Violano-Virtuoso is a coin-operated and self-playing violin and key-less piano, made by Mills Novelty Company. In the upcoming Coin-Op and Advertising Auction, Morphy Auctions displays an example of a bow-front Violano-Virtuoso. This instrument was fully repaired by Robert Loeffler and is made of oak with tiger striping on its cabinet. The auction house notes, “There are less than 20 of these majestic machines known today, and this one stands out as one of the best.”
Another highlighted item is an orchestrion from J.P. Seeburg Piano Company. Made in the “H” style, this piece has an artistic glass panel and is constructed with American oak. Other items, such as a Victor musical upright slot machine and a Roovers “Puss in Boots” fortuneteller, are available as well. For more information, visit Morphy Auctions.
Featured in the upcoming Carpets and Textiles online auction is a Persian Tabriz carpet. This rug was likely made in the city of Tabriz, one of the oldest rug weaving centers in present-day northwest Iran. It bears a pattern of flowers and hexagons in shades of brown, tan, and black.
Also showcased in this Stair Galleries auction is an Egyptian Ottoman Cairene prayer rug. The Cairene rug is believed to have been made in or near Cairo between the 15th and 18th centuries. It depicts two decorated columns and a hanging basket on a red background. A floral pattern edges the rug. Also in the sale is a modern French Jacquard-woven carpet and a framed Democratic Republic of the Congo painted bark cloth. A brown and tan Persian Heriz carpet and a red and maroon Thracian Kilim rug will be available as well. View the entire collection and place a bid by visiting Bidsquare.
In the upcoming Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments auction, a 1968 Rolex Daytona “Exotic” dial wristwatch can be found. This watch is nicknamed the “Paul Newman Rolex” after the actor’s wife bought him one as a gift. Purchased in 1970 or 1971, this watch has remained in the estate of the original owner until now. It features an engraved tachymeter bezel, a black tricolor dial, and a screw-back case. The accompanying oyster riveted bracelet was purchased separately from the original dial.
Also included in this Skinner auction is an 18-karat gold English watch from the Pulaski steamship, which sank in 1838. The 150 passengers of the ship included some of the wealthiest individuals of the time; only 59 survived. The wreck was discovered in 2017, leading to the recovery of many antique luxuries and artifacts. This open-face watch has retained much of its detail, including an original gilt or multicolored roman numeral dial. It also has a swing-out key-set movement and is stamped by the manufacturer on the back. To view these items and register to bid, visit Bidsquare.
Candlelight dominated the 18th century, particularly within the salons of the nobility. Brass was one of the widely-used alloys for Spanish candlesticks. One of the leading lots in the upcoming March Estate auction, to be presented by Leland Little, is a set of eight Spanish brass candlesticks. These items have screws on their bases with stylized paw feet. The tallest candlestick measures 12 inches high. This lot belongs to the Estate of the Late Phyllis J. Prather, owner of The Brass Lantern in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Another featured 18th-century lot is an English Chippendale mahogany chest of drawers. Designed with an applied molded edge, this piece has two side-by-side and three graduated drawers, all with applied cockbeading. The auction will also showcase a painting based on British landscape artist Samuel Scott’s Old London Bridge. This oil on copper work is presented with a period brass frame. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Invaluable
Roy Cross’ paintings and illustrations are known for their realistic portrayals of marine life. One of his works is featured on the first day of the upcoming Spring Sale, presented by Eldred’s. The oil on canvas piece is titled Constitution Captures Java 1812 and depicts the capture of the HMS Java during the Battle of Tamatave.
Antonio Nicolo is another highlighted maritime artist in the sale, specializing in steam vessels. The available Nicolo painting portrays the Dreadnought, an American clipper ship. Also featured is a Philadelphia needlework sampler by Rebecca F. Bishop. A total of four Biblical verses are surrounded by floral bouquets. The auction house describes the piece: “It depicts the Federal-style brick farmhouse within a landscape, with grazing sheep, rabbits, and birds, all symbols of prosperity.” View the complete catalog for this auction on Invaluable.
When Daniel Swarovski started his jewelry and accessory brand, he intended to create “a diamond for everyone.” Today, the company is owned by the fifth generation of his family. Known for luxury jewelry and collectible figurines, Swarovski designers increasingly incorporate materials such as gold and marble into their works. Featured in the upcoming Estate Jewelry, Art, and Collectibles auction is a crystal and gold Chinese dragon figurine. The limited-edition Swarovski piece was crafted in 2009 and is accented with shades of red and green. The dragon rests on white marble, carved to invoke swirling clouds. Other Swarovski items available in this sale, offered by Kodner Galleries, include both clear and colored crystal elephants and wild horses.
Another key item is from Cartier. The brand’s Panthère wristwatch first appeared in 1914, patterned with onyx and diamonds. Available in this auction is a signed Panthère watch with diamonds, enamel, and 18-karat yellow gold. A Rolex Datejust watch with a pink dial will be presented as well. Made in 1997, this watch has diamond hour markers and a self-winding automatic movement.
Beyond the jewelry items, this auction also includes over 100 lots of fine and decorative art. Leading these are two watercolor and ink works by Hong Kong artist Leung Kui Ting. Active since the 1960s, Leung explores the intersection of traditional Chinese ink painting and Western artistry. The offered works are titled Beyond the Vision and Abstract Composition, respectively. Both are seal-signed by the artist. Explore the full catalog for this auction and register to bid on Bidsquare.
In the upcoming Vintage Guitars & Musical Instruments Signature Auction, offered by Heritage Auctions, electric guitars are particularly highlighted. A selection of acoustic guitars and other items will be on offer as well. Featured is a Fender EVH Frankenstrat electric guitar. This instrument is a recreation of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar, produced by Fender’s custom shop under Van Halen’s “EVH” brand. Only 300 were built, 180 of which were available in the U.S. for $25,000 each. The instrument up for bid is all original as produced.
Another custom instrument available in the sale is an acoustic guitar, known as “The Owl,” made for Leo Kottke by Luthier Bozo Podunavac. Kottke is a well-known fingerpicking guitarist. The Owl is a 12-string acoustic guitar made with Indian rosewood, earning its name from the two eye-shaped sound-holes on its front. The sale also includes vintage instruments by makers such as Paul Reed Smith, Gibson, Vox, Nash, and others. View any of these lots and register to bid on Heritage Auctions.
Amoskeag Auction’s upcoming Auction No. 125 will present a selection of pistols, handguns, rifles, shotguns, and more. One key lot is a Winchester Model 1873 Deluxe rifle. According to the auction house, this piece remains in its original condition. It was shipped from its warehouse in 1888 and included features such as an octagon barrel, a plain trigger, and a checkered stock with a pistol grip.
A Smith & Wesson No. 2 six-inch barreled pistol with a volcanic lever-action magazine is also available. Smith & Wesson is particularly known for its long history, being in business since 1856. Another lot of interest is a Savage Model 1899 rifle. This item has engravings by Enoch Tue, the factory engraver for the Savage Arms Company. These engravings are detailed with a large walking bear, a walking bull moose, and two deer on the right. A mountainous background lies behind each animal. For more information on the available firearms, visit Amoskeag Auction.
Edmund Tarbell, a leading American Impressionist painter, began incorporating family members and horses into his paintings in 1892. These works used a blend of en plein air scenes of domesticity with portraiture and sporting art. Between 1895 and 1896, Tarbell created several paintings and pastels of his eldest daughter, Josephine, who became one of his most frequently-used models. An oil painting by Tarbell titled Josephine With Pony is highlighted in the upcoming March Major Estates Auction, presented by New Orleans Auction Gallery. This piece depicts Josephine in a voile pleated cotton dress, sitting on a small brown mare.
George Rodrigue’s painting titled Home Office Blues is also highlighted in the sale. In 1999, a New York advertising firm approached Rodrigue on behalf of Xerox, their client. Rodrigue was asked to create a series of paintings to promote the company’s new range of home office products. Rendered in blue and orange, the available piece shows Rodrigue’s signature Blue Dog sitting in an office chair, gazing at the viewer. Its image is also seen hanging on a wall calendar and coming out of a printer. Collectors can view a selection of antique rugs, jewelry, handbags, watches, and furniture as well. Visit New Orleans Auction Gallery to browse the full catalog and register to bid.
Edmund Coates was a 19th-century landscape artist who participated in the Hudson River School artistic movement. Coates is also known for his marine landscapes and historical paintings. The upcoming Country Americana Auction, presented by Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, offers an 1856 work by Coates. This oil on canvas painting possibly depicts Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. An American mahogany lolling chair from the early 19th century is among the available period furniture. Made in the Georgian style, this piece has straight legs and geometric structures. An Italian Pyrographic dowry chest and an American Architectural corner cupboard are also featured.
The use of decorative cases made of pasteboard, called bandboxes, started during the 1500s to store ruffled collars. These bandboxes were typically lined with newspaper on the inside and adorned with wallpaper on the exterior. Included in this sale are several Massachusetts and Americana bandboxes. Also showcased is a Navajo rug from the second half of the 20th century. Designed by Effie Williams, this rug has storm patterns and a serrated edge. Collectors can also find silverware, needlework samplers, portraits, and Staffordshire porcelain. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on Invaluable
