Let me begin with a retraction and an apology to Alan Michaan of Michaan Auctions. In my blog of December 6, 2012, I falsely accused him of making it appear that some items that were bid up to or beyond the low estimate sold, but actually did not. After further checking of my facts, it appears that the auction house did no such thing. As is normal practice, items were bid up to an amount just below the reserve. Those items that were bid beyond that, actually did sell. It was never my intention to malign Mr. Michaan or Michaan Auctions. My opinion was based on the belief that the auction house had committed some unethical practices that did not actually occur.
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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.
Sotheby’s New York held their 20th Century decorative arts auctions on December 15, 2012. They were separated into two catalogs and sales, one immediately following the other. The first was a private collection sold as Masterworks by Tiffany Studios from the Geyer Family Collection, which grossed $2,871,126. Immediately following, the various owner Important Tiffany sale was held (Thursday’s blog).
Splendid Tiffany Studios Peony table lamp, Sothebys lot #226
The top lot of the sale was #226, a gorgeous Tiffany Studios Peony table lamp, on a rare Turtleback and Mosaic base. The final price of $746,500, including buyer’s premium, would seem to indicate the lamp did very well, but it sold below the estimate of $800,000 – $1,200,000. Perhaps the estimate was a little too optimistic, but at least the reserve was realistic.
Most items in the sale sold within or above the pre-sale estimates, but a few good lots sold below. It was a rare buying opportunity for astute buyers. I think some people will be kicking themselves in the near future, when they look back at the results.
Tiffany Studios Lily Pad table lamp, Sotheby’s lot #241
Lot #241 was an attractive Tiffany Studios 20″ diameter Lily Pad table lamp with a desirable Twisted Vine base. It sold well above its pre-sale estimate of $100,000 – $150,000, realizing $218,500.
Ultra rare Tiffany Studios Pine Needle clock/barometer, Sotheby’s lot #233
Tiffany Studios desk set items were well represented in the sale. The rarest single item was a combination clock/barometer in the Pine Needle pattern. Estimated to sell for $7,000 – 9,000, it soared to a final price of $21,250, the most I can recall for any individual Tiffany Studios desk set item ever at auction — not a surprising result, considering its rarity.
For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Geyer Family Collection results.
I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.
Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in
Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.
Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired
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.