Tag Archives: Philip Chasen

Some good results at Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, December 11, 2012

Posted on by
1

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.

Every year all the major and many secondary auction houses hold a 20th century decorative arts auction in December. This year Bonham’s New York was the first of the majors. They held their 20th Century Decorative Arts auction on December 11, 2012. Christie’s was next (this Thursday’s blog) and Sotheby’s was last (next Monday’s blog). Bonham’s results were good, but not superlative.

Good Tiffany Studios 20-inch diameter Dogwood table lamp, Bonham's lot #2047

Good Tiffany Studios 20-inch diameter Dogwood table lamp, Bonham's lot #2047

Two Tiffany Studios lamps tied for top lot of the sale. #2047 was a nice 20″ diameter Dogwood. Estimated to sell for $80,000 – $120,000, it realized $104,500 — within the estimate.

Tiffany Studios Miniature Wisteria table lamp, Bonham's lot #2049

Tiffany Studios Miniature Wisteria table lamp, Bonham's lot #2049

Lot #2049 was a Tiffany Miniature (Pony) Wisteria lamp. It carried the same estimate as the Dogwood lamp and brought the same result.

Daum Nancy Blackbird and Frog vase, Bonham's lot #2072

Daum Nancy Blackbird and Frog vase, Bonham’s lot #2072

The top French cameo glass item of the sale was a rare 14¼” Daum Nancy blackbird and frog vase, lot #2072. It was bid well past the pre-sale estimate of $15,000 – $20,000 to a final price of $43,750, including the buyer’s premium. I thought it was ugly and wouldn’t have paid $5,000, but apparently two bidders disagreed with me. (They should have asked.)

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Bonham’s 20th Century results.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in

Incredible Tiffany Favrile red decorated paperweight vase, just in

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. Tiffany glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired

Fine Gallé clematis blownout vase, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

New York State court ruling could change the rules for auctions

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Auction houses may have to reveal the names of consignors if a ruling by a court in New York State is upheld. The decision by the Supreme Court of the Appellate Division of New York State was announced September 19, 2012. It stated that an auction house does not have an enforceable contract unless it includes the names of the buyer and seller.

I.P. Khlebnikov Russian box, Jenack lot #193

Specifically, William J. Jenack Estate Appraisers & Auctioneers, of Chester, New York, tried to collect payment from a buyer who purchased a Russian enamel box at auction on September 21, 2008. The lot, #193, was described as “FINE RUSSIAN SILVER/ENAMEL COVERED BOX WITH GILT INTERIOR, SIGNED I.P. KHLEBNIKOV, 19TH CENTURY. HEIGHT 1 1/2″; TOP 2 1/2 X 3 5/8″ (ESTIMATE $4000-$6000) NOTE: There are two slight enamel chips on left side of enameled picture.” Phone and Internet bidders sent the final price to $400,000.

The buyer never paid, claiming fraud by the auction house. He stated that Jenack artificially pushed the price to $400,000. The first ruling, in 2010, by the New York State Supreme court, was in Jenack’s favor. It ordered the buyer to pay $402,398. The appellate court reversed the ruling, based on General Obligations Law 5-701, which states that the names of both the buyer and seller be included.

As practiced today, auction houses never reveal the names of consignors, unless the consignor wants it known. Sometimes a lot will state “Property of a Gentleman” or “From a New York City Estate”. If the consignor is famous, the name is revealed, because it’s helpful. What would happen to consignments if auction house were forced to reveal the names of consignors? Many sellers would be reluctant to consign, so auction houses would have a much more difficult time attracting consignments. It’s conceivable that some weaker ones will be put out of business.

The story is not over. It’s possible the case may go to New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. It’s been reported that Christie’s may join in the case. Every auction house will be affected by the final ruling. Some are holding their breath.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Solid results at James D. Julia, Inc. Lamp and Glass auction, November 28-29, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

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.

James D. Julia, Inc. held its semi-annual Lamp and Glass auction on November 28-29, 2012. According to Dudley Browne, head of the Lamp and Glass division, it was the best sale he’s had in 10 years at Julia’s. Total sales were over $1.6 million, including the buyer’s premium. Two weeks prior to the sale, Dudley was concerned that the auction might not even reach $1 million in sales. Then Michaan’s had an awful Tiffany sale in California (don’t miss Thursday’s blog). Ultimately his fears were unjustified. Interest was solid across the board, even in categories that had been weak in recent sales. Part of the success was due to the re-emergence of many bidders who had been absent for several years. They probably helped increase the percentage of sold lots to a near all-time high for the division.

Tiffany Studios Venetian table lamp, Julia’s lot #1314

Top lot of the sale was #1314, a fine Tiffany Studios Venetian table lamp. Estimated to sell for $60,000 – $80,000, it realized $103,500, including buyer’s premium. In general, lamps were resurgent, from unsigned leaded to Pairpoint puffies to Tiffany Studios.

High-quality Galle marquetry vase, Julia lot #1200

The Gallé selection of glass was strong, anchored by several high quality marquetry examples. Lot #1200, a fine Gallé marquetry vase, sold for $25,875, above the high estimate of $20,000. The majority of Gallé vases sold within or above their pre-sale estimates.

Daum wheel-carved vase, Julia’s lot #1235

The top Daum lot of the sale was #1235, a beautifully wheel-carved example. This was the type of vase that used to sell very well to Japanese buyers, but not to American ones. On this day, the vase was well-received by Americans (an assumption on my part). It sold for $23,000, against an aggressive pre-sale estimate of $20,000 – $30,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Julia’s Lamp and Glass results. You will have to login (gratis) to see the prices.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. I need some time to edit the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Demetre Chiparus was the star of Bonham’s Chiparus, Lalique & The Decorative Arts auction of November, 14, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Bonham’s held its Chiparus, Lalique & The Decorative Arts auction in London on November, 14, 2012, with mixed results. Demetre Chiparus bronze and ivory figures sold well, but Rene Lalique items did not.

The top lot of the sale was #78, a bronze and ivory grouping entitled The Dolly Sisters. Estimated to sell for £150,000 – £200,000, it realized £277,250 ($444,136) — slightly above the high estimate, including buyer’s premium.

Demetre Chiparus bronze & ivory figure, Starfish, Bonham’s lot #77

Others Chiparus bronze & ivory figurines also did well, with Starfish selling for £91,250 ($146,165) — near its high estimate of £85,000.

R. Lalique blue vase, Escargot, Bonham’s lot #192

The top R. Lalique vase in the sale was lot #192, an electric blue Escargot vase. It sold for £49,250 ($78,879), near the low estimate, including buyer’s premium. Many Lalique vases did not sell, probably because the estimates were too aggressive. Conservative estimates almost always achieve the best results.

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Bonham’s London Chiparus & Lalique results.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

François-Xavier Lalanne was the star of Christie’s Paris 20th Century auction, November 21, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Christie’s Paris held its 20th Century auction, Arts Décoratifs Du XXe Siècle & Design on November 21, 2012. Sales were strong, with many items far exceeding their high estimates. Total sales were €7,174,525 ($9,301,876).

François-Xavier Lalanne bar, Les Autruches, Christie’s Paris lot #105

The top lot of the sale, #105, was a bar entitled Les Autruches (The Ostriches) from 1966 by François-Xavier Lalanne and the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres. Made of biscuitware, silvered metal, steel, iron and silver, it stood 47¼” high by 76¼” long. Estimated to sell for €200,000 – €300,000, it more than quadrupled its high estimate to realize €1,465,000 ($1,869,787), including buyer’s premium.

Diego Giacometti tables, Christie’s lot #72

Sales of items by Diego Giacometti were received well, as usual. Lot #72 was a pair of bronze tables with green patina. The result of €331,000 ($422,457) doubled the high estimate of €150,000. Another table, lot #74, tripled its high estimate of €90,000 to sell for €313,000 ($399,484).

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Christie’s Paris 20th Century results.

No more shows in 2012, so we’ll be spending the time buying treasures for the 2013 antiques season which begins with the Birchwood Manor Antiques Show in Whippany, New Jersey, January 5-6, 2013. (We might also find a little time for R&R.) After that we’ll be traveling south for the important Miami shows in late January and early February. In the meantime, we’re still in business, so keep the inquiries coming. Let me know what you’d like to buy, sell or trade. If you need a Christmas present, NOW is the time. I’ll be adding many new items to my website this week.

I will be posting videos on YouTube of my lecture on French Cameo Glass to the Metropolitan Glass Club. Right now my son Billy is creating the videos. When they’re ready, I’ll put the link on my website and here in my blog.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Some incredible prices at Rago’s 20th/21st Century Design Auction, October 26-27, 2012

Posted on by
4

Monday’s blog will be posted by 1 PM.

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.

First I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a wonderful holiday, so enjoy it with your family and friends.

Superb Frederick Hurten Rhead peacock tile, Rago lot #542

David Rago held a 20th/21st Century Design Auction on October 26-27, 2012, with some results for the history books. Most incredible of all was a Frederick Hurten Rhead four-part tile panel, 20¾” sq., given as a personal gift to Levi Burgess of the Weller Pottery. Estimated to sell for $35,000 – $45,000, it soared to $637,500. A hit-the-jackpot price for the consignor and a record for ANY piece of American Arts and Crafts at auction, ever.

A superb Tiffany Favrile wheel-carved floriform vase, Rago lot #932

A wonderful Tiffany Studios Favrile glass, wheel-carved, floriform vase was the second best performer of the sale. Selling as lot #932, it realized a stunning final price of $100,000 — almost 20 times the low estimate, including buyer’s premium. What’s even more amazing is that the consignor, a dealer, bought the vase at a country auction two months ago for $75. Now there’s a story he’ll be able to tell his grandchildren!

Tiffany Favrile Milkweed pottery vase, Rago lot #538

The second-best Tiffany lot of the sale was a pottery vase with milkweed design, with a few minor flaws. Tiffany pottery vases are rarer than glass vases and those with organic designs tend to be the most desirable, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise when it more than tripled its low estimate, selling for $42,500, against a pre-sale estimate of $12,500 – $17,500. But as amazing as the Tiffany floriform vase, this vase was rescued from a New York State home about to be demolished. It was saved from the trash and free. Kudos to the consignor!

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Rago 20th/21st Century Design results.

No more shows in 2012, so we’ll be spending the time buying treasures for the 2013 antiques season which begins with the Birchwood Manor Antiques Show in Whippany, New Jersey, January 5-6, 2013. (We might also find a little time for R&R.) After that we’ll be traveling south for the important Miami shows in late January and early February. In the meantime, we’re still in business, so keep the inquiries coming. Let me know what you’d like to buy, sell or trade. If you need a Christmas present, NOW is the time. I’ll be adding many new items to my website this week.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

The results of the NYC Pier Antiques Show, November 17-18, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

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.

First a final update on Hurricane Sandy. We got power back 13 days after the storm hit and we got TV, Internet and land telephone back 18 days after the storm. Then we were introduced to irony. While everyone was dealing with no power, we had power from our generator. While some were dealing with flooding, we were dry. Three days ago the heat and hot water magically stopped working. I called the oil company for service, but they were so busy they couldn’t come until the next day. So we went one night without heat. The next day, the serviceman came to fix the problem. As soon as he left, a pipe from the hot water heater burst, causing a major flood in the basement. Servicemen (plural) returned a few hours later to fix the problem, but then we needed a “dryout” crew to clean and dry the basement (paid for by the oil company). So while everyone was dealing with heat, we had none. While everyone was dealing with a dry basement, we had a wet one. If that isn’t the definition of irony, I don’t know what is. The good news is that everything is returning to normal and normal feels great.

My booth

Back to business. The NYC Pier Antiques Show ended yesterday, November 18, 2012. In asking around, most dealers told me they only had fair shows, but there was a wide range of opinions. Two dealers told me they had the best shows ever at the Pier. Another told me he only made one sale, and that was to me, pre-show — not a single item sold to the public. Ugh! Another dealer described his show in one word — “terrible”. There’s always a normal distribution curve of dealer results, but this time it was skewed a little toward disappointing. Some sales were strong at the show, including Handel and Pairpoint lamps — a welcome change.

A wonderful Tiffany red Favrile vase, sold at the show

Personally, my show was moderately good, but less than the previous two shows. It could get better if sales develop later this week, as suggested by several clients. Sales and interest were best in French cameo glass (Daum and Le Verre Francais), Tiffany glass, a Pairpoint puffy lamp and a good painting.

Saturday afternoon at the show

Attendance was good on Saturday, and almost as good on Sunday, but sales and interest were better for me on Sunday. Brooke Shields, Justin Timberlake, and Joan Rivers visited the show. (I’m a sucker for celebrities. I think I inherited it from my mother.) The problem was they didn’t come to my booth and buy anything. What’s wrong with them?

No more shows in 2012, so we’ll be spending the time buying treasures for the 2013 antiques season which begins with the Birchwood Manor Antiques Show in Whippany, New Jersey, January 5-6, 2013. (We might also find a little time for R&R.) After that we’ll be traveling south for the important Miami shows in late January and early February. In the meantime, we’re still in business, so keep the inquiries coming. Let me know what you’d like to buy, sell or trade. If you need a Christmas present, NOW is the time. I’ll be adding many new items to my website this week.

Just purchased this unbelievable Gallé seagull vase — one of the best Gallé vases I’ve ever owned

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased and listed. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

The NYC Pier Antiques Show starts this Saturday, November 17, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

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.

We were viewing the important original Tiffany Studios decorations in St. Michael’s Church prior to my lecture on French Cameo Glass.

If you missed my lecture on French Cameo Glass this past Tuesday at St. Michael’s Church, you missed a good one. But fear not, because my son, Billy, recorded my lecture and is working on combining it with my PowerPoint presentation. When it’s done, it will be posted on YouTube in sections. My lecture started with the basics and continued to the most advanced techniques. It will be important reference material for anyone interested in French cameo glass.

The line is usually long before the start of the show

The NYC Pier Antiques Show opens this Saturday, November 17, 2011, at 10 AM and continues until Sunday, November 18, 2012, at 6 PM. There was some concern after Hurricane Sandy that the show might have to be cancelled or postponed, but the Pier was put back into shape quickly, so the show will go on (a New York Broadway tradition!). Stella Show Management did a great job making sure everything was set.

Because the show is only two days long, it’s more intense than many longer shows. There’s more action because people have to make up their minds faster, or the items they were considering may be gone. The selection of items for sale is very eclectic, from silver, jewelry, Asian, ceramics, art, and vintage clothing to glass and lamps (me and several other dealers). The show is so important that many buyers fly in from all over the world, including as far away as Japan. My booth is near the entrance, so you can’t miss me.

I’m bringing an incredible selection of fresh merchandise, including wonderful French cameo glass, Tiffany glass and lamps and much more. You will enjoy the show, so make your plans, even if they’re last minute. The Big Apple awaits you!

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased. I recently listed over 25 new items. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

I’ll have this rare, special Tiffany Studios red decorated Favrile vase for sale at the NYC Pier Antiques Show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Please visit my lecture on French Cameo Glass this Tuesday night, November 13, in NYC

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Workers came from Massachusetts and elsewhere to aid in the power restoration

First a storm update. Things are looking up. Power was restored today to my neighborhood — 12 days after the storm. Hallelujah! We still have no Internet, TV, or land phones (and that could take up to two months to restore). Many gas stations have no lines, but an odd-even system is in place, so it can only be bought every other day. All in all, though, the situation is vastly improved.

A rare Gallé Elephant blownout vase that will part of my lecture

Back to business. I’ve been invited by the Metropolitan Glass Club to lecture about French Cameo Glass. The lecture will be held at St. Michael’s Church on W. 99th St. between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue in New York City at 7:00 PM, this Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Wine and cheese will be served at 6:30 PM. All are invited.

At my lecture, you’ll find out why this Burgun & Schverer vase is so special

My lecture is entitled French Cameo Glass: A-Z. I can’t say I’m thrilled with the title, but I am thrilled about the lecture. I spent an inordinate amount of time creating a Powerpoint presentation with lots of photos. The lecture will cover everything from the very basics of French Cameo Glass to advanced techniques, including sections on determining value and spotting reproductions. There will be things you’ll learn, even if you know quite a bit already. Hope to see you there.

Don’t miss this week’s NYC Pier Antiques Show

In the meantime, the news is good about the NYC Pier Antiques Show. Pier 94 has power and heat and is dry. The show will go on as planned this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 17-18. It will begin on Saturday at 10 AM and continue through Sunday at 6 PM. You should make every effort to come because it will be a good one. They always are!

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased. I recently listed over 25 new items. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

I’ll have this rare, special Tiffany Studios red decorated Favrile vase for sale at the NYC Pier Antiques Show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

French Cameo Glass sells well at Christie’s 500 Years Decorative Arts Europe auction, October 17-18, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Many of the utility poles on my street are down and awaiting repair

I’ve been so preoccupied with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, that I haven’t had time to focus on business. Before I get to that, here’s a brief update. As of Wednesday night, we haven’t had power in my neighborhood for nine days (and none is expected until Monday, November 12th). LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) says that over 140,000 homes are still without power. We’re in the middle of another storm right this minute, which will probably cause more damage. Gas lines are getting longer, not shorter. It’s been pretty tough here for many people.

Back to business. Christie’s New York held a successful two-day 500 Years Decorative Arts Europe auction on October 17-18, 2012, with gross sales of $4,280,225. Included in the sale was a fantastic one-owner collection of French cameo glass, much of which was purchased as recently as one year ago at auctions in New York City. I find it curious that the collection was for sale so soon after purchasing some of it. Since I believe the owner(s) are still alive, my best guess is that the collection was sold as part of a divorce (but that’s wild speculation on my part).

A rare 21″ Gallé parrot vase, Christie’s lot #326

The top French cameo glass lot of the sale was #326, a rare, large Gallé vase with parrot decoration. Estimated to sell for $40,000 – $60,000, it realized $47,500, including buyer’s premium, toward the low end. Most of the vases in the sale had low estimates, but not this one. I imagine it was because the buyer paid a record price for it at Christie’s December 8, 2009 auction, where it sold for an astonishing $104,500. $47,500 was a much more realistic price. Here’s the link to my original blog about the sale. December 9, 2009 blog.

Wonderful Daum fall scenic vase, Christie’s lot #325

The second best-selling French cameo glass vase was a truly gorgeous fall scenic by Daum, sold as lot #325. Most Daum fall scenics are beautiful, but this one was both exceptional and large (18½”). It sold for $26,500, against a pre-sale estimate of $7,000 – $9,000 — over triple the low estimate. I really wanted to buy this vase, but the price was too strong for a dealer. Another Daum fall scenic vase, lot #324, almost as nice, sold for $25,000.

Fine Gallé plum blownout vase, Christie’s lot #347

A very attractive Gallé mold-blown plum vase, lot #347, was the fourth strongest French cameo glass lot of the sale. Against an estimate of $5,000 – $7,000, it sold for $21,250 — too rich for a dealer, but not for a collector.

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Christie’s 500 Years Decorative Arts Europe results.

The NYC Pier Antiques Show will be held November 17 & 18, 2012

The big, important NYC Pier Antiques Show is coming next weekend, November 17th-18th. If you haven’t made your travel plans yet, there’s still time. This is one show you shouldn’t miss. You can knock off two birds with one stone — see the show and enjoy the Big Apple!

Wonderful Schneider controlled bubble vase with wheel-carved Art Deco handles, recently acquired

Click this link to view some of the new objects I recently purchased. I recently listed over 25 new items. French glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

I’ll have this rare, special Tiffany Studios red decorated Favrile vase for sale at the NYC Pier Antiques Show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.