Inaugural Richmond, Virginia Sale Achieves $1,847,631 with 94% of Lots Sold

Richmond, Virginia, 9 November 2019–It seemed entirely fitting that the top lot at Brunk Auctions’ inaugural Richmond sale was a very rare Southern Chippendale walnut cellarette. With its scalloped skirts, cabriole legs, and Spanish feet, this late 18th century Piedmont, North Carolina bottle case greatly appealed to buyers and inspired lively bidding before capturing a final total of $46,740. In nearly tripling its presale estimate of $12,000-$18,000, the sale of this iconic form continued Brunk Auctions’ tradition of presenting fine American and Southern Furniture and firmly established the auction house in the newest of its locations across the Southeast.

It was near standing room only at the lovely Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden venue with enthusiastic bidding across many categories. With strong results for Coins and Currency, Fine Art, Jewelry, and American Furniture and an auction total of $1,847,631 with a 94% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions’ début was everything they’d hoped for. The only thing missing from the Richmond auction—and the cellarette—was a bottle of celebratory bubbly.

Fine examples of Coins and Currency, American Furniture, Fine Art, and Jewelry claimed the best results across a variety of categories of sale. The Coins and Currency department posted a 100% sell through rate and the highest department total for the sale. Notable results included the 1799 and 1803 U.S. Ten Dollar Gold Coins which sold for $28,160 and a Group of Eight Draped Bust Silver Dollars, which more than doubled its presale estimate of $10,000-$12,000, selling for a total of $27,060. Thirteen Twentieth Century Gold Double Eagle Coins generated enthusiasm among bidders on the floor, phones, and internet and finished at a $23,370 total.

A 5.87ct. Round Brilliant Loose Diamond held the top lot of the Jewelry category, achieving a $29,520 final total. An 18kt 4.28ct Oval Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring realized $25,600 and a Platinum and Diamond Ring sold for $20,910.

European Fine Art highlights included The Day’s Bag, by John Sargent Noble, which achieved $46,740 and Cry of the Wild Boar, by Charles Olivier de Penne, which realized $38,400. Bridging American and European Fine Art was In the Slips, Two Black and White Greyhounds, by Maud Earl, which achieved $29,520, as well as a fine example of Mauritz Frederick Hendrick De Haas’ work, Gloucester Harbor, which finished at a $19,680 final total.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “we were happy to have received such a warm welcome in Richmond and were very pleased with a solid sale with good results across numerous categories. We look forward to connecting more with new faces and old friends as we continue to bring the best to Richmond.”

With a 94% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions posted strong results and looks forward to following up on its success for both collectors and consignors, inviting potential consignments at all our locations for Emporium and Premier auctions in 2020. Visit us in Asheville, Nashville, and Richmond, or online at https://www.brunkauctions.com