Harry Houdini’s death-defying mystery was advertised with a vibrantly colored lithograph depicting Houdini in his famous Milk Can escape in 1908. This one-sheet color stone lithograph by Houdini (also known as Erik Weisz) (1874 – 1926), printed in Cincinnati & New York by Russell-Morgan Litho., is a leading lot in Potter & Potter Auctions’ Select Secrets sale. This is a rare copy, just one of perhaps five examples extant. Houdini is portrayed crouched down inside the galvanized metal container with water pouring down over his body. A vignette at the lower left shows the can in its locked state before Houdini’s death-defying escape. Houdini debuted the Milk Can in St. Louis in 1908 in a bathing suit after the galvanized container had been filled with water by his assistants. Sealed in by an inspection committee from the audience, Houdini, chest heaving and breathless but still very much alive, would step out triumphant every time.
A rare half-sheet stone lithograph depicting Howard Thurston and Harry Kellar side-by-side is another notable lot in the sale. Thurston was presented Kellar’s “Mantle of Magic,” a sort of royal honor that could be bestowed from one magician to the next with Mephistopheles looking on at Ford’s Theatre in Baltimore in 1908. Although a fantasy, this gesture captured the American public’s imagination in the early 20th century. A fairy tale ceremony disguised Kellar’s hard-fought business transactions with his successor Thurston, shown as an Asian prince. This image of the “new” magician became an important part of magical history. View the complete catalog of the Select Secrets auction and register to bid by visiting Potter & Potter Auctions.
American artist Howard Finster was a Baptist minister from Georgia. He claimed he had visions since the age of three and that God inspired him to spread the gospel. He designed his marshy land into a folk art sculpture space called Paradise Garden with over 46,000 works. His paintings mostly illustrate verses from Bible and are colorful, flat planes without perspective. Early Paradise Garden, one such Biblical depiction by Finster, is a key highlight of the upcoming sale from Potter & Potter Auctions. The unframed enamel on Masonite painting is an early significant piece from his sculpture garden, before he began numbering them. Some of his works are displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Milwaukee Museum of Art.
Another notable work in the catalog is Elizabeth Catlett’s linocut titled I Am the Black Woman. First created in 1946, this linocut was printed in 1989. It is signed and captioned by the artist on the lower margin. The sculptor and graphic artist is celebrated for her portrayal of the Black American community, especially emphasizing women’s experiences in the 20th century. Visit Potter & Potter Auctions to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Contemporary, Outsider, Folk, and Fine Art auction.
The national mint of Mexico, La Casa de Moneda de México, is the oldest mint in the Americas. Set up in 1535 by the Spanish viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, it was originally built on Moctezuma’s Casa Denegrida. The Mint produced gold currency in denominations ranging from two pesos to 50. A 1922 set of six gold coins highlights the upcoming sale, offered by Gold Standard Auctions. It includes a two pesos coin depicting the national symbol and the coat of arms of Mexico on the obverse. The emblem portrays a golden eagle perched on a cactus, eating a rattlesnake. The reverse side illustrates the denomination flanked by a wreath. Another rare lot is an uncirculated 1924 US gold $20 double eagle. The ones produced from 1907 to 1933 are called the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, named after the sculptor-designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The coin is counted among the most beautiful pieces produced by the United States Mint.
A 1993 Canada $50 gold choice proof also leads the listings. A proof coin is prepared with a supremely polished planchet, struck by a specially-prepared die. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Dec 1st Denver Director Coin Auction, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.
The upcoming sale at Freeman’s will offer over 100 lots of American works, including several Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings. Leading the catalog is Henry Koerner’s oil on canvas painting titled The Station. A prolific painter, Koerner was regarded as one of the leading figures in Magical Realism. Although Koerner’s characters, objects, and places are inspired by reality, his scenes are purely imaginary. His paintings depict friends, family, and neighbors, as well as homeless people. A consistent thread of anxiety is woven throughout Koerner’s works in his use of scale. There is an inherent tension and ambiguity in The Station, capturing the essence of the artist’s best compositions. Portrait of Renata Tebaldi is another notable work by the artist in the catalog. In this painting, the soprano Renata Tebaldi is portrayed in a rose garden.
Additional lots of interest in this auction include an oil painting titled Wading in Shallow Water by Martha Walter. The artist was known for her Impressionistic artwork of beaches, portraits, and landscapes. Walter was a frequent painter of plein-air works. Interested collectors can also consider works by Fern Isabel Coppedge, Robert Spencer, and others. Visit Freeman’s to view the complete American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists auction catalog and to place a bid.
The Campanella Collection of Original Works by Thomas Hart Benton is an upcoming sale available from Circle Auction. The event offers more than a hundred paintings and sketches by American Regionalist artist Thomas Hart Benton. Leading the sale is Wyoming Hay, painted between 1963-64 by Benton. It is an oil on board grisaille study also featured as an illustration in Matthew Baigell’s book Thomas Hart Benton (Harry Abrams, New York, 1974, image 208). The painting is housed in a fine-glazed silver-leaf frame. Thomas Hart Benton (Missouri, 1889 – 1975) grew up in a politically affluent family. His career, however, took an unexpected turn towards art. Good or bad, he never shied away from politically and socially controversial topics. His paintings feature reformers, women and men, working against segregation and poverty. His paintings are progressive and reform-oriented, representing Indiana’s history.
Another striking painting by Thomas Hart Benton available in this auction is Character Study of an Old Woman. It is a 1926 oil on canvas. Benton journeyed through the country with his pencil and brush to an eagerly responsive public. His atmospheric drawings and paintings, with their swinging rhythms and spirited compositions, demonstrated the real artistic vitality of American life, like the offered paintings. View the complete catalog of The Campanella Collection of Original Works by Thomas Hart Benton and find other online auctions by visiting Bidsquare.
Rago’s upcoming Watches auction will present over 50 lots of luxury timepieces from Harry Winston, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and others. Two watches from Harry Winston lead the catalog. A ‘Midnight’ pink gold automatic wristwatch is among them. This minimalist piece includes an 18-karat rose gold 39mm case with a brown leather strap. The champagne dial features the Harry Winston logo at the noon position. Also offered from Harry Winston is an ‘Avenue Classic Diamond’ wristwatch with an 18-karat white gold case. Round-cut diamonds are set in the case, as well as within the silver dial.
Other notable lots in this Watches auction include a ‘Golden Bridge Miss’ rose gold and diamond wristwatch from Swiss luxury watchmaker Corum. This unusual example features an exposed movement and no dial. Instead, the watch’s inner workings are visible beneath a bridge-shaped case set with diamonds. Additional lots of interest include a Rolex ‘Submariner’ wristwatch with yellow gold and steel, a Grand Seiko ‘Hi-Beat 36000 GMT’ titanium wristwatch, and a Bulgari stainless steel and rose gold wristwatch emblazoned with the brand’s logo around the dial. For more information, and register to bid, visit Rago’s website.
A 4.10-carat emerald-cut diamond ring will lead the upcoming Annual Christmas Stroll Auction, offered by Rafael Osona Auctions. The diamond in focus has I color and VVS1 clarity, according to its GIA report. The emerald-cut diamond is flanked by two baguette diamonds. A Georg Jensen and Edvard Kindt-Larsen 18-karat yellow gold link bracelet, signed by Georg Jensen, is also a leading lot. Edvard Kindt-Larsen (1901 – 1982), an architect from Denmark, produced a wide range of work in cooperation with his wife, Tove Kindt-Larsen. The couple shared an astute sense of quality that coincided with the taste of the day. For this bracelet, they collaborated with renowned silversmith Georg Jensen.
Another top lot is Robert Stark Jr.’s oil on Masonite painting titled Red-Sailed Catboat Rounding Brant Point, Nantucket. It is signed on the lower right corner and molded in a gilt frame with a carved rope border. Robert Stark Jr. (1933 – 2014) worked principally in oil on canvas or panel. Stark was best known for coastal scenes that feature an iconic red-sailed catboat. The aerial perspective and concealment of visible brushstrokes characterize his artworks. His red-sailed catboat paintings evoke tranquility and calm. Additional fine art offerings include works by Antonio Jacobsen, Harry J. Sunter, Isabelle Hollister Tuttle, Anne Ramsdell Congdon, and many others. View the complete catalog of the Annual Christmas Stroll Auction and find other online auctions by visiting Bidsquare.
For several decades in the past, diamond cutters had been envisaging a brilliant cut that displays every minute facet of the stone in the best possible fashion. The invention of the bruting machine towards the end of the 19th century made it possible to carve a round cut. Soon these diamonds became extremely popular in designing engagement and wedding rings. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky’s thesis outlined the ideal ways a round cut shape could maximize brilliance. The upcoming sale from Bid Global International Auctioneers LLC features one such round cut piece, weighing 10.51 carats. It is GIA graded and has a bright sparkle. Most round diamonds today have 58 facets, reflecting light from numerous angles. Two natural fancy colored diamonds also lead the listings. One is a pear-cut intense yellow piece, weighing 1.00 carat, whereas the other is deep brownish orange, weighing 2.03 carats.
Another key highlight is a cushion-cut diamond of a yellow brown hue, weighing 2.02 carats. The cushion shape is a blend of round brilliant cut and a classic facet style. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Live Cyber Monday No Reserve Investment Diamonds sale, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, an English children’s novel by Lewis Carroll (1832 – 1898) was first published in November 1865. The book details the story of a young girl named Alice and her adventures after falling down a rabbit hole. This classic book has never been out of print and has been translated into 174 languages. A rare first-published English edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with 42 illustrations by John Tenniel is available in the upcoming Potter & Potter Auctions sale. The cover is a full crushed red levant ruled in gilt, and the spines have six compartments with raised bands and gilt decorations. The first edition of the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is also available. Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There was published in 1872 and has 50 illustrations by John Tenniel.
A unique prototype celestial globe featuring characters and objects from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass is available as well. Manufactured by Greaves & Thomas, the globe has illustrations of Mad Hatter with his teapot, Fish Footmen, Mock Turtle, White Knight on his horse, Tweedledee, and more. The gores on the globe were hand-painted in watercolor. Other notable lots include the “Original Alice’s” own copy of Nabokov’s first rare Russian translation of Alice and Salvador Dalí’s illustrated Alice, as well as related comics, toys, and more. Visit Potter & Potter Auctions to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Lewis Carroll and Alice: The Collection of Stephen and Nancy Farber sale.
NY Elizabeth’s upcoming early December handbag sale features 140 Dolce & Gabbana bags. Founded in 1985, the Italian luxury fashion house produces ready-to-wear clothes in addition to its handbags, accessories, and eyewear. Among the leading lots is a black and gold shoulder purse. Featuring a black velvet base, the bag is covered in crystals and gold charms. It includes a 60-inch gold chain strap. Another notable purse in the sale is a red fur brocade and crystal Vanda model bag. The piece features gold hardware and various charms along the 87-inch strap
A wide variety of styles and materials are represented in this auction. Bidders can consider a black leather and raffia bag with a puffy, “pebbled” effect. Native to tropical regions of Africa, raffia fibers are used in mats, baskets, attire, footwear, and more. In the available bag, the raffia fibers have been twisted into small pom-poms, which together form a striped pattern in cream, brown, and black. Another handbag that utilizes raffia fibers is a Dolce & Gabbana Vanda Carretto purse. This example features woven raffia fibers, a leather strap, and colorful hardware. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full 2347 | Dolce & Gabbana Handbag Collection catalog and find other online auctions.
