My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.
Many of the utility poles on my street are down and awaiting repair
I’ve been so preoccupied with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, that I haven’t had time to focus on business. Before I get to that, here’s a brief update. As of Wednesday night, we haven’t had power in my neighborhood for nine days (and none is expected until Monday, November 12th). LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) says that over 140,000 homes are still without power. We’re in the middle of another storm right this minute, which will probably cause more damage. Gas lines are getting longer, not shorter. It’s been pretty tough here for many people.
Back to business. Christie’s New York held a successful two-day 500 Years Decorative Arts Europe auction on October 17-18, 2012, with gross sales of $4,280,225. Included in the sale was a fantastic one-owner collection of French cameo glass, much of which was purchased as recently as one year ago at auctions in New York City. I find it curious that the collection was for sale so soon after purchasing some of it. Since I believe the owner(s) are still alive, my best guess is that the collection was sold as part of a divorce (but that’s wild speculation on my part).
A rare 21″ Gallé parrot vase, Christie’s lot #326
The top French cameo glass lot of the sale was #326, a rare, large Gallé vase with parrot decoration. Estimated to sell for $40,000 – $60,000, it realized $47,500, including buyer’s premium, toward the low end. Most of the vases in the sale had low estimates, but not this one. I imagine it was because the buyer paid a record price for it at Christie’s December 8, 2009 auction, where it sold for an astonishing $104,500. $47,500 was a much more realistic price. Here’s the link to my original blog about the sale. December 9, 2009 blog.
Wonderful Daum fall scenic vase, Christie’s lot #325
The second best-selling French cameo glass vase was a truly gorgeous fall scenic by Daum, sold as lot #325. Most Daum fall scenics are beautiful, but this one was both exceptional and large (18½”). It sold for $26,500, against a pre-sale estimate of $7,000 – $9,000 — over triple the low estimate. I really wanted to buy this vase, but the price was too strong for a dealer. Another Daum fall scenic vase, lot #324, almost as nice, sold for $25,000.
Fine Gallé plum blownout vase, Christie’s lot #347
A very attractive Gallé mold-blown plum vase, lot #347, was the fourth strongest French cameo glass lot of the sale. Against an estimate of $5,000 – $7,000, it sold for $21,250 — too rich for a dealer, but not for a collector.
For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Christie’s 500 Years Decorative Arts Europe results.
The NYC Pier Antiques Show will be held November 17 & 18, 2012
The big, important NYC Pier Antiques Show is coming next weekend, November 17th-18th. If you haven’t made your travel plans yet, there’s still time. This is one show you shouldn’t miss. You can knock off two birds with one stone — see the show and enjoy the Big Apple!
Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired
Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased. I recently listed over 25 new items. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.
I’ll have this rare, special Tiffany Studios red decorated Favrile vase for sale at the NYC Pier Antiques Show
Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.