LELAND LITTLE - RARE CAMM MOORE NORTH CAROLINA SURVEYOR’S COMPASS (CIRCA LATE 18th C.) HITS $28,750

RARE CAMM MOORE NORTH CAROLINA SURVEYOR’S COMPASS (CIRCA LATE 18th C.) HITS $28,750 AT LELAND LITTLE AUCTION & ESTATE SALES, LTD., MAR. 21 AUCTION

(HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.) - A rare North Carolina surveyor’s compass, made around the late 18th century by Guilford County artisan Camm Moore (1755-1845), soared to $28,750 at a quarterly cataloged auction held March 21 by Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. It was the final sale held in the firm’s South Nash Street location. Next month, it moves into new digs, at 620 Cornerstone Court.

“With the success of this cataloged auction, we were able to end on a very positive note at our present address,” said Leland Little, owner of the firm, “but we very much look forward to our move in April into a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that is ideal for our needs.” An inaugural sale is slated for Saturday, April 11, and the next cataloged auction will be held the weekend of June 13-14.

The surveyor’s compass was in working order, with an untouched natural patina. It had a silver (or silvered brass) dial, engraved with “Made by Camm Moore, Guilford” around the center ring. Four quadrants were marked “0-90” and the compass was set in a brass housing, with a lid and two hinged sighting posts. Moore was primarily known as a silversmith, but he also made surveying instruments.

Mr. Little estimated about 250 people packed his showroom to participate in the final sale of a ten-year run on South Nash Street. “It was standing room only all day long,” he said. “As usual, it was a strong collaborative effort that carried the day. We have a wonderful team and support staff.”

Following are some top earners of the more than 600 quality consignments that crossed the block. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.

The top lot of the sale was a spectacular 84-piece sterling service in the “Aztec” motif by the renowned Mexican silversmith Hector Aguilar. The set, crafted sometime between 1940-1945, brought $37,950. If this sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because a similar service by Aguilar – a 72-piece set, also in the “Aztec” motif – fetched $41,400 at Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.’s Dec. 6-7 auction.

Other silver sets and pieces that did well included a coin silver tea service, comprising a teapot, cream jug with hinged cover, lidded sugar bowl and repousse tea ball, totaling 70.1 troy ounces ($4,830); an American coin silver ewer of Southern interest, 14.75 inches tall and 30.6 troy ounces ($2,760); and a 17th-century-style sterling silver chalice bearing the Coat of Arms for James I ($1,495).

Original works of art by noted, listed artists included a pastel on silk by Elizabeth O’Neill Verner (S.C., 1883-1979), titled Mary ($28,750); an oil on canvas painting by Margaret Dovaston (English, 1884-1955), titled Minuet ($19,550); an oil on board by Sheldon Parsons (N.M., 1866-1943), titled Springtime ($5,750); and a still life oil on board by George H. Hall (N.Y., 1825-1913) hit $4,370.

A vintage Louis Vuitton trunk (circa 1915), originally owned by a French Rear Admiral, rose to $8,309; a Jugtown Chinese blue stoneware footed punchbowl (circa 1930), with overall turquoise blue glaze, climbed to $5,750; an American Arts & Crafts period frame, hand-carved by Walfred Thulin in 1921, reached $2,875; and a Tennessee sampler done by Elizabeth C. Goodner in 1834 reached $2,530.

A nice Oriental 4-panel rosewood folding screen (circa 1900) wowed the crowd for $10,235; a 19th-century porcelain and gilt bronze Chinoiserie mounted mantel set, with a globular clock and 8-day French movement by Japy Freres, coasted to $7,475; a set of four gilt metal and silver tone putti wall sconces (circa 1900) realized $1,495; and three 19th-century Tibetan bronze Buddha figures hit $1,265.

High-end estate jewelry is abundant at most Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. auctions, and this one was no exception. A gorgeous emerald and diamond ring, with a 3.12 ct. emerald and a 1.05 ct. diamond, slipped on a new finger for $6,037; and a platinum and diamond ring (circa 1930s), with one bead set old European cut diamond and 28 bead set brilliant cut diamonds, fetched $1,265.

A lovely 131-piece Minton service in the “Riverton” pattern, from a private collection in North Carolina, brought $5,290; a 74-piece assembled set of Royal Crown Derby china in the “Imari” pattern realized $3,335; a tall tapered stoneware decorated vase by Mrs. F. W. Hilton of North Carolina topped out at $2,415; and a pair of Art Glass vases by Charles Lotton (1990, 1989) rose to $1,150 and $1,093.

From the furniture category, a French Empire Revival ormolu mounted rosewood bedroom set (early 20th century) commanded $2,990; a George III linen press (circa 1800), mahogany veneer with oak secondary, hit the mark at $2,990; a Classical mahogany sofa, made in Philadelphia around 1830, earned $1,380; and an American Classical marble-top mahogany pier table (circa 1830) rose to $1,093.

Returning to fine art, an oil on canvas painting by Leon Gordon (N.Y., 1899-1943), titled The Soldier’s Tale, went for $4,600; an Italian micro mosaic plaque from the late 19th century, housed in the original frame and titled Madonna della Salute, reached $4,140; and several Portraits Imaginaires color lithographs on Arches paper after Pablo Picasso, signed and dated, realized up to $2,645 each.

Rounding out the top lots, a vintage 1965 Fender Jaguar electric guitar (serial #90262 on the back plate), with a light green custom finish, strummed a sweet tune for $2,990; a rare official book from 1796, of speeches to both Houses of Congress by George Washington, chalked up $978; and a signed first-edition copy of the Truman Capote best-selling book In Cold Blood (1965) made $690.

Important consignments have already been secured for the June 13-14 quarterly cataloged sale. Two days prior (on Thursday, June 11), Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., will hold a preview party and gala, to officially celebrate the new gallery facility. The next day (Friday, June 12), Johanna Brown from MESDA (The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts) will deliver a guest lecture.

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd., is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (919) 644-1243, or e-mail them at INFO@LLAUCTIONS.COM. To learn more about the company and its calendar of upcoming auctions, log on to www.LLAUCTIONS.com. The April 11 sale’s online catalog has been posted.

Featured items:

Surveyor’s compass:
Rare North Carolina surveyor’s compass, made in the late 18th century by Camm Moore ($28,750).

Oriental screen:
One of the sleeper items of the sale was this lovely Oriental four-panel folding screen ($10,235).

Punchbowl:
Jugtown Chinese stoneware footed punchbowl (circa 1930), with turquoise blue glaze ($5,750).

Margaret Dovaston:
Original oil on canvas painting by Margaret Dovaston (English, 1884-1955), titled Minuet ($19,550).

Elizabeth Verner:
Original pastel on silk work by Elizabeth O’Neill Verner (S.C., 1883-1979), titled Mary ($28,750).

Hector Aguilar:
84-piece sterling silver service in the “Aztec” pattern by Hector Aguilar, circa 1940-1945 ($37.950).

Asian Delights continue to mystify collectors even today: Are you a fan?

Asian Delights continue to mystify collectors even today: Are you a fan?

The Japanese folding fan, or commonly known as sensu in Japanese, is presently a mainly decorative item that is highly prized for its reflection of Japanese art and tradition. Originating in roughly the sixth century, the sensu were used by aristocrats throughout the Heian period, and they were a sign of prestige and wealth.

These folding fans were crafted by skillful hands, with paper attached to ribbed frames made of bamboo. For rarer and more exquisite fans, the bamboo frames were replaced with ivory ribs, and instead of paper, a beautiful silk surface was attached. In traditional times, these fans were an indication of status and rank; the number of ribs depicted one’s rank, and they ranged from three to up to eighty ribs, the latter showing one of high position.

Artists would decorate the paper or silk surfaces with beautiful paintings of famous people, animals, and sceneries, while others have inscribed lines of poetry with calligraphy. These are often carefully done in ink, and because of their unique craftsmanship, are considered unique and one of a kind.

Since then, there have been many adaptations and modifications of the sensu, with the Chinese modeling their own versions of the folding fan, as well as the Europeans, after their contact with the Japanese. Some of the folding fans had colorful peacock feathers attached, and these were associated with Japanese samurais.

For upcoming collections and auctions that feature Chinese and Japanese artifacts, please visit www.icollector.com and register to have an alert sent to you when an item of interest comes up for sale.

Many of the antique folding fans are delicate, having been used and sometimes worn; it is rare to find one that is still in good to perfect condition. Today, the sensu fan is still being produced in Japan, ranging in various sizes, and are often are collected for decoration or display. Many stores in Japan are dedicated exclusively to the sale of the Japanese folding fan, and they are popular among tourists.

Today, in traditional dances and tea ceremonies, the sensu fan is commonly displayed, while many formal courts and events also feature the use of the folding fan. The Japanese folding fan is also a common wedding gift, as an indication of prestigious art and tradition, and some are worth very high values if they are decorated by the work of famous artists.

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New York - BMW Art Car Collection To Be On Display

From March 25th to April 6th, the BMW art car collection will be on display in New York, showing four of the prestigious collection of sixteen cars. Painted and decorated by some of the most renowned artists from across the world, these cars merge together the best of auto and art.

The first car, that initiated this project, was Hervé Poulain’s BMW 3.0 CSL, which was painted by his friend Alexander Calder. Calder was accustomed to painting airliners, and his work sparked the tradition; since then, BMW decided to continue this artwork, with the most recent piece completed in 2007.

The four cars that will be displayed in New York are works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Robert Rauschenburg.

Andy Warhol is an American artist whose work ranges from filmmaking to illustrating to painting. His piece was finished on a 1979 BWM M1, and it combines brilliant basic colours in a modern art design.
Painting a comic-strip inspired design, Roy Lichtenstein’s piece was crafted on a 1977 BMW 320i. Lichtenstein’s work featured the use of Ben-day dots, creating a simple yet stunning artistic effect.

Frank Stella designed a complex graph-paper like design, which was modeled on a 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, and Robert Rauschenburg included Bonzino’s “Portrait of a Young Man” with Ingres’ “La Grande Odalisque” in his piecing of images, decorating the 1986 BMW 635 CSi.

Since 1975, many different artists worldwide have painted on various BMW cars, including Japanese artist Matazo Kayama, Spain’s Cesar Manrique, and Austrailian artist Ken Done. Evidently, they colour their diverse artistic backgrounds onto their models, displaying artwork that reflect techniques from South African painting traditions, to metal cutting on airbrushed surfaces, to collages and depictions reflective of primitive cave paintings.

The most recent work, completed by Olafur Eliasson in 2007, is a contemporary auto art that was crafted on a 2007 BMW H2R. His piece features a unique frost-covered version of the Hydrogen car that remains in a refrigerated display.

For a video on these art cars click here.

Ruth Handler’s every “girl’s best friend”

Who is known to the world as the ultimate fashionista, and is seen to play roles from ballerina to princess, to doctor and cheerleader? This is none other than the famous Barbie doll, who celebrates her fiftieth birthday this year.

Made in 1959, Barbie was created by Ruth Handler as the doll that would become every “girl’s best friend”. Debuting at the American Toy Fair in New York City, Barbie was an instant hit.

Barbie’s male counterpart, Ken, was invented in 1961, and since then the two has been joined by a full cast of various friends and family members.

Barbie has also been seen modeling various outfits and themes. She has even been re-created as famous celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, while her boyfriend, Ken, has been modeled after the likes of none other than Elvis.

If she were to be present in real life, Barbie would be about five foot six, weighing in at 110 pounds.
From the vintage pre-1972 dolls to the more modern versions, Barbie has been adored by collectors worldwide. In fact, a mint condition 1959 Barbie doll was auctioned last year at a worth of over twenty-five thousand dollars in United States currency.

Barbie’s current production company, Mattel, offers the doll with various themes for a range of occasions. In 2004, the company also introduced a four-tier system for collectors, each level ranging in rarity.
At the bottom tier is the Pink level dolls, which are known as “keepsake dolls.” The Barbie “Dolls of the World” is an example of a line of dolls in this tier, and they are normally sold at many retailers.

Next in line are the Silver dolls, which offer less than 50,000 of its kind worldwide. Ranking second on the tier are the Gold level dolls, which are distinct with 25,000 or less produced worldwide; at the top, the Platinum Barbie dolls are prized rarest with production ranging from 1,000 to one of its kind made.
Mattel has also invented a grading system, which varies from C-1 to C-10, marking dolls from the poorest condition to a never-been-removed-from-the-box state.

This year, for her fiftieth birthday, designer Roger Best was appointed to create a fiftieth anniversary version of the Barbie doll. For this event, she models a beautiful gold sequined evening gown, with a bracelet that is embellished with the number “50” to mark the special edition.

To mark her anniversary, Barbie has also been dressed by fifty famed designers, such as Versace, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Baby Phat, to name a few. These dolls were modeled at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. In addition, Volkswagen has produced a special version of the Beetle in Barbie’s favourite colour, pink, to display a life-sized version of the doll’s automobile.

Matthews Auctions - Spectacular Lifetime Single-Owner Collection of Toys, Motorcycles, Advertising items and more

SPECTACULAR LIFETIME SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION OF TOYS, MOTORCYCLES, ADVERTISING ITEMS AND MORE TO BE SOLD MAY 2-3 IN CEDAR POINT, ILLINOIS

(Cedar Point, Ill.) - A spectacular lifetime single-owner collection, comprising over 700 lots of vintage toy trucks, cast-iron and tin motorcycle toys, full-size antique motorcycles and bicycles, advertising signs and displays, petroliana, coin-op machines and even a big-rig 1954 Mack LTH semi truck, will be sold at auction May 2-3 by Matthews Auctions, LLC, and Gavin Pope Auction Co.

The auction will be conducted at a former schoolhouse building in Cedar Point, Ill., a small town located just off I-39 and south of I-80, about 90 minutes southwest of Chicago and an hour north of Bloomington. The collections were amassed over the course of more than 40 years by Don Fiedler of nearby Spring Valley, Ill. Mr. Fiedler is less active today, and wants others to enjoy what he’s collected.

“Don Fiedler is 66 years old and one of the most interesting and colorful characters you will ever meet,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions, LLC. “He’s six-foot-six, has been married twice, is a cancer survivor and has long white hair down to his waist and a beard to match. He’s a gentle giant who’s owned several saloons, a trucking company and the well-known House of Powder paint coating business. It was while in these lines of work that he amassed his many and varied collections.”

The first day of the auction – May 2, beginning at 10 a.m., CST – will feature nearly 175 lots of advertising and petroliana signs; floor and counter-top displays; nearly 50 vintage oil cans; 75 lots of paper goods, from posters to parts boxes; six gas pumps, fully restored; vintage motorcycles, including Indian, Harley Davidson and Cushing models; rare vintage bicycles; and the 1954 Mack semi truck.

The advertising signs will include porcelain, paper and tin examples. Many are scarce and in mint or near-mint condition. A few of the expected top lots include an exceedingly rare AFM Registered Repair Shop porcelain flange sign; a Socony Air-Craft Oils single-sided porcelain sign; a Perfect Circle Piston Rings and Piston Expanders embossed tin sign; a Delco “America’s No. 1 Battery” double-sided tin sign; and a rare Texaco Motor Oil Ford porcelain sign.

Several curb and counter-top displays, plus clocks and lighted signs, will also be offered. Some star examples include a Phillips 66 Tires & Batteries double-bubble clock; an original Ford A-1 Used Cars & Trucks lighted clock; an Edison Mazda Super Auto Lamps porcelain storage box; an AC Spark Plugs metal cabinet with original spark plugs; and a Westinghouse Mazda Lamps metal display cabinet.

Day One will also feature several lots of oil cans, to include an original Harley Davidson 5-gallon rocker-style piece, in fabulous condition; and six professionally restored gas pumps, including a 1930s-era Milwaukee cash recording pump; a Wayne 615 10-gallon visible pump; a Frye 117 10-gallon visible pump; a Tokheim 850 pump; and an Eco Air Meter, all painted up and ready for display.

Mr. Fiedler’s vintage motorcycle collection is certain to get tongues (and paddles) wagging. Some stars of the category include a 1941 and 1947 Indian Chief; a home-built chopper with 1948 Harley Davidson pan head motor; a 1948 Harley Davidson pan head; a 1949 Harley Davidson Hydra-Glide pan head; a vintage Salsburg Scooter; and a 1952 Harley Davidson Servi-Car.

Other motorcycles include a 1952 Cushman Scooter; a 1954 Harley Davidson Hummer; a 1965 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide; and a reproduction “Whizzer” model. But the undisputed premier lot of the day promises to be the Mack truck. The 1954 LTH model semi is simply gorgeous, and has been beautifully restored and painted (even to include the engine, which is mechanically very strong).

Nearly 50 vintage bicycles will also come under the gavel. Top lots include Indian Motorcycle Company 151 and Roadster 154 models; a Harley Davidson 1917; and other examples in various conditions and colors, by makers like Monarch, J.C. Higgins, Schwinn, Chicago Cycle, American Cycle, West Field, B.F. Goodrich, Arrow, Elgin, Pierce, Geneva, Western Flyer, Shapleigh and others.

Day Two – Sunday, May 3, also starting at 10 a.m. CST – will feature close to 350 lots, mostly collectible antique toys and coin-op machines. First to cross the block will be toy motorcycles, to include a Hubley “Popeye” Indian Patrol 2-cylinder; a rare Hubley “U.S. Air Mail” Indian 2-cylinder with box van side car; a Hubley “Crash Car” 4-cylinder; and a Hubley Indian 2-cylinder with side car.

Other toy motorcycles will include a Hubley electric headlight 2-cylinder with side car; and some 2- and 4-cylinder Harley Davidson variations. Tin examples include a Harley Davidson 9-inch friction by TN (Japan); a Mac 700 7-inch wind-up by Arnold (U.S. Zone Germany); an Atom battery-op 11-inch by MT (Japan); a Siren Patrol battery-op 11-inch by MT; and a Police Cycle 11-inch by MT.

Items in Mr. Fielder’s toy truck collection include a Smith Miller “B” Mack tandem axle dump truck; a Smith Miller Ford cab-over truck with flat bed; a Fred Thompson Smith Miller “B” Mack McLean Trucking Company semi and trailer; and a Fred Thompson Smith Miller “L” Mack “Parker Bros. Ready Mix Concrete” truck. Many of the Fred Thomson trucks are limited-production examples.

Vintage pressed steel trucks, massive and impressive, include a Buddy “L” Express Line van truck; a Sturditoy “American Railway Express” screen side van truck; a Steelcraft GMC moving van truck; a Keystone private label Wm. Filenes Sons Co. “RH Whitmoco, The Continental” truck with electric headlights; a Sturditoy “Traveling Store” truck; and a nice Buddy “L” Flivver Coupe #210B.

Other steel trucks include a Steelcraft private label “Federal Storage & Moving” truck with electric headlights; a Buddy “L” coach bus; a Turner mechanical dump truck; a Keystone Packard ambulance; a Dayton C-Cab dump truck; and a Keystone Packard “Wrecker Car.” Pressed steel planes include a Steelcraft “Lockheed Sirius” plane; and various Steelcraft and Keystone U.S. Air Mail planes.

Rounding out the session will be desirable coin-op machines. These include a Place 5-cent slot machine; a fully-operational pinball machine; trade stimulators, to include a Penny Pack machine; nearly 20 candy, peanut and gumball machines, by Master Peanut, Double Nugget, Northwestern and other manufacturers; match dispensers; cigarette machines; vending machines; scales; and punch cards.

It will be an absolute auction, meaning all of the nearly 750 collectible and fresh-to-the-market items will be sold to the highest bidder, without reserve. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A preview will be held on Friday, May 1, from noon to 6 p.m., CST. Previews will also be held the morning of the sale dates, starting at 8 a.m., CST. Also, a Discovery Auction will be held on Friday evening, May 1st, beginning at around 6 o’clock p.m.

Matthews Auctions, LLC, is based in Nokomis, Ill. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them toll-free, at (877) 968-8880, or you can e-mail them, at danm@matthewsauctions.com. Gavin Pope Auction Company is based in Raymond, Ill. For information, you may call Gavin Pope at (217) 825-8682.

To learn more about the May 2-3 auction of the living estate of Don Fiedler, you may log on to www.MatthewsAuctions.com or www.GDPope.com.

Featured items:

AFM sign:
Exceedingly rare AFM Registered Repair Shop porcelain flange sign (est. $10,000-$15,000).

Mack truck:
Beautifully restored and painted 1954 Mack semi truck, LTH model (est. $15,000-$20,000).

Indian motorcycle:
This spiffy 1948 Indian Chief Roadmaster motorcycle is expected to speed off for $20,000-$30,000.

Popeye motorcycle:
Popeye on motorcycle toy by Hubley (est. $1,750-$2,000).

Toy plane:
Steelcraft Lockheed Sirius toy airplane (est. $1,500-$2,000).

Coin-op Machine:
Vintage coin-operated machine in excellent condition (est. 400-$600).

Heritage and Matthew Bennett Int’l join, create rare stamps authority

Heritage and Matthew Bennett Int’l join, create rare stamps authority

Dallas, TX – Heritage Auction Galleries announced today that Harvey Bennett will join the auction house as Director of the Philately.

“The combination of Heritage and Matthew Bennett International, via Harvey Bennett, creates a real Philatelics auction powerhouse,” said Steve Ivy, Co-Founder of Heritage Auction Galleries, and a name well-known in Rare Stamps circles as the namesake of Steve Ivy Philatelic Auctions, and as one-third of the former Ivy Shreve & Mader. “The benefit to collectors of rare stamps is obvious: We’re fusing the most advanced auction technology, marketing skills and a huge collector base with unparalleled stamps expertise and the very best customer service.”

In the more than 30 years that have passed since its inception, Heritage has grown into the world’s largest collectibles auction house, selling coins and currency, comics, movie posters, Americana, historical documents and fine art, as well as 20 other specialties. After a 15 year absence from the philatelic field, due to a non-compete agreement, Heritage has recently rejoined the stamp auction market with the addition of a philatelic division.

Matthew Bennett International was founded in 1948 and was a Midwest regional presence for many years, eventually expanding its reach to the Mid-Atlantic. Harvey Bennett joined the family business in 1969 and took over the helm in 1993. Under his guidance, the firm expanded into an international presence and has earned a reputation as one of the foremost auctioneers of important philately in the United States, Europe and Asia. Bennett has conducted more than 50 single-owner sales, including: The Ernst Nyugren Collection of Finland, The Morris Rosen Collection of Olympics, The Frederick Mayer Collection of the 12c 1856 Issue, The Margie Faiman Collection of St. Louis Bears, The Gavin Fryer Collection of Important Worldwide Postal History and the “Sun” Collection of Chinese Red Revenues.

“We’re quite pleased to have Harvey Bennett join the Heritage team,” said Ivy. “He’s a recognized expert and a widely respected voice in rare stamps. In combining the reach and tech savvy of Heritage with the history and reputation of Matthew Bennett International, our goal is to create a whole new generation of stamp collectors from a broad array of non-traditional categories while offering experienced collectors the very best rare stamps the market has to offer.”

Heritage Auction Galleries’ conducts weekly Internet Rare Stamp Auctions, with the next one beginning approximately April 12 at www.HA.com/April. The next Signature® Stamp Auction is scheduled for late spring 2009.

For more information, go online to www.HA.com, or email Harvey Bennett at HarveyB@HA.com.

Heritage Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales more than $700 million, and 425,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage’s auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Modern Design - 20th Century Furniture & Art

Furniture not only has a functional value, but is also serves to show personality and reflects aesthetics preferences. Whether it is the couch, lighting, or a shelving unit; furniture commands the tone of the room, and is an integral part of one’s day to day living.

Modern furniture is best defined as the trend of furniture design that rose to popularity in the post World-War II era, a style that synthesizes style and function.

Whether it is to cook, work, or play, designers are creating products that bring together great quality and value. Furniture for the modern individual is sleek, sophisticated, and innovative, and the current trend features clean and bold shapes, with uniform colours that are easy to mix and match.

Couches, that usually encompass most of the space in a room, are popular in soft tones such as beiges and browns, composed of linen or its newer synthetic version, which is easier to take care of. Beds are finished in soft oak and wooden shades, with strong and clean edges that emphasize simplicity and comfort. Simple shelving units also bring convenience, as well as organization, in busy spaces, keeping a room uncluttered.

Accessories accentuate the other pieces; they draw attention and highlight a focus. These include bright bold cushions, or coloured lighting units that act as accent pieces. Brushed aluminum is also a popular trend that works well as a detailing element.

With our modern quick-paced lifestyles, convenience is crucial; hence modern sleek designs are well suited for ease in their assembly and arrangement. It’s all about creating a modern and urbane ensemble, without sacrificing the functional for the visual aspect.

To bid on items like this please click here.

GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO., GEARING UP FOR ITS THIRD SALE ON SATURDAY, APR. 25

GORDON S. CONVERSE & CO., LAUNCHED JUST LAST YEAR, IS GEARING UP FOR ITS THIRD SALE ON SATURDAY, APR. 25, WITH CLOCKS, FURNITURE, SILVER AND MORE

(Malvern, Penn.) - Gordon S. Converse & Co. - the fledgling auction house launched just last year – is preparing for its third-ever auction on Saturday, April 25, with a multi-estate sale loaded with vintage clocks, period furniture, estate silver, collectible books and more. The auction will be held in the firm’s gallery, located at 57 West Lancaster Avenue in Malvern, Penn. It will start promptly at noon.

“Our first sales last year were very successful, with a few top-quality items selling well to carry the day, while numerous smaller items sold for low bids and were real crowd-pleasers,” said Gordon S. Converse. “For April, we’re looking forward to another fun event. Locals who want to collect will snag some nice bargains, while the bids for top lots will pour in from England, the West Coast and beyond.”

Over 200 lots will cross the block at the April event. Featured will be vintage clocks, including a collection from the estate of one of Mr. Converse’s longstanding customers. Expected stars of the category include Vienna wall clocks; chime mantel clocks; an Ithaca calendar clock, and a pair of Terry clocks (one produced by Elmer Stennes, the legendary clockmaker who was murdered in the 1960s).

Additional pieces include a chime clock by Elliott of London; a nice mahogany 19th-century grandfather clock with a rocking ship device; and a porcelain cased clock from Philadelphia’s Cliveden estate. “These are always popular,” Mr. Converse remarked, adding vintage clocks are an important part of his young auction company. One of the firm’s two websites is www.ConverseClocks.com.

Fine art will include about a dozen original works by noted, listed artists, to include:

• Julius Rose (German-born American, 1828-1911) - Mr. Rose relocated to the United States and settle in New York, where he became renowned as a landscape painter.

• Josef Israels (Dutch, 1824-1911) – Mr. Israels was brought up in the traditions of the Jewish faith and seemed destined for the rabbinate. But his interest in drawing was strong, and in 1840 his father sent him to Amsterdam, where he studied at the Royal Academy and honed his skills as a premier painter of works having historic and religious themes.

• Marie Laurencin (French, 1885-1956) – Ms. Laurencin was an intimate of Braque, Picasso, Matisse and Appollinaire, among others. Her early portraits show the imprint of the Fauves and Cubists, and her romantic and delicate temperament asserted itself against these schools. She became best known for her ethereal female figure paintings.

Sterling silver will include an important 22-inch coffee urn with an early 19th-century London hallmark, and a pair of serving dishes presented to Senator John Scott in 1907. Period furniture will feature a fine mahogany slant front desk (late 19th century, possibly Philadelphia); and a solid cherry Federal high chest. Rare books will include first-edition parts (1846-1848) to Dickens’ Dombey & Son.

Converse’s last sale, held Oct. 18, featured an eclectic, mixed bag of merchandise. Some of the highlight lots follow:

• An 18th-century American walnut blanket chest, inlaid with the name “Barbara Schmittin” and dated 1787, with old hardware ($3,000+).

• A fine Chippendale solid walnut carved tall case clock by Daniel Rose (1749-1827), 7 feel 11 inches tall, with the four seasons depicted on the dial and a watercolor portrait mounted within the waist door ($18,400)

• A white marble sculpture on an associated cast stone base, attributed to William H. Rinehart (American, 1825-1874), 36 inches tall .

• A Louis XV-style bombe walnut veneer marble-top commode, featuring fine and profuse gilt brass mounts and large Rococo-style pulls and old locks ($6,670)

• An antique one-horse open sleigh, with red and black paint, which did not get a bid and will be offered again in April. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.

Gordon S. Converse & Co. is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (610) 722-9004, or inquire by e-mail at Gordon@ConverseClocks.com. Anyone unable to make it to the April 25 auction in person may write in a bid (download the bid form off the website, www.AuctionsatConverse.com, and return by fax).

To learn more about Gordon S. Converse & Co. and the upcoming April auction, log on to www.AuctionsatConverse.com or www.ConverseClocks.com. Anyone interested in finding out what an item they own might be worth can find out by sending a photo of the item, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon Converse, 25 West Lancaster Ave., Malvern, PA 19355.

Featured items:

Clock group:
Over 30 lots of vintage clocks from several prominent local collections will be offered April 25th.

Shelf clock:
Early shelf clock with original stencil decoration, labeled Putman Bailey (So. Goshen, Conn. ca. 1830).

Charles Dickens:
Complete 19-piece set of original installments of Charles Dickens’ novel Dombey & Son (1846-1848).

Desk:
Fine solid mahogany Federal slant front desk with five drawers and lid (Philadelphia, Pa., provenance).

Josef Israels:
Original oil on canvas painting by Josef Israels (Dutch, 1824-1911), 19 inches by 26 inches.

Julius Rose:
Original oil on canvas seascape/landscape by Julius Rose (German-born American, 1828-1911).

Carriage clock:
High-quality porcelain painted gold gilt 19th-century carriage clock, with dial reading “Samuel Chew.”

Regulator:
Carved walnut “Vienna” wall regulator clock by Gustav Becker, beautifully crafted around 1875.

Fontaine’s Auction - Belter, Horner, Meeks, Roux, Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint and more to be featured at estate auction slated for April 4th

BELTER, HORNER, MEEKS, ROUX, TIFFANY, HANDEL, PAIRPOINT AND MORE TO BE FEATURED AT ESTATE AUCTION SLATED FOR APRIL 4th BY FONTAINE’S AUCTION

(Pittsfield, Mass.) – An exceptional antique estate auction featuring some of the biggest names in period American furniture, vintage lighting and more will be sold Saturday, April 4, by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. The vast bulk of the auction will comprise the living estate of Dale Miller, a dedicated collector from Ashville, N.C. Nearly 500 items have been moved from his home to Fontaine’s gallery.

“Over the past 40 years, Mr. Miller has acquired nothing but the best in period Victorian-era furniture, lighting and accessories,” said John Fontaine of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. “He has made the decision to sell everything without reserve, to the highest bidder. Anyone acquainted with Dale knows he is a perfectionist and, as such most of his items are in excellent condition and ready for home use.”

Bidders will be treated to dozens of furniture lots with noted names like John H.Belter, J.& J.W. Meeks, R.J. Horner, Alexander Roux, Allen Brothers, Karpen, John Jeliff etc. Lamps by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint, Wilkinson, Chicago Mosaic, Unique and more. The sale will also feature over 50 chandeliers, to include early gas, gas and electric and electric, many pairs; and vintage clocks, including 10 grandfather clocks.
The list goes on: numerous original paintings, some by noted, listed artists; Oriental rugs; music boxes; juke boxes; Nickelodeon; harps; spool and ribbon cabinets; and hundreds of related accessories. The sale will take place at Fontaine’s Gallery, located at 1485 West Housatonic St. in Pittsfield, Mass. Artfact.com will broadcast live streaming video of the sale, allowing viewers to bid from any computer.

John Henry Belter (1804-1863) was a German-born U.S. cabinetmaker and designer. He settled in New York City in 1833, where he operated a shop specializing in rosewood, walnut and mahogany furniture. He patented a way to process rosewood in layers to achieve thin panels for fine carving. His shop closed in 1867, just a few years after his death, but his creations are still highly sought after today.

Belter pieces to be sold April 4 include a rosewood marble-top table in the Rosalie pattern; and an 8-piece laminated rosewood parlor set in the Rosalie pattern, with grapes. Also to be offered will be a Thomas Brooks carved walnut marble-top table; a carved Black Forest bear hall tree; an Allen Brothers carved walnut triple-back sofa; and a pair of figural carved gnome pedestals, also made by a Black Forest wood carver.

Like Belter, Robert J. Horner was a 19th-century manufacturer of high-end furniture operating out of New York City. He used the best mahogany and quarter-sawn oak hardwood for his heavily carved creations, the patterns for which he drew on a wide variety of patterns and themes. R.J. Horner chairs, sofas, parlor sets, hall trees, benches, partner tables and dining sets are highly collectible today.

Horner pieces will be offered in abundance at the Fontaine’s sale. Examples include an oak winged griffin partner’s desk; a 10’carved oak grandfather clock; an oak winged griffin bonnet-top china cabinet; a monumental griffin carved oak curio sideboard; a four-griffin mahogany pedestal; a carved oak mirrored hall bench; 2 figural maiden carved oak double door china cabinets; 4 matching double door bookcases with maidens and an elaborate mahogany partner’s desk with full standing griffins.

John and Joseph W. Meeks (sons of Joseph Meeks, who made furniture in New York City as far back as 1797) went into business in 1820, making cabinets and other furniture pieces for the middle class on up to the aristocracy in the Empire, Gothic and Rococo Revival styles. Earlier Meeks Rococo pieces were often mistakenly attributed to J.H. Belter. But like Belter, Meeks is highly prized today.

Two of the several J. & J.W. Meeks lots set to cross the block in April are a Hawkins laminated rosewood sofa and an 8-piece Stanton Hall parlor set. Other furniture pieces sure to pique the interest of the crowd include a Pottier & Stymus inlaid rosewood marble-top table; a four-piece carved rosewood marble-top bedroom set; a pair of Rococo gilt-carved curio cabinets; and other high-end examples too many to list.

Over 50 vintage clocks and other timepieces will chime on time for eager bidders. A few examples include an Ansonia antique standing clock; a 12-bird automaton with Jappy Freres timepiece; and a carved Black Forest 2-weight cuckoo clock with a St. Bernard. Music boxes will include 2 Regina 12-disc coin-operated mahogany upright changers plus several other floor and table models.

Rounding out the top lots: a Wilkinson 20-inch Water Lily leaded table lamp; a pair of monumental figural landing windows; a 19th-century bronze of a winged maiden on a carved marble pedestal; and a Powers Mfg. stenciled cameragraph movie projector. Previews will be held on Friday, April 3, from 10-5; and Saturday, the day of sale, from 8-11 a.m. A free full-color catalog is available.

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery’s next big sale will be an Antique Estate Auction planned for Saturday, May 2. Then, on the weekend of May 30-31, a truly important sale: Fontaine’s Spring Clock & Watch Auction. The 2 day sale will include over 900 timepieces. May 30 will feature over 450 clocks including uncataloged discovery items before the main catalogued sale. The centerpiece lot promises to be a Howard #61 astronomical regulator. Two of these coveted clocks were sold in previous Fontaine’s auctions. One went for $195,500 in June of last year; another example brought $189,750 in November. Also to be sold May 30 will be a Howard #70 clock with 20-inch dial, French industrials, chronometers and other rarities. Sunday, May 31 will feature over 450 wrist watches and pocket watches including repeaters & chronometers.

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. The firm is actively seeking quality lots for its spring and summer auction series. Wanted are firearms, clocks, watches, barometers, antique lamps and lighting. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (413) 448-8922; or, you can e-mail them, at info@fontaineauction.com.

To learn more about Fontaine’s Auction Gallery and its calendar of upcoming events, please log on to www.fontainesauction.net.

Featured items:

Horner desk:
R.J. Horner oak winged griffin partner’s desk.

Belter table:
John H. Belter rosewood marble-top table in the Rosalie pattern.

Horner clock:
R.J. Horner carved oak grandfather clock.

Wilkinson lamp:
Wilkinson 20-inch Water Lily leaded table lamp.

Landing windows:
Two monumental figural landing windows.

Bronze maiden:
19th-century bronze of a winged maiden on carved marble pedestal.

Philip Weiss - 2 Day Auction Event featuring Medical & Scientific Instruments, Red Cross Posters, Estate & Fine Arts, Sports, Comics, & Animation Art

Sunday March 29th - 10AM: SPORTS, ANIMATION ART, COMICS, COMIC ART, CHARACTER WRIST WATCHES

All Fresh to the Market Material..highlighted by a Super Collection of Signed Hall of Fame Baseball Plaques including a spectacular Babe Ruth and Rare Grover Cleveland Alexander, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, and more. New York Yankee Game worn Jersey originally used by “Moose” Skowron, before the number was changed for use by another player. Early Baseball Cards including a great selection of T-206, T-205, T-202’s American Caramel E91’s, S81 silks, 1 of 1 Topps George Washington Hair Relic Card, Play Ball Cards including large lots. Also featured, 1876 Delaware Baseball Club Grand Reception Ticket, 1889 Harvard-Yale Program and Ticket, Rare 1887 Detroit Baseball Club Currency, Great selection of Signed Baseballs, Bats, Prints, Lithos, and more. Too much to list…well worth the time to come to the sale with something for everyone. Comic and Animation Art will feature 40-50 pieces of quality vintage animation from most of the major Disney and Warner Bros. Productions including a just discovered 1940’s Tom and Jerry animation cel on production background, 1930 Herriman Krazy Kat Daily, 1974 Murphy Prince Valiant Sunday, and more. Included as always will be 2 Original Charles Schulz Peanuts, as well as Comics, Big Little Books, Vintage Disney Material and a single owner collection of Comic & Character watches.

For further details or to bid on items click here.

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