Ringing In 2026 With Nadeau’s Auction Gallery’s Signature New Year’s Day Event

The 2026 auction year launched in a really positive and exciting way with Nadeau’s Auction Gallery of Windsor, CT’s annual New Year’s Day sale on January 1st and 2nd, 2026. Typically held on one day, the sale this year was presented on two days, with day one featuring 439 lots of furniture, lighting, fine and decorative arts, and carpets, and day two presenting 280 lots of jewelry, watches, and silver. Here are a few key highlights from that sale that caught the eye of the Auction Daily team – including two lots that broke the elusive six figure mark! All prices noted include the buyer’s fees, which vary in percent from platform to platform. 

The top lot in this event was #600, a rock crystal and 18K gold monkey sculpture by renown jeweler David Webb (American, 1925-1975). Estimated at $100,000-$300,000, it sold for $221,000. This signed, sculptural objet d’art measured 9-1/2″ high with a 10″ x 11-1/2″ base. It was in the form of five lifelike and well rendered yellow gold monkeys scaling an impressive white rock crystal cluster. The crystal was presented on a 2-1/2″ tall raised and textured yellow gold base designed to look like a natural rock formation. According to Nadeau’s experts, the total weight of the gold content was estimated at a whopping 30 to 50 t.oz!

This centerpiece was one of five precious metal and jeweled one-of-a-kind creations produced by Webb as presents to his associate Nina Silberstein (1922-2025) sold through this auction. Silberstein was the President and CEO of David Webb from 1975-2010. Webb was best known for his playful, authentic, and charming interpretation of animals and natural themes which appeared regularly in his ring, necklace, earring, and bracelet lines. Webb designs featuring animals continue to command high prices at auction; on December 8, 2025, Bonhams in New York City sold lot #104, a David Webb 18K gold and diamond cuff shaped as a pig, for $23,760. The David Webb company is still in business today, with flagship stores in New York City and Beverly Hills. 

Asian artworks and associated materials were well represented at this event. Lot #300, a set of twelve framed export trade pictures depicting the manufacture and distribution of porcelain, was estimated at $15,000-$25,000 and sold for $123,500. Each of these early 1800-era gouache on European paper works measured 17 1/2″ x 21″ and illustrated the full cycle of porcelain production and export in Canton, including clay preparation, kiln firing, glazing, decorating workshops, packing, river transport, and merchant compounds. 

These fully provenanced illustrations were originally prepared for Lord Grenville (British, 1759-1834) the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in 1803. Over time, they have been sold through premier auction, displayed at international exhibitions, and referenced in specialty books and journals. Canton pottery was produced on an industrial scale for export in southern China in the 18th-20th century timeframe. It was very popular across Europe and America and often was decorated with blue and white hued pastoral views of Chinese landscapes or country living. 

This sale also offered fine selections of classic to modern jewelry. Lot #565, a string of natural saltwater pearls, was estimated at $10,000-$20,000 and sold for $74,750. This 17″ long necklace consisted of 55 near-round and oval shaped light cream colored natural saltwater pearls, which ranged from 5.4 mm to 8.3 mm in size. The strand was sold with its pearl GIA report, validating its condition and presentation.   

This pearl necklace was composed of Pinctada Species pearls, which are highly valued for their size and coloration. They can take years to cultivate, and require much care and labor as part of their farming process. Perfectly round strands are few and far between, which probably explains in part why this necklace more than tripled its low estimate at auction. 

Lamps and lighting also performed well at this event. Lot #206, a Tiffany Studios “Turtleback Tile” table lamp, was estimated at $20,000-$40,000 and sold for $55,250. This outstanding fixture was 24″ tall with a shade diameter of 16″. Its domed leaded-glass shade consisted of square and rectangular green favrile panels and square iridescent favrile turtleback tiles. Its patinated bronze base was detailed with inset matching turtleback tiles and tripod strut supports. It was signed “Tiffany Studios New York” on the base and “Tiffany Studios New York 7812” on the shade. 

Stained glass lighting and windows made from Turtleback tile were signature products from the Tiffany Studios in the late 1800s-early 1900s time frame. Purposely produced with a “lumpy, bumpy” texture, these tiles were prized for their dimensional surfaces – much like a turtle’s shell. Although they tended to look handmade and organic, they were actually made by pouring liquified favrile glass into molds with irregular surface patterns. Turtleback tiles are known for their exceptional coloration, iridescence, and luminosity. 

This two day event rounded out with silver, fine and decorative art, furniture, rugs and carpets, and other fine antiques. Lot #351, John Singer Sargent’s (American 1856-1925) Portrait of Jean Louis, was estimated at $15,000-30,000 and sold for $65,000. This 1911 pencil on paper work of Sargent’s nephew Jean Louis Ormond, measured 13″ x 9″. It was produced by the artist on one of summer stays at the Simplon Pass, where he resided at the Bellevue Hotel in the Swiss Alps with family and friends. 

For more information on Nadeau’s Auction Gallery’s 2026 Annual New Year Day Auction, please see https://www.nadeausauction.com.

Captions: 

• Lot #600, a rock crystal and 18K gold monkey sculpture by David Webb, was estimated at $100,000-$300,000 and sold for $221,000. 
• Lot #300, a set of twelve framed export trade pictures depicting the manufacture and distribution of porcelain, was estimated at $15,000-$25,000 and sold for $123,500. 
• Lot #565, a string of natural saltwater pearls, was estimated at $10,000-$20,000 and sold for $74,750. 
• Lot #206, a Tiffany Studios “Turtleback Tile” table lamp, was estimated at $20,000-$40,000 and sold for $55,250. 
• Lot #351, John Singer Sargent’s Portrait of Jean Louis, was estimated at $15,000-30,000 and sold for $65,000.