Gray’s Auctioneers and Appraisers


10717 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102
216-226-3300

About Auction House

Deba Gray has over twenty years experience as a licensed & bonded auctioneer beginning in 1989 at Wolf’s Auction Gallery in Cleveland. In 1995 she moved to Chicago to become Auctioneer and Director of Marketplace Sales for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. In 1997, Sotheby’s purchased LHA and promoted Deba to Assistant Vice President of Property where she was responsible for estates originating throughout North America. Her responsibilities included appraising the estates as well as all the logistics associated with bringing the estates to auction. Bringing the best of her experience from th...Read More
ree houses, Deba’s passion for integrity, innovation in business and her commitment to fairness throughout the auction process enlightens every facet of Gray’s operation.Read Less

Auction Previews & News

6 Results
  • Auction Preview
    Julio Le Parc’s Kinetic Installation and Banksy’s Monochromatic Screen Print Come to Auction With Gray’s Auctioneers LLC

    Argentina-born artist Julio Le Parc is a pioneer in modern Op Art and kinetic art. A founding member of Groupe de Recherche d’Art Visuel, he experiments with light and abstraction. Continuel Lumiere - Colonne Lumineuse (1960 - 63), an installation comprising wood, metal and kinetic electric motor, is a key highlight of the upcoming Modern and Contemporary Art sale, presented by Gray's Auctioneers LLC. In this work, Le Parc combines light with movement and space to create elements of kinetic art. The installation comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Atelier Julio Le Parc and also features a “Howard Wise Gallery” label on the underside of the pedestal. Another noteworthy work is British street artist Banksy’s Pulp Fiction (2004), a screen print in black and yellow on wove paper. The pseudonymous artist is known for such grainy and monochromatic prints dealing with various political and social themes. Memories of Surrealism by Salvador Dalí also leads the listings. This lot is a set of 12 etchings with portfolio on colored lithographs on Japan paper by the Spanish Surrealist artist. These striking images with outlandish depictions exemplify Dalí’s technical mastery and precision in draftsmanship. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.

  • Auction Preview
    Explore Ammi Phillips Portraits and Mario Bellini Furniture in Upcoming Gray’s Auctioneers Event

    Ammi Phillips was a notable name in the American itinerant art scene for his folk art portraits. His paintings were famous for the realistic portrayal of fabrics and light effects. Ammi Phillips' artworks usually depict standard poses and costumes for his subjects. The upcoming event by Gray's Auctioneers presents two portraits attributed to Ammi Phillips. Portraits Of A Gentleman And Lady in the style of Phillips features a bright color palette and intricate details. Also showcased are a brown leather chair and ottoman by award-winning architect Mario Bellini. The B&B Italia-produced chair and ottoman belong to Bellini’s Le Bambole series. The 1972 Le Bambole collection has received the Compasso d’Oro award. The furniture is notable for its natural shape and cozy and elastic appearance. The 50-year-old design by Bellini employs a hidden metal frame under polyurethane cushioning. Another highlight is Rain Over Desert Mesas, New Mexico by Modernist painter Arnold Rönnebeck. Rönnebeck’s work depicts New York's urban architecture and New Mexico landscapes. The available lithograph portrays his fascination with the Southwestern panorama.  Bidders can also find a 20th-century Khamseh wool runner from southwestern Iran. The hand-dyed organic wool rugs have signature geometric designs and heavy coloration. The Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Art auction offers a Italian Pietra Dura marble top table, Chinese porcelain, doll houses, Queen Anne and French provincial furniture, Herend porcelain figurines, and Gorham silverware. Interested collectors can explore the entire listings, register to bid online on Bidsquare, and check out other online auctions.

  • Auction Preview
    Entertainment & Transportation Collectibles

    A life-size Terminator statue holding a shotgun is among the highlights of the upcoming Entertainment & Transportation Collectibles auction. The statue depicts Arnold Schwarzenegger’s antagonist, the Terminator, from the 1984 science fiction film of the same name. In the entertainment category, the auction features autographs of movie stars and musicians, posters and props, albums, and more. Gray's Auctioneers will also offer antique wooden steering wheels and a collection of aviation die-cast models in this event. On display is a framed poster of Gangs of New York, autographed by the star-studded cast of the film. The poster includes signatures from Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Henry Thomas, and Martin Scorsese. Also available is an Uzi prop in a shadow box frame from the movie Scarface. The frame includes two autographed photos, unsigned images, and three black nameplates. Autographs from Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, and Mary Elizabeth will be offered as well. For more information, visit Gray's Auctioneers. 

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Art, Furniture and Decorative Art

    In this Fine Art, Furniture, and Decorative Art auction, offered by Gray’s Auctioneers, a Persian Tabriz silk rug will be featured. Tabriz rugs come from the famous carpet making center of Iran. These carpets reached their height during the 12th through the 16th centuries. Highlighted is a more contemporary Kashmir Tabriz silk carpet, made in the 20th century. This red decorative rug measures 14 feet and four inches by ten feet. Also included in the auction is an 1866 oil painting by Johann Michael Enzing-Müller, a German-American painter. This work, titled Portrait of Children at Play, depicts two children with books and blocks on a shoreline. The side of a cliff can be seen in the background. Also showcased is a 1787 first edition copy of John A. Adams’ A Collection of Constitutions of Government of the United States of America.  A Chinese famille jaune nine dragon bowl, an embroidered fire screen, and a Japanese carved monkey circular table are other featured items in the auction. To view the entire catalog and register to bid, visit Gray’s Auctioneers. 

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Art, Furniture and Decorative Art

    Julian Stanczak was best known as a leader in the Perceptual Art movement who later helped popularize Op Art in the 20th century. Stanczak spent most of his life studying and seeking answers about color, light, and form, then manipulating their expression to affect the human eye. Using lines and color schemes, he created sophisticated optical effects. An example of his work will be featured in the upcoming Fine Art, Furniture, and Decorative Art Auction, presented by Gray's Auctioneers. Other lots of interest include a lithograph by Max Ernst, a German painter who frequently incorporated Surrealism in his work. He was a leading figure of the Automatism movement. This painting, titled Sign for a School of Pirates, shows two otherworldly beings against a blue background. Works from Francesco Ballesio are also offered, including a painting of a red-clothed cardinal sitting in a parlor. Behind the cardinal is a woman playing piano along with a young girl on her violin. View the complete catalog for this auction and register to bid on Gray's Auctioneers.

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Art, Furniture and Decorative Art

    The upcoming Fine Art, Furniture, and Decorative Art sale, presented by Gray’s Auctioneers, will offer over 350 lots of collectibles, fine art, furniture, decorative art, and more. A key item of the auction is a mixed media painting by Julian Stanczak, titled Figure. Born in Borownica, Poland, Stanczak immigrated to Cleveland in 1950 after escaping a Siberian work camp. His first major show, Julian Stanczak: Optical Paintings, gave attention to the term “Op Art” and made him a leading figure of the Op Art movement. A distinctive feature of his style is the use of complementary color schemes, which add to the optical illusions in his paintings.  Among the leading lots of the event are two wall reliefs by Helen Beling. The American sculptor worked in a variety of mediums, including stone, bronze, ceramic, and wood. Also on offer is a Chinese eggshell porcelain bowl from the Ching Dynasty. Eggshell porcelain is very light and usually colored in pure white, characterized by an extremely thin body under the glaze. This bowl features nine dragons on a vibrant yellow background. To explore these lots and register to bid, visit Invaluable

  • Auction Preview
    Asian, European & American Decorative Arts & Rugs

    Gray’s Auctioneers will offer the upcoming Asian, European & American Decorative Arts & Rugs auction, which includes almost 300 lots. In this sale, a KPM porcelain plaque, a Chinese hall bench, and a Japanese table can be found. Other lots of interest include a red Persian Turkoman wool rug, an antique American husking machine, and a Lalique crystal double swan ring holder.  Showcased is the available KPM porcelain plaque by Wagner. KPM, or the King’s Porcelain Factory, produced enamel paintings on porcelain bases in Berlin, Germany between 1880 and 1901. This plaque shows a pale woman with long, brown, curly hair. Also highlighted is a Chinese carved and heavily lacquered hall bench. This 19th-century bench has arms in the shape of dragons on both sides and a lidded compartment seat. There are intricate designs of dragons and birds on the backrest and dragon’s claws form the feet. Also included is a Japanese bronze column and vase-form pedestal table from the Meiji Period. The table features dragons, lions, and mythical motifs throughout. View the entire catalog and register to bid at Invaluable

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Art

    Jan Willem Pienemann created a portrait of Charles Cornwallis Dancey, a British colonel, showing Cornwallis in intricate detail. The subject was an educated aristocrat who served King George III and Britain as one of the leading generals of the Revolutionary War. He also served in the Royal Artillery during the Peninsular War in Spain and at the Battle of Waterloo. The upcoming Fine Art, Furniture, & Decorative Art auction presented by Gray’s Auctioneers will particularly showcase this painting. Besides fine art, the sale also includes furniture and decorative arts from estates across northeast Ohio. A selection of rugs, runners and carpets are offered as well. A Persian Kashan wool rug is another lot of interest in this auction. Other pieces include a 19th -century satinwood sofa table painted in the style of Angelica Kauffmann and a Danish wood chaise lounge from the 20th century. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on Gray’s Auctioneers.

  • Auction Preview
    The Cedar Point Auction

    The Cedar Point auction, offered by Gray’s Auctions, amalgamates 159 antique books, decorative arts, vintage furniture, and automobile from the amusement park, Cedar Point.  American LaFrance, the manufacturer of the “Steam Fire Engine No. 496”, which is a featured lot in this auction, created fire engines, fire aerials, and rescue vehicles from the start of 1832.Likewise, a coin-operated hand crank by ‘International Mutoscope Reel Co’ is also showcased in the auction. The 20th-century machines with three painted metal movie reel viewers are modified to accept 25 cents.  According to Cleveland 19, “Most of the items up for bid were not used in the park but were display items to show Americana through the years.” Along with the aforementioned items, antique buyers will also find a 1907 fleming steam garden tractor and water carriage alongside a national electric shoe shining machine in a stained pine and glass case. To find more on these items and more please visit Invaluable

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Art

    Explore a variety of fine art and furniture from estates across the US in the upcoming Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Art Auction offered by Gray’s Auctioneers. A limited-edition Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra necklace is the highest valued item in the auction. Designed in 1968, the Alhambra necklace was made famous by Princess Grace of Monaco. The yellow gold piece is a symbol of luck, health, fortune, and true love.  On display are numerous vibrant paintings and sculptures by popular artists. An abstract screen-print titled “Southern Exposure” by Helen Frankenthaler is among the featured works. Frankenthaler’s works are known for their spontaneous style and have strongly contributed to the period of post-war American paintings. Highlights also include paintings and furniture from a prominent Vero Beach estate, a fine collection of Asian decorations, an extensive selection of fine furniture, and much more.

  • Press Release
    You’re 100% Wrong If You Think Auctions Are Just For Rich People.

    In the auction world, big sellers make big headlines. Perhaps that’s why we have this misconception that auctions are only for art collectors and people seeking high-ticket items. However, estate sales and fine art auction houses have so much to offer – not just to the elite, but to anyone who doesn’t mind a little competition, perhaps even take a risk – to get a good deal. The perception is slowly changing as people realize that auctions are becoming more accessible than before. Baby boomers play a big role in this change, as 10K daily enter retirement and look to downsize. Or, there are “normal” people just like us – not necessarily art collectors or “rich” people. They could be your parents, wanting to convert your old bedroom to a scrapbooking room. Or it could be your divorced aunt, who no longer has use for that old wedding ring (or any of the jewelry that reminds her of him.) We’ve all been there – in a situation where we want to do away with something that we no longer have use for. These items are still of value, but will be better appreciated/used in someone else’s hands. The best part is that people with the same taste and similar budget will end up buying those items. Here’s where auctions come in! As you can see, auctions are for all, as there’s always someone who will want your used treasures and vice versa. How do auctions actually work? Many people don’t even consider buying/selling at auction simply because it can be intimidating, especially if they don’t understand the process. Not to worry –it’s actually super simple! Someone has something to sell – they take it to an auction house to find out the value (you can do that for free, here.) They then can decide if they want sell with the auction house or not. The appeal of selling at auction is that the seller doesn’t have to worry about finding a buyer or dealing with any part of the selling process. Therefore if/when the item sells, the auction house sends the seller the…

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Art

    Gray's auctioneer presents its elite finds in the upcoming Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Art auction. Painting by landscape artist Harold Newton is the highest valued art piece of the auction. As one of the founding members of Florida Highwaymen, Harold’s paintings are stunning examples of Florida highway art. Harold’s highwaymen paintings are the most sought after by collectors too. Furniture made from shed antlers called Horn furniture are rare finds, like the featured Victorian Wenzel Friedrich steer horn armchair. Among silverware, the Fassi Arno Italian Neoclassical 800 silver champagne cooler with intricate design might be a great addition to any bar. Among jewelry, a platinum and diamond brooch, the American eagle form weathervane, a set of Gorham sterling silver flatware in the Melrose pattern, and many others are popular pieces. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on Gray's auctioneers.

  • Auction Preview
    Fine Jewelry and Coins

    A piece of vintage jewelry is timeless. It also is a flawless combination of luxury and craftsmanship. An example of such a blend is a gold, rope twist necklace by Tiffany & Co. at Fine Jewelry and Coins auction by Gray’s Auctioneers. Consisting of 213 lots, the auction is a good balance of jewelry and collectibles in the form of coins. Sitting at the top, with the highest estimated value of $6000, is a 14-karat white gold and diamond ring set. Highlights of collectibles are a 1999 gold, American Eagle coin and a group of circulated gold type coins from 1910 and 1914. To view more intriguing items, visit Gray’s Auctioneers. Gray’s Auctioneers.

  • Press Release
    July 24 Summer Auction Highlights: Fine Jewelry & Coins

    Our upcoming summer auction features more than 200 lots of mostly fine jewelry and coins. The auction is slated for Wednesday, July 24th. Previews will be held at Gray’s gallery, Monday thru Friday, July 18th to 24th, from 10 am to 5 pm; and on Saturday, July 20th, from 12 noon to 4 pm. All times quoted here are Eastern. All lots will be available for in-person examination during the previews.  This is a delightful summer auction, featuring a fine collection of jewelry and 19th and 20th century coins from across the United States. The jewelry lots are especially beautiful and estimates are very competitive. We expect this will be a very busy auction. PRECIOUS GEM BEADED EVENING PURSE. Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000. It will be an eclectic sale, too, with merchandise ranging from a precious gem beaded evening purse encrusted with 118 rubies, 106 sapphires and 72 emeralds, having gold and silver foil wrapped thread (est. $2,000-$4,000); to a platinum and diamond brooch set with eight round brilliant cut diamonds, and set with 40 round brilliant cut diamond melee and 16 round brilliant cut diamond melee, lacking a center stone but boasting G-H color and SI-1 clarity and having 64 diamonds total (est. $3,000-$5,000). Stunning diamond rings will be offered in abundance, to include a 14kt white gold and diamond ring set with one ring having a marquise-cut diamond weighing 1.02 carats with VS2 clarity and G color, set with two tapered baguette cut diamonds, plus a second band (est. $4,000-$6,000); and a platinum, aquamarine and diamond ring set with an emerald cut aquamarine of 5.5 carats and set with four round brilliant cut diamonds and four baguette cut diamonds, marked H.W.B. and Sons (est. $2,000-$4,000). Other noteworthy rings will include a platinum and diamond ring set with a one round brilliant cut diamond of 1.01 carats, G color and SI-1 clarity, also set with four round brilliant cut diamond melee, each about 0.02pts., with an appraisal (est. $1,800-$2,000); and an 18kt white gold and diamond European set Deco style ring set with one round brilliant cut diamond, 0.30 pts. (est. $800-$1,200).…

  • Press Release
    János Vaszary, Biography & Art

    János Vaszary, education & influences János Vaszary was active during the 1880’s to 1930’s. He was known for using wide a wide variety of color, combining technique and imagination to create outstanding artworks that during their time, were considered on the forefront of modernism. His style was constantly changing, evolving, and experimenting, ranging from Art Nouveau, Fauvism & Post-Impressionism. He dedicated his life to his art, studies, and teaching. Vaszary began his formation at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, studying under János Greguss. Later, he was taken under the wing of the great Hungarian painter, Bertalan Székely, spending several years studying his techniques. In 1887, like many other Hungarian painters of this period, he went to further his training in Munich. Inspired after seeing an exhibition of Jules Bastien-Lepage’s paintings, he moved to Paris in 1899, ending his official studies at the renowned Julian Academy of Paris. In his art, one can see that Vaszary was primarily influenced by his French masters, Bastien-Lepage and Puvis de Chavannes. However, the artistic colony of Nagybánya also played a role in the evolvement of his works. This was a group of artists led by Károly Ferenczy, who is considered the "father of Hungarian impressionism and post-impressionism" and the “founder of modern Hungarian painting,” also one of the many artists who had studied in Munich roughly around the same time as Vaszary. Vaszary, Self Portrait & Self Portraits from His Masters János Vaszary, Self Portrait Bastien-Lepage Self Portrait Puvis de Chavannes, Self Portrait Károly Ferenczy, Self Portrait Although Vaszary studied under these notable masters, he became a master himself – his mesmerizing styles evolving over time. The most drastic change is noted when he was called to the Serbian front during WWI, serving as a correspondent. During this period, his paintings reflected the horrors he had experienced firsthand. His techniques became more tense and striking, depicting life (or death) on the Carpathian frontline. In his 1915 painting entitled Russian Prisoners in the Barracks, officers and privates of the Tsar’s army linger in captivity lethargically. There is more intensity to Soldiers in the Snow,…