Some good results for French Cameo Glass at Brunk Auctions, November 16, 2013

Posted on November 18, 2013 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.

Brunk Auctions held a diverse sale November 15-16, 2013. Many of the Art Nouveau items were from the estate of Dr. Laurence and Dorothy Grossman, of Nashville, Tennessee. Included in that group was a nice selection of French cameo glass.

Rare Daum vase with applications, Brunk lot #692

Lot #692 was a rare Daum vase with martelé-carved, applied cabachons. This was a lovely, rare piece, with a butterfly and gilding, that ordinarily I would have aggressively gone after, but did not because of the significant wear to the gilding. This is a perfect example of how I act as a filter. If it’s good enough for me to buy, it’s good enough for you to buy, and vice versa. It wasn’t good enough for my inventory — close, but no cigar. Regardless, it sold for $6,600, including buyer’s premium — well above its estimate of $2,000 – $3,000.

Gallé clematis blownout vase, Brunk lot #678

A nice Gallé blownout vase with clematis flowers was offered as lot #678, with an estimate of $2,000 – $3,000. Even though the color was only decent, it still sold for almost triple its high estimate, realizing $9,120.

Tiffany Favrile padded and wheel-carved vase, Brunk lot #672

Brunk put a very low estimate of $1,000 – $2,000 on lot #672, a Tiffany Favrile padded and wheel-carved vase with pretty variegated pink flowers. The price flew past its estimate to sell for $8,400, even with a small chip to the interior of the rim.

For the complete catalog, click here. As of today, the results haven’t been posted, but they should be by the end of the week.

The NYC Pier Show will be held this coming weekend, November 23-24, 2013. The show is under new management, U.S. Antique Shows, which usually portends improvements. It will be our last show of the year, followed by the important Florida shows in January and February. We’re bringing some incredible new items, so don’t miss this show!

Fantastic Tiffany Favrile blue decorated vase, just in

Click here to view my 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

French cameo glass was on fire at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, Thursday, October 23, 2013

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Philip Chasen

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held their 20th Century Decorative Arts auction last Thursday, October 23, 2013, with some impressive results, especially for French cameo glass. Much of the French glass was consigned from the Adrienne Krumhorn Trust of Highland Park, Illinois. It was high quality, fresh-to-the-market, and estimated low — red meat for the lions. Even condition problems, which normally are kisses of death, did not deter buyers.

Gallé Crystallerie ewer, Hindman lot #1

The tone was set from the beginning, with lot #1, a 12½” Gallé ewer, with a cracked handle. It soared past its pre-sale estimate of $1,000-2,000 to sell for $8,125, including buyer’s premium of 25%.

Gallé rhododendron blownout vase, Hindman lot #8

Most of the French cameo glass lots at least doubled their high estimates, with many selling for much more. Lot #8 was a Gallé rhododendron blownout vase with a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-12,000. It wasn’t the best example, with only fair color. Regardless of my opinion, the lot doubled its high estimate to sell for $25,000.

Daum Dragonfly table lamp, Hindman lot #28A

The most important French cameo lot of the sale was #28A, a Daum lamp with applied and wheel-carved dragonflies. It had several problems — weak color, a missing dragonfly tail, reproduction hardware, and finally a shortened base. Never mind the problems, don’t get in the way of a moving freight train. This auction was hot and there was no stopping it. The lamp realized $47,500, approximately five times the high estimate of $9,000.

I haven’t raised my prices on French cameo glass, but if other auction houses start having similar results, I will. Let me know what interests you, before that happens. For the complete results of this exciting sale, click here.

Next month we’ll be working from home base, exhibiting at the NYC Pier Show, November 23-24, 2013. The show is under new management, U.S. Antique Shows, which usually portends improvements. It will be our last show of the year, followed by the important Florida shows in January and February.

Fantastic Tiffany Favrile blue decorated vase, just in

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Philip Chasen

There was a pretty good crowd forming 15 minutes before the show opened on Thursday

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair was held this past weekend, August 22-25, 2013, with generally good results. Attendance was moderate to good and relatively consistent over the four days of the show. No earthquakes or hurricanes this year, although that was a great year for sales.

My booth was crowded on Saturday afternoon

It’s been a few years since the Palm Beach Show Group took over ownership and promotion of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair from the previous owner. In that time, the quality of the show has gone up, as well as attendance and sales. Kudos to them for a job well done. They also own and promote the Palm Beach Antiques Show, so we added it to our winter schedule.

Fantastic Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, sold at the show

In asking around, the majority of dealer’s comments were favorable. Here they are, in no special order. A dealer in general antiques commented “OK, disappointing, but I’ll do it again.”; from another dealer in general antiques, “Very strong, with an enthusiastic audience”; a dealer in Art Nouveau ceramics said “We had a good show, the best first two days in a long time.”; and from a California dealer in general antiques, “Very solid. We should have this kind of show everywhere”. Not all California dealers fared as well — one who deals in general antiques commented “Not good.” A Midwest dealer in general antiques told me, “Great. I’m thrilled.”, while another general dealer from the Midwest commented “Excellent”. A Southern art glass dealer told me “Sold over 50 pieces. Best show we ever had.”; from a general dealer “Very mediocre.”; from a dealer in French and Asian antiques, “Excellent, exceeding last year. Many sales to Chinese and Russian clients.”; from a dealer in Austrian glass, ceramics and design, “Very good show. Pleasantly surprised. Strong sales.”, and finally an English dealer specializing in Chinese export porcelain didn’t make a single sale. Ugh! My heart goes out to him.

Super Schneider padded and wheel-carved Medallion vase, sold at the show

Personally our show was very strong, with sales best in, you guessed it if you read my blog, French glass. Other categories that were selling were American art glass, American art pottery, paintings, and Icart etchings. We did business every day, making the show enjoyable and interesting. We sold to buyers from everywhere, including Brazil, Japan, Russia and many US states. That makes two wonderful shows in a row and a great end to the summer. Business usually gets better the colder the weather, so here’s looking forward to a good autumn.

Don’t have any shows for several weeks, so I’ll be able to devote more time to updating my site. I hope to get 10-15 new items listed in the next week or so, including some important Tiffany, Daum, and Gallé vases. Please take a look. Then look for my totally redesigned website, with many changes and improvements, coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

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

Come to the Chicago Summer Antiques Show to see what’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Philip Chasen

This little Tiffany Favrile beauty makes my heart go pitter pat

I’ve got two important shows coming up this week and next, the Chicago Summer Antiques Show and the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair. I know important clients will be there, so I always try to come up with fresh delicacies (sounds delicious, no?). This week I was lucky enough to get into a private home with a wonderful collection of Tiffany Favrile glass. The owner has decided he’s gotten to the point in life where he’s now interested in selling. Good for me and good for you.

Another of the four fantastic Tiffany Favrile vases from a private collection

Each of the four Tiffany Favrile vases that came from this collection is better than the next. You’ll just have to visit me at my shows to see them all. I suspect they won’t last long.

French glass will be well represented at my shows. I’ll have some of the best Daum and Gallé vases I’ve ever had.

Truly outstanding Tiffany Studios 20″ Poppy table lamp

My selection of Tiffany Studios lamps will be second to none. An outstanding 20″ diameter Poppy leads the pack.

Beautiful Daum Nancy columbine vase, just in

This coming weekend, August 16-18, we’ll be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, for the first of our two shows, the Chicago Summer Antiques Show. If you can’t attend the Chicago show, make sure you make plans to come to the really great and huge Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013, the following week. It’s a show worth traveling to from anywhere in the world. Buyers fly in from all over the country, Canada, Europe and even Japan. How about two free tickets to the show with no strings attached? Click here to get them.

I’m in the process of having my website totally redesigned, with many changes and improvements. It’s coming in the next few weeks. Can’t wait to show you and get your reaction!

Wonderful Daum Nancy scenic blownout vase, in rare purple variation, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Some good results at James D. Julia’s Important Lamp & Glass Auction, June 19-20, 2013

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Philip Chasen

James D. Julia, Inc. held their Important Lamp & Glass Auction, June 19-20, 2013, with sales totaling over $2.1 million. The results were mixed, with some categories outperforming others.

Rare Pairpoint puffy owl table lamp, Julia’s lot #2086

A rare Pairpoint puffy owl table lamp, selling as lot #2086, sold above its high estimate of $60,000, reaching $77,025, including buyer’s premium. It was fresh to the market and only the eighth known example.

Gallé marquetry vase, Julia’s lot #2054

While French glass in general wasn’t strong at the sale, there were some items that did very well. Lot #2054 was a Gallé marquetry vase that was estimated to sell for $14,000 – $16,000. It handily exceeded its high estimate, to sell for $21,330, including buyer’s premium.

Fine Argy-Rousseau vase, The Apple Picker, Julia’s lot #2283

Julia’s offered a very nice selection of fine French pâte-de-verre items by Argy-Rousseau and A. Walter. Of this group, an Argy-Rousseau vase, The Apple Picker, did best. Selling as lot #2283, it easily exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $8,000 – $12,000, realizing $18,960.

Tiffany Studios Curtain Border chandelier, Julia’s lot #2481

The top Tiffany Studios lot of the sale was #2481, a 24″ diameter Curtain Border chandelier. It more than doubled its high estimate of $30,000, realizing $77,025.

For the complete results of session 2, click here. You will have to sign it to see the prices.

Gorgeous Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fabulous B&S mini vase with internally decorated flowers — just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Some results from Doyle New York’s Belle Epoque auction, June 5, 2013

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Philip Chasen

Doyle New York held its Belle Epoque auction yesterday, June 5, 2013. There weren’t many exciting lots, so the results were unremarkable.

Tiffany Studios 12-light lily table lamp, Doyle lot #512

Top lot in the art glass and lamps section of the sale went to #512, a Tiffany Studios 12-light lily lamp, which sold for $25,000, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $12,000-18,000. The price was strong, considering that four of the shades were reproduction and one of the shades was broken and glued. In addition, the switch was replaced, several of the sockets were replaced, several arms were loose and the lamp needed rewiring. It was not in “ready for primetime” shape. My guess is it sold to a dealer who has the wherewithal to put it back into tiptop shape. The patina was excellent, so it will be a primo lamp when it’s ready.

Monumental Galle dragonfly vase, Doyle lot #539.

Top lot of the French cameo glass section of the sale went to #539, a huge, 23¼”, Galle dragonfly vase. It sold within the estimate to reach $10,000, including buyer’s premium. Personally I didn’t bid aggressively because the size was too large for me, even though the subject matter was very good. I find it difficult to sell very large vases, as there are fewer collectors who have the room to display them.

Daum Nancy winter scenic table lamp, Doyle lot #544

Lot #544 was interesting. It was a very desirable Daum Nancy winter scenic table lamp. Ordinarily I would have been all over it, but there was significant damage to the lower rim of the shade (which you can see in the photo, on the right). I didn’t bid at all because of the problems. That didn’t stop other buyers who bid the lamp to $8,125, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $5,000 – $7,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here and then click the gray “view” below.

No shows until late July, when we will be in Denver. A fellow dealer convinced me to try the show again. She said the new promoters are good and filled the hall with buyers the last time, so we’ll give it one more shot. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call or write if you would like to buy, sell or trade.

Killer Daum Fall scenic vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Galle fuchsia blownout vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

U.S. Antique Shows buys three New York City antique shows from Stella Show Management

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Philip Chasen

The Pier show on a recent opening day

Irene Stella of Stella Show Management conceived of the idea of holding an antique show on New York City’s Hudson River, in a passenger ship terminal. The first few shows were so successful that management expanded the show to include two additional adjacent piers, and changed the name to the Triple Pier Antique Show. The demand from dealers to exhibit at the show was so great, that management further expanded the show to two consecutive weeks, twice a year. That went on for quite a while, until it was ultimately scaled back to one weekend, twice a year. Construction to some of the piers forced the show to be moved to the much larger Pier 94, just north of the original three piers, where it’s been successfully held for the last several years.

The line to get in was huge before a recent opening of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show

Fast forward to May 20, 2013, with simultaneous announcements from both Stella Show Management and U.S. Antique Shows, of the sale of three Stella New York antiques shows to U.S. Antique Shows, the promoter of the highly successful Original Miami Beach Antique Show. It marks the end of one era and the beginning of another in New York City antique shows.

A view of a section of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show

I’ve got mixed emotions. I’ve enjoyed working with the Stellas over the years, but also look forward to the changes new management will undoubtedly make. New blood is usually good for a show, e.g. the purchase of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show by the Palm Beach Show Group. They bought a good show and made it into one of the best shows in the country. Promotion of the show became job #1, which included a significant increase in the advertising budget. That was the start of a virtuous cycle where new buyers attended and new dealers were attracted. I wish U.S. Antique Shows, and its Director of Business Development, Andrea Canady, the same success with their new New York shows.

We’re back from our vacation/business trip, so that means two things. First, we have some great new French glass, which I’ve started to list on my website. The rest will be up within the next few days, so please check often. Second, I should have enough time to publish my blog twice a week, so check Mondays and Thursdays. We have no shows until late July, but please don’t hesitate to call or write. We’re always interested in buying, selling or trading.

Killer Daum Fall scenic vase, just in

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Gorgeous Galle fuchsia blownout vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

The almost complete results for The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, April 26-29, 2013

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Philip Chasen

We received many compliments

It’s Sunday afternoon as I write this blog. The show continues today until 6 PM, and then finishes tomorrow, Monday, at 3 PM. Monday is usually a complete washout, so I don’t see any reason to delay my post until Tuesday. If anything significant happens on Monday, you’ll hear about it on Thursday.

The show started last Thursday with a very well attended preview party. Amazingly, business was good at the party, but only to my existing clients. If there were no party, they would have made the same purchases the next day. Attendance was fairly light on Friday, as the party stole much of the thunder of opening day. It continued only at a moderate pace for the entire show.

Important Daum farm scenic vase, sold at the show

Personally, my show went well, but not as I would have guessed. My best client, who I had hoped would be a substantial buyer, bought nothing. Luckily, other clients stepped up to the plate, so we’re pleased with our results. As expected, most of the action was in French glass and Tiffany lamps and glass.

In asking around to a handful of dealers, I heard the following comments. An Art Nouveau dealer, new to the show, was very pleased with his results and is looking forward to next year’s show, while a Tiffany dealer, not new to the show, reported disappointing results. A majolica dealer said she had a good show. Among general dealers, one was very happy and another unhappy. A dealer in general merchandise and jewelry said he brought less this year, but sold more jewelry. An art dealer told he made only two sales and broke even. A silver dealer was pleased that his results were much better than last year, and finally a furniture/Americana dealer was very unhappy with his results. Overall I heard more good reports than bad.

Gorgeous Gallé fuchsia blownout vase, sold at the show

Many of the dealers at the show are up in arms about the proposed Navy Pier show by the Palm Beach Show Group. PBSG intends to hold a show the same weekend as the April, 2014, Merchandise Mart show. Not sure why PBSG wants to do that, as there isn’t enough buying power in Chicago to support two major antique shows at the same time. We’ll see what shakes out.

No shows until late July, but we’re still very much in business. Please don’t hesitate to call or write. We’re always interested in buying, selling or trading.

Fine Argy-Rousseau pate-de-verre moth paperweight, for sale at the show

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Tiffany Favrile blue decorated mini vase, for sale at the show

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.

The results of the Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair, April 18-21, 2013

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Philip Chasen

In front of our booth at the Thursday night preview party

You know I’m not a fan of preview parties, but the party at the Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair was one of the better ones. Some show promoters treat dealers as second-class citizens at preview parties, offering one little box of airline food for the evening. At the Botanic Gardens, the dealers were treated equally, with plenty of delicious food and drink for everyone. I even made a nice sale at the preview party — can you believe it?

Friday, 11:30 AM. Strange weather in Chicago. Lightning, thunderstorms, torrential rain, and cold on Wednesday — worked with a coat and gloves in a cold tent. Warm and rainy on Thursday — worked in a tent that was hot and humid, with all the showcases fogging up. Today, Friday — hailing, windy and cold — wearing a coat and freezing in the tent. The fire department shut the propane because of a leak. The wind is swirling and the tent is shaking violently at times. What fun! :>(

There was a big crowd early on Friday

OK, so much for the weather report. There’s a big crowd already, about 90% women, most of whom seem unknowledgeable. No sales yet, but that’s understandable, as unknowledgeable people rarely buy. Haven’t seen most of my Chicago clients yet, but I’m hopeful they’ll attend.

Friday, 3:00 PM. Thought it would get more crowded in the afternoon, but the opposite happened. It’s much quieter now. The heat was fixed and then it broke again. One small sale so far. Still have my coat on.

Friday, 5:00 PM. It’s been a trying day — one of the toughest we’ve had to endure at any show. It was very cold most of the day, where the chill gets into your bones. We made one additional medium sale, so we’re slowly chipping away at the results.

Saturday, 1 PM. It’s the first sunny day since we arrived and very pleasant in the tent. Lots of people here all day so far. Nice sale to one of my established clients. Sure would like to make a sale to a stranger.

Incredible Tiffany Favrile Cypriote vase, sold at the show

Saturday, 5 PM. Much thanks to my clients for showing up and making purchases. Even made a moderate sale to a new client. The show is now going well and hopefully will get better. Another important client is considering making a major purchase.

Sunday, 11:30 AM. The day is off to a slow start, but that’s to be expected on a Sunday. The show should have opened at 11 AM, not 10 AM. Jeanne Stella, you listening? Several naive inquiries will likely lead nowhere, but on the other hand, the weather is lovely and the tent is very comfortable.

Sunday, 2:20 PM. After a slow start today, it got really busy. Made a couple of sales to strangers, which was very gratifying. I’ll be surprised if anything happens between now and the end of the show, but hope springs eternal.

Sunday, 5:00 PM. The show is over and as I predicted, nothing happened from mid-afternoon to closing. It was a busy day, but not as remunerative as it should have been, based on the activity. Overall, the show went well. More sales to new clients would have made it better, but I’m not complaining.

In other news. The Palm Beach Show Group (who run the Palm Beach and Baltimore shows) has announced that it will be starting a new show in Chicago at the Navy Pier. Ordinarily I would be excited to hear such news, but not this time. They hope to run the show exactly the same week as the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show in April, 2014. Why choose that week, when there are 51 other weeks? There are rumors that this will be the last year for the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show, in which case it would make sense to run an important show in Chicago the same weekend. Other than that, it seems folly. I’ll try to get to the bottom of it.

Speaking of the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show, it’s this week! The show opens with a preview party on Thursday night, April 25th. It opens to the public on Friday, April 26th at 11 AM and continues until Monday, April 29th at 3 PM. It’s a great show and my favorite of the year. Make sure you attend. You won’t be disappointed!

Important Gallé vase with spider webs and wheel-carved leaves

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fine Argy-Rousseau pate-de-verre geometric vase

The Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair opens this Friday, April 19, 2013

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Philip Chasen

It’s been six months since we last exhibited in Chicago. We love the city and have many friends, so we’re excited to be coming back this week to exhibit at two shows, back to back. The first, the Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair, starts setting up on Wednesday and opens to the public on Friday, at 10 AM. It continues until Sunday, April 21st, at 5 PM. It’s located at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, in the beautiful village of Glencoe.

It seems a little strange to exhibit at a Garden Fair, but I’ve been assured that there are enough antiques dealers to call it an “Antiques and Garden Fair”. I hope it works out, especially because the Arlington Racetrack Antiques Show was cancelled. This show could be the perfect replacement. Stella Show Management always does a good job, so we’re confident the show well be well run. Now all we need is for the public to do their part. It would be our pleasure to make the show a permanent addition to our schedule. Click here for more information about the show.

Powerful Gallé blue/purple scenic vase

We’re bringing all the goodies we purchased on our recent, successful, European buying trip, as well as our beefed up selection of Tiffany Studios glass and lamps. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in our display. Please try to visit us. If not this week, then the following week at the fabulous Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair in downtown Chicago.

Important Gallé vase with spider webs and wheel-carved leaves

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fine Argy-Rousseau pate-de-verre geometric vase

Philip Chasen Antiques

The blog for chasenantiques.com

Category Archives: Daum Nancy

Some good results for French Cameo Glass at Brunk Auctions, November 16, 2013

French cameo glass was on fire at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, Thursday, October 23, 2013

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair, August 22-25, 2013

Come to the Chicago Summer Antiques Show to see what’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques

Some good results at James D. Julia’s Important Lamp & Glass Auction, June 19-20, 2013

Some results from Doyle New York’s Belle Epoque auction, June 5, 2013

U.S. Antique Shows buys three New York City antique shows from Stella Show Management

The almost complete results for The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, April 26-29, 2013

The results of the Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair, April 18-21, 2013

The Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair opens this Friday, April 19, 2013