Sterling Associates’ March 13 auction features art, furniture, decoratives and jewelry from Northeastern and Jupiter, Florida estates

Upscale offerings include Lavern midcentury table, Boisseau bronze, large balloon-form chandeliers, fine art, 19th C. Italian ebony suite, 19th C. Chinese marble-top etagere

NORWOOD, N.J. – From New England to Florida, Sterling Associates’ truck has been a familiar sight on I-95 over the past few months, transporting estate art, furniture and decorative accessories to the company’s Bergen County, New Jersey gallery. The selection of high-quality goods – which includes such specialty categories as chandeliers and fine jewelry – will be offered in Sterling’s March 13 boutique auction of 177 lots.  

The European antique furniture category is led by a 19th-century Northern Italian ebony and bone inlaid marquetry cabinet flanked by a pair of matching armchairs. Stamping in a cabinet drawer indicates the suite was originally retailed by Edwards and Roberts, London. Standing 64 inches tall, it comes to auction with a $3,000-$5,000 estimate. An even earlier production, a 17th/18th-century Italian carved and gilt Rococo throne chair whose seat and back are upholstered in period embroidered fabric with a crown and monogram will be offered with a $2,000-$3,000 estimate.

An elaborately carved 19th-century Chinese ebonized and marble-topped etagere display cabinet is carved and pierced with a dragon medallion and mythological faces on its front-leg supports. It is further enhanced by floral and bamboo designs. Standing an imposing 92 inches tall, this piece is estimated at $3,000-$4,000.

Many midcentury modern design aficionados long to own a furnishing designed by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, but such items can be cost-prohibitive. For this reason, Sterling Associates’ owner, Stephen D’Atri, believes there will be bidder interest in a Lavern round side table with an urn-and-floral design. “It’s a very attractive table that could be worked into almost any decorating theme, and the price is right,” he said. The pre-sale estimate is $1,000-$2,000.

A finely-sculpted bronze group by Emile-Andre Boisseau (French, 1842-1923) is mounted on a marble base and depicts an angel looking down lovingly at two cherubs who sleep peacefully under the shelter of her wing. The artwork stands 19 inches high and is marked for the Thiebaut Freres Foundry, Paris. D’Atri noted: “Boisseau studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, worked on the restoration of buildings in Bourges, and was very highly regarded by his peers. His legacy includes the creation of many important Neoclassical and Neobaroque sculptures and monuments, as well as facades of Paris buildings. In 1900, he became an Officer of the Legion of Honor, which is France’s highest civilian honor.” The bronze is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

Paintings of note include a Jeffrey A. Gibson (Choctaw/Cherokee, b. 1972-) mixed-media abstract combining watercolor, acrylic and pigmented silicone on paper that might be from the series titled “Infinite Anomaly.” Gibson’s work has been described as a fusion of influences that reflect his Native American ancestry with his experience of living in Europe, Asia and the United States. Measuring 13 inches by 16 inches (sight), the auction entry is guided by a $2,000-$3,000 estimate.

With an indistinct signature that adds to its mystery and possible creator, a mid-20th-century abstract expressionist painting suggests the manner of Pollock, de Kooning, and Marden. A melange of quintessentially midcentury colors, this lively artwork is sized 35 inches by 46.5 inches (sight) and carries a $700-$900 estimate.

A selection of 12 lovely chandeliers has been included, and not surprisingly so. Sterling Associates has been known for its expertise in antique lighting since first opening its doors. Among the dozen lots to be auctioned are two large 20th-century tole balloon-form chandeliers, each having 6 arms. These attractive fixtures each measure approximately 32 inches wide by 44 inches long. In both cases, the lot estimate is $500-$700.

The auction will sparkle with estate fine jewelry (earrings, brooches and more) and European perfume bottles. A stunning 18K gold and diamond brooch/pin in the form of a circular ribbon terminating in a bow includes approximately 63 European-cut diamonds having a total weight of 2.25 carats/11.8g. This beautifully-designed piece is estimated at $800-$1,000. Within the top tier of perfume bottles to be sold is a jeweled black glass creation with brass embellishment and a clear cut-glass stopper. Made in Czechoslovakia and distinctly Art Deco in style, it is estimated at $200-$300.

Sterling Associates’ Wednesday, March 13, 2024 online/phone/absentee auction will follow the same innovative blueprint which owner Stephen D’Atri has employed since first opening the doors to his brick-and-mortar business. The auction will begin at 5pm ET and will be conducted online via LiveAuctioneers exactly like a gallery auction, but without a live audience in attendance. Absentee bids will also be accepted. All items may be previewed through the online catalog or in person at Sterling Associates’ gallery by appointment only. Winning bidders have the option of picking up their auction purchases at Sterling Associates’ premises at 537 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648. Alternatively, goods can be shipped anywhere in the world.

For additional information on any item, call 201-768-1140 or email [email protected]. Online: http://www.antiquenj.com. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.