New England Auctions’ Upcoming Americana Sale Samples 18th- and 19th-Century Antiques

New England Auctions of Branford, CT is presenting the Americana Collection of Janice and Bernard Phaneuf on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. This nearly 400-lot sale features 18th- and 19th-century New England produced furniture, household items, and fine and decorative art. Mr. Phaneuf (American, 1938 – 2023) was a Connecticut-area businessman, entrepreneur, and antiques enthusiast with a remarkable eye for early American-made antiques and rarities. Here are some eye-catching highlights from this important early summer event.

This sale includes a strong selection of 18th century and onward materials that would be found in the most affluent homes of their era. Lot #38, a Queen Anne courting mirror, is estimated at USD 15,000 to $25,000 and is one of the top lots in the sale. It features a reverse painted glass miniature portrait. It is finely carved and decorated with a scrolled crest, two roosters, and flowers. It is marked ‘JC’ and ‘1752’, most likely indicating its maker or recipient, and the year it was made. This outstanding example was purchased at Stephen/Douglas Antiques of Walpole, NH, has provenance to the Buck Family of Glastonbury, CT, and was illustrated in Wallace Nutting’s reference book Furniture Treasury. As the name suggests, courting mirrors were given as endearment gifts to young ladies from their suitors. They often came with, or were stored in, wooden cases to keep them safe and clean.

Primitive or folk art paintings are also well represented in this auction. These mostly are portraits or still life images. Lot #46, a pair of pastel on paper applied to canvas portraits by Tolland County, CT artist Valirus Kibbe (1789 – 1866), is estimated at $1,500 to $2,500. One depicts a serious-looking woman with curly hair who is holding a book– perhaps a Bible. She is dressed in black. The other portrait shows a smiling man with dark hair. He wears a white shirt and vest and a black jacket. The portraits are in period, probably original matching frames that measure 22 inches by 15.75 inches overall. One work is inscribed ‘Valirus Kibbe 1815.’ Like the Queen Anne courting mirror, these portraits were also purchased through Stephen/Douglas Antiques. Although the subjects are not specifically identified, it is possible that they were a prominent husband and wife duo who may have commissioned the artist directly for his services or who may have received the portraits as a gift.

Also on offer are a number of outstanding furniture selections made in Connecticut or the surrounding New England area. Lot #136, a Queen Anne highboy, is estimated at $15,000 to $25,000. This large and impressive example retains its original surface and is in “remarkable condition,” according to New England Auctions’ experts. It is rendered in maple and has nine pull out drawers with brass handles. It was made in Northeastern Connecticut around 1770. This piece was purchased through Nathan Liverant and Son Antiques of Colchester, CT. A “highboy” typically is configured with a wider chest of drawers on turned legs below, and a narrower set of drawers on top. The term “highboy” originated in the late 1600s and has its origins in the French word bois, or “wood.”

A selection of 18th-century household tools and craft-making items also feature prominently in this important antiques event. Lot #21, a finely rendered tape loom in all original condition, is estimated at $4,000 to $8,000. It is made from carved oak. It is carved ‘Ruth Eatton. BE CAREFULL OF IT’ [sic] and dated February, 1739. It was purchased through Stephen/Douglas Antiques. The loom’s carving is both intriguing and humorous. Possible interpretations include “hands off” this precious tool, or “be cautious when using this item, which is fragile.” Only Ruth knows for sure! Tape looms are used for weaving narrow bands of fabric from threads, yarn, or other materials.

This finely curated Americana event rounds out with vessels, utilitarian items, and other fine antiques. Already catching collector attention is lot #202, a pair of matching tin sconces with historic salmon paint. They carry a presale estimate of $150 to $250. They were made in New England around 1830 and measure over ten inches high. The paint itself is estimated to be around 100 years old. Each has two prickets and is decorated with a rounded top with a scalloped edge and a dimensional, five-pointed star.

For more information on this Americana Collection of Janice & Bernard Phaneuf sale on June 21, 2023, visit New England Auctions’ website. 

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