Tag Archives: Tiffany Studios

Results of the Chicago Merchandise Mart International Antiques Show, April 29 – May 2, 2011

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Saturday afternoon in my booth

The Chicago Merchandise Mart International Antiques Show ended on Monday, May 2, 2011. Many of the dealers were pleased with their results, but a few were not. Following is some of the scuttlebutt.

An important Art Nouveau dealer is not returning because he did not do enough business after having exhibited at the show twice. An important dealer of Art Nouveau, 19th century and Asian antiques only had a fair show, mainly because he sold Chinese antiques to Chinese dealers. (The Chinese market is red hot because of the new wealth in China. Chinese buyers are repatriating fine Chinese antiques.) A dealer in Russian antiques only had a decent show. A dealer in French furniture and bronzes did very well, exhibiting for the first time at the show. Another dealer who deals in general, but fine antiques, did very well. An important dealer in general, but fairly unique items, only had a fair show. Another who deals in mainly 19th century fine antiques and art only had a fair show. An English dealer of silver had a very good show. A domestic dealer of silver had a barely passable show. An English dealer of ceramics and other objects barely made expenses. (Last year was much better for them.) Finally several dealers in Asian antiques did well.

One of the fine sold Daum Nancy vases -- "Rain"

Personally, my show was very good. I have to thank all of my loyal clients, who made a point of visiting my booth and purchasing from me. Interest and sales were best for Tiffany lamps and French glass by Gallé and Daum Nancy. I was disappointed that few of my sales were to new people, but thankful for the good show.

Where else but my blog can you get such accurate information about a show? NOWHERE! Most people who write about antiques have an agenda, but I don’t. I’ll tell you like it is. So have you told one of your friends to read my blog? Send them the link. https://blog.chasenantiques.com

So what was the consensus? Many dealers did OK, some did well, and others only had fair shows. I didn’t hear from a single dealer who had a great show. The best I heard was “pretty good”. Business was solid, but not ebullient. Overall, there have been better years, but almost every dealer is returning, with the exception of a few. So that means they think Chicago is a good city to exhibit and the Chicago Merchandise Mart is a good venue to exhibit. The Mart does a really fine job of making the dealers feel like they’re important. Kudos to the staff of the Merchandise Mart.

A Tiffany Studios 7-light lily lamp, similar to the one that I will be getting soon with a fine patina

I’m in the process of acquiring some wonderful Tiffany Studios lamps — a 7-light lily with beautiful shades and a fine patina, a 20″ Dragonfly and a 16″ Poinsettia. I should have them reasonably soon, so email me if you’re interested and I’ll send you photos as soon as they’re in my possession.

Check out my new Tiffany, Daum, and Gallé acquisitions. I just listed a couple of important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. I also listed about ten Daum and Gallé vases plus about 10 Tiffany Pine Needle and Grapevine desk pieces. I’ll be listing even more Pine and Grapevine pieces within the next few days. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

The results of the Los Angeles Antiques Show, April 14-17, 2011

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Heidi Klum and Thomas Gottshalk viewing etchings in my booth

The Los Angeles Antiques Show ended on Sunday, April 17, 2011, with most exhibitors smiling. The show, very professionally managed by Rosemary Krieger and her Dolphin Promotions staff, ended a four-day run, which began with a preview party last Wednesday night.

If you follow my blog, you know I’m not a fan of preview parties (that’s saying it mildly). For the most part, the attendees are there to see and be seen. Most preview parties benefit a specific charity, with the guests usually having little interest in purchasing antiques. After the Los Angeles Antiques Show preview party, I may have to stop bitching (or at least slow down). This was a high-powered party with a lot of famous, wealthy, and powerful people. There were more beautiful women than usual, many of whom were all legs (not that I noticed). Heidi Klum (lovely in person) and Keanu Reeves were in attendance, as well as billionaire businessman, Eli Broad.

Sunday afternoon in my booth

Sales were good at the preview party, a phenomenon I am not used to, but could get used to pretty easily. I’m throwing down the gauntlet – a challenge to preview party guests at all shows — buy something from me and I will stop bitching about preview parties. Wouldn’t that be a kick? Me writing about looking forward to a preview party? Not likely to happen.

I hoped the excitement would continue to the show, but attendance was very light to moderate most days and never came close to the preview party. The good part is that the right people showed up, so sales continued slowly and erratically (Saturday was a complete bust). As usual for most shows, the hours and days were too long and brutal – 4 hours at the preview party, 8 hours on Thursday, 10 hours on Friday, 8 hours on Saturday and 6 hours on Sunday, for a total of 36. Both dealers and the public would have been better served with shorter hours and a later starting time of noon.

Lia, Arnold Schwarzenegger and me

Sunday was fun with a couple of nice sales and visits by celebrities, include Jaclyn Smith (who at 63 still looks great), Arnold Schwarzenegger, and jeweler Neil Lane. It would have been even more fun if they had made purchases. At least Arnold and Neil were kind enough to pose for photos.

In asking around, most dealers did well. One dealer in 19th century decorative objects had a great show. London dealers in jewelry and silver did very well. A dealer in Asian antiques had substantially improved results from last year. A dealer of fine antiques at full retail prices and another of fossils did not do well. Personally the show was a moderate success – better than last year and good enough to return next year. Sales were best for Tiffany Studios glass and objects and Icart etchings.

Check out my new Tiffany, Daum, and Gallé acquisitions. I just listed a couple of important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. I also listed about ten Daum and Gallé vases plus about 10 Tiffany Pine Needle and Grapevine desk pieces. I’ll be listing even more Pine and Grapevine pieces within the next few days. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

The Los Angeles Antiques Show will run from April 14-17, 2011

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The post on the results of the Los Angeles Antiques Show will be posted during the day on Tuesday as I was traveling all day Monday.

The Los Angeles Antiques Show, April 14-17, 2011

The best antique show in Los Angeles will be opening this week — The Los Angeles Antiques Show. The preview party will be held on Wednesday evening from 6-10 PM, to benefit PS Arts, an organization dedicated to restoring arts education to public schools in Central and Southern California. It will be held at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Air Center and will run Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM, Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturday: 11 AM to 7 PM and Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM.

My booth at a recent show

The show will have 60 outstanding dealers from around the United States and Europe, including one from Italy and six from England. The categories will be very diverse and will include silver, glass, lamps, art and Asian. All of the objects will be vetted by experts. Only the very best shows in the country are vetted, so you can shop with assurance.

A Tiffany 10-light lily, almost identical to the one I'm bringing to the show

I’m bringing some really great items this time. I just picked up a Tiffany 18″ Peony lamp, to die for. Also a Tiffany 18″ Oak Leaf & Acorn table lamp. Oh, and a Tiffany 10-light lily table lamp. LA will be the first show for them. Don’t forget that I have an incredible selection of French cameo glass, including Daum Nancy and Gallé, and American glass, including Tiffany Studios, Quezal, and Steuben.

Last year’s show was interesting. It didn’t appear that I was doing very well, but then a flurry of activity on the last day convinced me I should try the show again. If you’re in LA and would like for me to continue to exhibit there, come to show and consider making a purchase. At least come to the show and have a look!

Check out my new Tiffany, Daum, and Gallé acquisitions. I just listed a couple of important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. I also listed about ten Daum and Gallé vases plus about 10 Tiffany Pine Needle and Grapevine desk pieces. I’ll be listing even more Pine and Grapevine pieces within the next few days. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

Results of the Arlington Park Racetrack Antiques Show, April 1-3, 2011

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Setup is just beginning on Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Arlington Park Racetrack Antiques Show ended yesterday, April 3, 2011. Most of the dealers I spoke to were quite pleased with their results. One dealer who sells furniture sold quite a few pieces. Another who sells jewelry and diverse objects told me he sold a bracelet for $100,000. (I can’t verify that information, so my best guess is that he sold an expensive bracelet, but who knows the price.) I didn’t hear a single complaint from any dealer, except one, and it wasn’t really a complaint. He was just disappointed. The problem was that he’s too specialized and very few buyers showed up for his specialty.

A few of the lamps on display in my booth

Personally, the show went well for me, but with few sales. Based on the number of bona fide buyers who showed up, I should have had a really great show. Too many potential buyers were right on the fence and decided not to make a purchase. It could easily have gone the other way and then I would be raving about my great show. Oh well! I really would like to rave about my great show, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Some of the Daum Nancy glass on display in my booth.

Interest and sales was greatest in Tiffany lamps and glass. French glass was quiet at this show, but not otherwise. The French glass market, mainly Gallé and Daum Nancy glass, is quite active. Each show has a personality, depending on who shows up. This time the Tiffany buyers showed up.

It’s sad to see that the show is shrinking. There was the bare minimum number of dealers for a show. Unfortunately, if the show shrinks any more, there won’t be a show. I’m hoping that the dealers who did well will tell their friends to exhibit there the next time and the show will expand. There are so many good buyers in the area, it would be a serious shame if the show were to close. Are you dealers reading this? Call Shawn Hastings and sign up for the next Arlington Park Racetrack Antiques Show in October. (618) 444-2803. Unfortunately I won’t be at Arlington this coming October because it conflicts with the Fall edition of the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show in downtown Chicago. They’re the same weekend. Bummer! I would love to exhibit at one show and then do the other show the following week. I hope that Shawn can change his dates.

Merchandise Mart Antiques Show, April 29 - May 2, 2011

We’ll be back soon in the Chicago area for the Spring edition of the Merchandise Mart Antiques Show. It will start on Friday, April 29, 2011 and end on Monday, May 2, 2011. Before then we’ll be exhibiting at the Los Angeles Antiques Show at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Air Center, April 14 to April 17. Then we’re going on a buying trip, so we should have some very fine new items for the Merchandise Mart Show, especially French Cameo Glass. Make the time to come and visit the show. It’s one of the best in the entire United States, so it’s worth a trip from anywhere.

Check out my new Tiffany, Daum, and Gallé acquisitions. I just listed a couple of important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. I also listed about ten Daum and Gallé vases plus about 10 Tiffany Pine Needle and Grapevine desk pieces. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

Good results for Tiffany Studios at Christie’s and Sotheby’s March 10-11, 2011 auctions

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I just started with twitter, so I hope you’ll start following me, by clicking on the twitter button at the end of this post. You can also email this post to a friend by clicking on the email button at the end.

Christie’s and Sotheby’s New York locations used to hold two 20th Century Design auctions per year, in June and December. Recently they’ve each added March sales. The overall quality of the offerings is usually lower, as the sales are used to clean up the excess consignments that accumulate. Sotheby’s was first on March 10th, 2011, with Christie’s selling the following day.

Tiffany Studios Magnolia boudoir lamp, Sotheby's lot #14

The top lot of the sale was a rare and very unusual Magnolia boudoir lamp with leaded glass flowers and mosaic glass inlay throughout. Estimated to sell for $50-70,000, it sold very near the high, for $86,250, including buyer’s premium.

Tiffany Studios Clematis chandelier, Sotheby's lot #13

The second highest Tiffany Studios item was lot #13, a beautiful Clematis chandelier. It handily exceeded it’s pre-sale estimate of $30-50,000, reaching $80,500, including buyer’s premium.

Total sales were $3,551,816, less than the usual $5-7,000,000 for the June and December sales, but still quite respectable. Click on the following link to view the complete results. Sotheby’s 20th Century Design results.

Tiffany Studios 22" Peony table lamp, Christie's lot #5

Christie’s sale wasn’t as high-powered as Sotheby’s, so total sales were only $1,435,125. It included a few bargains, in my opinion, such as lot #5, a Tiffany Studios 22″ Peony table lamp. It had been offered in a previous sale, at a much higher estimate, and didn’t sell. Re-offered items have a “stigma” attached to them, many times unjustifiably. This wasn’t the greatest example of a 22″ Peony, but it was still was very good. The flowers were gorgeous, but the background was so-so. Christie’s wanted to make sure it sold this time, so the estimate was lowered to $100,000-$150,000. It sold for $134,500, including buyer’s premium, probably much lower than it would have the first time around, if it had carried a lower estimate and reserve.

Duffner & Kimberly 24" Peony floor lamp, Christie's lot #9

The second big bargain was for a beautiful, huge Duffner & Kimberly 24″ Peony floor lamp. Estimated to sell for $50-70,000, it sold for $30,000, including buyer’s premium. That’s a very unusual event at major auction houses because the reserve is usually no more than 25% below the low estimate. This lot apparently had a very low or no reserve. I surely wasn’t expecting that or I would have spent more time examining it at the exhibition.

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

Check out my new Tiffany, Daum, and Gallé acquisitions. I just listed three important Tiffany vases, including a red decorated vase, straight from a private home. I also listed about ten Daum and Gallé vases plus about 10 Tiffany Pine Needle and Grapevine desk pieces. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

Le Verre Francais and Tiffany Favrile glass do well at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates auction, March 19, 2011

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Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates of Mt. Crawford, VA, held an Art, Studio and Cut Glass auction on March 19, 2011. Included in the sale were several good items by Le Verre Francais and Tiffany Studios.

Rare Palmiers Bleus vase, Jeffrey Evans lot #207

Lot 207 was a rare Le Verre Francais vase in the Palmiers Bleus pattern, 11″ tall. It was estimated to sell for $3-4,000, and sold for $5,100, including buyer’s premium. The Le Verre Francais market has been quiet for some time now, so the result was good for today’s market. This same vase would probably have sold for double a few years ago.

Rare Tiffany Favrile perfume with ormulu decorated lid, Evans lot #228

Lot 228 was the star of the art glass section. It was a rare blue decorated Tiffany Favrile perfume bottle with an exquisite ormolu hinged top, 4″ tall. Even with a few surface scratches to body, it soared past its pre-sale estimate of $1-2,000, to sell for $13,200, including buyer’s premium.

Rare Tiffany Favrile miniature red decorated vase, Evans lot #229

The next lot, #229, a rare miniature red decorated Tiffany Favrile vase, 1½” tall x 2 1/8″ diameter, was from the same collection of Ms. Frances Armentrout of Naples, FL. It carried a pre-sale estimate of $800-1,200, and also flew past its estimate, to sell for $7,200, including buyer’s premium.

For the complete catalog of the sale, click on the following link. Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates glass auction.

Check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I just listed some important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

The Pier Show is coming! The Pier Show is coming!

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The NYC Pier Show, Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13, 2011

I don’t have a horse to help me get the message out, but I do have the Internet. Now there’s a thought. Paul Revere would have tweeted about the British. My son tells me I have to get with it and start using Twitter, so soon I’ll figure it out and get with the program.

There were two lines for the opening of the November, 2011 Pier Show

In the meantime, at least I write a blog and can tell you that the NYC Pier Show is coming this weekend, Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13, 2011. The show is a big deal, even by NY standards. There’s nothing quite like it, with very diverse offerings that are difficult to find in today’s shows. This is the way shows used to be, with the antique show in the Madison Square Garden Exposition Rotunda, coming closest. That show was held once a year and the anticipation was amazing. There was always an enormous line that formed when the show began. The lines at this show are huge too.

So what’s so good about the show? First is the diversity. You can buy vintage clothing (there are quite a few exhibitors), famous autographs (there’s a new section), costume jewelry, furniture, every conceivable type of decoration from vintage to modern, art, art glass (think me), Tiffany lamps (think me, too). More decorators visit this show with their clients than many other shows. Next is quality, with superb offerings from many of the exhibitors. Last is quantity. It’s a big show, with many exhibitors, so you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.

Monumental 19" Gallé vase with two dragonflies

I’m bringing many new items that are new to my inventory. I’ve bought very well since the last time I exhibited at the Pier Show in the fall. I’m bringing great new Daum and Gallé items, Tiffany glass from a private collection, a super Tiffany Studios green Linenfold counterbalance floor lamp and lots more.

Travelers come from all over the world to shop this show, so make the time to come and visit. You surely won’t regret it. And what’s more fun than playing in New York City for the weekend, with its great restaurants and shows? I can think of worse things to do.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I just listed some important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

Pastel glass of the Louis C. Tiffany Furnaces, Inc.

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A rare two-color pastel wine glass

In January, 1920, Louis C. Tiffany Furnaces, Inc., was formed and headed by A. Douglas Nash. In the decade that followed, a line of pastel glassware was created that proved popular. The items were all utilitarian, as opposed to the art glass that Tiffany Studios produced. Wine glasses, parfaits, compotes and candlesticks were made in various shades of yellow, green, blue, pink, and lavender. The quality of the workmanship was very high.

Tiffany pink candlesticks

Pastel glass is under-appreciated by today’s collectors. Perhaps the spark will be the publication of a book on the topic. As of today, there is no such book, but Gordon (Hank) Hancock of Long Island is writing one that I hope he finishes and publishes. In the meantime he has done substantial research. (You may contact him directly at pasteltiffany@aol.com)

To those collecting today, certain colors appeal more than others. Pink is probably the most sought after, followed by lavender, blue and green, with yellow trailing the pack. Tastes change, so buy what you like. Doesn’t the “in” color change every year for ladies fashions?

Aqua color wedding ring compote

Some of the shapes were more unusual than others. A “wedding ring” compote is moderately rare and especially nice.

A rare chartreuse color variation

The numbering system on pastel glass is different than for earlier Favrile glass from Tiffany Studios. Earlier pieces had unique numbers that included a prefix or suffix letter. The numbers on pastel items do not have a letter and refer to the shapes, so you will see the same number repeated on items with the same shape. For example, 1881 is a trumpet vase and is repeated on all trumpet vases of the same size and shape. (Credit Hank Hancock for this information.)

Prices are still very reasonable for pastel glass. If you find it appealing, it’s a great time to enter the market and start collecting. One day, prices may soar and you’ll look back fondly on this time period.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I just listed some important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

The Sarasota Antiques Show is over and the Palm Beach Antiques Show is starting this coming weekend, February 19, 2011

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Sunday afternoon in my booth at the Sarasota Antiques Show

Call me a glutton for punishment. After exhibiting at two shows in a row in Miami, we made it three-in-a-row with Sarasota and soon to be four-in-a-row with Palm Beach. I don’t mind the work when it’s rewarded, but it was not to be in Sarasota. Next year, we’ll relax on a Caribbean beach for a week between shows. Hey mon, I can already taste that Jamaican beer!

One of several fabulous Tiffany Favrile vases that I recently acquired from a private home

This is the third time we’ve exhibited in Sarasota and now we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it’s the last time. It’s a beautiful city, but that’s not a sufficient reason to exhibit there. There aren’t enough buyers for important items. I received lots of compliments, and I do appreciate them, but unfortunately I can’t pay the mortgage with them.

It amazes me, although it shouldn’t, how little the general public understands about the antiques business. First and foremost is that most people don’t even realize it’s a business, with profit and loss. If more people understood that, there could be a better balance of the needs of both exhibitors and attendees. Exhibitors need to sell. The public, in general, needs to be amused. The buyers need to find what they’re searching for. So how can a balance be achieved? I’ll propose a radical solution that has little chance of succeeding. Attendees at antiques shows pay nothing for admission if they make a purchase. Those who don’t make a purchase pay for admission, say $50. What would happen? Fewer people would attend, but a higher percentage would make purchases. Sounds good to me. The problem is that there is a third interested party — the show promoter. Promoters make money from two sources, booth rent from the exhibitors and admissions from the public. They have no interest in limiting the number of people who attend — just the opposite. The antique shows that get the balance correct will continue to thrive, while those that don’t will eventually go out of existence, as has already happened in several cities. In the meantime, I’ll keep writing my blog in the hope that I can affect and improve the balance. But I digress.

Opening day at last year's Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show

Next weekend, on Saturday, February 19th, the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show opens to the public. It will remain open for four days, until Tuesday, February 22nd. It’s a gorgeous show, with important dealers, many of whom exhibit at very few shows. It’s worth a trip from anywhere. Buyers fly in from all over the US, as well as Canada and Europe. Palm Beach is a lovely place to spend some time in the middle of winter. There’s still time to make your plans.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I just listed some important Tiffany vases, straight from a private home. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

The results of the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show, February 3-7, 2011

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My booth at the show

There were definitely more smiles than frowns after the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show ended on Monday evening. Attendance was fairly good, but definitely affected by the horrible weather up north. Several people I spoke to said they were delayed by a day or two in arriving because of airport closings and canceled flights. Regardless, business was generally good. I asked many dealers how they did and very few said fair or poor. Most replied good, excellent, or even better. One dealer brought approximately $1 million dollars in jewelry to the show. He told me he sold out. That’s right, nothing left. He sold well to the public and then a dealer who specializes in buying complete booths bought whatever remained. Not bad for a few days work. Another dealer, who specializes in Tiffany lamps, sold so many lamps that he had his best show ever.

An important, huge 19 inch Gallé vase with two dragonflies

Personally the show went well, with sales strongest for French cameo glass (which remains strong), Tiffany Studios glass, lamps and frames (which also remain strong), and Icart etchings (a pleasant surprise). The buying also was good. Last week I bought some wonderful French cameo glass at the Miami National Antiques Show. This week I bought an important Galle dragonfly vase and some fine Tiffany Studios objects.

The results of the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show are usually a barometer for the antiques business for the rest of the year. Right now, things are looking up.

Packup on Monday evening at the show

This week we’re off to Sarasota to try another show. We haven’t had the best luck there, but the timing was right, coming the week after the Miami Beach show and before the West Palm Beach show. Last year we had a scary, unwelcome Noreaster adventure on the way to West Palm Beach for the show. This year we decided it’s best to play safe, stay in Florida, exhibit in Sarasota, and avoid the unfortunate weather in the Northeast. If you live on the west coast of Florida, I hope you’ll take the time to visit the show. The dates are Friday to Sunday, February 11-13. I’m bringing the same top-notch objects I will be bringing to West Palm Beach the following week.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve recently listed many of them on my website, including Daum swans and rain — more each day, including a Tiffany Favrile millifiori vase. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com