Antique Americana Items Lead Wiederseim Associates’ 2024 Thanksgiving Sale

Wiederseim Associates, Inc.’s Annual Thanksgiving Sale will offer a robust selection of antique Americana items this year, from important historical documents to furniture and collectibles. The 441-lot auction will begin on November 22, 2024 with online bidding available through Bidsquare. 

Document Signed by Washington and Jefferson 

Among the top lots of this antique Americana event is a historical document signed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (lot #100; estimate: USD 10,000 – $15,000). This is an early ship’s passport dating back to 1793. It authorized a trade journey from Philadelphia to Amsterdam. After being signed by Washington and Jefferson, the document was also signed by the United States’ first Collector of Customs, Sharp Delaney. It was then provided to the Brig Nancy, a trade vessel. This document comes to auction in a wooden frame. 

Ship’s passports played an important role in establishing the United States’ legitimacy in the nation’s early years. They facilitated trade with other countries and required signatures from the President, Secretary of State, and Customs Collector. The timing of this particular ship’s passport is notable; by 1793, a young America faced heightened international tensions and the impending Quasi-War with France. The Brig Nancy, like other merchant ships of the era, would soon encounter attack and animosity from French privateers. 

Soloman Parke Chippendale Tall Case Clock

The upcoming Thanksgiving Sale will also highlight antique American furniture, including a tall case clock crafted by Soloman Parke (lot #151; estimate: $700 – $900). This is a Chippendale-style clock composed of cherry wood. It features tulip-shaped carved finials, fluted quarter columns, and ogee bracket feet. The clock face is accented with a moon dial and delicate flower decorations. Wiederseim Associates, Inc. estimates that the clock was crafted around 1800.

Chippendale-style furniture reached colonial America in the mid-1700s. Furniture makers used Thomas Chippendale’s general principles– ornamental carving, articulated feet, and fine woods– while modifying the already-popular Queen Anne and early Georgian styles. A taste for Chippendale furniture persisted through the Revolutionary War period before giving way to Federal and Neoclassical forms. 

Remmey Stoneware Pitcher

Another key antique Americana lot in the catalog is a Remmey stoneware pitcher bearing a cobalt blue tulip decoration (lot #145; estimate: $600 – $900). This large pitcher holds two gallons and stands over ten inches tall. The Remmey family of stoneware manufacturers was dominant in New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore through the 18th century. In addition to large pitchers, the Remmeys produced smaller products such as inkstands and cooking pans. Cobalt blue flower and foliate motifs are common Remmey stoneware items, often featuring large strokes and deep colors. The offered Remmey stoneware pitcher has a repair on the front right rim. 

John Peirce Painting

Rounding out this Annual Thanksgiving Sale is a pastoral painting by Pennsylvania-based artist John Peirce (lot #298; estimate: $2,000 – $3,000). This more contemporary piece portrays historical Charlestown Township, Pennsylvania, located in the southeastern region of the state. Peirce’s work shows an autumn hunting scene. An orange-tinted fox flees a group of dogs, horses, and men across a field. In the background is Brightside Farm, a historic plot of land that is now a park featuring walking trails and community gardens. This painting comes to the market from the personal collection of Theodore E. Wiederseim, the auction house’s founder. 

The Annual Thanksgiving Sale at Wiederseim Associates, Inc. will begin at 9:00 AM EST on November 22, 2024. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare. Find additional coverage of this sale on Auction Daily.