Stephenson’s Jan. 1 auction presents exquisite estate jewelry, silver, midcentury furniture and decorative art

Also featured: Asian antiques, art, fine porcelains, designer clothing, bird decoys, bronzes, and advertising collectibles including a vintage Gulf gas pump and other petroliana

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – For sixty years, family owned and operated Stephenson’s Auctioneers has earned an impeccable reputation from its sales of fresh-to-market art and antiques from the Philadelphia area’s most elegant estates. Traditionally, their most anticipated event of the year is their New Year’s Auction, which, for 2022, will take place on January 1st and feature high-quality furnishings, art and personal property from residences in the Mid-Atlantic region. All forms of remote bidding will be available for those who cannot attend in person, including phone, absentee or live via the Internet.

The fully curated 484-lot selection glitters with a tasteful array of platinum, gold and sterling silver jewelry from the estate of June Felley of Rydal (suburban Philadelphia) Pennsylvania. “Mrs. Felley’s late husband, Donald Felley, started as a research chemist and rose to become president and chief operating officer of Rohm & Haas, a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Philadelphia,” said Stephenson’s owner/auctioneer Cindy Stephenson. “He traveled the world and would bring back jewelry as gifts for his wife. He obviously had a very refined eye for beautiful jewels and unusual settings.”

Highlights from the Felley collection are plentiful and start with a sensational ruby, turquoise, sapphire, opal and emerald Mogul choker. Set in 14K gold, this ornate necklace has a heart motif and is accented throughout with freshwater pearl dangles. Its pre-sale estimate is $3,000-$5,000. 

Similarly estimated at $3,000-$5,000, a gorgeous Mogul enamel and diamond cloisonne 18K gold bangle is set with slab and faceted cut diamonds and appealing figures of enameled green birds. The artistry on this piece, which has a total weight of 81.1 grams, is of a very high standard. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000

A statement piece with Art Deco styling, a 14K white gold pendant dripping with richly-hued ruby beads is adorned with baguette and round diamonds accenting a center diamond. The total diamond weight is approximately 4.00 carats, and the overall weight of the piece, with an included white metal chain, is 26.5 grams. Estimate: $3,000-$4,000

Vintage fashion has never been more popular than it is right now, especially European designer wear from the mid-20th century forward. Stephenson’s New Year’s Day auction features a collection of dozens of jackets, dresses, coats, gowns, tops and accessories from the most collected brands: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Versace, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint-Laurent, and more. A Chanel sleeveless violet tweed sheath dress is estimated at $1,000-$2,000, while a Dolce & Gabbana burgundy lace dress with handkerchief hem is expected to reach $1,000-$1,500.

Russian silver wares and objets d’art are expected to capture the attention of collectors, in particular those who seek out the incomparable designs of Faberge. A silver and white guilloche enamel picture frame with a small inset garnet bears three Faberge and cyrillic stamps, including a St. Petersburg 88 zol Kokoshnik mark. It comes with its original leather fitted case with Russian silver mounts plus mounts on verso with a Carl Faberge maker’s mark and worker’s initial marks. An unusual find, the frame is entered in the auction with a $3,000-$6,000 estimate.

An extensive grouping of Asian antiques from an upper Bucks County private collection will be offered and includes Chinese carved furniture, porcelain lamps, Rose Medallion porcelains, Japanese Satsuma pottery, porcelain and earthenware pieces; and awe-inspiring textiles. A stunning Japanese Meiji Period (circa 1868-1912) embroidered wall hanging depicts cranes and chrysanthemums created entirely from silk thread. Measuring 70 inches wide by 88 inches long, the tapestry is detailed in high relief, rendering a remarkably realistic effect. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000. From the same residence comes a very special antique (early 20th century) Persian Bidjar carpet. Measuring 11 feet 5 inches by 18 feet long, it could add an instantly grand and luxurious feel to any room. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000

In addition to the abundance of traditional antiques slated to cross the auction block, there are many excellent 20th-century furniture designs from which to choose, including stylish lounge chairs and sofas; barstools, lighting and more. Among the top selections are a signed circa-1980s Jeffrey Greene solid state mixed-wood table with a plate glass top, estimate $800-$1,200; and a classic George Nelson for Herman Miller 6-piece mahogany bedroom set. Made circa 1950s, the suite retains the original Herman Miller Zeeland Michigan foil label and is estimated at $6,000-$9,000.

An eclectic lineup of antique advertising runs the gamut from advertising clocks to soft drink signs. Of particular note is the collection of Gulf gas and oil memorabilia, which will be apportioned into separate lots. The items include a circa 1930s-‘40s circular Gulf double-sided porcelain/enamel sign, $200-$400; a 1930s/’40s Brookline oil can with funnel top and applied Gulf logo, $150-$250; a Gulflube display rack with 11 assorted 1950s-‘70s Gulf-brand oil cans, $200-$300; and a highly prized Good Gulf gasoline pump with its original glass globe, which is estimated at $2,500-$4,000.  

Stephenson’s Jan. 1, 2022 New Year’s Auction will be held live at the company’s Southampton (suburban Philadelphia), Pennsylvania gallery, with phone, absentee and Internet live bidding available (through LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, and AuctionZip. Start time: 12 noon Eastern time. In-gallery inspection of goods will be available on Thursday, Dec. 30 from 1-5 p.m., and on auction day, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 from 11 a.m. until the auction commences at 12 noon. For additional information on any item in the sale, call Cindy Stephenson at 215-322-6182 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit Stephenson’s Auction online at www.stephensonsauction.com.