I’m happy because I didn’t buy much at auction this past weekend

Posted on September 14, 2015 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.

I bid at five auctions this past weekend hoping to buy a few items at reasonable prices. I’m happy to report that prices were strong, so I bought almost nothing. Happy, because if prices are strong, the market is good, and I love a good market.

Martin Brothers musicians, Leland Little lot #373

One lot was #373 at Leland Little’s Fall Catalogue Auction in Hillsborough, NC, on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Three Martin Brothers stoneware musicians (two in perfect condition, one restored) were estimated to sell for $2,000 – $4,000, but sold well beyond my budget, for $8,850, including buyer’s premium. For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Joseph Frances Kernan, Rago lot #2715

The day before, I got a bigger surprise at Rago’s Great Estates auction, Friday, September 11, 2015. I noticed a couple of interesting American Illustration paintings in the manner of Norman Rockwell. Both were by Joseph Francis Kernan, an artist I didn’t know very well, but whose work I admired. Lot #2714 carried a pre-sale estimate of $1,500 – $2,000 and sold for $11,875 after serious competitive bidding from two phone bidders. The same two bid the next lot, #2715, to $17,500, against a pre-sale estimate of $3,000 – $5,000. I was hoping to buy them at or below the low estimates. Goes to show you what I know.

Newcomb College scenic vase, Brunk lot #313

Brunk Auctions may or may not have sold a lovely, large (10¾”) Newcomb College vase for $9,600, including buyer’s premium. I say may or may not because I really don’t know. The pre-sale estimate was $4,000 – $8,000. Auction houses never permit reserves higher than the low estimates, so once the bidding reaches the low estimate, an item is supposed to be sold. The hammer price reached $8,000, so it certainly appeared to have sold, but it’s listed on liveauctioneers as “Lot passed. No bid history.” I assume there’s a good explanation, but as of the publication of this blog post, I don’t know it. I wrote directly to Andrew Brunk, the owner of Brunk Auctions, and he responded that he didn’t know of the problem. It was his understanding that the vase sold at auction for $9,600.

In the meantime, I’ll keep plugging away and get my fair share. Luckily I also have private sources for my goodies, so I hope to be outbid at every auction.

nyc-big-flea-9-2015 Our next show will be The Big Flea Market at Pier 94 in New York City, September 26-27. Last year was the first time for this show and it was good. The attendees were completely different than the established Pier Antique Show that takes place in November and March each year, making it a totally different experience.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so 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.

Warhol’s Famous Jews Stolen from L.A. Movie Studio and Replaced with Fakes

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Philip Chasen

On vacation this week, so I didn’t have the time to write an original post, but I did find the Warhol theft interesting. Click here to read the article from artnet.com.

No two French cameo vases are identical

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Pair of Gallé Magnolia floral vases

Take a careful look at the photo above. The pair of vases were made at the same time at the Gallé factory, but they’re not identical. If you look carefully, you can see small differences, like the detail within the central flower. The glass artists started with a prototype that was the standard to copy, most likely a stencil, but were given latitude to make minor changes, as they saw fit. Scrutinize the photo above and you’ll find other minor differences.

Pair of Le Verre Francais Orchidées vases

The two vases above, by Le Verre Français, were also made at the same time and display small differences. The easiest to see is the difference in height, but there are also differences in the decoration. The easiest ones to spot are the tips of the petals at the very top.

Cutting the pattern into the waxy resist used to cover the vase was all done by hand. Each time the artist repeated the design, he/she made slight changes to the decoration, so they were never identical.

Lalique vases can be identical because they were cast in molds. French cameo vases were not molded, except for blownout vases. Even those vases were not identical because the designs were carved by hand after being mold-blown. Small differences occurred during the process, making each one unique.

Handel and Tiffany lamps sell at Julia’s Summer Fine Art, Asian, & Antiques Auction, August 27, 2015

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Philip Chasen

James D. Julia, Inc. held a 4-day Summer Fine Art, Asian, & Antiques Auction, August 25-28, 2015. I’m only reporting on the lots that interest me, but you can view the entire sale by clicking the link in the fifth paragraph below. For this auction it was lot #3061, a Handel lamp, and #3327, a Tiffany Favrile lamp.

Handel 18″ diameter scenic table lamp, Julia lot #3061

Lot #3061 was a rare and really beautiful 18″ diameter scenic table lamp with a rocky stream and tree trunk base. It sold for $10,665, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $3,000 – $5,000. At one time, this was a $25,000 lamp, but since I’m not sure of today’s price, I dropped out as the underbidder. Reverse-painted lamps are difficult to photograph, but I know from experience that it’s much more beautiful in person.

Wheel-carved Tiffany Favrile lamp, Julia lot #3327

Lot #3327 was an interesting Tiffany Favrile table lamp, with two unusual features. First the base was matching glass (Favrile shades usually have bronze bases). Secondly the decoration on the shade was completely wheel-carved (engraved) by hand when the shade was cold. Favrile lamps are more commonly decorated by the gaffer when molten, frequently with wave decoration. It did have a couple of flaws — some original folds on the underside and an unsoldered arm on the fitter (which is easy to fix). Estimated to sell for $4,000 – $6,000, it realized $8,887.50, including buyer’s premium.

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

The chasenantiques.com mobile website is now live

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Philip Chasen

A screenshot of chasenantiques.com on my iPhone

I was listening to the business channel on the radio recently when the topic was the migration of business from desktop to mobile for companies like Facebook, Amazon, Google, etc. It didn’t take me much time to realize I was probably missing out on a significant percentage of web surfers. Since I didn’t do much shopping on my mobile telephone, the need wasn’t immediately obvious to me. The radio discussion galvanized my thinking into upgrading my site to display and function properly on iOS and Android devices.

The chasenantiques.com site is now live on mobile platforms. I would love for you to try it out and send me an email. philchasen@gmail.com. Please tell me if you like it. Is it easy to use? Have you found anything that isn’t working properly? Any suggestions? Please don’t be bashful. Let me know, even if you don’t know me personally. Your help is much appreciated.

This B&S Orchids vase is one of a number of great new items

In the meantime, I’ve been very busy buying and selling. I’ll try to list some of my new purchases this week, so please check my site often.

Big Tiffany & Co. surprise at Leslie Hindman’s Marketplace auction, August 19, 2015

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, Hindman lot # 390

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held a Marketplace auction on August 19 & 20, 2015. Included in the sale was a small, 3 3/8″ diameter, Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, lot # 390, with a pre-sale estimate of $150 to $250.

Prior to the auction, I received the following email from Mike Intihar, Hindman’s Decorative Arts specialist. “Philip, I hope your summer is treating you well and I would imagine you are busy packing for the Baltimore show. I am writing because of a lot in our Marketplace Auction next week which I am not sure you would be interested in. It is a Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, image attached. It came in with a small estate out of Evanston, Il., got overlooked and placed with a very low estimate of $150/250. I have not been able to find any good comparables for it but it is of a very good quality. As it is a Tiffany & Co. bowl, not Tiffany Studios or a piece of jewelry, I have been trying to figure out who would be interested in it. Let me know what you think, a link to our website page is below. Mike”.

tiffany&co-enam-bowl-2
I’m a Tiffany Studios expert, not a Tiffany & Co. expert, but I know quality when I see it, so I decided to bid up to $2,000. That’s a nice piece of change for a tiny bowl that I know very little about. Proves there’s still plenty to learn. The bowl sold for $52,500, including buyer’s premium. Goes to show you what I know. Obviously Mike didn’t have to worry. All it takes is two bidders to make an auction.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. To view just the listing for the Tiffany bowl, click on the first image above.

tiffany&co-enam-bowl-3

The results of the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 20-23, 2015

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Philip Chasen

There was a pretty good crowd at the opening on Thursday

It’s Saturday night as I begin to write this blog. The show has gone very well to this point. We did solid business each of the first three days of the show and are hoping to end with a bang, not a whimper. French glass and American lamps sold best.

Sunday afternoon in my booth

Saturday morning I gave a PowerPoint presentation on French cameo glass to the Open Salt Collectors of the Atlantic Region (OSCAR) and Central Atlantic Salt Collectors (CASC), which I think was well received.

We sold this beautiful Gallé blownout Fuchsia vase at the show

Attendance at the show has been steady and interest has been terrific. Lots of questions and lots of be-backs. Sales in our booth are well ahead of last year, but behind two years ago. 🙂

Update, Sunday 6 PM. The show has closed and Sunday was a bore. Attendance was off and interest was way down. We did make a couple of small sales to add to our fine show, so we’re more than pleased, but we did end with a whimper. 🙁

I asked around and got the following comments from fellow dealers. David Kozloff and Mark Meaders, general line dealers from Pittsburgh, PA, said “We’re satisfied, but it’s not like the old days.” Joe DelGuidice, general line dealer from Royal Oak, MI, told me “Not very well. Not like the usual. No retail, just dealer business.” Bizarre Bazaar of New York City commented “It was good. We’re happy we came back to exhibit. We haven’t been here for years. We’ll be back next year.” Matt Baer of Marvin Baer’s Ivory Tower, dealers in Asian antiques, Ridgewood, NJ, were pleased. “Sales were good. Traffic was steady throughout the show except Sunday. We did about the same as last year. The buyers were knowledgeable and interested. We thought the gate was up.” George Sorensen, French cameo glass dealer, Ham Lake, MN, was happy. “It was a good show. I did better than last year.” Steve Morrow, art glass dealer, Hedrick, IA, told me “It was another nice show. I did well with a knowledgeable crowd.” Ron and Robin Greenwald, decorative arts dealers, Cleveland, OH, said “We did fine. We were surprised that some things we thought would sell didn’t, but others we thought wouldn’t did.” Jack and Thea Ophir, Ophir Antiques, Tiffany dealers, Englewood, NJ, were disappointed. “We had a fair show. We sold a Majorelle salon set, a Tiffany lamp and a few Tiffany perfume bottles, but we didn’t do as well as last year.” John Atzbach, Russian arts dealer, Redmond, WA, commented “We did well, better than last year”. Finally three dealers who didn’t do well declined to comment, rather than have their names associated with negative comments.

Setting up at the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 18-19, 2015

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Setup was just beginning

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show begins today, August 20, 2015, as you read this post. Setup went smoothly and the booth looks great.

I just bought this large, killer B&S internally decorated vase with orchids

I was able to purchase several wonderful Daum, Gallé and B&S vases during setup, which I’ll have at the show. Early buying is one of the advantages of being an exhibitor, which sometimes can make up for a poor show.

Another of the wonderful items I purchased at the show

I’ve got my fingers crossed that the show will go well, but it’s not up to me. I did my best to gather the finest items. Now it’s up to the public. Tune in Monday for the show results.

On a sad note, I have to report two deaths. James (Jimmy) Roush, 70, and Sig Monroe, 77, both of cancer. They will be missed.

Our next show will be The Big Flea Market at Pier 94 in New York City, September 26-27. Last year was the first time for this show and it was good. The attendees were completely different than the established Pier Antique Show that takes place in November and March each year, making it a totally different experience.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show begins this Thursday, August 20, 2015

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Last year in our booth

The much anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show is finally upon us, opening to the public this Thursday at noon and continuing until Sunday at 6 PM. It’s one of the largest and best shows of the year. Think of it as the Miami Beach show of the summer. Both exhibitors and attendees come from all over the world, including Europe, South America and Japan. If you’re just a mere 3000 miles away, it’s not too far.

We’ll have this rare Daum Nancy Rooster vase at the show

There’s still plenty of time to make arrangements to visit the show. I like to use Hotwire for the best deals on hotels. I just checked a 3-day stay in the Baltimore Inner Harbor area (right by the show), starting on Thursday and departing on Sunday and found a 4-star boutique hotel for $73/night. It doesn’t get any better than that. So what’s your excuse?

You can even get a free ticket to the show by clicking on the image above. First locate the Enter promotional code, which you’ll find just above the Order Now button. Then enter the code PBSG15 in the box. Hit Apply and then register. You’ll receive one free ticket to the show.

Inside the National Aquarium

Some of you may remember the unrest in Baltimore a few months ago. You don’t have to be concerned as it’s totally quiet now and never was near the Inner Harbor in the first place. Be calm and you’ll enjoy the show and Baltimore. There are great restaurants, Harbor activities, street performers, stores, and the National Aquarium. Come to the show and let me know what you think.

Thursday’s post will be from the floor of the show and Monday’s will have the results. Tune in again.

A rare artifact from the 1902 restoration of the White House will be coming up for auction beginning September 17, 2015

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Philip Chasen

This monumental Daum vase with wild orchids, bees and spider webs was part of the collection I just purchased and sold

As a follow-up to Monday’s post on a great collection of French cameo glass that I purchased, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that a client bought the entire collection, which is also the bad news. It’s gone, so no one else can buy any of the items. Sorry.

The plinth from the Transverse Hall of the White House, possibly the only remaining piece of the White House interior as rebuilt after the War of 1812. Photo courtesy of RR Auction

Today’s blog is a link to a fascinating article from this Tuesday’s New York Times about a rare plinth recovered from the 1902 restoration of the White House. It will be coming up for sale at RR Auction beginning September 17, 2015. Click here to read the article in the New York Times. Click here to go directly to the auction listing.

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show will open to the public next week on Thursday, August 20th, at noon and will continue until Sunday, August 23 at 6 PM. If you haven’t made plans yet, there’s still time. I just checked hotwire.com and unbelievably there are 4½-star rooms in the Inner Harbor available for $85/night. Wow! The show is the best summer antique show in the entire United States, so it’s worth a trip from anywhere. Hope to see you there!

Philip Chasen Antiques

The blog for chasenantiques.com