Tag Archives: Daum Nancy

The importance of dragonflies in French cameo glass

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Gallé pond lily vase with dragonfly, 8¼ inches

Gallé pond lily vase with dragonfly, 8¼ inches

The dragonfly is the quintessential symbol of the Art Nouveau movement, so it’s understandable that the addition of a dragonfly to a French glass object is important. Of all the French glass makers, the firm of Emile Gallé most often incorporated dragonflies into their decorations. The scenes were usually ponds with water lilies, with dragonflies hovering above. Gallé produced many vases with water lilies, but only a small percentage of them included a dragonfly.

Gallé banjo vase with dragonfly

Gallé banjo vase with dragonfly

What does the addition of a dragonfly do to the value? For sure the price goes up, but by how much? Double is a good starting point, assuming all else is equal. It could be less, it could be more, but double is a good starting point. What does a dragonfly do to a vase’s desirability? As a long time dealer in French cameo glass, the answer is “A lot”. I’ll get twice as many questions at a show and sell the object in half the time.

Daum Nancy bottle with applied dragonfly

Daum Nancy bottle with applied dragonfly

Dragonflies on Daum glass are often applied and wheel-carved. That moves it up into the realm of sophisticated glass, and sophisticated glass doesn’t come cheap. Most Daum items with an applied and wheel-carved dragonfly start at $10,000.

I just added over 10 Galle vases to my website, 7 Tiffany lamps and 1 Newcomb vase. I’m spending a lot of time this spring adding new items. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog.

A day in the life of an antiques dealer

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Fine 8½ inch Grueby vase

Fine 8½ inch Grueby vase

I exhibit at shows around the country and one question that is often asked of me is “How do you get these things?” Well, here’s one day in my life that will partially answer the question.

Yesterday, Saturday, was planned in advance. There were three auctions around the country where I was going to bid. That’s usually a simple matter of arranging with the auction houses to leave bids (called absentee bids) or bidding on the telephone. I don’t usually like to leave absentee bids because a dishonest auctioneer can run the bid, which means he will execute the maximum bid, rather than bidding competitively with the audience. An honest auctioneer won’t do this, but even after many years in the business, it’s difficult to ascertain the truly honest ones. I will leave absentee bids at auction houses that have proven their honesty to me.

So far, so good, until a fly got into the ointment. One of the auctioneers changed some of the usual rules. He decided not to permit any phone or absentee bids whatsoever. From a business point of view, that doesn’t seem to make any sense. There are bidders who don’t have the ability or the desire to travel big distances to bid on an item. This auctioneer was closing the door on all bidders around the United States and the world, who were not within traveling distance. That makes even less sense in today’s Internet world, as bidders from remote locations have the ability to find an item and bid on it. Auctions are supposed to be competitive events where the highest bidder gets the item. To be fair, there is something positive to be said for this rule change. Those people who are willing to travel to personally attend such an auction are qualified and determined. After making the trip, they’re not going home empty-handed. They’re going to bid strongly, including on items they didn’t intend to until they showed up in person.

OK, back to Saturday’s plan. My wife and I were willing to drive 4½ hours to upstate New York to attend an auction with six Icart etchings, a Gallé faience vase and a Rookwood iris glaze vase with fish. The logic was that I’m a strong bidder and there was a decent likelihood that I could go home with most or all of these items at good prices. So we left Long Island at 10:45 AM and started driving upstate. At about 11:30 AM, I got a call from auction house #1 and successfully bid on a fine Grueby vase (see photo above), but was forced to pay more than I had originally planned. But the vase is such a nice example that I’m happy to get it.

We arrived at the auction house in upstate New York at about 3:30 PM and viewed the items. They were as represented, so now we had to amuse ourselves until the auction started at 5 PM. Unfortunately there was nothing in the area to do, so we aimlessly drove around until the auction began. In the meantime, auction house #1 called again for me to bid on a very nice Gallé vase. The estimate was $1/1500. I was prepared to bid $1800 plus the buyer’s premium, for a total of about $2100. The bidding began at $500 and I bid $550 and then, amazingly, the bidding stopped. I bought the vase for $550 + buyer’s premium, for a total of $649. ?#%@#&?? I never look a gift horse in the mouth and this was a nice gift.

Louis Icart original etching <i>Bubbles</i>

Louis Icart original etching Bubbles

Back to the live auction. First came the Gallé faience vase, a large early example that ordinarily I would have no interest in. This vase was for collectors of Gallé esoterica, and I don’t know many such collectors, so I wasn’t going to bid much. I was outbid and relieved. Then came the Rookwood vase. Rookwood sales have been few and far between recently, so again I wasn’t going to bid a lot. I was outbid again. Then at 6 PM, the auctioneer began selling the Icart etchings. First up was the best one, Bubbles. I had hoped to buy it in the $1,500-2,000 range. I bid $3,000 and was outbid by a young couple in the back, who paid $3,100 + buyer’s premium, for a total of $3,472. Disappointment! Pals, another good one came up next. Again outbid by the same couple. Drats! The third one was Silk Robe, another good one. Same result. Triple drats! This evening is not going quite as planned. I started thinking I was going home with nothing when Orchids came to the auction block. This time I was the successful bidder. Yay! Mockery and Don Juan were next and I was able to buy both. The trip wasn’t a total waste.

Daum Nancy covered salt, similar to the one sold at a Florida auction

Daum Nancy covered salt, similar to the one sold at a Florida auction

We were able to leave fairly early at about 6:45 PM and started driving home, though at times through torrential rain. At 8 PM, auction house #3, in Florida, called me to bid on a Daum Nancy covered salt. It was the only good item in a small auction. It wasn’t well advertised and I only found out about it because the auctioneer sent me an email asking for an authentication. So I knew I could sneak up on this item and get it for a bargain. Wrong!! Again outbid, as the salt sold for $1,232.

Home at 10:45 PM, 12 hours after we left. Expenditures — 12 hours time x 2 people, gas, tolls, wear and tear. Bounty — 1 Grueby vase, 1 Gallé vase, 3 Icart etchings. It looks so easy when people visit us at shows and see all the merchandise nicely set up. Multiply this story by the hundreds of items that we display and you have a partial answer to the original question, “How do you get these things?”

Today I’ll be adding to my website several new Galle vases that I’ve recently acquired. I added a few the other day and today more. Please take a look. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog.

Results for the Chicago Merchandise Mart Antique Show, April 30-May 3, 2010

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My booth at the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show

My booth at the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show

The Chicago Merchandise Mart Antique Show was held this past weekend, April 30-May 3, 2010. Attendance was very good, but appeared to be down a bit from previous years. Dealer results were mixed, after having spoken to more than a few dealers. Many dealers did well, but more than a few had less than favorable results. One dealer was more upset that he had lost two weeks of his time than with his poor sales. Several dealers did not cover their expenses. One major dealer said that he had an important painting in a client’s home on approval. If the client buys the painting, he will turn a profit. Otherwise, he will probably break even.

Rare Gallé anemone floral vase on green background

Rare Gallé anemone floral vase on green background

On a personal note, my show was good, with interest strongest in French glass. I wish to thank all of my clients who buy from me year after year. Without their loyal support, this would have been a rough show, as sales to new clients were few and far between.

No shows until mid-July, when I kick off the summer season in Denver. This will be my third (and hopefully not last) time there, if business is good. I’ve had mixed results there, so we’ll see if the locals come out and support me. Then on to Redondo Beach, CA, Pasadena, CA, Chicago O’Hare and finally Baltimore over the Labor Day weekend. I will still be actively buying and selling during this break, mostly from my website, so email or call and let’s do some business!

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. In the last few days I’ve added to the Gallé glass and Icart etchings listings. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog.

Superb results for French Cameo Glass at two Christie’s NY Sales, March 2 & March 16, 2010

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Christie’s New York held an Interiors sale on March 2, 2010, where lower-end items are sold, mostly from estates. These lower-end items would be considered higher-end at many other auction houses, but not at Christie’s or Sotheby’s. Included in the diverse sale were 27 lots of French cameo glass, many still left from the vast collection of Simon Pinhas. The results were strong, with a few of the lots bringing exceptional prices.

Daum vase with herons, Christie's lot 225, March 2, 2010

Daum vase with herons, Christie's lot 225, March 2, 2010

Lot 225 was a Daum bowl with a desirable herons in flight decoration. Medium size at 5″ tall, it was estimated at $2-3,000. On a good day, it should have sold for a maximum of $10,000, but on this day it sold for $32,500, including buyer’s premium — 10 times the high estimate. That’s impressive. Helllooo, bidders at Christie’s. I’ve got some really nice French cameo glass for sale for a lot less money.

Daum winter scenic vase, Christie's lot 217, March 2, 2010

Daum winter scenic vase, Christie's lot 217, March 2, 2010

Daum winter scenic vases have been desirable for many years, usually commanding a premium over other scenic vases. But on March 2nd, the premium got a lot higher. Lot 217 was a nice Daum winter scenic vase, 10″ tall. It carried a pre-sale estimate of $2-3,000 and should have sold for two or three times the high estimate. Bidders on this day pushed the price to $20,000, including buyer’s premium — an outstanding price for a winter scenic.

Use this link to view all the results for the French cameo glass at Christie’s Interior sale of March 2, 2010. French cameo glass at Christie’s Interior sale.

Gallé fire-polished vase, Christie's lot 25, March 16, 2010.

Gallé fire-polished vase, Christie's lot 25, March 16, 2010.

The party continued with a few lots of French cameo glass in the 20th Century Decorative Art & Design sale of March 16, 2010. Several items brought exceptionally strong prices, starting with lot 25, a Gallé fire-polished vase, 12″ tall. To my eyes, the vase was nothing exceptional and should have sold within the pre-sale estimate of $4-6,000, but apparently the bidders disagreed. They pushed the price to $30,000, including buyer’s premium.

Several other lots soared past their pre-sale estimates, including a Daum winter scenic vase in the style of Muller at $30,000, a monumental Muller vase with poppies at $35,000 and a Daum Art Deco vase with wheel-carving at $37,500. It’s a pleasure to see such strength in the French cameo glass market. Hopefully it will be felt everywhere, not just at Christie’s.

Here’s the link to the French cameo glass results at Christie’s March 16, 2010 sale. French cameo glass at Christie’s March 16, 2010 auction.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass, Daum Nancy glass, Tiffany Studios glass and Marblehead pottery, to name a few. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Results from the NYC Pier Show, March 13-14, 2010

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Sunday afternoon at the NYC Pier Show, March 14, 2010

Sunday afternoon at the NYC Pier Show, March 14, 2010

The weather in NYC was miserable this weekend, especially Saturday. Heavy, steady rain accompanied by strong wind, made for a rough day. Ordinary inclement weather is usually good for attendance and business at shows, but awful weather can have a negative effect. Attendance was down from the previous show, but still decent. The show didn’t have its usual buzz and snap. Business was off on Saturday from the previous show, but not drastically.

Very attractive Gallé 10-inch scenic vase

Very attractive Gallé 10-inch scenic vase

Sunday’s weather was slightly improved — just nasty, but not raining cats and dogs and not nearly as windy. Attendance got off to a very slow start because the show opened at 10 AM. There is no good reason whatsoever for a show to open at 10 AM on a Sunday, especially with the change to Daylight Savings Time. Everyone’s body clock told them it was 9 AM. Anyway, most people sleep late on Sunday. For the first hour and a half, dealers were all sitting around waiting for the first person to come and ask a question. Everyone would do the same business if the show hours were 11 AM – 5 PM on Sunday and the dealers would all be elated. (Hello Irene. [Irene Stella is the promoter of the show.] How about it?)

Superior quality Tiffany 12-inch blue Favrile vase with green hearts and vines

Superior quality Tiffany 12-inch blue Favrile vase with green hearts and vines

Business picked up a little on Sunday, but overall sales were somewhat disappointing. Sales were diverse at the show, with Tiffany, Quezal, Gallé, Daum, and Icart garnering the most interest. In speaking to several other exhibitors, most were satisfied with their results, but none were ebullient.

Now here’s something not to do at a show. Les Fisher, an Italian restaurant owner from the south shore of Long Island, came into my booth on Saturday. He decided to buy an expensive Art Nouveau bronze, and after a bit of negotiation, he agreed to purchase it if I gave him time to pay it off. I do that with lots of people, so I had no problem with the arrangements. He shook my hand, told me he would be in on Sunday, not only with a significant deposit, but lunch from his restaurant. Very nice. The only problem is that Les never showed up, never called, and never answered two phone calls. Not only is that not nice, but irresponsible, inconsiderate and rude. The item was marked sold for several hours and as a result, might possibly have resulted in the loss of the sale to another client. The courtesy of a phone call would have been the least that he should have done.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass, Daum Nancy glass, Tiffany Studios glass and Marblehead pottery, to name a few. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

A Giacometti bronze sets the new world record price for a single work of art at auction

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Alberto Giacometti 'Walking Man I', Sotheby's London lot #8, February 3, 2010

Alberto Giacometti 'Walking Man I', Sotheby's London lot #8, February 3, 2010

On February 3, 2010, Sotheby’s London held their Impressionist and Modern Art sale, with impressive results. 31 of the 39 lots sold, grossing a total of $229 million. The top lot of the sale, a bronze scupture by Alberto Giacometti entitled “Walking Man I”, set a world record for the most expensive single item of art ever sold at auction, when it sold for $101,426,070, including buyer’s premium. The guesswork is that it was purchased by one of Russia’s new billionaires. It’s interesting to point out that the new world record holder is not a unique item. It was cast in 1961 and numbered two of six. I guess that means there are five other owners with big smiles on their faces, although most of the others are in museum collections.

Gustav Klimt - Church in Cassone - Landscape with Cypresses, Sotheby's London lot 13, February 3, 2010

Gustav Klimt - Church in Cassone - Landscape with Cypresses, Sotheby's London lot 13, February 3, 2010

The next best result went to Gustav Klimt, with a painting entitled “Church in Cassone – Landscape with Cypresses”. It sold for $42 million, including buyer’s premium, more than double the pre-sale estimate of $19-28 million.

Pitcher and Fruit on a Table by Paul Cézanne, Sotheby's London lot #5, February 3, 2010

Pitcher and Fruit on a Table by Paul Cézanne, Sotheby's London lot #5, February 3, 2010

Third best was a still life by Paul Cézanne, which sold for $18,413,075, including buyer’s premium, within the pre-sale estimate of $15.5-23 million.

I think I’m in the wrong business. No Tiffany lamp has ever sold for more than a couple of million dollars at auction. No Gallé vase has ever sold for more than a couple of hundred thousand dollars. Just one or two billionaires is all I need.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass (including a blownout vase), Daum Nancy glass and Tiffany Studios glass. Soon I’ll be adding many Tiffany Studios desk pieces. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or
516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com

Americans don’t appreciate sophisticated French Cameo Glass

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Daum padded and wheel-carved vase

Daum padded and wheel-carved vase

Padding and wheel-carving are difficult glass techniques that add a level of sophistication and rarity to any French cameo glass vase. Sometimes the vases do not appear quite as colorful as some other vases with simpler techniques. Over the last several years, these sophisticated vases have become more difficult to sell to Americans. Americans want pretty, not sophisticated. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with pretty, but advanced techniques make for important pieces and should not be lightly dismissed. The most skilled glass craftsmen are needed to execute difficult techniques that require more time with hot glass for the padding and cold glass for the carving.

Important Daum vase with padded and wheel-carved pine cones

Important Daum vase with padded and wheel-carved pine cones

My advice to Americans is to take a closer look at padded and wheel-carved pieces. Learn about the workmanship involved in their production and thereby gain a better appreciation for them. The prices of these important vases are down, so it’s an especially good time to add them to your collections.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass (including a blownout vase), Daum Nancy glass and Tiffany Studios glass. Soon I’ll be adding many Tiffany Studios desk pieces. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or
516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com

Shopping for antiques in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Defensa Street, the main antiques street of San Telmo, Buenos Aires

Defensa Street, the main antiques street of San Telmo, Buenos Aires

We’ve been traveling to Argentina for over 35 years. In that time, we’ve watched the changes in the antiques market there. Early on, we were able to buy fairly well, especially French Art Deco glass by companies like Schneider, who made Le Verre Francais. There was a plethora of Le Verre Francais, as a result of the success of Argentina in the 1920s. Argentina was wealthy and influential and much of that wealth was directed to France for the purchase of the finest quality glass and furniture. Unfortunately (for buyers), times have changed. The world discovered Argentina and siphoned off the best items, so today there is a much more limited supply. With access to the Internet, Argentines are up-to-the-minute on prices all over the world. Even 35 years ago, dealers would show me catalogs from Sotheby’s and Christie’s to justify their prices, so even then they weren’t in a vacuum.

Argentina hasn’t suffered as badly as some of the countries of the world during this latest recession. Tourism is up, so foreign dollars are flowing in, and that seems to be a moderating influence. I saw tourists from many different corners of the globe, including Australia, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, and the US. Many people I spoke to said that business was fairly good. I’m quite pleased because Argentina went through a terrible crisis starting in 1999 that lasted for about three years. Many people lost their jobs, crime was up and civil unrest was high. During that time Argentina developed a bad reputation which scared off many tourists. Today there is no evidence whatsoever of the crisis. Buenos Aires is as safe as any other major world city.

But I digress — back to antiques shopping. The prices I was asked for the types of items I buy were so high, that they sounded like telephone numbers, rather than prices. The same stores are still in business from a few years ago, so they must be selling to someone, but I certainly don’t know who that might be. I wish I did. For instance, I sell original Louis Icart etchings starting at $850, in great condition, with a certificate of authenticity. The lowest price for the same etchings in Buenos Aires was $2,000, in relatively poor condition. A Gallé vase that should have been priced at $6,000 was priced at $14,000. To top things off, Argentine dealers price their antiques in US dollars, not just now, but always. That’s smart for them, but takes away the exchange rate advantage for foreigners.

Plaza Dorrego, in the center of San Telmo, Buenos Aires

Plaza Dorrego, in the center of San Telmo, Buenos Aires

I still suggest you visit the bohemian San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, which is the antiques center. There are many stores, with a wide array of items. It’s fun to search. I’m sure there are some good items available at fair prices, but you’ll have to be a determined shopper. For me, looking for important, mostly French items, it’s become a futile effort. Sometime during your visit, take a break for coffee or dessert with dulce de leche, in Plaza Dorrego, in the center of San Telmo.

The Miami National Antiques Show, January 15-17, 2010.

The Miami National Antiques Show, January 15-17, 2010.

This week starts a busy antiques season with shows in Miami and Miami Beach. The first, the Miami National Antiques Show, will be held from January 15-17 at the Doubletree Expo Centre, Miami Merchandise Mart, near the airport. It’s a beautiful show with important dealers. It’s also your opportunity to get first crack at the great items they’ll be bringing, before they go on the following week to exhibit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass (including a blownout vase), Daum Nancy glass and Tiffany Studios glass. Soon I’ll be adding many Tiffany Studios desk pieces. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com

Generally poor results at Heritage’s first New York 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, December 10, 2009

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Heritage Auctions, the major Dallas, TX auction house, held their first auction of 20th Century Decorative Arts in New York on December 10, 2009. Results were generally poor in the lamp and glass sections of the auction, with many lots not reaching reserve. Heritage had hoped to break into the New York market and become a major player along with Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonham’s. It’s difficult to ascertain the exact reasons for the poor showing, but a few things are clear. First, they did not have a compelling group of items to sell. A fresh collection of important items at low estimates and reserves would have been a good way to kick start their New York presence. Unfortunately that was not the case. Secondly, they do not have a permanent exhibition space. They rented space from Tepper Galleries on the third floor of a building on East 25th St. — not an easy location to find. Third, they tried to enter the New York market in a difficult period in the economy. Heritage is a major auction firm primarily selling coins. They branched out into several antiques markets, some with excellent success, such as American Illustration Art. Perhaps they can crack the New York market, but they will have to upgrade their offerings and lower the estimates and reserves — a difficult task.

Tiffany Studios bamboo floor lamp, Heritage lot #74057

Tiffany Studios bamboo floor lamp, Heritage lot #74057

Tiffany lamps sold poorly, mostly because of too aggressive estimates and reserves. One of the major lamps of the sale was a Tiffany Studios Bamboo floor lamp. It was estimated at $200-300,000 and did not sell.

Tiffany Studios 22 inch Dragonfly table lamp, Heritage lot #74064

Tiffany Studios 22 inch Dragonfly table lamp, Heritage lot #74064

Another major lamp that did not sell was a Tiffany Studios 22″ Dragonfly table lamp on a rare reticulated base. It was available for sale after the auction for $179,250.

Daum Nancy wheat vase, Heritage lot #75144

Daum Nancy wheat vase, Heritage lot #75144

French cameo glass also did not fare well. Many of the vases did not sell but a few did. Lot 75144 was a Daum acid-etched and enameled vase with wheat decoration. It carried a pre-sale estimate of $8-12,000 and sold for $9,560, including buyer’s premium.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass (including a blownout vase), Daum Nancy glass and Tiffany Studios glass. Soon I’ll be adding many Tiffany Studios desk pieces. Many are priced right for great holiday gift-giving. Who wouldn’t like to receive a genuine Tiffany desk set accessory as a Christmas or Chanukah gift? I’ll soon be starting a big sale on Icart etchings. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com

Astounding price for a Galle vase at Christie’s New York 20th Century Decorative Arts auction

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The 20th Century decorative arts market gets very busy at this time of year with most of the major auctions houses scheduling their sales this week and next. Christie’s New York held their sale yesterday with some very interesting results. Today I’ll review the French cameo glass.

Gallé parrot vase, Christie's lot #188, December 8, 2009

Gallé parrot vase, Christie's lot #188, December 8, 2009

The runaway record price of the French cameo portion of the sale was for a large Gallé vase decorated with parrots. The subject matter was rare and the vase was big (21¼”), but the workmanship was standard acid-etching and the colors were chartreuse and brown — tough colors to sell. It was estimated to sell for $30-50,000, which in my opinion was too high. I was bidding on the telephone and told the Christie’s representative that I thought the vase would not reach reserve and would fail to sell. Wrong!!! The old adage that it only takes two to make an auction was certainly true today. Two determined bidders fought for this vase all the way to $104,500, including buyer’s premium — an astonishing price. If I had owned it, I would have marked it $25,000 and would have had trouble selling it, but what do I know? I’ve only been selling French cameo glass for 35 years.

Daum dragonfly bottle, Christie's lot #189, December 8, 2009

Daum dragonfly bottle, Christie's lot #189, December 8, 2009

A beautiful small Daum bottle with an applied dragonfly and wheel-carved stopper sold for $12,500, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $10-15,000. Another Daum vase, with wheel-carved stylized flowers, sold slightly below estimate at $7,000 + buyer’s premium ($8,750), while carrying a pre-sale estimate of $8-12,000. A Daum lamp with grape decoration and applied snails was estimated too aggressively at $60-80,000 and as a result failed to sell.

Muller magnolia vase, Christie's lot #186, December 8, 2009

Muller magnolia vase, Christie's lot #186, December 8, 2009

A huge Muller vase, 14½” tall and bulbous, with magnolia flower decoration, exceeded the high estimate, selling for $13,750. It carried a fair pre-sale estimate of $6-9,000.

Tomorrow I’ll review the Tiffany lamps sold at the Christie’s sale. There were some fireworks, so you won’t want to miss this report.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass (including a blownout vase), Daum Nancy glass and Tiffany Studios glass. Soon I’ll be adding many Tiffany Studios desk pieces. Many are priced right for great holiday gift-giving. Who wouldn’t like to receive a genuine Tiffany desk set accessory as a Christmas or Chanukah gift? I’ll soon be starting a big sale on Icart etchings. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com