Parker Rare Norman Rockwell Limited Edition Fountain Pen with Original Documentation & Fine Prints
SJ Auctionners willl host a rare year end 2024 estate auction Own one of the items a rare estate from Norman Rockwells son. A Pen Parker Rare Norman Rockwell Limited Edition Fountain Pen with Original Documentation & Fine Prints. From the Estate of Norman Rockwell’s son, this exceptional Parker Duofold Norman Rockwell fountain pen, numbered 1,894 out of a limited edition of 3,500, with an 18k gold nib and a marble style design, presents extraordinary and rare documentation, including letters from Parker regarding the pen, a certificate of authenticity and four original, numbered prints, as well as additional photographs of the pen and other documentation. It is also sold with 4 unused ink refill cartridges, in its original full leather case and with the original dust bag. This is a truly exceptional ensemble in very good condition. Norman P. Rockwell (February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978) was an American painter and illustrator. His works have a broad popular appeal in the United States for their reflection of the country’s culture. Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over nearly five decades. He is also noted for his 64-year relationship with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), during which he produced covers for their publication Boys’ Life (now Scout Life), calendars, and other illustrations. Rockwell was a prolific artist, producing more than 4,000 original works in his lifetime. Most of his surviving works are in public collections
Featured: 1905 Ray-O-Lite arcade rifle game, $100K-$200K; naïve circa-1910s John Deere Plows sign, $40K-$70K; Anheuser-Busch 1930 Cadillac ‘Bevo Boat’ and circa-1927 Ahrens-Fox fire engine, each $50K-$150K
Very rare circa-1905 Ray-O-Lite rifle game made by Automatic Target Machine Co., possibly the only surviving example with its original target cabinet – $100,000-$200,000
LAS VEGAS – This holiday season, visitors to bustling Las Vegas will have their pick of world-class entertainment of all types. Hotels on the glittering “Strip” will be showcasing Shania Twain, Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield, and classic rockers REO Speedwagon and the Eagles, to name but a few of the A-list headliners. But that’s not the only form of entertainment to enjoy in Vegas in the run-up to Christmas. From December 5-7, Morphy’s will be hosting a big Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction brimming with music, arcade and gambling machines, as well as fabulous antique and vintage signage promoting everything from barber shops to beverages and candy to coffee. The atmosphere at these special Las Vegas events is always light-hearted and welcoming, but those who cannot attend in person can still join the fun by bidding absentee, by phone or live online through Morphy’s bidding platform.
All items offered in the Saturday session (Dec. 7) come directly from the prestigious Rich and Sharon Penn collection, including a very rare circa-1905 Ray-O-Lite rifle game made by Automatic Target Machine Co. It is especially desirable because it is dry-cell-battery-operated, as opposed to the later revamps introduced by William Gent in the 1920s, which were AC-powered. The auction example has nine unique target features, is all original and in VG working condition with an added cord extension. An extraordinary buying opportunity and fresh-to-the-market from a legendary collection, it is possibly the only surviving example with its original target cabinet. Its presale estimate is $100,000-$200,000.
Another top prize from the Penns’ holdings is an original circa-1910 5¢ Mills Dewey upright slot machine with original music, presented in its original-finish quartered oak cabinet with the original back door. The front glass is an older replacement featuring lustrous lettering and a colorful tin-litho wheel. Fully functional, in VG condition and offered with its keys, the unit’s pre-sale estimate is $12,000-$24,000.
The smartest equine in the saleroom is sure to be the amusing central figure seen in Mike Gorski’s recreation of a circa-1892 Roovers Bros “Educated Donkey” machine. As the sign on this delightful 79-inch-tall arcade amusement states, the “Donkey Wonder Will Solve Your Problems,” referring to the donkey automaton who turns a ship’s helm to select a number and dispense a fortune, all for the bargain price of a penny. In Excellent condition with keys included, the machine is expected to reach a winning bid of $10,000-$20,000.
The auction room will glow with the warm beauty of vintage neon, as seen in a circa-1930s Poll Parrot Shoes single-sided porcelain sign. It is impossible not to be drawn to its fantastic image of the footwear brand’s parrot mascot, which is depicted in a vibrant palette of red, green and yellow. In exceptional 9.5+ condition, the 43- by 14- by 59-inch sign is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.
Breweriana collectors would appreciate the unique “extras” on a circa-1940s two-piece Budweiser porcelain neon marquee sign, which has attached “privilege” panels. Each is marked “J Garavaglia,” presumably the name of the proprietor of a bar or other establishment that served Budweiser beer. Composed of two single signs hinged together – each graded 8.9 out of 10 – this showy marquee requires no apologies for its condition. Both its cans are excellent with absolutely no signs of rust or rot. Maker-marked “Kirk Signs” and measuring 113 inches wide, it is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.
A fantastic John Deere Plows single-sided tin sign, made circa 1910s, depicts the brand’s leaping-deer logo against a smaltz-painted background. With an early, naïve look that collectors love, it is marked on verso “John Deere Plow Co. Kansas City, MO” and “A.H. Lewellen. Dewitt, MO.” Wood framed, it also has reinforcement wood on its back side. This large (144 inches wide), extremely impressive piece comes from the lifetime collection of Rich and Sharon Penn and is estimated at $40,000-$70,000.
Another high-quality entry from the Penn collection is a stunningly beautiful circa 1910s-1920s reverse-glass corner sign advertising Round Oak Stoves, Ranges and Furnaces. It is graced by a Native American portrait graphic within an oak-leaf cartouche and is further enhanced by backlit lighting. It also retains its original metal-frame border and metal backing that would have enabled it to be affixed to the corner of store shelving or perhaps a building. In 9.0 condition, it comes to auction with an $8,000-$16,000 estimate.
As visually exciting today as it was more than a century ago, a circa-1910s “Corner Drug Store” leaded-glass light is formed as a highly-decorative mortar and pestle. Its very attractive design has a multicolored “jeweled” center and the words “Cigars” and “Prescriptions” around the bottom. All panels display strong colors, especially when illuminated by its internal fluorescent bulb. It is also equipped with a modern power cord. The sign’s height to the top of the pestle is 43 inches, and its condition is graded 8.9. With provenance from the Rich and Sharon Penn collection, it is estimated at $15,000-$30,000
The motoring section includes three rare and remarkable vehicles, the first being a 1930 Cadillac “Bevo Boat” manufactured for Anheuser-Busch for promotional purposes and named for its non-alcoholic beverage, Bevo. It is believed to be the only survivor of eight that were in the original fleet, each designed as an inboard-style cruiser on an automobile chassis. Finely appointed with leather upholstery, thick carpets, fine woods, and even a radio, the Bevo Boat has an illustrious line of provenance that began with Anheuser-Busch brewery division sales manager Jimmy Carroll Jr. Subsequent ownership included: the James Pearson collection; Fred and David Weber Jr; and Greg R Rhomberg. Restored and offered as is with no title, it is estimated at $50,000-$150,000.
The second vehicle in the featured trio is a circa-1927 Ahrens-Fox (Cincinnati, Ohio) Model MX-4 triple-combination pumping fire engine, Serial No. 1314. Wonderfully restored with all the gear and appointments that were built with the engine, it is painted and labeled for the Bristol Fire Department. Operational and truly museum-quality, it will be auctioned as is with no title. Memo: the unit is currently located in St. Louis, Missouri. Estimate: $50,000-$150,000
And finally, some lucky bidder will be able to relive their peace-and-love days in a circa-1960 Volkswagen Westfalia camper, a conversion of the Volkswagen Type 1 sold from the early 1950s to 2003. It is fitted with: standard birch plywood interior panels, laminated plywood cabinetry for storage, an icebox or cold-box; a sink, water storage and a pump; electrical hookups, seating that folds out for sleeping, and more. This restored camper has a 4-cylinder standard transmission and an odometer reading of 6,598 miles. Offered as is with no title, it is estimated at $20,000-$60,000.
The December 5-7, 2024 auction will be held live at Morphy’s satellite gallery located at 4520 Arville St., #1, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. Start time is 9am Pacific time (12 noon Eastern time). Preview Monday through Wednesday, December 2-4 from 9am-4pm local time; or on auction days from 8-9am. All forms of remote bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone (please reserve line in advance), or live via the Internet through Morphy Live. For condition reports or other questions, call tollfree 877-968-8880 or email [email protected]. Online: https://www.morphyauctions.com.
François Gérard (1770-1837), Portrait of the Duchess of Bassano, canvas, 227 x 147 cm/89.37 x 57.87 in. Estimate : € 800,000/1,000,000
The art of portraiture is also the art of the letter writing… “Madame de Bassano was too beautiful, her husband too powerful, she was too lavished by the favors of her sovereign, so that slander could not seek to harm her; it seeks with greater perseverance all kinds of merit, and leaves in peace only those who cannot inspire envy.” Georgette Ducrest, author of Mémoires sur l’impératrice Joséphine (the title chosen for the 2004 edition), looks back in 1810-1811 with considerable admiration on an impressive woman. Marshal Oudinot’s second wife, Eugénie de Coucy, presented to the Emperor in February 1813, had a similar sentiment: “Tall, beautiful, cold, the duchess impressed me greatly, and her patronage, natural as a result of the close relationship we had with her husband, did not help me, for gradually accustomed to the high position she occupied, she had never felt, or had forgotten, the anxieties of shyness.” His model’s personality suited François Gérard perfectly! He wasn’t exactly a ladies’ man, but rather a man with a talent for pampering women, preferably unattainable ones. This native of Rome, son of Cardinal de Bernis’ steward and an Italian woman, married his mother’s younger sister, Margherita, in 1794, just after the death of his mother Cléria, “for convenience and to avoid family breakup” — with whom he had no children, for reasons we can imagine. This history painter, trained by Jacques Louis David, offered France a host of paintings with eloquent subjects, but he was also an extraordinary portraitist, especially of women. It’s impossible not to be reminded of the great women of the First Empire portrayed by the artist, including the Napoleonic Madame Mère (three versions) and Josephine Bonaparte (St. Petersburg, Hermitage Museum), of course, but also and above all Juliette Récamier (Paris, Carnavalet Museum) and Thérésia Cabarrus, comtesse de Caraman (Carnavalet Museum).
“Tall, beautiful, cold, the duchess impressed me greatly”
The Duchess of Bassano, a Leading Lady
The “Imperial” portrait of the Duchess of Bassano in 1812 is majestic. That’s an understatement, but it has less to do with the display of wealth in the interior, where the lady strikes a nonchalant pose, than with the way the artist looks at her. François Gérard does not paint a “femme de” (“a woman of”), but a femme de tête (leading lady). Duchess since 1809, this daughter of the Mayor of Dijon, who married a brilliant cousin — in turn diplomat, General Secretary to the Consuls, Secretary of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1811 — took her time before fully asserting her role. The Duchesse d’Abrantès, who devotes a long passage to the duchess in her Memoirs, writes that “When she married, she didn’t like the court, to which she went almost in spite of herself”, but, “appointed Lady of the Palace during the Empire, she then became one [of its] ornaments”. “When M. de Bassano moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his position and obligations changed, and Madame de Bassano was given a salon, but a unique one, like none we have ever seen before”. In the Hôtel de Gallifet, now the headquarters of the Italian Embassy, the Duchesse de Bassano entertained hundreds of guests, including all that “the court had to offer”, such as the painters Gérard and Gros, who were “very often” in attendance. François Gérard was a free spirit who found it hard to lie. Some seven years earlier, in painting Talleyrand’s new wife — in a pose that already foreshadowed the portrait of the duchess — the painter had conveyed the beauty of his face, but also his lack of passion for the young woman. The Duchesse d’Abrantès, provocative as ever, wrote of her: “We know how useful she was in a salon; the shepherdess in which she sat served more than she did, and, what’s more, said nothing. In 1812, Gérard also painted a portrait of Countess Walewska (Paris, Musée de l’Armée) returning from her walk, in a dress very similar to the one depicted here, but here again, he paid little heed to the imperial mistress’s poise: one had given in, the other had resisted! Georgette Ducrest recalls a colorful exchange between the Emperor and the Duchess, which was recounted to her. The Emperor tried everything with the lady, who declared: “I am forced to inform Your Majesty that if his pursuits do not cease immediately, I will inform of the whole matter to the man who will always be the sole object of all my affections. I know him well enough to be certain that he would immediately resign all his positions and leave the court with me. — He wouldn’t dare, Madame. — Your Majesty is mistaken; he will dare anything to escape the grief of being convinced of the ingratitude of the man he loves most.”
The choices are in keeping with the character. Marie-Madeleine Maret opted for a black velvet gown, no doubt in homage to the productions of her favorite couturier, Leroy. Its originality lay in the pattern of the belt, dotted with metallic sequins adorned with stars. The memoirs of Louise Cochelet, Queen Hortense’s reader, mention just such a belt: “The Queen was godmother to several children, including a daughter of the Duchess of Bassano, and a daughter of the Duchess of Frioul. The first was named Claire, and the second Hortense. To mark the occasion, the queen presented exquisite gifts to the mothers of her two goddaughters. The Duchess of Bassano received a chased belt in solid gold, beautifully crafted; it was wide around the waist, held in place by a colored stone clasp; the ends fell to the feet. The belt was the queen’s own design: it was a fashionable innovation, as people then wore small, narrow belts, because waists were short; this became a means of lengthening them a great deal.” As it happens, Hortense Eugénie Claire Maret de Bassano was born in 1812… François Gérard also played with the embroidery of palms and flowers on the gown, to which the bouquets on the console jardinière — a rare detail in his work — are painted in paste. Playfully, Gérard placed the duchess in dialogue with the winged female figure, as Antoine-Denis Chaudet’s La Paix responds to her husband in her portrait commissioned in 1806 from Robert Lefèvre by the General Intendance of the Emperor’s household, and given to the sitter by Louis XVIII in 1815 (Paris, Musée du Louvre). The other, exactly contemporary portrait of the Duchess of Bassano by François Gérard, in which she appears in a white dress adorned with gold embroidery, has yet to be found. This work is known only through its ricordo, preserved at the Château de Versailles alongside the one in the present painting.
‘Star Wars: Droids’ Vlix action figure soared to $44,262; ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ Yoda more than tripled estimate at $18,569 – a warm-up for phenomenal Jeff Jacob collection coming in January
Nirvana Kurt Cobain Stage Used And Smashed Guitar Jan. 18, 1991 Olympia, Wa.
YORK, Pa. – A stage-used Memphis Stratocaster-replica guitar that a relatively unknown Kurt Cobain smashed onstage at a 1991 gig led prices realized at Hake’s $2.5 million online pop culture auction held November 19-20, 2024. The guitar had been played, then destroyed, by Cobain at a small Nirvana benefit concert in Olympia, Washington, four months before the band recorded their game-changing LP Nevermind. In the melee following the guitar’s destruction, it was recovered by a local musician who later gifted it to the owner of a record store in Portland, Oregon. The destroyed instrument was displayed at the shop and even won an MTV-sponsored Nirvana contest. As its value rose, it was secured in a private location where it remained until its consignment to Hake’s. Entered in the auction with an open estimate, it attracted 21 bids and rose to $157,773, making it the top seller in a $2.5 million event.
Many other significant items from Nirvana’s early days dominated the music memorabilia section of the sale. The original-art mechanical master for the poster publicizing the band’s April 17, 1991 concert at the OK Hotel in Seattle – where Nirvana live-debuted the grunge anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit – was signed and inscribed in pencil on verso by the late Seattle artist Mark Bendix with the notation “Original Paste Up Master MB.” Accompanied by a bill of sale dated and signed by both Bendix and the auction consignor – who acquired it directly from the artist – sold for $25,700 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000.
Bidders stepped up to the plate for another heavy hitter that landed in the top 10: a 1917 Collins-McCarthy Candy Co. E135 #82 Shoeless Joe Jackson baseball card from the confectioner’s 200-card series. Designated “Authentic-Altered” by PSA due to the slightest of margin trims, the card is one of only 11 of its type known to exist in any condition. Against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000, it rounded the bases to slide home confidently at $26,780.
Rare classic comic books are always a big part of Hake’s sales. An important Silver Age comic offered in their November event was The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel, March 1963), CGC-graded 7.5 VF. This title is desired by every superhero comic fan, as it features the first appearances of both J Jonah Jameson and The Chameleon, and retells the origin story of Spider-Man. It is also notable for being the first comic with a Fantastic Four crossover. Combining a Stan Lee story, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko’s cover art; and Ditko interior art, this powerhouse comic closed at $29,984.
With excitement building for Hake’s January 22, 2025 mega-auction of the extraordinary Jeff Jacob action-figure collection, bidders were in the mood to get a head start and snap up some great rarities from the November sale’s selection. One of the most sought-after entries was a Glasslite Star Wars: Droids (1988) 4.25-inch Vlix action figure on a partially-punched Brazilian blister card. This figure was released exclusively in Brazil because of the 1985-86 Star Wars: Droids animated TV series’ cancellation in the United States. AFA-graded 80 NM, it was one of only 12 graded by AFA and the single highest-graded figure of its type. This premier entry sold at the upper end of its estimate range, for $44,262.
Could it have been the orange snake wrapped around the Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1981) Yoda 32 Back-B 2-inch action figure that persuaded bidders to bypass the pre-sale estimate? Presented on a sealed, unpunched blister card, the figure depicting the long-lived and powerful possessor of the Force achieved $18,569 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000.
Much scarcer than its American counterpart produced by Hasbro, a Transformers (1985) Series 1 Autobot Commander Optimus Prime in its original window box was manufactured in Mexico by Plasticos IGA. An extremely nice exampled AFA-graded 85 NM+, it was formerly in the collection of Briton Mark Warner. Against a $5,000-$10,000 estimate, it proved the enduring appeal of Transformers by knocking down a winning bid of $20,060.
Just in time for the holiday season, a Santa Claus mannequin costume display for the live-action adaptation of Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Universal Pictures, 2000) instantly recalled Jim Carrey’s performance as the grumpy recluse of Mount Crumpit who eventually learned the true meaning of Christmas. The auction lot consisted of a Santa coat, matching hat and boots; spandex pants, and a leather belt with metal buckle. The coat was identified by a custom-made label from the film’s costumer, John David Ridge, bearing the printed name of “Mr Jim Carrey” and the handwritten phrase “C O’Hara -Hero,” a reference to Carrey’s ski-scene stunt double, Chris O’Hara. The display was bid to $25,960 against an estimate of $5,000-$10,000.
An exciting selection of political memorabilia produced highlights from both the 19th- and 20th-centuries. A rare and important 1952 “Youth For Kennedy” US Senate campaign button, 2.25 inches in diameter, came with provenance from the prestigious John Hillhouse collection. One of the rarest of all known Kennedy buttons and believed to be the only one of its type ever to appear in a public sale, it sold above its high estimate for $12,331.
With charm to spare, an attractive William Henry Harrison cobalt blue stoneware log cabin bank attributed to Thomas Haig, Jr, Philadelphia, was produced between 1840 and 1850. The distinctive architectural bank’s design was manufactured in three iterations: stoneware, redware and Rockingham ware. The auction example was hand-inscribed “1846” under its base in cobalt. Formerly in the Rex Stark collection, it was claimed by its new owner for $11,682 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000.
To discuss consigning a collection or single item to a future Hake’s pop culture memorabilia auction, please call +1 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or +1 717-434-1600; or email [email protected]. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential and there is never an obligation to consign. Visit Hake’s online at https://www.hakes.com for more information about the January 22, 2025 auction of the Jeff Jacob collection of action figures, playsets vehicles and other rarities from Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Masters of the Universe, and other production lines. The digital catalog for the Jacob sale will be available to view online on January 6, 2025.
Guerra de La Paz, Original Mixed Media w/ Steel, Bonsai III
Miami, FL – November 25, 2024 – Lion and Unicorn is thrilled to present the “Miami Modern & Pop Art Auction,” a premier art auction during Miami Art Week. Featuring works from the collections of Alicia Hancock Apfel and the Bass Museum of Art, alongside notable contemporary artists. Alicia Hancock Apfel, was a renowned Miami civil rights attorney, founder of the iconic Space Mountain Gallery, and an artist. Her work with the arts helped build a collection that celebrates transgressive voices and bold narratives. The Bass Museum is a cornerstone of Miami Beach’s cultural scene and is celebrated for its dedication to global contemporary art and the preservation of historic works. Auction Highlights include:
Betty Parsons a trailblazer of abstract expressionism renowned as both an artist and influential gallerist, Parsons’ innovative use of form and color significantly shaped modern art’s trajectory.
Guerra De La Paz Bonsai III: A monumental sculpture addressing sustainability and balance through found objects and materials, capturing the Cuban-American duo’s ability to transform everyday items into profound visual statements.
Greg Haberny A collection of 20 original works showcasing his visceral style and biting socio-political critique. Pieces like Gone with the Wind, a commentary on consumerism, and Jackson Pollock’s Effort to Quit, an exploration of chaos and addiction, exemplify his unflinching creativity. Haberny’s participation in Banksy’s Marks and Stencils exhibition launched him onto the international stage.
Dale Chihuly A breathtaking glass piece from his Persians series, characterized by swirling patterns, vibrant hues, and organic forms.
Florian & Michael Quistrebert The French brothers’ mesmerizing abstractions explore the interplay of light, texture, and illusion, solidifying their position as trailblazers in contemporary art.
About Lion and Unicorn: Located in South Florida, Lion and Unicorn is the premier auction house for fine art, antiques, and collectibles. Visit www.lionandunicorn.com to learn more.
“This auction embodies the interplay between historical significance and contemporary creativity,” said Steven Robert Kozlowski, Principal and Auctioneer at Lion and Unicorn. “From Alicia Apfel’s powerful and thought-provoking collection to the visionary works of Guerra De La Paz and Greg Haberny, each piece offers a specific narrative that challenges, inspires, and connects us to the transformative power of art.” For media inquiries, contact: Steven Robert Kozlowski Lead Auctioneer (305) 968-7090 [email protected]
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and rocking around the Christmas tree seems to be on everyone’s mind as the calendar page turns to December. Christmas-related vintage to antique treasures, especially those incorporating Santa Claus in some form, continue to capture the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of enthusiasts regardless of the time of year. Broad cross-category appeal– incorporating doll, toy, holiday, figurines, and childhood collecting interest–- helps keep these rarities in demand. With a nod to Auction Daily’s tradition of recognizing super Santa resultsover the years, here are five amazing auction results from 2024 that will have you feeling the holiday love. All sale prices noted include the auction house’s buyer’s premium.
An Anton Reiche showpiece Santa Claus chocolate mold was estimated at $500 to $700 and sold for $18,750. Image courtesy of Leonard Auction.
Santa Claus Chocolate Mold
An Anton Reiche showpiece Santa Claus chocolate mold was estimated at USD 500 to $700 and sold for $18,750 at Leonard Auction of Addison, IL’s March 2024 Online Auction. This fully dimensional Santa figure was hallmarked and stamped #11166. The mold measured 31.5 inches by 11 inches by eight inches overall, with separate head, arm, and cage components. Santa wore his traditional garb including an oversized, fur-trimmed hat and coat, big boots, and a thick belt.
Chocolate molds came into fashion in the 19th century, when the proper proportions of ingredients that go into solid chocolate candy were finally established. Before then, most chocolate was consumed as a liquid. Friedrich Anton Reiche began producing candy molds in 1888 in Dresden, Germany. In the early 20th century, the company employed about 2,000 workers and became known for its nickel-coated sheet metal molds. These were produced in a spectrum of sizes and novel forms. At the height of its business, the company’s catalog contained nearly 50,000 different products.
A Santa Claus hatpin holder was estimated at $1,500 to $2,000 and sold for $9,600. Image courtesy of Woody Auction LLC.
Santa Claus Hatpin Holder
A Santa Claus hatpin holder was estimated at $1,500 to $2,000 and made $9,600 at Woody Auction LLC of Douglass, KS’ August 23, 2024 sale. This 4.25-inch tall example was marked with a Royal Bayreuth blue mark. This flat-bottomed rarity featured a Santa donned in a brown, fur-trimmed coat and hat. He carried a large green sack of holiday goodies on his back.
Hatpin holders were common during the Victorian era and were designed to store and display hatpins. These fashion accessories were long, narrow, and spear-shaped. They were usually made from metal, glass, bone, or clay. They helped to secure large headgear to the wearer’s noggin. Hatpin holders usually featured a surface punctuated with skinny openings to protect the pins and a wide base for stability. It is easy to see how this Santa example is the perfect form for this design! Germany’s Royal Bayreuth, known for its quality porcelain production, was founded in 1794 and ceased operations in 2019.
A self-walking Santa Claus toy was estimated at $2,500 to $3,000 and sold for $2,750. Image courtesy of the RSL Auction Company.
Self-Walking Santa Claus Toy
A self-walking Santa Claus toy was estimated at $2,500 to $3,000 and delivered $2,750 at the RSL Auction Company of Whitehouse Station, NJ’s June 29, 2024 sale. This eight-inch tall toy was produced in the 1880s by the Ives, Blakeslee Company of Bridgeport, CT. Santa was made from cast iron with his hood, shoes, and facial detailing integral to his form. His red and white coat was made from soft plush fabric.
The Ives company produced well-engineered playthings from 1868 through the 1930s. Its production was mainly focused on toys for boys and featured cast iron cars, trains, and other tinplate vehicles and figures. The Santa under discussion here was part of a series of nine key-wound, gear-activated self-walking figures produced by Ives; others in the collection included Charlie Chaplin, a man in a blue coat and red trousers, and an anthropomorphic donkey. Ives was granted a patent for the mechanism behind these walking dolls in 1875.
An early 20th-century carved wooden Santa Claus was estimated at $300 to $500 and sold for $2,880. Image courtesy of Bray and Company Auctions.
Carved Wooden Santa Claus
An early 20th-century carved wooden Santa Claus was estimated at $300 to $500 and made $2,880 at Bray and Company Auctions of Portsmouth, NH’s September 21, 2024 sale. This delightful unsigned piece, perhaps designed as a store display item, measured 25 inches tall and was made with great attention to detail. The smiling Santa carried a sack full of toys, including a soldier doll, Teddy bear, and play ball. He held his hand out at an angle– suggesting he was designed to hold a banner, bag, or other display item.
Santa and Christmas have been associated with each other in the United States since the 1840s, with the retailer F.A.O. Schwarz introducing the first live in-store Santa in 1875. Although the date and maker of this fantastic carved wooden Santa are not known, it is most likely that he was produced after 1931. It was that year that Coca-Cola introduced its happy, rounded, smiling Santa to the world. Before then, Santa was usually not presented in such an accessible, friendly way; he more often appeared as a grumpy, serious, or scary older man.
Steiff’s felt St. Nicholas doll from 1912 had an opening bid of EUR 850 and sold for USD 14,325. Image courtesy of Ladenburger Spielzeugauktion GmbH.
Steiff St. Nicholas Doll
A rare sample of Steiff’s felt St. Nicholas doll from 1912 had an opening bid of EUR 850 and made $14,325 at Ladenburger Spielzeugauktion GmbH’s November 2024 Steiff Archive Auction. This exceptional doll, seldom seen outside of elite collections or museums, stood 50 cm tall, was fully jointed, and wore a brown felt coat trimmed in brown tipped mohair, felt pants and slippers, and a chocolate brown mohair hat. His coat closed with a cord belt. His face came to life with Steiff’s traditional center seam construction, blue and black glass pupil eyes, a gray mohair inset wig, and a long, inset gray beard and mustache.
Although St. Nicholas is technically not Santa Claus, the legend of everyone’s favorite big guy in red is based on this Christian bishop from the fourth century. St. Nicholas was beloved for his benevolence and philanthropy, especially toward sick and poor members of the community. He was also the patron saint of children. St. Nicholas was featured in the legacy German children’s book Der Struwwelpeter (Shockheaded Peter) which was written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann in 1845. Steiff created many character dolls based on Hoffmann’s book in the early 1900s; others in the series included a hunter doll and a young boy doll with long blonde hair and leather fingernails.
New York, NY and New Braunfels, TX- November 25, 2024 – Lark Mason Associates is delighted to present a remarkable trio of holiday online auction sales, offering an impressive selection of fine jewelry, luxury watches, and exceptional artworks. These auctions, now open for bidding on igavelauctions.com,showcase treasures from renowned collections and estates, headlined by a dazzling 5.80 carat diamond ring, a painting by the iconic Willem de Kooning and other rare works by renowned artists.
Venetian Bouquet by Françoise Gilot (French/American, 1921-2023) (Estimate: $40-60,000)
The first of these auctions–The Collection of Ben Adams, San Antonio Jeweler andCollector–features a captivating array of fine paintings and decorative objects from the celebrated jeweler’s estate. Bidding for this sale runs through December 4, 2024, and includes standout pieces such as Venetian Bouquet by Françoise Gilot (French/American, 1921-2023). Gilot, a celebrated painter and author who was in a storied relationship with Pablo Picasso, created this oil on canvas, which is estimated at $40,000-$60,000. It comes with provenance from the Vincent Mann Gallery and is accompanied by Françoise Gilot: Monograph 1940-2000. Another highlight is an 18K Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Grand Complications Wristwatch, authenticated and serviced by the Henri Stern Watch Agency comes with the Service Seal and copy the invoice (Estimate: $40,000-$60,000).
Continuing this showcase of exceptional quality is the Jewelry and Watches Auction, now open for bidding through December 10, 2024. Among its most notable offerings is a show-stopping 5.80 carat Diamond and Platinum Ring (Color D, Clarity VS2), accompanied by a GIA certificate and estimated at $100,000-$150,000. This ring comes from the estate of Elinor Ross (1926-2020), an internationally acclaimed opera singer. Other highlights include an 18K Gold and Diamond Necklace, featuring approximately 25 carats of diamonds (Estimate: $20,000-$40,000), as well as a 2.5ct Marquise-Cut Diamond Ring in 14K Gold (Estimate $2,000-$4,000). Collectors will also find a Carved Coral, Diamond, and 18K Gold Pendant with Chain Necklace (Estimate: $4,000-$6,000) and a Rolex 18K Yellow Gold GMT-Master Wristwatch (Estimate: $35,000-$50,000).
Rounding out this series is the Fine and Decorative Arts Auction, which runs from November 25 through December 12, 2024. This sale includes an impressive range of fine art and decorative items, highlighted by Two Women, by the highly revered Willem de Kooning (1904- 1997). This oil on newsprint, laid on canvas, created in 1966, is estimated at $250,000-$350,000. Other noteworthy pieces include a 19th century Meissen Porcelain Figural Group, The Dance of the Horae (Estimate: $4,000-$6,000); Portrait of a Rabbi, attributed to Alexis Grimou (French, 1678-1733), estimated at $10,000-$20,000; and an American Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12, Gorham Company, Versailles Pattern, estimated at $8,000-$12,000.
With offices in New Braunfels, Texas, and New York City, Lark Mason Associates is a distinguished auction house specializing in Asian, ethnographic, and ancient works of art. Founded 0ver two decades ago by Lark Mason, who boasts extensive expertise garnered from years of experience at Sotheby’s New York, the firm offers comprehensive appraisal services and unparalleled insights into American, European, and Chinese art. Mason’s illustrious career includes roles as a General Appraiser and Senior Vice President at Sotheby’s, as well as serving as a consulting curator at the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas. Renowned for his appearances on the “Antiques Roadshow,” Mason is also the owner and CEO of iGavel Auctions, where Lark Mason Associates regularly hosts its auctions, including record-breaking sales that have garnered international acclaim. For further information, please visit Lark Mason Associates at www.larkmasonassociates.comor follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @larkmasonassoc.
Eva Jospin, a key figure in the art world, arrives at auction with one of her iconic works: a monumental forest of cardboard, her material of choice.
Eva Jospin (born 1975), Forest, 2014, collage of cut and reworked cardboard mounted on a wooden frame of five numbered panels, 2.80 x 4.50 m/9.18 x 14.76 feet. Starting price: €40,000
The visual artist seems to be everywhere at once with a packed schedule. This summer, she unveiled Chambre de soie (“Silk Room”), a monumental 350m2 embroidery in the Orangery at the Palace of Versailles, followed by the inauguration of a work in Ruinart’s new sculpture garden in Reims after the champagne-maker gave her carte blanche last year for its limited edition. The “Selva” exhibition is open until November 24 at the Fortuny Musem in parallel with the 60th Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art. In 2023, she won the “Femmes de la culture” award and was made an Officière de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Lastly, this autumn she arrives on the art market with a monumental forest, a special commission received in 2013 from property developer Ogic for its Boulogne-Billancourt headquarters. Ms. Jospin’s appearance at an auction will undoubtedly cause quite a stir, as it is still a rare event. LaGazette’s website lists only three results and Artnet’s just four. On June 28, Thierry de Maigret sold a forest at Drouot acquired in 2014 from the Suzanne Tarasieve Gallery in Paris. Although relatively small — 148 x 100 cm/58.26 x 39.37 in — it fetched €92,736. How high will bidders go this time?
An Ode to Slowness by Eva Jospin
On a visit to her studio, Ms. Jospin told us how good she felt there, as if swept along by a wave of creative energy. With help from an all-female team and machines that are usually associated with men — jigsaws, millers and cutters — she breathes life into a lowly, commonplace material that has been forgotten in the history of art: cardboard. She likes “the fact that it’s not a respected material. You can rip it up, start all over again and at the same time use a constraint to invent.” Cheap, plentiful, easily available and already recycled, there is nothing special about it. But in the 20th century, codes were broken and the door was opened to all shapes and materials. So cardboard, which is made from trees — there are rarely coincidences — was turned into monumental landscapes, caves from the depths of time, reinterpreted follies and deep forests. Ms. Jospin’s repetitive work is a kind of ode to slowness carried out in successive, built-up layers to create three-dimensional forms. The cardboard is cut up, trimmed and glued until trunks, branches, leaves and finally a whole lifelike forest emerges with corrugated edges forming a texture similar to tree bark and a color recalling wood. The only thing left is to take a walk inside the dense creation. The artist says her work is an invitation to shift the gaze: “It has not one side, but many.” There is never a human or animal presence in her creations. It is the viewer who silently wanders through them.
Into the Woods
For over a decade, Ms. Jospin has turned her fabulous, dreamlike worlds into Palladian architecture, such as the amazing 2016 Panorama in the Louvre’s Cour Carrée echoing the museum’s exhibition “Hubert Robert, A Visionary Painter” while building 18th-century-inspired follies or a majestic cenotaph in Montmajour Abbey’s minimalist volumes during the summer of 2020. She has assembled her dark forests, cut with tremendous precision, since 2009 and thinks she will never tire of them. They are what thrust her to the forefront of the art world. Many remember her installation for the Beaupassage access bottleneck on boulevard Raspail in Paris. Since then, the forest has been a central, if not recurring theme in her work. Ms. Jospin makes no claims to being an environmental artist. In her view, art should spark debate without being the main agent of change. However, the forest theme allows her to question our relationship with nature. She draws inspiration not only from her past, but also from the ideas conjured up by forests, which are safe havens, mysteries and the setting for many of our childhood fairy tales. Mixing mythical forests with those found in literature, she takes us into a world conducive to meditation, the search for knowledge and escape from the stress of everyday life, creating a fragile “ecosystem” that must not be touched other than with the eye.
Eva Jospin in 5 dates
2002 Graduates from Beaux-Arts de Paris
2010 The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature acquires a forest. First purchase by an institution.
2016 Panorama, an immersive installation in the Cour Carrée of the Louvre.
2016-2017 In residence at the Villa Médicis.
2024 Invited by the Palace of Versailles to exhibit Chambre de soie (105 m long) in the Orangerie.
Featured: Christmas belsnickles, Dresdens & other ornaments, Halloween candy containers and veggie people, Easter chicks, patriotic antiques, and spectacular Noah’s Ark with rare flocked animals
Erzgebirge Large Ark W/ Flocked Animals
VINELAND, N.J. – Wishes will be granted for many collectors on December 13th when the Bertoia family opens its auction-gallery doors to a stunning array of holiday antiques, from museum-quality German Christmas treasures to whimsical jack-o’-lanterns and endearing Easter bunnies. While the original plan had been to incorporate holiday antiques into Bertoia’s November 22-23 Annual Fall Auction, the abundance of exceptional holiday consignments entrusted to Bertoia’s for that sale made it abundantly clear that the specialty category should have its own dedicated event. As a result, a Friday, December 13 date was chosen for a separate auction exclusively devoted to premium-quality holiday antiques.
Once they view the bounteous selection of holiday collectibles that awaits them, auction guests will agree that too much of a good thing can be wonderful. The display rooms and showcases will be decked out in antique Christmas finery, with a fantastic assortment of German hand-painted belsnickles, figural candy containers, Santas in sleighs, charming Dresdens, shimmering glass ornaments, feather trees, games and playthings.
A Victorian-era classic, Schoenhut’s larger version of their “Christmas Morning” moving picture combines all of the visual imagery associated with an old-fashioned family Christmas. Its mechanical action causes each of the characters around the candlelit tree to engage in various activities. A little boy plays his new drum, while his older brother rides a rocking horse and their sister cuddles her doll. Grandpa rocks the baby on his knee while Mother tends to tree ornaments, and even Santa plays a cameo role, popping up to peek through the window. Sized 7.75 inches by 13.5 inches and in excellent condition, this wonderful Christmas antique by a revered Philadelphia toy manufacturer is estimated at $6,000-$9,000.
Nearly two dozen Christmas candy containers will cross the auction block, led by a gigantic blue-coat Santa with a fur beard. Standing 30 inches tall, the figure is laden with accessories, holding a feather tree in one hand, toting a basket of Christmas gifts attached to his belt, and more. In excellent condition, this piece was previously purchased in the saleroom at a Golden Glow of Christmas Past convention. Its auction estimate is $5,000-$8,000.
When Santa isn’t airborne in a sleigh over the North Pole, he can be seen crossing the tundra on a reindeer. That image is perfectly captured in a German candy container depicting Santa in a long red coat riding an antlered friend. The glass-eyed reindeer is every bit as charming and suitably-outfitted as his master, showing off a “jeweled” bridle and collar. Its body separates at the upper torso for candy retrieval. Graded in Excellent condition, this holiday duo is expected to sell for $2,500-$4,500.
Large and unusual, a 9-inch-long Santa-head lantern is very nicely molded and has an expressive face with ice-blue eyes and a partially-open mouth revealing “teeth. Its estimate is $1,500-$2,500. Another very attractive interpretation of Santa is captured in a large die-cut showing the holiday gift-giver with two children, holding a walking stick and standing on a snow mound. Measuring nearly 3ft tall and in VG to Excellent condition, this exceptional die-cut is capable of being suspended or displayed as a standee. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000
Some of the most outstanding of all Christmas artistry is seen in late-19th-century games. One of the premier manufacturers of that period was McLoughlin Bros. Bertoia’s December 13 auction features their circa-1899 production known as “Game Of Tobogganing At Christmas.” Reflecting its title, the imagery on the game box lid shows children rushing down a snowy hill on their toboggans while others collaborate to build a snowman. The set includes the game board, two spinners and two tokens. In VG to Excellent condition, it is entered with a $2,000-$4,000 estimate.
One of the auction’s top lots is a stunning Erzgebirge gondola-style Grande Noah’s Ark that was hand-constructed sometime between 1850 and 1860. It has a beautiful hand-painted frieze, pegged construction and carved lines on its hull to simulate curved planks. What makes it extra special is its assortment of 230 very rare hand-carved and flocked animals, birds and figures. It is one of only two such arks known to Bertoia’s with that many flocked animals, the other being on display at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. In excellent condition, this ultimate “Sunday toy” carries a $10,000-$15,000 auction estimate.
Skittles sets are always welcome at auctions of holiday antiques because there are so many crossover collectors who appreciate German artistry in its various forms. It will be hard for them to resist Lot 424, a skittles set consisting of a recumbent glass-eyed German shepherd with crossed paws, pricked ears and an alert expression. The handsome 22-inch-long canine safeguards a set of original hand-painted ninepins formed as figures of various animals and a clown. Measuring 22 inches long and in Excellent condition, it is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
The Halloween portion of the sale rivals any seen in past auctions conducted by Bertoia’s, and that’s quite an exciting prospect. Prepare to be treated, not tricked, by witches of various sizes, jack-o’-lanterns, devil heads, veggie people, noisemakers, richly-pictorial ephemera and so much more. Also, look for Easter bunnies, Thanksgiving turkeys and other holiday characters to take their turn in the spotlight.
A whimsical large-scale pumpkin vegetable man doubles as a candy container and lantern. Standing 11 inches high, it has a cabbage body, carrot legs and potato shoes. The head is capable of illuminating, as it is equipped with its original wire candle holder, while the body serves as a receptacle for sweets. The piece is in Excellent to Pristine condition and comes with provenance directly connected to the Bertoia family. It was formerly part of the Jeanne and Bill Bertoia collection and, because it has been so carefully preserved over the years, the Halloween rarity looks exactly as it did when first discovered in a house many decades ago. Estimate: $5,000-$8,000
Also worthy of mention is a Halloween candy container comprised of cloth-dressed witch, complete with pointed hat and broom, riding atop a black cat. The glass-eyed feline has a spring tail and its head is removable for access to candy. Standing 9.5 inches high and in Excellent condition, it comes to auction with a $3,000-$5,000.
Bertoia’s December 13 Holiday Exclusive Auction will take place at the company’s gallery located at 2141 DeMarco Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360, starting at 10 a.m. ET. Bid absentee, by phone, or live online through Bertoia Live or LiveAuctioneers. An open preview will be held daily during normal business hours the week prior to the sale. Preview privately by appointment only. For additional information on any item in the auction or to arrange for a private preview, please call +1 856-692-1881 or email [email protected]. Visit Bertoia’s website and online catalog to view all of the goodies awaiting collectors at their fun-filled pre-Christmas auction: Visit Bertoia’s website and online catalog to view all of the goodies in this fun-filled pre-Christmas auction: www.bertoiaauctions.com.
Michael Bertoia welcomes the opportunity to discuss the consignment of antique and vintage toys, trains, banks or holiday collectibles to future auctions, whether it is a single high-quality item or an entire collection. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Call +1 856-692-1881 or email [email protected].
Awe-inspiring six-day event features impeccably-curated and well-provenanced art objects, ancient coins, jewelry and historical arms and armor
Egyptian Bronze Head of a Pharaoh with Inlaid Eyes
HARWICH, U.K. – Britain’s TimeLine Auctions, the world’s foremost auctioneers of ancient art and antiquities, takes pride in announcing details of one of their largest-ever sales, a six-day event opening on Tuesday, November 26 and concluding on Sunday, December 1. This exciting auction welcomes the holiday season with an unprecedented, fully-curated array of rare and historically important objects, each notable for its quality and distinguished provenance. Bidders may participate worldwide through several bidding methods, including live at the gallery, by phone, absentee, or live online through a choice of several platforms. In addition to the generously illustrated online catalog, expertly-narrated, high-quality videos of many auction lots may be viewed on TimeLine Auctions’ website.
The mysterious traditions of Ancient Egypt are recalled in one of the auction’s premier lots, a bronze head of a pharaoh dating to the Third Intermediate Period, 21st-22nd Dynasty, circa 1069-900 BC. Crafted as a hollow-form mask with a reeded headdress, the face has later gold inlays on its inlaid eyes and eyebrows, as do the chin straps of the subject’s plaited “false beard.” Standing 10 5/8 inches inclusive of its stand, this mesmerizing artwork has a long trail of ownership that can be traced back to the 1960s, when it was part of a French family collection. In 2003, it appeared at an exhibition sale at Rennes Encheres (Bretagne); and 10 years later at Mansour Gallery in London. Most recently, it was held in successive UK private collections. It comes to auction with an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan and is estimated at £40,000-£60,000 ($50,510-$75,770).
An early Dynastic (IIIB, 2400-2340 BC) terracotta administrative cuneiform tablet is pillow-shaped and serves to record the owners or shepherds tending 146 sheep. The densely cuneiform text is etched into the tablet’s two broad faces and one edge, rendering a striking appearance. This fascinating relic was acquired from Laemmie Gallery in Los Angeles in the early 1970s and remained in the same hands until its 2011 auction at Bonhams, London. Later, it was part of a private central European collection. It now comes to auction at TimeLine with an £18,000-£24,000 ($22,730-$30,310) estimate.
Many of the most highly-prized relics of Ancient Rome will convey with an academic report from the renowned authority Dr Raffaele D’Amato. One such item is an extraordinarily beautiful life-size 2nd-3rd century AD Eastern Roman carved limestone bust depicts a Palmyrene lady of obvious wealth. Her wavy hair is enclosed by a loosely draped headdress held onto a low turban by a diadem with a high-relief ornament. Additionally, she wears attractive drop earrings and a necklace of graduated beads. The sculpture measures 19¾ inches (50cm,) inclusive of its custom stand, and weighs 29.95kg (66lbs). Since at least 1971, it was held in a private UK collection. In 2001, it was acquired from Rupert Wace Ancient Art in London and subsequently joined the collection of M R Davis of Bristol, England. The bust will be offered with a £10,000-£14,000 ($12,630-$17,680) estimate.
Also accompanied by a report from Dr D’Amato, a late Roman bronze oil lamp with a gryphon-form handle and stand dates to the 5th-7th century AD. It has a carinated body with an elongated nozzle emerging from a lotus flower on which sits a dolphin. It is further embellished with dove decorations and a Chi Rho symbol on both sides of its body. Its path of ownership can be traced to the German art market and subsequent private ownership in Europe from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Upon its later acquisition and ownership by descent, it passed to a UK private collection. The auction estimate is £30,000-£40,000 ($37,880-$50,510).
A large Roman bronze chariot fitting with an imago clipeata of a priest of Mithras was created in the late 3rd to early 4th century AD and presents as a facing bust of a mature man with a neatly trimmed beard and deep-set eyes. He wears a short-sleeved tunic and conical cap and holds an egg, the symbol of eternal time, in his left hand. The piece was previously with the famed J J Klejman, NYC, 1963; Gallery Six, NYC, 1991; and Christie’s, New York (December 11, 2014 auction, Lot #156, estimate: $50,000-$70,000). It is mounted on a custom-made display stand (total height: 9 5/8in or 24.5cm) and will transfer to the winning bidder with a report from Dr D’Amato. Estimate: £25,000-£35,000 ($31,570-$44,200)
A life-size Roman club from a statue of Hercules, 1st-2nd century AD, is formed as a hollow bronze shank with a domed end, detailed with a series of regularly-placed knop projections on piriform pads. Mounted on a custom display stand, it measures 21 5/8in (55cm). Its contemporary line of provenance begins with a North American collection in the 1990s, followed by European and British private ownership, most recently the collection of a London gentleman beginning in the 2000s. Backed by an academic report prepared by Dr D’Amato, it is expected to achieve a winning bid of £15,000-£20,000 ($18,940-$25,260).
The auction includes several exceptional artworks featuring female subjects. A stunning 14th century Byzantine fresco panel depicts three women, perhaps queens or wise virgins, wearing jeweled crowns and clothing richly decorated with precious stones and pearls. The painting is possibly a representation of the Last Judgment as mentioned in the Apocalypse (Chapter IV, Verse 4), or the wise virgins of the parable of Matthew, Chapter 25. The panel measures 15¾ inches by 15¾ inches (40cm x 40cm) and weighs 5.08kg (11lbs 3oz). A D’Amato report accompanies this auction lot which is estimated at £25,000-£35,000 ($31,570-$44,200).
A large and fittingly dramatic 2nd century AD Roman marble relief depicts a female tragedy theatre mask modeled in the half-round, with strongly delineated features and a sorrowful face with open mouth. Colossal heads of its type are consistent with components of great architecture seen in the temples and theatres of Roman Asia Minor. The auction example weighs a hefty 66lbs and might have served as a capital at the top of a column. This remarkable survivor comes with an academic report from Dr. D’Amato and is estimated at £8,000-£10,000 ($10,100-$12,630).
An outstanding example of Byzantine artistry, a 6th-7th century AD marble table top features a dished central panel bordered with 17 carved socket roundels, each having a figural or emblematic ornament, such as a peacock, lamb, goat, etc. It is further enhanced with depictions of ivy and other botanical details. The piece has a steel-reinforced backing and has been fitted with professionally-made lift-on wall brackets to enable its display. It measures 40 inches (102cm) in diameter and weighs 87kg (192lbs). Acquired in London in the early 2000s, it was later part of a North American collection, then passed into the hands of a London gentleman, also in the 2000s. With an academic report by Dr D’Amato, it is entered in the auction with a £25,000-£35,000 ($31,570-$44,200) estimate.
Deemed an “object of cultural” interest by the British Secretary of State’s Expert Adviser and officially recorded as such, the “Kingsworthy” Anglo-Saxon gilt-bronze Woden’s-head applique was created in the form of a hirsute male head with a horned helmet or mask. Its discoid eyes are accented by garnet (?) cloison inserts. This marvelous antiquity was discovered in Kingsworthy, Winchester, Hampshire, UK, in 2017, and has been widely published. TimeLine Auctions is pleased to include it as a featured highlight of the November 26 session and has assigned it a £12,000-£17,000 ($15,150-$21,470) estimate.
TimeLine’s Nov. 26-Dec. 1, 2024 auction will be held live at the company’s head office located at The Court House, 363 Main Rd., Harwich, Essex CO12 4DN, UK. All lots featured in TimeLine’s printed catalog will be auctioned during the Nov. 26 opening session. Internet bidders may pre-register online. Goods may be previewed in person at the gallery by prior arrangement only. Auction start time: 7am US Eastern time/12pm (midday) GMT. All remote forms of bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone (please book phone line 48 hours ahead of time) or live via the Internet through TimeLine’s bidding platform or LiveAuctioneers. TimeLine Auctions accepts payments in GBP and ships worldwide. Questions: call +44 7494 866514 or email Aaron Hammond at [email protected]. Website: https://timelineauctions.com.
