Excellent results at Sotheby’s New York Tiffany: Dreaming in Glass auction, December 17, 2014

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Philip Chasen

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 its Tiffany: Dreaming in Glass auction yesterday, December 17, 2014 with total sales of $6,585,875. 36 of the 41 lots offered sold, for an average of $182,941. Most of the Tiffany lamps sold near or above their high estimates.

Tiffany Wisteria table lamp, Sotheby’s lot #216

Leading the sale were two nearly identical Tiffany Wisteria table lamps, selling for $1,145,000 and $1,205,000, respectively. Both were outstanding examples.

Tiffany table lamp, Sotheby’s lot #218

The third best-selling lot of the sale was a Tiffany 22″ diameter Drop-Head Dragonfly table lamp with a vividly colored shade and an important mosaic and turtleback glass base. The lamp sold for $965,000, against a pre-sale estimate of $600,000 — $900,000.

Tiffany Poppy paperweight vase, Sotheby’s lot #207

The top lot of the glass section of the sale was #207, a paperweight vase with Poppy decoration. It sold for $87,500, easily exceeding its high estimate of $50,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

I won’t cover Christie’s Tiffany Studios auction of December 9, 2014. It was too depressing. I can’t begin to explain why Sotheby’s did so much better than Christie’s, but they did. You’re on your own for Christie’s results.

I’ll be spending the next five weeks looking for treasures to bring to Florida for our southern circuit. So far the buying has been great, so look for lots of new goodies to be listed on my website soon. The Florida shows begin with the Miami National Antiques Show on January 24, 2015.

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.

Newcomb College pottery sells well at Waddington’s Decorative Arts auction, December 9, 2014

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Waddington’s of Toronto, Canada, held a Decorative Arts auction on December 9, 2014. Included in the sale were two very nice Newcomb College scenic vases, estimated very reasonably. I had hoped to sneak up on them, since Newcomb College pottery seemed out of place in Toronto, but I was wrong. The vases sold very well so I was unable to buy them.

Newcomb College scenic vase, Waddington lot #126

First up was lot #126, a tall (11″), inverted trumpet, Newcomb College scenic vase, decorated by Anna Frances Simpson in 1912. It exceeded its high estimate of $3,500, realizing CAD 5,060, (USD 4,419).

Newcomb College scenic vase, Waddington lot #127

Lot #127 was an unusual scenic with tall pine trees, also by Anna Frances Simpson, 8½” tall. This was an earlier transitional example from 1909. (Early Newcomb vases were high glaze and later vases were matte glaze.) It was estimated to sell for $2,000—3,000, but more than doubled it’s high estimate to realize CAD 9,000, (USD 7,858) including buyer’s premium.

For the complete catalog, click here. As of the writing of this blog post, the results have not yet been posted to their website.

I’ll be spending the next month and a half looking for treasures to bring to Florida for our southern circuit. The Florida shows begin with the Miami National Antiques Show on January 24, 2015.

A Tiffany Studios Border Peony floor lamp led the way at Heritage’s Tiffany, Lalique & Art Glass auction, November 21, 2014

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Tiffany Studios Border Peony floor lamp, Heritage lot #60031

Heritage Auction held its Tiffany, Lalique & Art Glass auction on November 21, 2014, with gross sales of $1,441,233. Leading the way was a Tiffany Studios Border Peony floor lamp, Heritage lot #60031. It sold for $143,000, including buyer’s premium — about the mid-point of the pre-sale estimate of $100,000 – $150,000. The lamp was part of the Weider Health and Fitness Collection from Los Angeles, purchased in the 1970s.

R. Lalique Le Jour et la Nuit clock, Heritage lot #60229

R. Lalique sold well, with lot #60229 being the top selling lot of the group, and the second highest selling lot of the sale. However, it’s final price of $47,000 was below its low estimate of $60,000. Other lots did better, such as #60217, a purple Borromée vase selling for $46,875, near its high estimate of $50,000.

Daum Nancy Rain scenic table lamp, Heritage lot #60138

The top lot of the French cameo glass section of the sale was a pretty Daum Nancy Rain scenic table lamp. Selling as lot #60138, it too sold near the mid-point of its pre-sale estimate of $35,000 – $45,000, realizing $43,750.

For the complete catalog, click here. You will have to sign in (free) for the results.

I’ll be spending the next month and a half looking for treasures to bring to Florida for our southern circuit. The Florida shows begin with the Miami National Antiques Show on January 24, 2015.

Louis Comfort Tiffany-designed necklace to be auctioned by Heritage Auctions on December 9, 2014

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Louis Comfort Tiffany necklace, Heritage lot #54124

Most people are aware that Tiffany Studios made lamps and many people know they made other items, including glassware and desk sets. But I suspect if you were to ask someone if Louis Comfort Tiffany designed jewelry, the answer would probably be “I don’t know.” or “No.”. Well, he did, and Heritage Auctions will sell a lovely example on December 9th. Lot #54124 in the Holiday Fine Jewelry Signature Auction is an amethyst, enamel and gold necklace, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, for sale at his father’s store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, Tiffany & Co. The necklace features a 35 carat amethyst, enhanced by several smaller amethysts, set in 18k gold, with enameled leaves and suspended by an 18k gold chain. It is marked Tiffany & Co.

Enamel detail

The pre-sale estimate is $30,000 – $50,000. In most auctions, the reserve is kept secret, but in this case Heritage revealed the reserve of $20,000. That means as soon as the bidding hits $20,000, the item is sold. It can stop at $20,000 or sky’s the limit. Anything less than $20,000 will mean the item will go unsold. It’s provenance will certainly help. It’s been passed down through three generations of New York women.

It will be on public view in NYC at the Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion on E. 79th St. for several days prior to the sale. I’m curious to see what happens as I specialize in the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, but never his jewelry. I’ll let you know after the sale.

For the complete catalog, click here.

I’ll be spending the next month and a half looking for treasures to bring to Florida for our southern circuit. The Florida shows begin with the Miami National Antiques Show on January 24, 2015.

Mixed results at Julia’s Important Lamp & Glass auction, November 12-13, 2014

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Philip Chasen

James D. Julia, Inc. held their Important Lamp & Glass auction on November 12-13, 2014, with total sales exceeding $1.5 million. Some categories showed significant strength, including Loetz glass, art glass shades and French glass.

Fine silver overlay Loetz vase, Julia’s lot #2005

The sale started strongly with Loetz glass. This section of the sale was led by lot #2005, a beautifully decorated, silver overlay, vase. It sold near its high estimate of $12,000, realizing $13,035, including buyer’s premium. More than a few vases sold over $5,000 and over or near their high estimates.

Rare Quezal decorated shade, Julia’s lot #2334

From a very hot market in art glass shades 7-10 years ago, the market went into its Rip Van Winkle period, asleep for many years. Now it appears that Mr. Winkle may have awoken. Lot #2334 was a beautiful, rare, Quezal shade with green and gold pulled decoration. Estimated to sell for $600 – $900, it soared to $5,628.75, including buyer’s premium — almost 10 times it’s low estimate. This shade may have been the highlight of the art glass shade section of the sale, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. Many shades sold well above their high estimates.

Daum Nancy Rain lamp, Julia’s lot #3269

French glass sold well, led by lot #3269, a Daum Nancy Rain scenic lamp. It sold near its high estimate of $30,000, realizing $36,735. More than a few items sold near or above their high estimates.

The Tiffany glass and lamps section of the sale was not ebullient, but I think it was mainly due to aggressive estimates and reserves, many of which ventured into the retail price area. Everyone wants to feel like they’re in the game, so low estimates and reserves always generate the most activity, excitement, and high prices. But that requires a gamble on the part of the consignor and unfortunately, not many consignors are gamblers. It’s the bane of the auction business — trying to get fresh, high-quality items, at reasonable estimates and reserves.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. You will have to sign in (free) to see the results.

I’ll be spending the next month and a half looking for treasures to bring to Florida for our southern circuit. The Florida shows begin with the Miami National Antiques Show on January 24, 2015.

Good results at Rago Auction’s Early 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction, October 18, 2014

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Rago Auctions held their Early 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction on October 18, 2014, with some good results, led by items from Newcomb College and Emile Gallé.

Newcomb College five-tile frieze, Rago lot #99

Top lot of the sale was a tie between lot 99, a five-tile Newcomb College frieze and lot 286, a Gallé lamp. Each went out the door at $81,250. That price was below the low estimate of $75,000 for the Newcomb tiles, but above the high estimate of $60,000 for the Gallé lamp.

Rare Gallé lamp, Rago lot #286

Tiffany Studios 22″ Drop-Head Dragonfly floor lamp, Rago lot #312

Several Tiffany Studios lamps were sold, mostly low-end. The exception was a Tiffany Studios 22″ Drop-Head Dragonfly floor lamp, consigned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The color was only fair and there were a few minor condition issues, but the lamp still sold near the low estimate of $60,000, realizing $68,750, including buyer’s premium.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Our first show of four in a row will be held next weekend in New Jersey at the Morristown Armory, November 1-2. Then we travel to Chicago for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, followed by the Kansas City Antiques Expo, ending up back at the Pier in NYC for the usual November show. Remember to check my website for the latest items and keep reading my blog. We’ll spend a lot of time finding some great new items for our November circuit.

Click here to view our new website and look around. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Science fiction led the way at Heritage’s Illustration Art Signature Auction, October 17-18, 2014

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Heritage Auctions held its Illustration Art Signature Auction on October 17-18, 2014. Included in the sale was original art from the Norman Jacobs Starlog collection — a monthly science fiction magazine — which met with an enthusiastic response. Usually the works of Gil Elvgren top the auction, but this time it was science fiction.

Robert Theodore McCall painting, Earth Orbit 98, Heritage lot #72019

Lot #72019 was a huge (6′), 1977, acrylic on canvas painting by Robert Theodore McCall, entitled Earth Orbit 98. It led the sale with a final price of $245,000, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $200,000 – $250,000 — just below the low estimate. (Remember the estimate does not include the buyer’s premium.)

Chesley Bonestell Beginning of the World (The Earth is Born), Heritage lot #72004

The result for the second best lot, #72004, was a big surprise. Chesley Bonestell’s Beginning of the World (The Earth is Born), a mixed media on board painting, flew past its pre-sale estimate of $15,000 – $25,000, to realize a stunning $197,000. The painting had been used for the December 8, 1952 cover of LIFE Magazine, which no doubt added to the enthusiasm.

Gil Elvgren What a View!, Heritage lot #72113

12 examples of Gil Elvgren’s art were sold in the sale, with lot #72113 leading the way. The 1957 painting, entitled What a View!, was used as a calendar illustration for Brown & Bigelow. It sold for $68,750, against a pre-sale estimate of $40,000 – $60,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. You will be required to sign in (free) to see the results.

Some good results at Freeman’s English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts sale, October 7, 2014

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Freeman’s of Philadelphia, PA held its English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts sale on October 7, 2014. Included in the sale was a section entitled 20th Century Design including Fine Daum, Gallé & Loetz Glass, fresh from estates, with very conservative estimates and reserves. That’s always a combination that bodes well.

Daum Bird & Frog vase, Freeman's lot #430

Daum Blackbird & Frog vase, Freeman’s lot #430

Top lot of this group was a Daum Blackbird & Frog vase. It flew past its pre-sale estimate of $2,000 – $4,000 to realize $16,250 (buyer’s premium included). While that may seem like a good result, the identical vase sold at Bonham’s New York in December, 2012 for $43,750 (against a pre-sale estimate of $15,000 – $20,000). What explains the difference? In my opinion, two people got carried away at Bonham’s in 2012. $43,750 for this vase just sounds over the top.

Rare Loetz Black Bottom vase, Freeman’s lot #460

Lot # 460 was a small (4″ tall), but rare, Loetz Black Bottom vase, estimated to sell for $1,500 – $2,500. I tried to buy it, but couldn’t when the price went into retail territory. The final result was $8,960 (buyer’s premium included).

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

No shows until November, when we have four in a row. We’ll start in New Jersey at the Morristown Armory, then travel to Chicago for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, followed by the Kansas City Antiques Expo, ending up back at the Pier in NYC for the usual November show. Remember to check my website for the latest items and keep reading my blog. We’ll spend a lot of time finding some great new items for our November circuit.

Tiffany Studios lamps sell well at Doyle’s Belle Epoque sale, September 23, 2014

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Doyle New York held its Belle Epoque sale on September 23, 2014. Included in the sale were several Tiffany Studios lamps, which performed well as a group.

Tiffany Studios Dragonfly table lamp, Doyle lot #533

Top lot of the sale was a Tiffany Studios 20″ diameter Dragonfly table lamp, deaccessioned by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. With impeccable provenance, and a beautiful shade, the lamp did not disappoint. Selling as lot #533, it realized $87,500 (including buyer’s premium), against a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-$70,000.

Rare Tiffany Studios Fern table lamp, Doyle lot #525

While the result for lot #533 could have easily been predicted, the result for lot #525 was completely unexpected. It was a small Tiffany Studios table lamp with a rare Fern base and a 10″ diameter Pine Needle shade, totally damaged. It was expected to sell in the $1,200-$1,800 range, but sold for $31,250 — about 14 times the high estimate. So what was the deal? I spoke to the successful bidder, a collector/dealer, who answered, “When was the last time you saw this base for sale?” It was very rare and he was determined to buy it, no matter what. I imagine he’ll replace the shade with a top-notch Favrile glass shade.

For the rest of the Tiffany lamps and the complete results of the sale, first click here and then choose the September 23, 2014 Belle Epoque sale from the drop-down menu.

Some good results at Cottone’s Fine Art & Antique auction, September 26-27, 2014

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Tiffany Studios Angel of Resurrection window, Cottone lot #504

Cottone’s held their Fine Art & Antique auction this past weekend, September 26-27, 2014, with some good results. Top lot of the sale was a Tiffany Studios memorial window, Angel of Resurrection from the Church of the Redeemer in upstate Newark, NY. It exceeded its high estimate of $60,000 to realize $71,300, including buyer’s premium.

Tiffany Studios Poppy table lamp, Cottone lot #502

The second highest lot of the sale was another Tiffany Studios item – a 17″ diameter Poppy table lamp. Fresh to the market, the estimate seemed fair, $60,000-$80,000, especially with an important blownout base. To my surprise, it sold for the low estimate of $60,000, plus buyer’s premium ($69,000). Sounded like a deal to me.

Martin Brothers bird, Cottone lot #539

Martin Brothers birds continued on a decade’s-long flight up. A 10″ bird with lots of character (and some damage) soared past its pre-sale estimate of $7,000-$10,000 to realize $60,950.

There were bargains to be had, but unfortunately I was asleep at the switch. I was so preoccupied with the antique show this past weekend that the auction totally slipped my mind. Too bad, because I could have bought some fine items at reasonable prices. For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Philip Chasen Antiques

The blog for chasenantiques.com

Category Archives: Auctions

Excellent results at Sotheby’s New York Tiffany: Dreaming in Glass auction, December 17, 2014

Newcomb College pottery sells well at Waddington’s Decorative Arts auction, December 9, 2014

A Tiffany Studios Border Peony floor lamp led the way at Heritage’s Tiffany, Lalique & Art Glass auction, November 21, 2014

Louis Comfort Tiffany-designed necklace to be auctioned by Heritage Auctions on December 9, 2014

Mixed results at Julia’s Important Lamp & Glass auction, November 12-13, 2014

Good results at Rago Auction’s Early 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction, October 18, 2014

Science fiction led the way at Heritage’s Illustration Art Signature Auction, October 17-18, 2014

Some good results at Freeman’s English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts sale, October 7, 2014

Tiffany Studios lamps sell well at Doyle’s Belle Epoque sale, September 23, 2014

Some good results at Cottone’s Fine Art & Antique auction, September 26-27, 2014