circa-1820s Montreal key hole wall clock by Martin Cheney earned $20,060. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Art Deco-style jardiniere, $26,620, Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery

An Art Deco-style bronze jardiniere, after a vase by Pierre Lenoir (French 1879-1953) and Marcel Guillard (French 1896-1932), for Etling, Paris, sold for $26,620 at an Estates & Collections auction held April 20-22 by Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in Atlanta. Also, Study of a Brown Bay Horse by Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822-1899) brought $15,730; and a 1970 Modern Head Relief by Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) hit $14,520.

Ludwig van Beethoven letter, $99,000, RR Auction

A handwritten letter by composer Ludwig van Beethoven sold for $99,000 in an online auction that ended April 12 at RR Auction in Boston. The one-page letter, penned sometime in September 1823, was written in German and signed “Beethoven.” It concerned sending his work Missa Solemnis (Latin for “Solemn Mass”) to London and was addressed to Franz Christian Kirchhoffer. In the letter, Beethoven invites Kirchhoffer and his nephew Karl to lunch at his flat on Sunday.

Cartier Coussin watch, $34,650, Hindman

A Cartier 18K gold Bamboo Coussin watch sold for $34,650 at a Watches Auction held in April by Hindman in Chicago. Also, a Cartier 18K gold Tank watch rang up $16,380; a Cartier 18K gold dual-time Tonneau watch realized $8,820; a Roger Dubuis perpetual calendar chronograph Hommage watch commanded $28,350; an Alfred Dunhill lighter with a clock went for $7,560; and an 18K gold Jaeger-Lecoultre watch garnered $21,420.

Toshiko Takaezu ceramic, Moon$541,800, Rago/Wright/LAMA

Toshiko Takaezu’s (American, 1922-2011) ceramic creation titled Moon sold for $541,800 at a Post-War Ceramics Auction held April 13 by Rago/Wright/LAMA in Lambertville, New Jersey. It was a new world auction record for the artist. Also, John Mason’s Untitled (Vertical Sculpture) went for $258,300, setting a new world auction record for the artist; Betty Woodman’s Pillow Pitcher finished at $69,300; Peter Voulkos’s Untitled (Stack) changed hands for $44,100; and Viola Frey’s Bubble Man achieved $27,720.

Negro Motorist Green Book, $50,000, Swann Auction Galleries

A 1949 copy of the Negro Motorist Green Book sold for $50,000, breaking the previous record of $27,500, in a Printed & Manuscript African Americana auction held March 30 by Swann Galleries in New York. Also, an inscribed carte de visite by the early photographer James Presley Ball achieved $125,000; a Civil War-era photograph of Black Union recruits at Camp William Penn brought $52,500; and a copy of the Harlem Renaissance-era literary magazine Fire! went for $32,500.

Late Georgian tea caddy, $2,375, Roland Auctions

An English late Georgian shell-inlaid tea caddy of sarcophagus form sold for $2,375 at a Multi-Estates Auction held April 1 at Roland Auctions in Glen Cove, New York. Also, an 18th-century American Chippendale mahogany and marble table settled at $18,750; a GIA-certified 3.34-carat diamond in a platinum ring slipped onto a new finger for $34,375; a set of 12 Chinese paintings mounted in a fold-out book brought $50,000; and a Neoclassical-style gilt bronze chandelier made $5,000.

Qing dynasty Manchu empress’s robe, $100,000, Lark Mason Associates

A Qing dynasty Manchu empress’s 12-symbol embroidered yellow gauze robe, or jifu, sold for $100,000 in an online Asia Week auction that closed March 30 at Lark Mason Associates in New York City. Also, a Qing dynasty Chinese amber figure of Shoulao realized $26,250; and a large 20th-century Nine Peach and Blossoms vase went to a determined bidder for $22,500.

Alphonse Mucha’s The Stars$114,000, Poster Auctions International

Alphonse Mucha’s (Czech, 1860-1939) decorative panel poster from 1902, titled The Stars, sold for $114,000 at Rare Posters Auction #89 held March 26 by Poster Auctions International in New York City. Also, Geo Ham’s Monaco Grand Prix 1933 realized $20,400; Leonetto Cappiello’s 1903 Absinthe Gempp Pernod finished at $26,400; Ludwig Hohlwein’s Besuchet den Tiergarten from 1912 earned $13,200; and Charles Loupot’s 1929 Cafe Preccia: Maquette attained $18,000.

1859 Comstock Lode mining document, $16,875, Holabird Western Americana Collections

An 1859 document dating to the very beginning of the Comstock Lode silver rush in the U.S. sold for $16,875 at a Big Bonanza auction held March 30-April 2 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, a U.S. $10,000 gold certificate, cancelled and not redeemable, printed in Washington, D.C. and dated May 3, 1917, achieved $2,875; and a collection of six antique Oklahoma I. T. (Indian Territory) crown top bottles brought $3,000.

Warhol Mick Jagger print, $131,250, Heritage Auctions

Artist Andy Warhol’s 1975 screenprint portrait titled Mick Jagger, signed by the Rolling Stones front man, sold for $131,250 at a Prints & Multiples auction held April 18 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a 1989 set of four lithographs by Keith Haring, titled Pop Shop III, realized $125,000; Joan Mitchell’s large lithograph diptych titled Sunflowers brought $93,750; and Pablo Picasso’s linocut from 1962 titled Grande Tete Femme earned $62,500.

Majolica dish and cover, $62,225, Doyle

A Mintons majolica hare and duck head game-pie dish and cover attributed to Paul Comolera sold for $62,225 at Part 2 of the sale of the Joan Stacke Graham Majolica Collection, held April 4 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a circa-1875 T.C. Brown Westhead, Moore & Co. Egyptian Revival Majolica garden seat realized $50,400; and a circa-1875 Mintons majolica Japanese boat spill vase designed by Johann (John) Hasselmann Henk brought $28,350.

Wasatch Gasoline sign, $324,000, Dan Morphy Auctions

A Wasatch Gasoline 48in-diameter porcelain service station sign sold for $324,000 at an Automobilia, Petroliana & Railroadiana Auction held March 21-23 by Dan Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a Polly Gasoline porcelain neon service station sign with a parrot mascot flew to $78,000; a Mohawk Gasoline porcelain service station sign with a Native American down feather graphic earned $312,000; and an Idaho Chief Gasoline service station sign made $138,000.

Tiffany Arabian lamp, $7,200, Treasureseeker Auctions

A Tiffany Studios Arabian lamp with a signed Favrile shade and a signed brass base sold for $7,200 in an online-only Spring into Treasures: Fine Art & Collectibles sale held April 16 by Treasureseeker Auctions in Pasadena, California. Also, a Meiji-era silver and enamel floral box went for $3,840; a cat painting by Jules Leroy finished at $3,520; a 19th-century malachite and bronze clock decorated with a cherub and a rooster reached $3,300; and a Japanese silver and enamel vase settled at $2,560.

Saturday Night Fever suit, $260,000, Julien’s Auctions

The iconic white suit John Travolta wore when playing the character Tony Manero in the movie Saturday Night Fever sold for $260,000 at a Hollywood: Classic and Contemporary auction held April 22 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, Bela Lugosi’s vampire mirror cigarette box from the 1931 film Dracula achieved $130,000; a coat and hat worn by Warren Beatty in the movie Dick Tracy made $91,000; and a hoverboard from Back to the Future II floated to $91,000.

Porfirio Salinas painting, $47,200, Amero Auctions

An untitled Texas landscape with bluebonnets by Porfirio Salinas sold for $47,200 at a Spring 2023 Spectacular Sale held March 26 by Amero Auctions in Sarasota, Florida. Also, a pair of Spring Festival pattern elongated hexagonal tables by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne earned $18,880; a pair of Egyptian-style bronze figures by Emile Louis Picault brought $10,620; and an equestrian-themed painting by Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski, titled Morning Ride, galloped off with $44,250.

Tiffany & Co. bird brooch, $17,500, John Moran Auctioneers, Inc.

A Tiffany & Co. mother-of-pearl, diamond, yellow sapphire and onyx bird brooch sold for $17,500 at an auction titled Jewelry from the Estate of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, held March 29 by John Moran Auctioneers, Inc. in Los Angeles. Also, a pear-shape 26-carat diamond ring realized $979,000; a Zambian emerald and diamond ring brought $21,250; and a David Webb 18K gold rock crystal and lapis lazuli bracelet changed hands for $28,125.

Pair of Chinese bowls, $94,500, Freeman’s

A pair of Chinese famille rose-decorated Balsam-Pear bowls with a Jiaqing six-character seal mark and of the period sold for $94,500 at an Asian Arts auction held April 18 at Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a pair of Chinese yellow-glazed bowls with the Kangxi mark and of the period rose to $81,900; a Chinese carved beige jade table screen left the room for $75,600; and a Chinese blue and white porcelain figural plaque from the Kangxi period earned $44,100.

 

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

Gallery Report: Lynn Chadwick’s Winged Figures hit lofty heights at Doyle

ATLANTA – At the start of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from across the United States and the world as well. The April 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report showcases strong results from the finest auction houses. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Lynn Chadwick bronzes, $126,000, Doyle New York

British artist Lynn Chadwick’s (British, 1914-2003) bronze Winged Figures Version II from 1973, depicting male and female forms with wing-like capes and geometrical heads, sold for $126,000 at a 20th Century Abstraction auction held March 8 by Doyle in New York City. Also, Valencia I by Filipino artist Fernando Zobel (1924-1984) achieved $214,200 as well as a new U.S. record for the artist; and Fluidos by Spanish artist Juan Genoves (1930-2020) settled at $189,000, also a new U.S. auction record for the artist.

 

Roger Brown painting, $138,600, Hindman

A monumental 1989 painting by Roger Brown (American, 1941-1997), titled Crossing the Bandiagara Escarpment with Baobab Trees and Dogon Dancers, sold for $138,600 at the auction of the single-owner collection of Susann Craig held March 9 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, Untitled (Guitar Nun) by Sister Gertrude Morgan (American, 1900-1980) brought $34,650; and William Dawson’s A Group of Three Articulated Figures (1976-1977) went for a record $25,200.

Gold Rush-era gold ingot, $138,000, Holabird Western Americana Collections

A 32.15-ounce Kellogg & Humbert assayer’s California Gold Rush gold ingot sold for $138,000 at Part 2 of the sale of items recovered from the 1857 sinking of the S.S. Central America held March 4-5 by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC in Reno, Nevada. Also, a 19th-century daguerreotype photograph of an unidentified young woman that the S.S. Central America scientific mission recovery team nicknamed the Mona Lisa of the Deep changed hands for $73,200.

Chippendale corner cupboard, $8,400, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

A Maryland or Virginia Chippendale painted yellow pine corner cupboard sold for $8,400 at a Winter Americana Auction held March 2-4 by Jeffery S. Evans & Associates in Mt. Crawford, Virginia. In addition, a Buddy L Junior Line pressed-steel toy dump truck finished at $4,200; a Western Pennsylvania stoneware jar earned $2,040; a Frank Finney (American, b. 1947-) carved and painted figure of a basset hound achieved $6,600; and a group of antique and vintage pocket knives made $3,900.

Cox-Roosevelt button, $100,300, Hake’s Auctions

A James M. Cox and Franklin Roosevelt 1920 jugate button, one inch in diameter, sold for $100,300 at a Premier Auction held March 21-22 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, a circa-1920 Type 1 original photograph of Babe Ruth from his first New York Yankees season, credited to Paul Thompson, rose to $78,529; and a 1980 TOLTOYS (Australia) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back JAWA vinyl-caped action figure brought $49,324.

Antique map after Ptolemy, $110,700, Neue Auctions

A map of the Persian and Red Seas after Claudius Ptolemy, titled Geographica and dating to circa 1482 or later, sold for $110,700 in an online-only Estate Fine Art and Antiques auction held March 11 by Neue Auctions in Beachwood, Ohio. Also, a circa-1910 carved and painted carousel giraffe by Gustav and William Dentzel, restored, brought $9,840; and a typed letter in German, signed by Albert Einstein and dated 1950, made $10,455.

 

19th-century Boston shelf clock, $49,200, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A 19th-century B. C. Gilman (Exeter, N.H.) Boston shelf clock sold for $49,200 at a Couture, Jewelry and Fine & Decorative Art auction held February 27 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, an early 20th-century Duffner & Kimberly heraldic armorial table lamp earned $3,900; a Jose Reyes (American and Filipino, 1902-1980) Nantucket friendship basket reached $3,600; and a Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain sculpture of a Guanyin rose to $2,400.

Emmi Whitehorse painting, $36,300, Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery

A 1992 mixed media on paper by Emmi Whitehorse (American/Navajo, b. 1956-), titled Field of Birds, sold for $36,300 at an Art of the American West & Native American Art & Objects auction held February 24 by Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in Atlanta. Also, a 1988 oil on canvas by Frank McCarthy (American, 1944-2002), titled The Warriors of Canyon Land, made $16,940; and a patinated bronze sculpture by Robert F. Elwell (American, 1874-1962), titled Birchbark Canoe, hit $7,260.

Mark Twain’s typewriter, $106,250, Heritage Auction

The Williams No. 6 typewriter that author Mark Twain purchased in 1906 and used until his death in 1910 sold for $106,250 at a Historical Manuscripts Signature Auction held February 22 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a pair of paintings that artist Colin Campbell Cooper created while onboard the RMS Carpathia during the rescue of Titanic survivors achieved $112,500; and a copy of LIFE magazine from May 1965 signed by Martin Luther King, Jr. went for $93,750.

Benjamin Franklin-signed document, $39,928, RR Auction

A one-page Benjamin Franklin-signed document, dated Dec. 6, 1785, ordering a loan to support Pennsylvania’s new currency, sold for $39,928 in an online auction held in March by RR Auction in Boston. Also, a Wright Brothers portrait, signed by both Wilbur and Orville, finished at $30,819; a King Henry VII letter to expedite payment of Catherine of Aragon’s dowry brought $27,164; and an Abraham Lincoln handwritten letter to Attorney General Bates earned $18,750.

Circa-1900 juggler poster, $14,400, Potter & Potter Auctions

A circa-1900 poster touting juggler the Great Knetzger as The Master Spirit of Ambidexterity sold for $14,400 at Part 1 of the Ricky Jay collection held February 25 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a circa-1869 broadside advertising the Davenport Brothers earned $11,875; a circa-1905 poster for Bostock & Wombell’s World Renowned Menagerie hit $12,500; and a copy of the 1808 book New Art of Hocus Pocus Revived realized $12,000.

George Valentine Dureau painting, $8,750, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A painting by George Valentine Dureau (American, 1930-2014), titled El Viaje Dorado, from the artist’s Dead Toreador series, sold for $8,750 at an Important March Estates auction held March 17-18 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, a 151-piece sterling flatware set by Gorham in the Old English Tipt pattern made $3,840; and an American carved walnut Rococo Revival marble-top dresser went for $2,500.

Circa-1820 flintlock pistol, $45,630, Milestone Auctions

A P & D Moll Allentown Pennsylvania brass-barrel German silver-escutcheoned flintlock pistol, manufactured around 1820, sold for $45,630 at a Premier Collectible Firearms Auction held March 11-12 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a pair of circa-1860 Belgian Brevete Colt Navy revolvers, .36-caliber, hit the mark for $43,050; and a pair of 1851 Colt square-guard Navy revolvers, .36 caliber black-powder models, made $30,750.

Copy of Captain America #1$146,000, Goldin Auctions

A copy of Captain America #1 from March 1941, graded CGC 3.0 and featuring the origin of Steve Rogers and his sidekick Bucky, sold for $146,000 in a Winter Comics, Video Games & TCG Elite Auction held in March by Goldin Auctions, based in Runnemede, New Jersey. Also, the original pen-and-ink artwork for the dust jacket of Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition, signed by artist Jim Lee, brought $57,600; and a copy of Fantastic Four #1 from Nov. 1961 earned $84,000.

Ward Brothers duck decoy, $90,000, Copley Fine Art Auctions

A Ward Brothers Humpback black duck decoy sold for $90,000 at a Winter Sale held Feb. 24-25 by Copley Fine Art Auctions in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Also, a Harmon Running Curlew by Nathan F. Cobb, Jr., was the top shorebird of the sale, commanding $78,000; a Jerry Mastin Canada Goose soared to $51,000, a new world record for the maker; Richard Bishop’s painting Prairie Wings flew away with $180,000; and Bob Kuhn’s Close but No Cigar reached $78,000.

Paul De Longpre watercolor, $9,225, Michaan’s Auctions

An 1892 watercolor on paper by Paul de Longpre (American and French, 1855-1911), titled Matillija Poppies and Bees, sold for $9,225 at a Gallery Auction held March 17 by Michaan’s Auctions in Alameda, California. Also, a 1954 mixed media on wood board by Bruce Conner (American, 1933-2008), titled Facade, went for $7,995; a pair of Etruscan Revival bronze floor lamps attributed to Caldwell earned $7,995; and a 1782 Thomas Hennell sterling silver tea caddy brought $2,214.

Gertrude Abercrombie painting, $51,250, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

A 1956 Modernist painting by Gertrude Abercrombie (American and German, 1909-1977), titled Leaf and Chaise Lounge, sold for $51,250 at a Winter Enchantment sale held Feb. 24-26 by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine. Also, Andy Warhol’s (American, 1920-1987) signed and numbered serigraph on paper from 1968, Campbell’s Soup (Cream of Mushroom), realized $42,000; and a 1965 offset lithograph by Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997), Shipboard Girl, earned $31,250.

Portrait of George Washington, $34,375, Nye & Company Auctioneers

A portrait of George Washington after Rembrandt Peale, titled Porthole Washington, sold for $34,375 at a March Estate Treasures auction held March 8-10 by Nye & Company Auctioneers in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Also, a lithograph by Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997), titled Foot and Hand, topped out at $8,750; a Chinese Qing-style cloisonne shallow charger earned $34,375; and a Chinese famille verte porcelain ginger jar rose to $7,500.

Drawing attributed to Joan Miro, $2,048, La Belle Epoque Auction House

A drawing of a woman attributed to Joan Miro, signed and dated 1917, sold for $2,048 at a multi-estates auction held March 18 by La Belle Epoque Auction House in New York City. Also, a 17th- century Italian walnut prie dieu with marquetry and parquetry inlay throughout rose to $832; a circa-1900 group of Schafer & Vater Alice in Wonderland German bisque porcelain pieces realized $448; and a Piranesi-style print, two-sheet 18th-century engravings of the Vatican, framed, hit $960.

All images shown in this report appear courtesy of the auction houses who sold the items they depict.

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

Gallery Report: Alphonse Mucha’s ‘Seasons’ suite triumphs at Everard

ATLANTA – At the dawn of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from across the country and also the world. The March 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report showcases a wealth of strong results. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Alphonse Mucha suite, $40,625, Everard Auctions and Appraisals

A complete 1896 suite of four lithographs by Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), titled The Seasons, sold for $40,625 at a Winter Southern Estates and Collections auction held February 28 and March 1 by Everard Auctions and Appraisals in Savannah, Georgia. Also, a circa-1910 Tiffany Studios 12-light favrile glass gilt bronze Lily lamp brought $35,000; a signed Tabriz figural carpet went for $8,125; and an Eldred Wheeler maple secretary bookcase brought $6,875.

Chippendale walnut table, $22,500, Nye & Company Auctioneers

A circa-1765 Philadelphia Chippendale carved and figured walnut dressing table sold for $22,500 in an online-only Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction held Jan. 25-27 by Nye & Company Auctioneers in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Also, an Edison Electric Pen, including the original box, wires and stone sharpening tool, realized $21,250; a Daum Nancy Blackbird frosted vase rose to $18,750; and a set of six Queen Anne dining chairs attributed to William Savery settled at $10,880.

Maud Lewis oil painting, CA$44,250, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A painting by the renowned Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970), titled Three Black Cats, sold for $44,250 in an online-only Canadiana & Folk Art auction held February 11 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Seven paintings by Lewis in the auction brought a combined $198,380. Also, four paintings by Nova Scotia artist Joe Norris (1924-1996) realized a total of $49,560. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Old West author / historian archive, $2,625, Holabird Western Americana Collections

An archive of material pertaining to Old West author, artist and historian Ernest L. Reedstrom (1928-2003) sold for $2,625 in Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC’s two-day Treasures from the Shelves auction held Feb. 18-19 in Reno, Nevada. Also, a USS Utah photo diary of the Tampico Affair of 1914 and the invasion of Veracruz, Mexico brought $1,750, and a circa 1894-1896 Oriental coffin flask bottle out of Lamar, Colorado, lavender in color, realized $1,500.

Eminem’s Nike sneakers, $40,625, Julien’s Auctions

Musical artist Eminem’s signed and worn Nike Air Max sneakers sold for $40,625 at a Musicares Charity Relief Auction held February 5 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, Paul McCartney’s personally signed book The Lyrics brought $25,600; Taylor Swift’s signed 2020 Epiphone acoustic guitar garnered $25,000; a Joe Perry stage-played and signed Gibson Les Paul electric guitar made $22,400; and a Slash-signed Gibson Les Paul electric guitar commanded $22,400.

Hemingway book, $277,200, Freeman’s

A 1924 first edition copy of Ernest Hemingway’s book in our time sold for $277,200 at a Books and Manuscripts auction held February 2 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a Reconstruction-era map of Galveston, Texas – the only known copy to have ever been offered at auction – brought $30,240, and an inscribed association copy of Stride Toward Freedom, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s memoir of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, finished at $12,600.

1958 double die Lincoln penny, $1.136 million, GreatCollections

A 1958 Lincoln cent, described as a ‘double die’ because it was mistakenly made with doubling in some letters on the coin’s obverse, sold for $1.136 million at a series of six auctions for the collection of the late Stewart Blay ending January 29 at GreatCollections of Irvine, California. It was the most ever paid for a Lincoln cent and was the finest of the three 1958 double dies known. Blay’s collection of 276 Lincoln cents, dating back to 1909 and all in mint condition, sold for a combined $7.732 million during the six days.

Pastel portrait by Beauford Delaney, $48,000, Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals

A vivid pastel portrait of a blue-eyed man by the Tennessee-born African American abstract expressionist Beauford Delaney sold for $48,000 at a Winter Auction held Jan. 28-29 by Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Also, a church picnic scene by the self-taught African American artist Helen Lafrance realized $25,600; a painted blanket chest from Wythe County, Virginia brought $40,960; and a Korean silver inlaid iron censer went to a determined bidder for $37,500.

C. Gilman shelf clock, $51,250, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A 19th-century B. C. Gilman (Exeter, N.H.) Boston shelf clock sold for $51,250 at a Couture, Jewelry and Fine & Decorative Art auction held February 27 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, an early 20th-century Duffner & Kimberly heraldic armorial table lamp brought $4,062; a Jose Reyes (American and Filipino, 1902-1980) Nantucket friendship basket hit $3,750; and an Old Master oil painting of Christ by Charles Robert Leslie made $3,750.

1952 Topps baseball brick, $873,300, Morphy Auctions

An unopened 1952 Topps baseball brick containing eight factory-sealed 5-cent wax packs sold for $873,300 at a Toys, Sports Cards & General Collectibles Auction held Feb. 1-3 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Each of the eight packs held five cards and it was widely speculated they were likely from Topps’ first series. The brick could be traced back to a private purchase in Seattle in 1991. The new owner is a collector who wished to remain anonymous.

Five-volume maritime atlas, $38,525, Old World Auctions

A five-volume maritime atlas from 1764 by J. N. Bellin, including 581 maps of the world and continents, plus many regional maps and city plans and coastal charts, sold for $38,525 in a sale held Jan. 25-Feb. 8 by Old World Auctions in Richmond, Virginia. Also, A New Map of Texas, with the Contiguous American & Mexican States from 1837, by Samuel Augustus Mitchell, earned $14,950; and a carte-a-figures world map created in 1652 by Claes Janszoon Visscher achieved $10,925.

Tiffany Studios window, $237,500, Fontaine’s Auction Gallery

A Tiffany Studios Jesus in a Field of Lilies window sold to a church for $237,500 at a Fine and Decorative Arts auction held January 28 by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Also, a grouping of yellow diamonds from one estate, led by an 18K white gold, yellow gold and diamond ring, rang up $181,250; a circa-1910 Tiffany Studios Curtain Border floor lamp achieved $100,000; and a circa-1905 Tiffany Studios Moorish and Turtle Back chandelier rose to $81,250.

Wolfgang Paalen painting, $163,000, Hindman

A vibrant untitled 1943 painting by Wolfgang Paalen sold for $163,000 at a Figuratively Speaking auction held February 10 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, two other works by Paalen, from 1947 and 1943, went for $47,250 and $20,160, respectively; two paintings by Alice Rahon, Paalen’s wife, one untitled from 1946 and one dubbed Le Chat from 1943, each went for $13,860; and a portrait of the artist and critic Florence Arquin by Kathleen Blackshear earned $9,450.

Colt Model 1847 revolver, $105,750, Rock Island Auction Company

A C Company U.S. Colt Model 1847 Walker percussion revolver sold for $105,750 at a Sporting & Collector Auction ending February 17 at Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, an engraved Civil War New Haven Arms Company Henry lever action rifle hit the mark for $41,125; an early serial number 5 Colt black powder SAA in scarce 44 Rimfire made $18,880; and a Civil War-era LeMat Grape Shot changed hands for $16,450.

W. Jacobs’ Salthaven$31,250, Potter & Potter Auctions

A first edition presentation copy of W. W. Jacobs’ (British, 1863-1943) book titled Salthaven, inscribed to and by Samuel C. Clemens (aka Mark Twain, 1835-1910), sold for $31,250 at a Fine Books & Manuscripts auction held February 16 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a near-fine set of J.R.R. Tolkien’s (1892-1973) the Lord of the Rings trilogy brought $19,200, and a 37-volume collection of The Works of Mark Twain realized $16,250.

Daniel Boone compass, $109,375, Heritage Auctions

A compass owned by legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone sold for $109,375 at an Americana & Political Signature Auction held Feb. 25-26 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a carte de visite signed by President Abraham Lincoln as a donation to a Sanitary Fair held Oct. 18, 1864 in Tazewell City, Illinois earned $106,250; a circa-1857 double partner’s desk designed by Thomas U. Walter made $40,000; and a display with signatures of both Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth rose to $37,500.

Marc Chagall artwork, $8,400, Nadeau’s Auction Gallery

An artwork by Marc Chagall (1887-1985), titled Daphnis et Grathon, signed and numbered (26/60), sold for $8,400 at a Midcentury, Modern Art & Contemporary Sale held January 28 by Nadeau’s Auction Gallery in Windsor, Connecticut. Also, a pair of Mies van der Rohe Barcelona leather lounge chairs left the room for $5,000; a 1981 landscape by Charles Griffin Farr (1908-1997), titled Tuolumme, reached $4,305; and Salvador Dali’s Manhattan Skyline finished at $5,700.

2007 factory-sealed iPhone, $63,356, LCG Auctions

A 2007 factory-sealed first-edition iPhone sold for a new record price of $63,356 at a Winter Premier Auction held February 19 by LCG Auctions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Also, a 1978 Star Wars Boba Fett action figure (Canada 20-Back AFA 85) realized $22,206; a 1982 Masters of the Universe Battle Ram vehicle (AFA 85) sped off with $20,920; a 1983 G.I. Joe Dragonfly vehicle (XH-1 AFA 85) brought $9,418; and a 1984 Transformers Bumble Bee (AFA 85) earned $18,353.

Orville Bulman work, $63,000, Doyle

A 1967 tropical landscape painting by Orville Bulman (American, 1904-1978), titled Les Nouveaux Familles, sold for $63,000 at a Fine Art auction held February 15 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a 1991 sculpture by Olbram Zoubek (Czech, 1926-2017), titled Eve-Arrow, attained $9,825; an unframed color lithograph after Pablo Picasso, titled Tete de Bouffon, realized $9,450; and a 1992 painting by Hunt Slonem (American, b. 1951-), titled Chandelier 8, hit $8,820.

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

 

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/

Gallery Report: Auction sector wraps 2022 with exceptional results

ATLANTA – At the start of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world as a whole. Please enjoy the January 2023 edition of Ken’s Gallery Report. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Bo Bartlett painting, $352,800, Freeman’s

A monumental 2015 painting by American artist Bo Bartlett, titled The Promised Land, sold for $352,800 during American Art Week sales held Dec. 4-6 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, William Herbert Dunton’s Grizzly Bear earned $302,400; Edward Willis Redfield’s Winter Brook brought $151,200; Robert Spencer’s Courtyard at Noon achieved $63,000; Charles Burchfield’s The Garden Path wound its way to $119,700; and Everett Shinn’s Philadelphia Docks went for $113,400.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, CA$54,870, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, Ref. 116515, with 18K Everose gold, sold for $54,870 in an online-only Luxury Watches Sale held November 19 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a circa-1988 Rolex Day-Date President watch, Ref. 18038, with an 18K gold case, made $23,600; and a circa-2001 De Grisogono Grande ladies’ watch brought $20,060. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Chanel shoulder bag, $4,062, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A classic double flap Chanel shoulder bag in black quilted lambskin calf leather with gold hardware sold for $4,062 at a Holiday Estates & Couture Auction held December 2 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, an oil painting titled Portrait of a Lady with Fan by Fernand Toussaint (French and Belgian, 1873-1956) went for $2,176; an early 20th-century Louis Vuitton steamer trunk finished at $1,920; and an etching by Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926) won $1,024.

Gold Rush-era jeans, $114,000, Holabird Western Americana Collections

Miner’s work pants recovered from the 1857 sinking of the S.S. Central America, the oldest known California Gold Rush-era jeans of their kind, possibly made by or for Levi Strauss, sold for $114,000 at auction held December 3 by Holabird Western Americana Collections in Reno, Nevada. Also, the historic brass name tag and keys from the ship’s Purser, Edward W. Hull, collected $102,300; and the lid to the oldest known Wells Fargo treasure shipment box went for $99,600.

‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag, $28,566, Hake’s Auctions

A circa-1864 ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ Civil War-era Confederate Gadsden flag sold for $28,566 at a Pop Culture auction held Nov. 15-16 by Hake’s Auctions in York, Pennsylvania. Also, hand-colored stat paper sheets for the 1987 ‘Marvel Masterworks’ #1 hardcover book that reprints the 1963 Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1, #1, with artwork by Steve Ditko, commanded $14,437.

Diamond Planet Robot, $33,210, Milestone Auctions

An original Yonezawa 10in tin windup Diamond Planet Robot with reproduction box sold for $33,210 at a Winter Toy Extravaganza held December 10 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Masudaya 15in battery-op Target Robot from the Gang of Five robot series, with correct dart gun and dart, brought $14,400; and a Distler 8in tin windup Directional Policeman car with comical bug-eyed driver and graphics hit $14,400.

Marklin Fidelitas clown train, $84,000, Bertoia Auctions

A Marklin Fidelitas clown train with all-original paint sold for $84,000 at a sale held Nov. 17-18 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, New Jersey. Also, a Tippco lithographed tin Santa car rolled away for $60,000; a Santa belsnickle with reindeer-drawn sleigh pull-toy, accompanied by what might be its original wooden crate realized $50,400; and a Hubley cast-iron Hill Climber motorcycle, olive green with nickel wheels, made $48,000.

Gertrude Abercrombie painting, $437,500, Hindman

A 1947 painting by Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1947), Untitled (Woman with Tethered Horse and Moon), sold for $437,500 and a new world auction record for the artist at a Post-War & Contemporary Auction held December 14 by Hindman in Chicago. Also, Subterrachial Bop Boop, a 1967 work by Gladys Nilsson (American, b. 1940-) realized $75,000; and a complete Locus portfolio, dating to 1972-1975 and made by Dorothea Rockburne (Canadian, b. 1932-), rose to $46,875.

Bird-form lamps, $63,000, Doyle

A pair of 1950s Italian ceramic bird-form lamps retailed by Beth Weissman sold for $63,000 in Day 1 of a Doyle+Design auction held Dec. 7-8 by Doyle in New York City. Also, a 1950s carved Sapele cabinet by Alexandre Noll with provenance to his estate changed hands for $44,100. Day 2 saw record prices for paintings and prints spanning the 20th century to the present day.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Smith & Wesson, $910,625, Rock Island Auction Company

A documented Col. Theodore Roosevelt Smith & Wesson No. 3 pistol sold for $910,625 at a Premier Auction held Dec. 9-11 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, a factory Cuno Helfricht Master engraved Colt Model 1877 Lightning realized $323,125, and an exhibition grade Gustave Young engraved gold Winchester Model 1866 garnered $211,500.

Molesworth-style sofa, $18,750, John Moran Auctioneers

A 21st-century New West Furniture Co. Molesworth-style sofa sold for $18,750 at an Art of the American West sale held November 16 by John Moran Auctioneers in Los Angeles. Also, a circa-1890-1910 cigar store Native American figure in the style of Samuel Robb went for $18,750, and a 2012 painting by Logan Maxwell Hagege (b. 1980-), titled Dry Air, changed hands for $22,500.

Signed Marilyn Monroe photo, $300,000, Heritage Auctions

The only known photograph of Marilyn Monroe that she inscribed to Joe DiMaggio sold for $300,000 at an auction held December 1 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. It was a new auction record for a signed Monroe photograph. The picture was a publicity still taken in 1953 for the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and it was already among the most famous and coveted of Monroe’s portraits. Monroe inscribed it, “I love you Joe, Marilyn,” and it came with a signed letter from DiMaggio’s daughters Paula and Kathie.

Aaron Judge home run ball, $1.5 million, Goldin Auctions

The baseball that New York Yankees star Aaron Judge hit for his American League record 62nd home run sold for $1.5 million in an auction that began Nov. 29 and ended Dec. 18 at Goldin Auctions in Runnemede, New Jersey. The seller was Cory Youmans, who caught the ball in his glove when Judge launched it into the left field stands at Globe Life Field in Texas on Oct. 4. It was the second highest amount ever paid for a baseball at auction. The most was $3 million for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run, hit on Sept. 27, 1998.

Thurston Master Magician poster, $9,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

 A linen-mounted ‘Thurston Master Magician. Million Dollar Mystery’ broadside poster, printed in Cleveland around 1928 by Otis Lithograph Company, sold for $9,000 at a Winter Magic Auction held December 10 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a pair of Tower Bean Pattern handcuffs believed to have been worn by Harry Houdini realized $7,200, and a Silk and Water Vase magic apparatus made in Philadelphia in 1925 by Carl Brema and Sons earned $6,600.

Martha Walter painting, $27,500, Lark Mason Associates

An oil on panel by Martha Walter (American, 1875-1976), titled Coney Island on Monday Morning, sold for $27,500 at a Fine and Decorative Works of Art auction held Nov. 16-17 by Lark Mason Associates in New Braunfels, Texas. Also, a maritime painting by Henry Moret, titled Marine, finished at $78,500; a Chinese jade mounted wood table screen realized $22,500; a Roman-style marble torso of Aphrodite won $12,438; and a Qing dynasty porcelain Jue made $43,750.

Bob Dylan love letters, $669,875, RR Auction          

An archive of 42 love letters written by Bob Dylan to a high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Hewittt, sold for $669,875 in an auction that began Oct. 26 and ended Nov. 17 at RR Auction, based in Boston. Included in the archive were early drawings and photos, including one of the earliest signed Dylan photos known to exist, which realized $24,361. Another Dylan archive in the sale consisted of 24 handwritten works collectively dubbed Poems Without Titles, written while he was at college. It brought $249,563.

E.T. mechatronic model, $2.56 million, Julien’s Auctions

The original, film-used mechatronic model for the 1982 movie E.T. The Extraterrestrial sold for $2.56 million at an Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction held Dec. 17-18 by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. Also, the E.T. character maquette went for $125,000 and the Kuwahara BMX bike from film production brought $115,200; Charlton Heston’s so-called “Holy Staff” from The Ten Commandments summoned $448,000; and dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe rose to $256,000 and $224,000, respectively.

“Mean” Joe Greene jersey, $60,043, Lelands

A “Mean” Joe Greene Pittsburgh Steelers game-worn jersey from the team’s 1975 Super Bowl-winning season sold for $60,043 at a Fall Classic Auction that closed on December 10 at Lelands in Matawan, New Jersey. Also, a New York Yankees batting helmet worn by Mickey Mantle circa 1957-1958 settled at $51,868; an early 1930s Home Run Special baseball signed by Babe Ruth brought $32,497; and a Frank Robinson 1966 Orioles jersey from his MVP / Triple Crown season hit $50,400.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

Gallery Report: Vibrant untitled Lynne Drexler painting wins $450K

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

Lynne Drexler painting, $450,000, Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

A 1963 untitled painting by Lynne Mapp Drexler (American, 1928-1999) sold for $450,000 at a Fall Fine Art auction held October 27 by Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Milford, Connecticut. Also, a 1940 oil on canvas by Daniel Garber (American, 1880-1958), titled Elm Bough, realized $262,500; a 2017 oil on linen by Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946-), dubbed The Woods, rang up $212,500; and Venice, a 1903 oil painting by Thomas Moran, made $162,500.

1936 Packard 1407 coupe, $140,400, Milestone Auctions

A 1936 Packard 1407 coupe with a rumble seat, a V-12 473 c.i. 175hp engine and 64,033 original miles on its odometer sold for $140,400 at an auction held October 15 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Wurlitzer classic Model 1015 Bubbler jukebox in excellent condition earned $7,500; a black and silver 1956 Chevrolet Corvette C1 convertible with an odometer showing 94,681 miles sped off for $78,975; and a single-cylinder cutaway motor for a 1916 Model K Indian motorcycle brought $6,000.

Duffner & Kimberly lamp, $72,000, Cottone Auctions

A Duffner & Kimberly Poppy hanging lamp sold for $72,000 at an Art & Antiques sale held Nov. 2-3 by Cottone Auctions in Geneseo, New York. Also, a 3.81-carat diamond and emerald ring slipped onto a new finger for $40,800; a German silver gilt heraldic lion cup went for $3,900; Court Room Scene, a painting by Clyde Singer (Ohio, 1908-1999), realized $3,300; and an oil on canvas by Emile A. Gruppe, titled King Street, Rockport, Mass., finished at $5,700.

Magic: The Gathering Beta set, $120,000, Weiss Auctions

A complete Magic: The Gathering Beta card set from 1993, the second MTG set produced, with a print run of 3,200 cards, sold for $120,000 in an online-only Comics, Comic Art, MTG Booster Boxes & More auction held October 19 by Weiss Auctions in Lynbrook, New York. Also, an original Peanuts daily comic strip dated “8-27-1962,” signed and inscribed by Charles Schulz, rose to $32,400; and a copy of Detective Comics #29 from 1939, with a Batman cover, made $46,800.

Three-stone diamond ring, $78,650, Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery

A three-stone diamond ring, weighing 8.7 carats in total, sold for $78,650 at an Important Jewelry & Timepieces Auction held November 18 by Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in Atlanta. Also, a Laura Munder 18K garnet and diamond necklace achieved $37,500; a Vacheron 18K gold Tourbillon watch brought $39,325; a Nicholas Varney fire opal and diamond bracelet went for $36,300; a Henry Dunay emerald and diamond necklace made $33,275; and a Patek Philippe 18K Calatrava watch rose to $22,500.

Letter sent by George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, $2.39 million, Freeman’s

A letter sent by George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, announcing the completion of the Constitution, one day following its adoption by the Constitutional Convention in 1787, sold for $2.39 million at a Books and Manuscripts: Rare Americana auction held November 15 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. At the time, Jefferson was the America ambassador to France, but Washington was eager to pass along the news of the landmark document.

Grandma Moses oil painting, $31,250, Dallas Auction Gallery

Grandma Moses’ 1943 oil with glitter on pressed wood painting titled We Have All Gone Sledding sold for $31,250 at a Fine and Decorative Art Auction held November 9 by Dallas Auction Gallery in Dallas. Also, a circa-1925-1930 oil on canvas signed by Edouard Leon Cortes, titled Le Boulevard Saint Denis au Crepuscule (Boulevard Saint Denis at Twilight) settled at $28,750.

Diamond and bloodstone box, $68,750, Hindman Auctions

An 18th-century antique diamond and bloodstone box featuring 25 carats of old mine, European and rose cut diamonds sold for $68,750 at a Gold Boxes and Vertu estate auction held October 18 by Hindman Auctions in Chicago. Also, a gold and enamel snuff box went for $17,500; a French gold figural compound scent flask, snuff box and hand-seal brought $13,750; and a French gold, diamond and mother-of-pearl cigarette case realized $53,125.

1966 Ford Ranger 250 camper, CA$82,600, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A 1966 Ford Ranger 250 Custom Cab Camper Special pick-up truck with Avion camper and 39,966 miles on its odometer sold for CA$82,600 in an online Petroliana & Advertising auction held October 29 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. in New Hamburg, Canada. Also, a 2006 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe black cherry motorcycle with an odometer reading of just 51 kilometers went for CA$16,520. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

Astronaut’s gold watch, $1.9 million, RR Auction

Astronaut Wally Schirra’s Omega Speedmaster Professional gold watch sold for $1.907 million in an online auction ending October 30 by RR Auction, based in Boston. The timepiece was given to Schirra at a special gala dinner held Nov. 25, 1969 at the Hotel Warwick in Houston. Omega presented 26 of the engraved commemorative watches – known as the Tribute to Astronauts watch – to NASA astronauts alive and deceased.

Italian salt cellar, $28,350, Doyle

An Italian Renaissance patinated-bronze salt cellar (or inkwell) sold for $28,350 at auctions held Oct. 19-20 by Doyle in New York. Also, two circa-1810 Regency satinwood banded rosewood side cabinets achieved $16,380; a Worcester porcelain covered two-handled urn by Flight Barr and Barr rose to $10,710; Thomas Lawrence’s 1827 portrait of Mary-Ann Capel reached $15,120; and a painting by Pier Francesco Mazzuchelli (aka il Morazzone) went for $13,860.

Chinese Daoist watercolor, $8,125, Crescent City Auction Gallery

A large, framed Chinese Daoist watercolor painting on silk sold for $8,125 at a Major Estates Auction held Nov. 4-6 by Crescent City Auction Gallery in New Orleans. Also, an early 20th-century 15-piece sterling punch set by Whiting in a grape and vine motif achieved $3,750; a 19th-century American carved mahogany full tester double bed earned $2,375; and a salt glazed stoneware jardiniere with pedestal rang up $2,000.

Poetry book carried by Ernest Shackleton on an expedition, $96,000, Potter & Potter Auctions

A copy of Robert Browning’s Poetical Works, carried by Ernest Shackleton during the 1907-1909 Nimrod expedition, sold for $96,000 at a Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale held October 20 by Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago. Also, a William Morris for Kelmscott Press edition of The Poems of William Shakespeare brought $16,800; a signed 1937 copy of Ulysses by James Joyce attained $45,600; and a copy of The Call of the Wild realized $13,200.

Swiss 18K gold snuff box, $10,625, Clarke Auction Gallery

A Swiss 18K gold and enamel snuff box having enamel decoration throughout sold for $10,625 at an auction held Oct. 29-30 by Clarke Auction Gallery in Larchmont, New York. Also, a painting signed by Roberto Matta, titled Se Conduire, achieved $57,500; a signed oil on canvas by Ivan Fedorovich Choultse, titled Garden, finished at $35,000; and a nearly five-carat diamond and platinum ring earned $30,000.

Buddy Holly concert poster, $447,000, Heritage Auctions

The only known Winter Dance Party concert poster from Feb. 3, 1959, promoting Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and Dion – a date subsequently known as The Day the Music Died because all except Dion were killed in a plane crash that day – sold for a record $447,000 at a Music Memorabilia Signature Auction held Nov. 11-13 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The previous record was $275,000 for a Beatles poster.

Galle French table lamp, $93,500, Woody Auction

A circa-1920 signed Galle French cameo art glass table lamp sold for $93,500 at the Part 1 sale of the Ron Blessing estate collection held October 29 by Woody Auction in Douglass, Kansas. Also, a circa-1910 Galle cameo art glass vase realized $40,250; a signed Daum Nancy cameo art glass pillow vase attained $21,850; and a museum-quality two-piece urn, signed Moser, changed hands for $17,000.

Caille Bros. slot machine, $246,000, Morphy Auctions

A circa-1904 Caille Bros. 5-cent Roulette floor-model slot machine with seven coin slots sold for $246,000 at an Antique Coin-Op Machines & Advertising auction held Nov. 3-5 by Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania. Also, a 1920s Mills coin-op Deluxe Violano-Virtuoso with dual violins that played simultaneously went for $63,960, and a restored Regina Style 37 music box changer with more than 20 discs played a sweet tune for $23,370.

Sam Doyle folk art painting, $66,250, Slotin Folk Art Auction

A folk art painting by Sam Doyle titled Dr. Buz Ha Lo! sold for $66,250 at a Self-Taught Masterpiece Sale held Nov. 12-13 by Slotin Folk Art Auction in Buford, Georgia. Also, Doyle’s folk art painting of Jackie Robinson was a hit for $63,750; Beverly Buchanan’s SC House finished at $55,000; Bill Traylor’s Black Dog fetched $47,500; Joseph Yoakum’s Persian Plateau peaked at $29,375; and David Drake’s Storage Jar captured $27,500.

Chinese ink-on-paper hand scroll, $118,750, Lark Mason Associates

A Chinese ink on paper hand scroll showing a pair of antlers, signed Qianlong Emperor, sold for $118,750 in an online sale of works of Asian art ending November 3 by Lark Mason Associates in New Braunfels, Texas. Also, a Chinese Peking amber glass octagonal bottle vase reached $17,500; an ink-on-silk Korean four-panel screen by Kim K-Chang (1913-2001) made $18,125; and a pair of Chinese faux cloisonne porcelain jardinieres, dating to the mid-Qing dynasty, realized $25,000.

Kyser & Rex bank, $24,000, Bertoia Auctions

A Kyser & Rex (Philadelphia) Roller Skating cast iron mechanical bank with bright, colorful original paint sold for $24,000 at an auction titled Abby’s Attic Finds held October 14 by Bertoia Auctions in Vineland, New Jersey. Also, a 1950s Mark Haber second casting of a J & E Stevens Bull & Bear mechanical bank climbed to $7,800, and an Ives clockwork tin alligator with its original box earned $14,400.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

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/