Quality collections produce strong prices at spring fine & decorative arts auction
MT. CRAWFORD, VA.-The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates April 23-25 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction was a highly anticipated event and produced robust prices in multiple categories. The three-day format consisted of 1,840 lots of high-quality material and generated record levels of participation for the firm, a solid indication of vigor in this diverse segment of the marketplace. Despite altered bidding conditions due to COVID-19 restrictions, competition was intense throughout each day with over 7,000 registered bidders from over 40 countries participating online, by phone, and through absentee.
Session I on Thursday started the weekend off smoothly with most lots meeting or exceeding expectations. The day’s offerings consisted of an excellent selection of paperweights (from antique to contemporary), American and European art glass, studio glass of all types, a collection of vintage perfumes, and a large assortment of antique silver. The select grouping offered in this session sparked significant presale interest and produced strong results overall. Top lot of the day, from the Bredehoft Collection, was a Paul Stankard Bee and Bouquet lampwork studio art glass paperweight exhibiting exquisite workmanship, which garnered $5,625 (Lot 1038 – all prices include the 17% buyer’s premium). Other noteworthy results from the Thursday session included an Emile Galle / Escalier de Cristal engraved and enameled art glass cylinder vase at $2,457 (Lot 1125); a Daum Nancy winter cameo pillow vase at $1,755 (Lot 1131); and a David-Andersen Norwegian Baroque-style historic reproduction sterling silver large covered tankard at $1,404 (Lot 1462).
Session II on Friday featured part two of the miniature lamp collection of Yvonne and the late Pete Lynch, Lincoln, DE; and part two of the fairy lamp collection of Connie Scott, Bristol, CT. Consisting of a wide selection of miniature lamps, fairy lamps, lithophane shades, figural tea warmers, and an eclectic mix of American, English, and European ceramics, the Friday session did not disappoint. Top lot for the day was a Pairpoint Puffy floral shade pedestal candle / fairy lamp, frosted colorless with polychrome reverse painting, at $4,972 (Lot 410). Other noteworthy results included a Santa Claus figural miniature lamp, made by Consolidated Glass & Light Co. around 1894, at $3,510 (Lot 20), a Royal Worcester figural ceramic fairy lamp with triple wicker basket stand at $2,808 (Lot 369), and a monumental pair of Spanish Majolica earthenware oil jar urns with stands at $2,574 (Lot 626).
Session III on Saturday consisted of the firm’s usual diverse selection of fine and decorative arts and produced strong results and a few surprises with numerous categories demonstrating signs of continued vigor. Consisting of a broad range of jewelry, fine art, clocks and watches, Oriental rugs, Asian material, and American art pottery, Saturday’s 588-lot session produced consistently strong prices across a number of collecting categories. Saturday’s top lot, from the Evitt Collection, was a vintage platinum and 3.82 ct. diamond solitaire lady’s ring at $17,550 (Lot 2297), which captured the attention of several determined bidders. Other noteworthy results from the Saturday session included a vintage 14K white gold and 3.00 ct. yellow diamond solitaire necklace at $10,503 (Lot 2302); a diminutive Oscar Florianus Bluemner watercolor still-life of oranges at $7,605 (Lot 2131); a Gerda Gerdago Art Deco enameled bronze figure of a dancer at $7,020 (Lot 2241); and an Edward Henry Potthast small coastal landscape on board at $6,435 (Lot 2136).
After the auction, company president and auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale generated robust interest across the board, from bidders near and far. Levels of online participation in our auctions continue to expand dramatically for us – a real indication that there is increased market demand for a diverse range of art and antiques. The overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and high quality of the merchandise offered. Additionally, only two lots in the entire three-day sale carried a reserve, and both of them sold successfully. Given the unique conditions created by the COVID-19 virus, we had to make several adjustments to our sale procedures, and we also offered a number of incentives for buyers to bid remotely. This strategy definitely paid off.” Evans added, “Looking forward, we have a number of fine collections in house that we will be featuring in the coming months, so we are excited about the future at JSEA.”
The firm is currently accepting consignments for their next Fine & Decorative Arts Auction to be held in October 2020.
