I will do my best to publish a new post every Monday.
I missed the Rago Early 20th Century Design sale on January 20, 2022, because I was vacationing with my wife in St. Maarten. Someone has to do it. :>) Have you ever been there? It’s such a wonderful place. The beaches have the bluest, cleanest water and the island has world-class restaurants, plus gambling, plus it’s safe.
Where was I? Oh, the auction. It included a wide selection of American and European ceramics, glass, desk sets and lamps. Sales totaled $2,272,980.
This review will not include any of the ceramics.
The top lot of the sale was a decent, but not special, Tiffany 16″ diameter Peacock Feather table lamp, lot #298. It came on a rare, very nice base with inset, irregularly-shaped Turtleback tiles. It sold in the middle of its $75,000 – $95,000 estimate, realizing $106,250, including buyer’s premium. It probably would have done much better if it had been a purple example, rather than brown.
The sale included many desk sets from the collection of George Kemeny, the co-author of Tiffany Desk Treasures. Lot #321, a green Tiffany Furnaces desk set in the Art Deco pattern, sold best. It realized $8,125, against an estimate of $6,000 – $8,000.
I don’t understand the result for lot #358, a Gallé 9½” vase with painted daisies. It sold for $16,250, against an estimate of $2,400 – $3,500. What’s up with that? It was nice, but not special enough that it should have sold for $16,250. Sometimes two bidders with big egos clash. I like to say they have more cents than sense. The resulting silly price is a win for the consignor.
I finished writing this post before the Super Bowl, so here are my predictions. The Rams will win by enough to cover the spread. Odell Beckham, Jr. will do something spectacular. Some people say Joe Burrow is another Joe Namath, but I think he’ll have to wait for his ring. (I hope I don’t have to eat my words.)
Monday update: The Rams won, but not by enough to cover the spread. They might have if the referees had called a face mask penalty on the Bengals that led to a Bengals TD. Odell Beckham, Jr. was good before he was injured, but not spectacular. I’m ahead on my online bet even though I lost, because Draft Kings never deducted the bet from my account. Their screwup; my gain.
For the results of the sale, click here.Let me know what interests you, even if you don’t see it on my website. I’ve got lots of items that I haven’t listed yet and I know how to locate what you desire.
I listed some of the new items on my website and will list more every week. Click Philip Chasen Antiques to take a look. I will make every effort to actively list new items as often as time permits. 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.