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.

---

Skinner Boston held their 20th Century Design auction this past Saturday, December 5, 2015. The sale wasn’t one of their best, with a weak selection of offerings, but there were still some interesting results. A fair number of items did not sell, while too many others sold for less than $1,000.

One of the best results was lot # 250, a large Rookwood scenic vellum plaque, 10″ x 14″ + frame. The good result was especially interesting as the market for Rookwood has been soft for years. The subject was a nighttime seascape, painted by Sturgis Lawrence in 1902. The pre-sale estimate was low at $1,500 – $2,500, but the result was still a surprise — $14,760, including buyer’s premium.

18 lots of Dedham pottery were offered. The vases did well, while the plates floundered. The best of the group was lot #76, a 9″ Art Nouveau vase decorated with a nude. It sold well beyond its high estimate of $2,500, realizing $10,455, including buyer’s premium.

The best Tiffany Studios lamp in the sale, lot #318, a 22″ diameter Daffodil, did not sell, probably because the estimate was too aggressive at $100,000 – $150,000. $60,000 – $90,000 would have been more appropriate and probably would have resulted in a sale. Auction houses continually struggle with consignors to lower their estimates and reserves, but often the consignors win the battle, but lose the war, when their items don’t sell.

For the complete results of the sale click here.

---

I’ve been quite busy buying and selling recently, partly because I’ve listed many new items on my website. I will continue to list more daily. Please click here to take a look.

We’re still very much in business between shows, especially since there are fewer shows nowadays. Please don’t hesitate to email or call. 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.