The results of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, January 30 – February 3, 2015

Posted on February 4, 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.

The opening day crowd was huge with almost 1000 people on line

Yesterday, February 3, 2015, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show finished its 5-day run. The crowds were smaller than usual, but included many serious buyers. (At least that’s the way I perceived it.) Most dealers I spoke to did well, but there were some disappointments.

There were lots of sold stickers at Best of France

Following are comments from dealers I know personally. It is not a representative cross-section of the dealers at the show. Jack Papadinis, Jack Pap Antiques, West Simsbury, CT, a dealer in 20th Century lighting & decorative accessories, commented “Overall it was a quieter pre-show and show, compared to last year. I sold more expensive items pre-show to other dealers. The crowd was somewhat lackluster, however several customers made the show profitable.” Butler & Butler, Sarasota, FL, 19th Century general dealers, were quite enthusiastic. “It was one of our best Miami Beach shows. We restocked our stand several times.” Ron Greenwald, Greenwald Antiques, Cleveland, OH, general dealers, was equally ebullient. “Strong. The energy was great. Saw old and new customers. We sold up to the last minute.” Xavier Eury, Nancy, France, French cameo glass dealer, was pleased. “My show was pretty good. Most of my clients were South American.” Dean Lowry, Dean Lowry Antiques, Gulfport, FL, lamp dealer, told me “It was a good show. Traffic was down, but we picked up several new clients. Business was down from last year, but we were still satisfied.” Jack Ophir, Ophir Antiques, Englewood, NJ, 20th Century decorative arts dealer, remarked “We had a very nice show. We sold good Art Nouveau lamps and objects, including a Loie Fuller lamp by Raoul Larche and an important vase by Camille Fauré.” Bill Holland, hollandarts.com, West Chester, PA, dealing in the works of Louis Icart and Louis Tiffany, commented “Quality items sold. Low-end items not as much. I did about the same as last year. I was happy with the show.” Rick Kaplan, Rick & Robert Kaplan Antiques, Palm Springs, CA, general dealers, seemed pleased. “We did well — pretty much the same as last year, which was good.” And lastly Larry Zinzi, Lawrence J. Zinzi Antiques, Bronx, NY, general dealer specializing in the works of Louis Tiffany, was disappointed. “It was fair. Europeans didn’t show because the euro was weak. The Tiffany market is still good. I sold four lamps, but business was down from last year.”

We sold this lovely Gallé table lamp at the show

Personally I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven. After a fabulous show at the Miami National (Airport) Show last week, we did very well at this show — much better than last year. Business to the general public was better than last week, but sales to my private clients was down. French cameo glass continued on fiyah! (that’s fire for those who need translation). I cannot think of another show, ever, where more cameo glass was sold, not just by me, but by all the dealers.

Next year the show returns to its usual starting day of Thursday and that’s a good thing. The show will move to the Washington Ave. side of the building, halls A & B, while renovations are underway to the west side of the building. I suggest to you dealers who missed the Miami Airport Show the week before that you reconsider for next year. There were a lot of smiling faces at the end of that one.

This week we’ll be in Naples, Florida for the Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show. It will be our first time there and we’re expecting good things (especially after the good business in Miami). We visited last year and were pleased with what we saw, so we decided to give it a shot this year. If we do well, we’ll be back next year. If not, we’ll vacation, as we’ve done in the past.

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.

What’s new at Chasen Antiques? Part III

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Philip Chasen

This outstanding 18″ tall Gallé is fresh from a Florida collection

I’ve always been an active buyer and seller of French cameo glass. Recently I bought a collection in Florida, as well as many items in various locations. I’ve now got four Gallé lamps for sale. Usually I don’t even have one.

Galle Fuchsia vase, just in

Gallé blownout vases are highly collectible and desirable. The Fuchsia example above is one of four different, beautiful blownout models I have for sale.

Gorgeous Burgun & Schverer Bleeding hearts vase

Do you have any idea how much work went into the making of a single Burgun & Schverer internally decorated vase? I’ll tell you. First the gaffer (glass blower) blew the undecorated vase. When cold (24-48 hours later), the vase went to a decorator who hand-painted the flowers, branches and leaves with glass enamel paint. Then into the kiln to melt and fuse the design to the vase. At that point, the decoration was on the outside of the vase. It then went back to the gaffer to be reheated and covered with a layer of clear glass. The technique is called paperweight (because the decoration becomes internal). It was difficult, as well as time and labor-intensive. Many of the vases cracked during cooling. If it survived, 24-48 hours later, the cold vase was sent to a decorator who covered the vase with a waxy resist, hand-carved the leaf, branch and top rim icicles and then sent it for a hydrofluoric acid bath to etch the design. After washing and drying, the vase was heated to melt off the remainder of the waxy resist. Then off to an engraver who hand-carved the details in the flowers and leaves and the martelé flourishes in the background. Not finished yet. Then back to another decorator who hand-painted the gilded details in the veins of the flowers and the top rim. At this point the gold was black, so off to the kiln for still another firing. After cooling, (24-48 hours), out came a piece of art, with internal flowers, incredible workmanship, and shiny gold details, ready for sale. How long would you guess that took, by how many artisans? My best guess is two weeks of work and up to ten very talented glass artisans. I hope next time you look at an internally decorated B&S vase, you’ll have a different appreciation. The example pictured above was recently purchased. It’s gorgeous, with outstanding work and a rare, beautiful rose-red background.

Striking Daum Nancy Marine pillow vase

Lastly I’d like to mention that I’ve been able to acquire several outstanding Daum vases, including the marine scenic example pictured above. Please take the time to look over the various offerings I’ve listed on my website. I tried to picture most of the examples I have for sale, but they’re not all there. Time doesn’t permit me to picture everything. Either you can ask me for something specific or best of all, come to see me at one of my shows in Florida. You won’t be disappointed!

I can’t believe it. By the middle of next week, we’ll be in Miami setting up the Miami National Antiques Show (the Airport show) and by Saturday we’ll be open to the public for business. If you plan on going to the big Miami Beach show the following week, you should consider coming a few days early to visit this one. You’ll get first crack at some of the following week’s merchandise (and out of the cold!).

What’s new at Chasen Antiques?

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Our five-show-Southern-circuit is around the corner, with the first starting in Miami on January 24th. This is the time of year when I scour the earth to find treasures. I’ve been a busy boy. There’s always luck involved and this year it’s been good. A large proportion of my new items are from private estates. Following is a sampling. I suggest you check out my website where I’ve listed some of them, but there are many I haven’t yet listed. Call 516-922-2090, or send an email by clicking here, if you’re looking for something specific. (Remember to answer the simple anti-spam question at the bottom of the form or your email will not be sent.) Thursday’s post will be part II of What’s New at Chasen Antiques.

Rare Tiffany Favrile yellow vase

Tiffany Favrile glass is one area where I’ve purchased some very fine items, including a rare yellow vase, pictured above, a black millifiori vase, a turquoise decorated mini vase, a hearts & vines vase, a red-orange vase and several other outstanding examples.

Fine, rare Tiffany Favrile Artichoke pottery vase

I don’t get many Tiffany Favrile pottery vases because they’re even rarer than Tiffany Favrile glass. I just bought a wonderful, big (11″), artichoke example with a great glaze.

Natzler Tiger Eye Reduction Glaze vase

Another item I rarely get is Natzler pottery. If you don’t know, it’s mid-century and the best quality. This example has a great Tiger Eye Reduction glaze, with the original stickers, including the original price. A very cool item!

I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg. Look for more this Thursday. In the meantime, please check my website. I think you’ll like what you see.

I’ll be spending the next three weeks looking for still more treasures to bring to Florida for our southern circuit. Wish me luck!

French Cameo and Tiffany Favrile Glass shine at Grogan’s The June Auction, June 8, 2014

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Grogan and Company held their sale entitled The June Auction on June 8, 2014. Included in the sale were several art glass lots by Daum Nancy, Emile Gallé, and Tiffany Studios. The exceptional results are detailed below.

Tiffany red decorated vase, Grogan lot #496

The better art glass started with lot #496, a red decorated Tiffany Favrile vase. Red is the cat’s meow when it comes to Tiffany and the result did not disappoint. The vase sold for $18,000, against a pre-sale estimate of $2,000 – $3,000.

Daum Nancy Violets bowl, Grogan lot #557

The Tiffany vase was followed by lot #557, a huge, 16″ long, Daum Nancy Violets bowl. It more than doubled its high estimate of $4,000, realizing $10,200, including buyer’s premium.

Gallé padded and wheel-carved vase, Grogan lot #615

Lot #615 was a sophisticated Gallé vase with an applied cabochon, wheel-carved, with internal foil, and a second, tear-like, application. The decoration was undersea with wheel-carved scallop shells. To my eye, the workmanship was outstanding, but the artistry a failure. Luckily for the consignor, the buyer did not ask my opinion. It sold for $15,600, against a pre-sale estimate of $5,000 – $10,000.

Gallé wheel-carved flacon, Grogan lot #620

Lot #620 was a gem — an important Gallé perfume bottle, in the original leather case, with a mixed-metal top, made for the Paris Exposition of 1889. This was really a museum-quality object. Estimated to sell for $5,000 – $10,000, it went out the door at $19,200.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

This fabulous Gallé plum blownout vase just arrived

It’s spring, so there are no shows, but we’re still very much in business. 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.

Prices were nuts at Woody Auction’s The late Dr. Ernest Rieger Collection sale, March 20, 2014

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Philip Chasen

Woody Auction held a sale, The late Dr. Ernest Rieger Collection, on March 20, 2014, with superb results. Bidding throughout the sale was fiercely competitive, with multiple bidders vying for the “fresh meat”. Dr. Rieger had put together a varied and high quality collection and it was put up at auction with no reserves, or estimates, on any item. They were going to sell for whatever the market would bear, and the great results bore out that modus operandi. I tried to buy many items, but was outbid on most everything. But I’m not complaining, as it means the market is healthy.

Fantastic Tiffany Favrile vase, Woody’s lot #383

The best prices were achieved by the high quality offerings of Tiffany Favrile glass, French cameo glass and English cameo glass. Top lot of the sale went to Tiffany, with lot #383, a magnificent, very rare, paperweight vase with several wheel-carved insects. It sold for $60,000.

Rare Daum Nancy Rain table lamp, Woody’s lot #161

The top French cameo glass lot of the sale was a rare Daum Nancy Rain scenic table lamp, 13½” tall. It soared to $38,000.

Superb Webb cameo vase, Woody’s lot #150

A beautifully carved English cameo vase by Webb was the top lot of the English glass offerings. It went out the door at $35,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

This internally decorated Burgun & Schverer mini vase is a recent purchase

Remember, the NYC Pier Antique Show will be held this coming weekend, March 29-30, 2014. It’s always fun and exciting, so make your plans to come to the Big Apple. We’ll have our new purchases from our European buying trip for sale at the show.

We’ll have this wonderful Amphora portrait vase at the show

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

Some VERY interesting results for art glass at Christie’s Interiors sale, December 11, 2013

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Philip Chasen

Christie’s held an Interiors sale, yesterday, December 11, 2013, with first day sales totaling $1,796,875. Included in the sale were a few lots of art glass that were very interesting, for different reasons. Let me explain.

Gallé Magnolia table lamp, Christie’s lot #252

Lot #252 was a monumental Gallé table lamp, 30″ tall. It was decorated with red magnolias on a yellow ground, using the windowpane technique to keep the flowers red. It was an important lamp that should have been in the main 20th Century sale coming up later this month. It carried a very low estimate of $7,000 – $9,000. I had hopes that it would sneak by so I could buy it for $20,000 or less. It didn’t take long to find out that was a pipe dream. It sold for $50,000, including buyer’s premium, even with a large chip on the fitter rim of the base. But, it was a beauty, and at least two people realized it.

Reproduction Gallé mold-blown lamp, Christie’s lot #255

Now for the complete opposite. Lot #255 was listed as “A FRENCH CAMEO GLASS TABLE LAMP AND SHADE, THE SHADE AND BASE SIGNED IN CAMEO FOR ‘GALLE’, EARLY 20TH CENTURY”. Now this was a BIG boo-boo that shouldn’t have happened at a major auction house like Christie’s. This was a modern reproduction Romanian lamp, signed “Gallé” and also signed “TIP”, which is “type” in Romanian. If you’ve read my lessons on French Cameo Glass, all you had to do was read lesson #5. The lamp was estimated to sell for $4,000 – $6,000, and realized $3,125. If it were authentic, it would have sold in the $100,000 neighborhood. There is going to be one unhappy buyer when he/she finds out.

I’m saving two more goodies from this sale for Monday’s post. They are MOST interesting for very different reasons. Tune in on Monday and I’ll explain.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

We’ll be busy buying for the next several weeks in anticipation of the important Florida shows, starting with the Miami National Antiques Show on January 24, 2014. We’ll end our winter schedule with the wonderful Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference, February 21 – 23, 2014. We last exhibited there a few years ago and couldn’t do it again because of scheduling conflicts. This year there were no conflicts, so we’re happy to return. It will immediately follow the important Palm Beach Antiques Show.

Fine Tiffany Favrile vase with applied handles, just in

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

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Philip Chasen

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

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

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.

Philip Chasen Antiques

The blog for chasenantiques.com

Tag Archives: Authentic Galle

The results of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, January 30 – February 3, 2015

What’s new at Chasen Antiques? Part III

What’s new at Chasen Antiques?

French Cameo and Tiffany Favrile Glass shine at Grogan’s The June Auction, June 8, 2014

Prices were nuts at Woody Auction’s The late Dr. Ernest Rieger Collection sale, March 20, 2014

Some VERY interesting results for art glass at Christie’s Interiors sale, December 11, 2013

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

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