The results of the Louis Daniel Brodsky Collection of Art Nouveau at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, February 22, 2015

Posted on March 12, 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.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held their Louis Daniel Brodsky Collection of Art Nouveau sale on February 22, 2015, selling the estate of the late poet. Results were good, with sales totaling $1,049,319, against pre-sale estimates of $437,570 – $693,430. All 347 lots sold, for a 100% sell-through rate. Phone and online bidders from 15 countries vied with the audience in the full saleroom.

Emile Gallé marquetry cabinet, Hindman lot #42

Two furniture lots tied at $35,000 for top lot of the sale — #20, a French Art Nouveau rosewood vitrine, against a pre-sale estimate of $8,000 – $12,000 and #42, an Émile Gallé marquetry cabinet, against a pre-sale estimate of $5,000 – $7,000.

Early Gallé Crystallerie vase, Hindman lot #2

Brodsky favored early Gallé glass — clear Crystallerie with hand-painted motifs. Top lot of this group was #2, an interesting rectangular vase with flowers and two praying mantises. It sold for $10,625 — double the high estimate of $5,000.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, poster, Divan Japonais, Hindman lot #99

Of the posters that Brodsky collected, lot 99, a Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec example, entitled Divan Japonais, 1892-93, sold for $30,000, against a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 – $20,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Now for a little down time and a lovely vacation. We’ll be back in time for our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015.

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.

Chicago is losing its antique shows

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Chicago is a great city for antiques. Its large population and centralized location allow it to draw collectors and decorators from all directions. There’s good interest from the affluent community of the greater Chicago area. You would think it could support many antique shows, but they’re mostly gone.

So what happened? I wish there were some clear answer, but there isn’t. Ten years ago, we would come to Chicago to exhibit at 5-6 shows annually. Now we’re down to 2 — Winnetka in the fall and the Chicago Botanic Garden in the spring. Amazingly there isn’t a single show left in downtown Chicago.

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL

Here’s a little history. Dolphin Promotions used to hold a show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. At one point, the show was held three times a year, with approximately 200 exhibitors. I loved that show. Buying was easy. Attendance was great. The show was easy to setup. Vehicles were permitted to drive onto the show floor. The hotels were right across the street. Listen to my very big nostalgic sigh! As dealers started to drop out and fewer people attended, the show was cut to once a year, until it finally closed. I sure miss that one.

Arlington Park Racetrack

The antique show at Arlington Park Raceway was one of the best in the country many years ago. There were three floors of dealers and 30,000 visitors! After the fire at the racetrack in July of 1985 (click here for the video), the promoter, Charles Wheatley, moved the show temporarily to Donnelly Hall at McCormick Place (click here for the article from the Chicago Tribune). Unfortunately he never restarted the show at Arlington after the racetrack’s reconstruction. (Scratch my head about that.) Many years later Dolphin Promotions restarted the show to moderate success. The show was then sold to Shawn Hastings, who unfortunately ran it into the ground. It closed a few years ago.

The Chicago Merchandise Mart

The story in downtown Chicago is even more unfortunate. For years, the Merchandise Mart ran a very successful show. At one point it ran twice a year, but later was cut to once a year in the spring. Two years ago, the Palm Beach Show Group decided to come to Chicago. Here the details get a little murky, but to the best of my knowledge, they tried to negotiate with the Merchandise Mart. After failing to reach an agreement, the Palm Beach boys decided to do battle with the Merchandise Mart. They started a new show at the Navy Pier to compete head on with the Mart. Dealers were forced to choose between the two. The Mart caved and the Palm Beach boys won the battle (but apparently not the war). The Palm Beach Show Group held a show at the Navy Pier last year that was not well received. They couldn’t get enough dealers to resign for 2015, so not only will there not be a Navy Pier show, there won’t be a Merchandise Mart show either. Sounds like a case of killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. I don’t know if either the Merchandise Mart or the Palm Beach Show Group will revive either show. Personally I would like to see an agreement where the Palm Beach Show Group runs the show, but the Merchandise Mart hosts the show. The earliest that could happen would be the spring of 2016. Since they couldn’t work out an agreement for 2015, I’m pessimistic there’ll be a show next year. I hope I’m wrong.

So what does that leave? The Antiques, Garden & Design Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden, in Glencoe, IL, a beautiful suburb north of the city. It will be held this April 17 – 19, 2015, 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday – Sunday. We’ll be there and we hope you will too. It’s a fun show that combines antiques and gardening. If the weather is nice, some of the flowers will be in bloom, but there are no guarantees. Chicago weather is fickle — it could be 40° or 80°. But we’ll be indoors and not subject to the weather. This will be your only chance to see us at any antique show in the greater Chicago area until the Winnetka show in October. Make your plans now. You’ll enjoy the show!

Now for a little down time and a lovely vacation. We’ll be back in time for our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015.

Good results at Sotheby’s New York 20th Century Design sale, March 4, 2015

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Sotheby’s New York held its 20th Century Design sale on March 4, 2015, with good results. Sales totaled $2,621,379 for the 218 lots offered. Of those, 168 lots sold, for an average of $15,603. 50 lots failed to reach reserve and did not sell. Considering the selection was weaker than the main sales in June and December, the results were impressive.

Tiffany Studios 7-light lily lamp with decorated shades, Sotheby’s lot #11

Lot #11 was one of the better Tiffany lamps — a 7-light lily with decorated shades. Most lily lamps have gold shades, so it was nice to find an example with unusual shades. The lamp was in nice condition, except for one mismatched gold decorated shade (visible in the rear). Regardless, it sold for $40,625, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $12,000 — $18,000.

Steuben red decorated vase, Sotheby’s lot #18

Several lots of Steuben glass crossed the block, with #18, a fine red decorated vase, selling well. It brought $11,250, against an estimate of $7,000 — $9,000.

Rare Daum Dragonfly lamp, Sotheby’s lot #46

I didn’t like lot #46, a rare Daum Dragonfly lamp, so I didn’t bid. The shade didn’t match the base well and I had a suspicion the base was shortened. I also had doubts about the authenticity and originality of the hardware — it just didn’t look right to me. However, the bidders didn’t ask my opinion first, and pushed the lamp to $43,750, against a pre-sale estimate of $20,000 — $30,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Now we’ll slow down until our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015. In the meantime, I can see a nice vacation in our near future. 🙂

French glass sells well at Doyle New York’s Belle Epoque sale, February 18, 2015

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Doyle New York held its Belle Epoque sale on February 18, 2015. Included in the sale were two interesting collections of French glass — Schneider glass from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and Gallé glass from the estate of Erica Lemle Amsterdam. Both groups of glass sold well.

A Schneider applied floral vase, Doyle lot #302

Top lot of the museum’s Schneider glass collection was #302, an important applied floral vase. Estimated very conservatively at $1,000 – $1,500, it soared to $5,938, including buyer’s premium.

Gallé Crystallerie decanter, Doyle lot #333

An early Gallé Crystallerie decanter depicting a Renaissance Queen was the best performing lot of the Erica Lemle Amsterdam estate collection. It realized $12,500, five times its pre-sale high estimate of $2,500.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. Then choose Belle Epoque from the drop-down list and click “View”.

Now we’ll slow down until our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015. In the meantime, I can see a nice vacation in our near future. 🙂

The results of the National Arts & Crafts Conference, February 20-22, 2015

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Philip Chasen

grove-park-2-2015(6) 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.

There was a big, enthusiastic crowd at the opening on Friday

The National Arts & Crafts Conference finished its three-day run yesterday, February 22, 2015, in Asheville, NC. Most attendees traveled from far, with some smaller percentage from the local area. It was a unique, self-contained show, which included educational conferences, a plethora of antiques and modern dealers — all in the majestic ambiance of the 1910 Grove Park Inn. For Arts & Crafts enthusiasts it was a great place to be for the weekend.

We sold this important Carl Kauba Indian bronze at the show

I only had time to ask a few dealers for comments. David Surgan, HeintzCollector.com, Brooklyn, NY, a specialist in Heintz Art Metal Shop wares, told me “Good. Passionate, devoted, informed, enthusiastic devotees attended. We sold more items than last year, but the gross was down. We’re looking forward to next year’s show.” Arnie Small, Barbara Gerr Antiques, Galloway, NJ, art pottery dealer, was very pleased. “Great show. Great crowd. This show was killer for us. It’s the premier Arts & Crafts show in the country.” Jack Papadinis, Jack Pap Antiques, W. Simsbury, CT, a dealer in 20th century lighting and decorative arts, commented “The show was about average. Lots of new attendees. Several regular attendees couldn’t make it because of the weather.” Personally, our show was better than last year. We only made a few sales, but they were all good. We’re pleased and will be back next year if there is no conflict with the dates from other shows.

We’re exhausted after working five shows in a row. Next year will be different. We’ll get back to our usual routine, which includes a week’s rest in the middle of our show circuit. Now we’ll slow down until our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015. In the meantime, I can see St. Maarten in our near future. 🙂

The National Arts & Crafts Conference opens today in Asheville, NC, February 20, 2015

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The blog schedule will return to normal this Monday with the results of the Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference in Asheville.

The temperature was -3 on Thursday morning

The National Arts & Crafts Conference will open today, February 20, 2015, in Asheville, NC. We only had one day to set up, instead of the usual two, because the Palm Beach show ended on Tuesday and the Asheville show started setting up on Wednesday. We missed Wednesday’s setup because of the long drive, but we worked diligently and made it happen.

We were about half finished at this point

The show is heaven for Arts & Crafts enthusiasts. It includes outstanding dealers specializing in lighting, pottery, art, and furniture. The ballroom is filled with antique dealers, while the outer hallways are filled with reproduction arts & crafts. It’s a great mix.

Arnie Small has an amazing display of American Art pottery

The show opens today at 1 PM and closes on Sunday at 4 PM. You’ll love the show, so try to make it!

After working hard at five shows in a row, we get to slow down for a little while until our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015. I can see St. Maarten in our near future. 🙂

The results of the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show, February 13-17, 2015

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The blog schedule will be modified for a while because the Florida shows started and ended on unusual days. The next post will be this coming Friday, February 20th, from the floor of the Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference in Asheville.

There was a decent opening crowd on Saturday morning

The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show ended yesterday after a 5-day run from February 13-17, 2015. Attendance was decent, but below the levels of some previous years, when it was difficult to walk down the crowded aisles. Sunday was the busiest day, but business was not in line with the number of inquiries. It was amazing how many times we heard “We’ll think about it.” or “We’ll see you later. (or tomorrow)”. We gave out so many business cards that we ran out. I’m sure there is a relationship between the business cards distributed and the show results. More cards = worse show. The real purpose of a business card should be to get in contact with a dealer. Too many people use them as a “polite” way of excusing themselves from making a decision. I would much rather deal with a no decision on the spot.

We sold this lovely Daum blownout scenic vase at the show

Personally our show was quite mediocre. French glass sold well again while English furniture (not mine) fared poorly. We answered so many questions from knowledgeable, bona fide clients that it could easily have gone better, but it wasn’t our turn this year. We did much better last year. Next year the show is getting longer and the booth rent is going up, so we’re on the fence as to whether we’ll return. We won’t make that decision yet.

I like to get comments from dealers I know, but amazingly I didn’t personally know many of the dealers at this show. Consequently I solicited only a few comments. Lloyd Macklowe, Macklowe Gallery, New York City, a dealer in Art Nouveau decorative arts and jewelry, told me “We had an excellent show. Well attended. We were very happy.” David Lowenherz, Lion Heart Autographs, New York City, a dealer in autographs, was pleased as well. “I did very well. Very good turnout. Very interested and curious customers in a super elegant setting.” Michael and Ewa Cohen, Cohen & Cohen, London, England, dealers in Chinese export porcelain and works of art, were not pleased. “It wasn’t a disaster, but it wasn’t great. We were disappointed. Last year we had the best show ever and this year we didn’t see those same clients. We’ll be back. It’s still a show with great potential.” Bill Rau, Rau Antiques, New Orleans, LA, dealer in high-end quality items, told me “We sold a couple of very nice paintings and a lot of objects and nice jewelry. Traffic was very good. There was a lot of strong competition. I was 6.5/10 pleased.” Two dealers refused comment.

This week we’ll be in Asheville, NC, for the National Arts & Crafts Conference. It’s a beautiful show in an amazing 1910 historic hotel. The focus is Arts & Crafts, both antique and new. It’s a very pleasant show that we enjoy doing. Attendees fly in from all over the US.

The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show opens today, February 14, 2015

Posted on February 14, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The blog schedule will be modified for a while because the Florida shows are starting and ending on unusual days. The next post will be this coming Wednesday, February 18th, with the results of the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show.

6:10 PM Friday, looking down my aisle. That’s my booth on the right.

It’s Friday afternoon, February 13th, as I write this post. We’ve had to be open to “special” guests for the last four hours. It was a bad idea. There were very few people walking around, with even fewer questions and certainly no sales. The show is long enough. Why extend it unnecessarily? It’s bad enough we’ll have to suffer through another preview party this evening. It’s my opinion that today’s activities will suck some of the oxygen out of the actual show. When the crowd is big and active, it creates excitement and electricity. Sales turn thinkers into buyers. Save the oxygen for the show.

8 PM, Friday night, in front of my booth

9:30 PM UPDATE: There was a nice crowd for the preview party, which included decent interest from prospective buyers. We even made one small sale, which hasn’t been paid for yet, but I’m optimistic will be shortly. I still prefer shows with no preview party, but I haven’t been able to convince any promoters yet.

If you read this post on Saturday, the show will open to the public today at 11 AM. It will run until Tuesday, February 17th, at 6 PM. If you want to see a classy show, with really great exhibitors, make it your business to come. It will be well worth the trip. You’ve got my word.

Next week we’ll be in Asheville, NC, for the National Arts & Crafts Conference. It’s a beautiful show in an amazing 1910 historic hotel. The focus is Arts & Crafts, both antique and new. It’s a very pleasant show that we enjoy doing. Attendees fly in from all over the US.

The results of the Naples Art, Antique and Jewelry Show, February 6-9, 2015

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The blog schedule will be modified for a while because the Florida shows are starting and ending on unusual days. The next post will be this coming Saturday, February 14th, from the floor of the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show.

There were only a handful of people on line at the opening on Friday morning

Yesterday, February 9, 2015, the Naples Art, Antique and Jewelry Show finished its 4-day run. I had high hopes it would turn out well, but it wasn’t to be. We made a few sales, which didn’t cover our costs, so our experiment with this show failed. We took a loss. The attendees were pleasant, inquisitive, and frequently naive. How’s this? “Are you here to represent the Morse Museum?” or “Did you make these lamps?” Additionally, too few of them were serious buyers. Next year we’ll go back to our routine of taking a week’s vacation in the middle of our Florida show season.

Sunday afternoon in front of our booth

Sunday evening the show promoters held a lovely, unexpected cocktail party for the dealers. The hors d’oeuvres and drinks were delicious and plentiful, but the timing didn’t make sense to me. It would have been great to hold this party for the dealers just prior to the preview party for the public. Maybe at another show. Regardless, it was a very nice gesture.

We sold this fine Daum padded and wheel-carved vase at the show

I asked only a few dealers to comment on the show. William Isen, of The Great Dane Collection, Philadelphia, PA, art dealer, told me “The show was fair. A lot of people looking, but the real buyers bought.” Ali Karimi, Persian Galleries, Naples, FL, rug dealer, was more enthusiastic. “Good. We got the customers from the show to come to our gallery. Mostly they wanted silk and old Persian rugs.” And finally Virgil Rogers, Only Authentics, New York, NY, handbag dealer, commented “The sales were comparable to the last four years. I’m satisfied. I’ll be back next year.”

This week we’ll be in West Palm Beach, Florida for the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show, opening on Saturday, February 14th. It will be our 5th time there. We did well last year, so we’re hopeful this year will be good too.

The Naples Art, Antique and Jewelry Show opens today, February 6, 2015

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The blog schedule will be modified for a while because the Florida shows are starting and ending on unusual days. The next post will be this coming Tuesday, February 10th, with the results of the Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show.

That’s Lia (back left) helping some clients at the preview party

I’m writing this post on Thursday evening, February 5th, during the preview party. As many of you know, I’m not fond of them, but I tolerate them better when the dealers are treated well and plied with food and drink. There are a few hors d’oeuvres being served, but we decided we’re better off with our own food and wine (Cheesecake Factory and Markham Cabernet). There are lots of questions, but as usual at preview parties, no sales.

If you read this post on Friday, February 6th, the show will open to the public at 10 AM today and continue until Monday, February 9th, at 5 PM. We visited the show last year and liked what we saw, so we’re giving the show a chance this year. If we do well, we’ll be back next year. If not, we’re gone.

naples-show-2-2015(3) The show is held in a huge tent, with white carpeting and air conditioning — quite comfortable. I’m guessing there are 75-100 high-quality dealers, with no junk. The emphasis at the show is paintings and jewelry, with enough other merchandise to make it interesting. If you’re anywhere in the area, I suggest you come and visit. I think you’ll be pleased.

Next week we’ll be in West Palm Beach, Florida for the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show. It will be our 4th or 5th time there. Tiffany lamps sold well last year, so we’re hopeful this year will be good too.

Philip Chasen Antiques

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