A Thomas Webb & Sons English cameo covered jar led the way at Hindman’s 20th Century Decorative Arts sale, May 1, 2015

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.


Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held a 20th Century Decorative Arts sale on May 1, 2015. The offerings weren’t strong, but mixed in were some special items. As expected, they did well.

Superb Thomas Webb & Sons cameo jar, Hindman's lot #25

Superb Thomas Webb & Sons cameo jar, Hindman’s lot #25

Leading the way was a huge, 11½” tall, English cameo covered jar by Thomas Webb & Sons, with elaborate and exquisite carving. Mike Intihar, Hindman’s Senior Specialist, expected it to sell at or slightly above the high estimate of $50,000, but it performed much better. High quality items that are fresh to the market are a good bet to do well and this jar did not disappoint. It had not been for sale to the public since it was sold by Leo Kaplan Ltd. in New York in 1986. The public liked what it saw and bid it to $158,500, including buyer’s premium — a stupendous result almost three times what it was expected to fetch.

Tiffany Studios Empire Jewel table lamp, Hindman lot #144

Tiffany Studios Empire Jewel table lamp, Hindman lot #144

A rare, but unattractive (to my eyes), Tiffany Studios Empire Jewel table lamp sold for the low estimate of $40,000, ($50,000 with buyer’s premium). It was very elaborate, with opalescent jewels and hundreds of tiny pieces of glass. Technically it was marvelous, but drab in person, especially the puce/gray/purple background. On the other hand it was authentic, large (22″ diameter), rare, yada yada yada. Attractive it wasn’t. Had the bidders asked me, I would have told them to save their money, but they never did. Whaaat??? (Said aloud, with emphasis.)

Fake Daum vase, Hindman lot #15

Fake Daum vase, Hindman lot #15

Surprisingly a couple of reproduction Daum vases, lots 14 and 15, slipped into the sale. The public knew better so neither vase sold.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.


We’re off to Paris this week, so the chances of a Thursday post are 50/50. We’re sure to come up with some goodies, so keep an eye on my site for the latest additions. No shows until July, when we’ll be in Denver for the Denver World Wide Antique Show, at the Denver Mart, EXPO Building, 451 East 58th Avenue, July 24-26, 2015. I’ll always be in touch, so please don’t hesitate to email or call.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

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