I have less time to write about the interesting things happening in the antiques world since the fall shows started, so I am posting new blog entries once or twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. 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.
Important Frank Lloyd Wright copper urn, Hindman lot #944
Leslie Hindman held a Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts auction on Sunday and Monday, October 2-3, 2011. The sale went very well, bringing a total of $3.19 million against a pre-sale estimate of $2.07 million. That lot 944 was the top lot of the sale was no surprise. It was an important Frank Lloyd Wright copper urn (one of only six known to exist) from the Edward C. Waller House in River Forest, Illinois, circa 1899. Estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000, it sold just over the high estimate, realizing $784,000, including buyer’s premium.
Many of the finest items came from two important estates — Ralph Esmerian and Ruth Regenstein. The Esmerian items were heavy in bronzes and Arts & Crafts, while the Regenstein items were skewed toward 17th and 18th century needlework and enameled etui cases. Both sections of the sale did very well.
Rare Quezal lamp, Hindman lot #1000
Lot 1000 was an extremely rare Quezal lamp with dark green and gold zipper decoration. I first saw this lamp a few months ago, when it was still in Mike Intihar’s office (Senior Specialist for Leslie Hindman’s Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts department). I was immediately wowed! I had seen this decoration on standard Quezal shades, but never on an all original, full-sized lamp. I told Mike it was really rare and special. I looked forward to the day it would be sold at auction, but knew certain collectors would need to have it more than I did. I was going to bid, but the odds of my being successful were slim.
It was sold with a conservative pre-sale estimate of $7,000-9,000, considering its condition and rarity. Bidding was strong, ending at $36,600, approximately triple the high estimate. This shouldn’t have surprised anyone in the know. There are a core group of Quezal collectors with great collections. This is one rarity they needed to have.
For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Hindman results. Make sure the correct sale is in the “View a catalogue” box and click “View” underneath. If not, first click on the “Archives” link on the left.
The best Daum scenic blownout vase
In the meantime, check the listings on my website, which I will update as often as I can. I’ll be photographing all my new Gallé and Daum purchases and listing them on my website. Recently I listed quite a few Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint lamps and some very rare Louis Icart etchings including Melody Hour and Mardi Gras. There are also several fine Daum vases; a Daum lamp; several Galle vases; and several more Tiffany Favrile vases. Coming soon will be several wonderful European ceramic items by Clement Massier, Zsolnay and Amphora. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com