From The Associated Press:
Byron letters get nearly $460,000 at UK auction

To put it delicately, Romantic poet Lord Byron was a rake who racked up big gambling debts, had serial affairs and was characterized as “mad, bad and dangerous to know.” Fifteen letters written by Byron chronicling his love affairs and his dog sold to an anonymous bidder.

From The New York Times:
Thanks for the Memories, Andy Warhol

In 1965, a high-school senior ventured into Andy Warhol’s Factory to gather information for a paper. Next thing she knew, she was hired as a receptionist. She worked so diligently that Warhol gave her a self-portrait. Fast forward to today, the portrait will be auctioned at Sotheby’s next week. Estimate? Between $1 million and $1.5 million.

From The Times (UK):
Prince Michael of Kent’s christening set included in £1m heirloom auction

British royalty appear to be looking for cash in their attics. More than 300 lots inherited by the Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra from their parents Prince George and Princess Marina are going under the hammer. The timing of the sale may be because Prince Michael and Princess Alexandra will have to start paying for their apartment in Kensington Palace next year. Times are tough for everyone. Let’s hope Queen Elizabeth won’t have to rent out her corgis.

From The Associated Press via Auction Central News:
Miniature portrait of Peter the Great sells for $1.3M in NYC

In more royalty news, a portrait of a rather dorky-looking Peter the Great in a bejeweled frame went for 10 times more than its presale estimate. It is believed that Peter gave such portraits as reward for meritorious service.

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This magnificent étagère attributed to Mitchells & Rammelsberg, with four shelves and carved finial, are among the items from the antique shop and personal collection of Brad and Eunice Witt that will be up for action on Nov. 7, 2009.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The contents of the antique shop and items from the personal collection of Brad and Eunice Witt, including more than 300 lots of Victorian furniture, vintage French dolls, Babes in the Woods items, Yard Longs, Flow Blue, R.S. Prussia and more, will be sold without reserve on Saturday, Nov. 14.

“Brad and Eunice have decided to downsize their private collection and small antique shop,” said Jason Woody, proprietor of Woody Auction, which is facilitating the sale. “All items will sell to the highest bidder, without reserve. Come prepared for a really exciting auction.” The auction will be held in the grand ballroom of the St. Charles Convention Center.

Woody said he isn’t sure what to expect from this sale, since period furniture isn’t something he typically offers. “The R.S. Prussia and Flow Blue people will be there. I can always count on them,” he said, “but we’ll just have to see regarding the furniture. If the quality and consistency of the pieces count for anything, then it should be a wild success. We’ve got some truly wonderful furniture items.”

Some of those furniture items will include a super Victorian walnut drop-front dresser/étagère attributed to Jelliff and featuring a domed cornice with carved bust and heavy burl accent; a rare 8-foot ornate oak display cabinet with large winged gargoyle supports, beveled glass door and lots of carving; and an all-original Belter recamier with carved apron surrounded by heavy scrolls and grape clusters.

Gorgeous 14 inch by 10 ¾ inch oval Babes in Woods plaque with a summer scene of a lady and girl.

About 20 Babes in the Woods pieces, all circa 1880-1920, will cross the block. Expected to pique bidder interest will be a rare and excellent Royal Doulton winter season plaque depicting a lady and child in the woods during a snowstorm; a Royal Doulton oval plaque showing a lady playing the mandolin; and a very rare tall (16 ¾ inches) Royal Doulton vase, spring season, with a lady and girl.

Very rare Yard Long calendar print, titled “Temptation Candy Girl,” the only example known to exist.

Yard longs are so-named because they’re just that – about a yard long. The long, skinny prints usually show women, but sometimes flowers and fruit. Two pieces in the sale that should do well are a 1916 Clay Robinson & Co. advertising calendar, with a woman in a blue hat surrounded by flowers; and a Temptation Candy Girl calendar print, the only one known and with 10 of the 12 months intact.

R.S. Prussia pieces will include a 15 ½-inch carnation mold center piece bowl, cobalt blue, with great size, color and condition; and an outstanding 6-piece plume mold ice cream set, with 13-inch oval tray and five matching bowls, cobalt blue with nice gold highlights. Also sold will be a nice Victorian bride’s basket with fireglow ruffled bowl by Sandwich Glass and large silver plate frame.

Fans of vintage French dolls will not be disappointed. Anticipated top achievers include a 29 ½-inch tete Jumeau closed-mouth doll with an ornate beige and blue costume with matching hat; and a beautiful 25-inch Jumeau doll (size 12), dressed in a lavender Victorian costume with matching hat and plumes and lifelike hair with blond curls. Many other examples will be sold.

Beautiful 29 ½ inch Tete Jumeau French closed-mouth doll with ornate costume and matching hat.

Flow Blue is a common offering at many Woody Auctions, and this one will be no exception. Pieces include a 23 ¼-inch Royal Doulton burslem umbrella stand/floor vase in the Jessica pattern, with great color, pattern and size; and a 6- inch by 8-inch Nonpareil pattern handled tray by Burgess & Leigh. Also sold will be a 7-foot Victorian walnut easel with inlaid ebony designs and gold highlights.

Returning to Victorian furniture, the following will be sold: a magnificent and important étagère attributed Mitchells & Rammelsberg, 108 inches by 74 inches, with four shelves, large carved finial, deep pocket crest, great carving, and a huge mirror back with four swivel mirrors on each side; and a Victorian red velvet pin cushion chair with bride’s floral head piece, bride’s flowers and beveled mirror.

Also from the furniture category: a walnut center room parlor table attributed to Mallard, with long carved floral finial and rose and scroll design; a mahogany partner’s desk attributed to Horner, with large, cherub legs; a beautiful and rare Karpen mahogany barrel-shaped parlor set with love seat and two arm chairs; and a Victorian walnut marble-top table by Brooks, with a large carved pedestal.

Wonderful 15 ½-inch R.S. Prussia carnation mold centerpiece bowl, cobalt blue, great condition.

Rounding out the expected top lots: an outstanding three-piece figural clock set with bronze women holding a cherub above their head surrounding the clock, with 40-inch tall side pieces consisting of a woman holding a 6-arm candelabra above the head, and every piece matched on bronze marble and gilt metal base; and a 54-inch floor fan with light, Luminaire, by the Cincinnati Victor Co.

Online bidding will be facilitated by Proxibid.com. There will be no phone bidding, but absentee bids will be accepted with a written statement indicating the amount of the bid (deadline: noon Thursday, Nov. 12). Absentee bids will be charged an additional 10 percent of the sale price and may be faxed (316-747-2145) or e-mailed (info@woodyauction.com).

Inventory items from the Witt’s antique shop will be charged 7.45 percent unless a current sales tax number is provided. Items from their private collection are indicated with an asterisk (*) and will not be charged a sales tax.

For more information about this auction, visit the Woody Auction Web site, call at (316) 747-2694, or e-mail them at info@woodyauction.com.

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A paint-on-board creation by the renowned late folk artist Howard Finster, executed in 1983, is among the items collected by folk art collector and early self-taught art pioneer Lynne Ingram that will go on auction on Nov. 7.

BUFORD, Ga. – A Fall Masterpiece Auction, featuring around 800 lots of self-taught art, Southern folk pottery, outsider art, African-American decorative arts, quilts, circus art, new discoveries, major collections and more, including the lifetime collection of prestigious folk art collector and early self-taught art pioneer Lynne Ingram, will be held Saturday, Nov. 7.

About two-thirds of the auction will be dedicated to Ingram’s collection, most of which has been in storage for 30 years. The auction will be facilitated by Slotin Auction at the Historic Buford Hall.

“Our Fall Masterpiece Auction is always a special event on our calendar, but this year we feel particularly fortunate to have as the centerpiece the collection of Lynne Ingram,” said Steve Slotin of Slotin Auction.

Latex on plywood panel painting by Mose Tolliver, titled “Saturday Night Dance Hall” (circa 1989).

Ingram now lives in New Jersey but is originally from North Carolina. Beginning in the 1980s, she started collecting folk art when the genre was still in its relative infancy. But she didn’t just passively acquire pieces. She actually traveled around the Southeast and visited the artists, who became her friends. All the while she was amassing an outstanding collection, Slotin said.

“Lynne Ingram saw the best that these artists had to offer, and she acquired much of it along the way,” he added. “She later expanded her collection to include earlier masters who had already passed on, like Bill Traylor, but she had a keen eye for emerging second-tier artists of the day, too—talents like Mose Tolliver and Jimmy Lee Sudduth. Hers is an unbelievable, top-shelf collection.”

Slotin said the collection is made more desirable by the fact that it’s been in a New Jersey storage facility, untouched and in pristine condition, for the better part of the last 30 years. “So what you have are impressive examples of the best names in folk art, offered to the market for the very first time. Collectors would be wise to make plans to attend this sale. Stuff like this doesn’t come along that often.”

Some expected top lots of the auction follow, along with their low and high sale estimates:

Paint and graphite on cardboard work by Bill Traylor, titled “Mexican Woman,” 100% original.

• A paint and graphite on cardboard work by Bill Traylor, signed on the front and titled “Mexican Woman,” is expected to bring $25,000-$35,000. Ingram acquired the framed piece in the mid-’80s from Marcia Weber, a world-renowned expert on Traylor and an early promoter of his work. This painting is considered significant because it is 100-percent original, with no re-touches or restoration.

• A colored pencil on paper creation by Adolf Wolfli (1864-1930) was the top lot at Slotin Auctions’ last sale, held in March. It realized $40,480. This sale features another example by the Swiss self-taught artist: a graphite, pastel and colored pencil on paper work titled “The Lion and the Masked Man.” It is a strong piece in excellent condition, and carries a conservative estimate of $30,000-$35,000.

• The name Howard Finster (1916-2001) is sure to get paddles wagging, and this sale features a beauty by the late iconic folk artist. It is a paint on board work housed in an artist signature wood burned frame, titled “Vision of Cartoon Howard Finster, #3,169” (Dec. 1983). The painting measures 32 ½ inches wide by 16 inches tall. This piece was originally in the prestigious collection of Chuck and Jan Rosenak (est. $4,000-$6,000).

• A carved and painted wood creation by S.L. Jones (1901-1997), titled “Man’s Bust,” should fetch $8,000-$15,000. “It’s one of the best examples of Jones’ work I’ve ever seen,” Slotin said of the 10-inch by 7-inch by 13½-inch work, in excellent condition. Also, a 1976 oil on canvas painting by Vestie Davis (1903-1978), “Hasidic Street Scene,” large at 51 inches by 27 inches, should bring $4,000-$6,000.

Hand-turned china plate teeth face jug by Lanier Meaders, crafted in 1968, with tobacco-split glaze.

• Lanier Meaders is another name familiar to veterans of the folk art scene. His hand-turned painted face jugs are renowned, and this sale will feature a china plate teeth face jug, crafted by Meaders in 1968 and with a beautiful tobacco-split glaze. The piece boasts great veining all around and measures 9 inches in height. The face has three teeth and the jug is in overall mint condition. It should sell for $3,000-$5,000.

• Bidding should be brisk for a paint-on-board by Teofilo Magliocchi, titled “Madonna and Child.” The signed work features a frame decorated with costume jewelry adornments. It is a very large piece—47 inches by 75 inches, including the frame (est. $3,000-$5,000). Other works, including a collection of erotic pencil drawings by Magliocchi, an exciting up-and-coming folk artist, will also be offered.

• The aforementioned Mose Tolliver will be represented in the form of a latex on plywood panel work done circa 1989 and titled “Saturday Night Dance Hall.” The 36-inch by 40-inch piece is estimated to bring $2,000-$3,000. Also, a paint, glitter, lettering, mixed media on Masonite work by African-American sign maker John Edward Welch, titled “Abraham Lincoln, It Would Help to Save the Union” (1999), should realize $1,000-$1,500.

Original paint on board work by up-and-coming artist Teofilo Magliocchi, titled “Madonna and Child.”

Folk art is a rambling but rapidly burgeoning genre. For a long time it was dismissed by highbrow critics, mainly because it was created by untrained, often uneducated and sometimes eccentric artists. But today, folk art has found a place in some of the most well-respected art institutions in the world. The High Museum in Atlanta has acquired folk art through Slotin sales.

For more information about this auction, call (770) 532-1115 or (404) 403-4244, e-mail to auction@slotinfolkart.com or folkfest@slotinfolkart.com, or visit the Slotin Auction Web site.

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Signed serigraph by Italian-born artist Nicola Simbari (b. 1929), titled “White Dress” is expected to bring in an estimated $700 to $1,000.

Another Salvador Dali lithograph this one from is “Divine Comedy” series (1960, est. $1,500-$2,000). The entire auctioneer

ORLANDO, Fla. – More than 300 original and reproduction works of art by some of the greatest names in 20th century fine art—Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Pierre Bonnard and others—will be sold alongside contemporary names like Peter Max, LeRoy Neiman, Nicola Simbari and Gary Benfield at a live and Internet auction, and the entire auctioneer’s premium will be donated to Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, an AIDS/HIV awareness organization based in Winter Park.

The event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 7 and will be facilitated by Baterbys Art Auction Gallery. For online bidding information, visit the Baterbys Web site. The entire auctioneer’s premium will be donated to Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, an AIDS/HIV awareness organization based in Winter Park.

Intertested bidders will be treated to artwork spanning a broad range of themes, to include city scenes, Biblical/religious, rural life, Abstract and Realist. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Cuba Libre Rum Bar & Restaurant. There will also be enlightening art lectures and spontaneous raffles.

Mention of the name Salvador Dali (known as the most “celebritized” artist) often evokes soft watches and surrealist dream imagery. But later in life, Dali turned to more traditional subjects, in particular those involving biblical and historical references. His entire “Aliyah Suite” is an example of this and will be auctioned on Nov. 7, along with other limited-edition works (like the “Divine Comedy” series).

Dali’s “Aliyah Suite” was executed in 1968. Each image in the 25-print series is an original lithograph (d’Arche Vellum), about 20 inches by 15 inches each, and signed lower right in pencil and numbered of 250 lower left. All are in excellent condition. The “Divine Comedy” series (circa 1960) comprises six signed, framed prints, with an image area of 13 inches by 10 ½ inches.

Gary Benfield (Br., b. 1965) is best known for his romanticized female figure paintings and equestrian renderings. Offered Nov. 7 will be a six-work series of serigraphs on wove paper, executed between 2003-2007. Each serigraph is signed in gold pen in a limited-edition series (750). The six titles include “Escapade II,” “Golden Mask,” “Renaissance,” “Heavenly Dance,” “Day Dreaming” and “Love Secrets.”

Original oil paintings and hand-embellished giclee prints by the supremely gifted artist Elena Bond will also be sold. The giclees include “Strolling Harbor Side” edition of 95, 24 inches by 40 inches; “Love Gondolier” edition of 95, 36 inches by 18 inches); “Sand and Surf” edition of 95, 32 inches by 32 inches; and “City Reflections” edition of 95, 19 inches by 60 inches. All the giclees are artist-signed and in excellent condition.

The oil on canvas paintings by Bond include “The Waters of Venice,” “Early Morning in Venice,” “Still in Mediterranean Waters,” “La Trattoria, Hand and Hand,” “Night in the Keys,” “Arch and Lake, Artists Café,” “Summer Manhattan Style,” “After Hours Chill” and “Le Station de Metro.” The works range in size from 16 inches by 12 inches to 20 inches by 60 inches. All are signed and in excellent condition.

An original signed lithograph (d’Arche Vellum) by Salvador Dali (1968), from his “Aliyah Suite” (est. $1,550-$2,300), will be among the more than 300 pieces of artwork up for bid Nov. 7, 2009 at an auction hosted by Baterbys Art Auction Gallery.

Nicola Simbari (It., b. 1929) effortlessly launched his painting career while still in his 20s with a one-man show in London. After that, he was commissioned to paint murals for the Italian Pavilion at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels. His brilliant, impressionistic style and vivid, dramatic and energized interpretations of the Mediterranean have established Simbari as one of today’s most sought after artists.

Three of his works will be included in the Baterbys Nov. 7 auction. All three are serigraphs, done around 1990. They include: “Piazzo Del Duomo” (36 ¼ inches by 33 inches, hand-signed lower right, hand-numbered lower left); “White Dress” (31 inches by 36 inches, hand signed lower right, hand-numbered lower left); and “El Parasol” (35 inches by 26 ¾ inches, hand-signed and hand-numbered).

Baterbys holds quarterly live and Internet auctions, all of which benefit non-profit organizations that provide developmental and holistic programs for children with life-threatening illnesses. Baterbys has raised substantial funds for groups such as Threshhold Center for Autism and Give Kids the World.

A original oil on canvas painting by Elena Bond, titled “La Trattoria,” artist signed, should gavel between an estimated $3,900 and $4,400.

The Hope and Help Center of Central Florida was established in 1988 to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and at the same time provide social support to those who are battling the disease in central Florida. The group offers specializes services designed to lower the disease transmission rate, supply the financial and medical needs of diagnosed patients, and prevent the worsening effects of the AIDS virus.

For more information on the Nov. 7 auction and the firm’s calendar of upcoming auction dates, visit the Barerbys Web site. call (866) 537-0265 or e-mail, to press@baterbys.com.

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From The Associated Press:
32-carat diamond sells for $7.7M at NYC auction

Leonore Annenberg, widow of “TV Guide” founder and billionaire Walter Annenberg, certainly knew how to celebrate her birthday. For her 90th in 2008, she had jeweler David Webb design a ring with a 32.01-carat emerald-cut diamond. Mrs. Annenberg died a year later. Last week, the ring sold at Christie’s for more than $2 million above its high estimate of $5 million.

From The Wisconsin State Journal:
Doug Moe: Sinatra letter worth more than antiques

An 84-year-old Wisconsin woman was set to go to an “Antiques Roadshow” in Madison. She had several items she wanted appraised. As she was about to leave her house, the friend who was driving her spotted a letter signed by Frank Sinatra on the wall. Said friend insisted on taking it. The angry missive had been sent to Chicago columnist Mike Royko refuting some things Royko had written including that Sinatra traveled with a flock of flunkies. The columnist then wrote, “If you say you have no flunkies, I take your word and apologize. I’ll even apologize to the flunky who delivered the letter.” The Roadshow appraisal? $15,000. None of the woman’s antiques even came close.

From BBC:
‘No consent’ for Mandela auction

Her heart was in the right place even if her brain wasn’t. Actress Charlene Theron put up a trip to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at a charity auction. And to add further enticement, she threw in a meeting with Nelson Mandela. Only thing was she never got permission from Mandela. The prize went for $140,000 only after Theron promised to kiss the winner—a woman??—for 20 seconds.

From ARTINFO:
Judge: No Refund on Incorrectly Valued Schnabel Painting

In a case of caveat emptor, a buyer was told that a Julian Schnabel was worth $500,000, but she could get it for $380,000. That old saying that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t” was the case here. After advancing money for the purchase, the buyer discovered it had been sold in 2007 for a paltry $156,000 and sued to get her money back. A New York Supreme Court judge basically said, “Tough luck.”

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Front and back bar with original matching liquor cabinet by Brunswick, Balke & Collender Co. soared to a record selling price of $302,500 at the living estate sale of Ron Wallace, a dedicated collector and the former president of UPS.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A monumental mahogany Los Angeles model front and back bar and with an original matching liquor cabinet standing 24 feet long and standing 11 feet high, made around 1893 by Brunswick, Balke & Collender Co., soared to $302,500 at the living estate sale of Ron Wallace, a dedicated collector and the former president of UPS.

The three-day auction was held on Oct. 2-4 at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor, Mich. And facilitated by Showtime Auction Services. The front and back bar was one of the top earners of some 1,700 lots that changed hands in a sale that grossed nearly $2.2 million.

“It was our best auction ever in terms of average dollar amount per lot,” Eckles said. “It was a very successful sale with several records set.”

One of those records was the front and back bar—which features hand-carved, life-size nude supports between beveled mirrors, each weighing 140 pounds and standing 5 feet 4 inches tall. The mirrors are emblazoned with the message “Oriental Saloon, Territory of Arizona, Est. February 24, 1863” and the matching liquor cabinet had adjustable shelves and a zinc-like base.

“We’ve only seen two of these bars in 25 years, and only one with a matching original liquor cabinet,” Eckles said.

Solid mahogany swinging saloon doors, also by Brunswick, Balke & Collender Co., brought $77,000, another record.

Another record was established for saloon doors when a set made circa 1902, also by Brunswick, Balke & Collender Co., brought $77,000. The solid mahogany swinging saloon doors, 96 inches wide by 78 inches tall, were originally from a saloon in Milwaukee and had applied carvings at the top. They were refinished 25 years ago and had a great patina, with beveled glass incorporated in all the panels.

Wallace, the sale’s headliner, is a larger-than-life figure. He resides in a spectacular, 44,000-square-foot home in suburban Atlanta, where his collections of vintage firearms, advertising, gambling, saloon, brothel and country store items were kept. But the auction also featured a treasure trove of more than 1,000 rare and vintage toys, plus barber shop, soda fountain and advertising collectibles, and other items.

About 350 bidders attended the auction in person, while another 100 people bid by phone and 125 others submitted absentee bids. Online bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com and iCollector.com, with over 150 people registered to bid online. ““We didn’t see much evidence of a recession. People came to spend money,” Eckles said.

Following are additional highlights from the sale (all prices quoted include a 10 percent buyer’s premium):

Very rare Gold Medal Oil two-sided porcelain sign (one of only three know in existence), made by Veribrite Signs of Chicago, hammered for $44,000

• A rare Gold Medal Oil two-sided porcelain sign, made by Veribrite Signs (Chicago), 30 inches in diameter and one of only three known to exist, realized $44,000; a Rock Island System Railroad reverse glass and mother of pearl inlaid sign, one of only a few known and in excellent condition, went for $33,000; and a rare Ashbury Bar, Jackson Lager reverse glass corner sign (circa 1910) hit $24,150.

• A later replica Rolls Royce version of a Moxiemobile car, made in the 1930s and used in parades to promote the soft drink Moxie, topped out at $21,850; a straight razor display case with 18 assorted celluloid handle straight razors, with brass price tags, climbed to $16,500; and a La Preferencia Cigar reverse glass sign in original frame (Tuchfarber Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, 1909) also went for $16,500.

• A Consumers Brewing Company label under glass display mug, 10 inches tall, with handle, achieved $15,400 despite some minor flaws; an Early Hazard or Big Six table, with wheel, chip rack, hazard horn and disc (marked Evans, Chicago, Ill.), with claw feet, made $15,400; and extremely rare gambling ring guns, six-shot, with original bullets and case, in excellent condition, commanded $14,300.

This American National pedal car, Hudson, 1932 (Toledo, Ohio), with original paint, sold for $11,000.

• An American National pedal car of a Hudson (Toledo, Ohio, 1932), with original paint and minor scratches, 48 inches long, sped off for $11,000; an extremely rare double roulette table by B.C. Willis Co. (Detroit, Mich.), with William Ellis early layouts, one of only three known, brought $11,000; and an Ivory Poker Buck (circa 1880), with a front that reads “You Deal,” changed hands for $10,350.

• A hand-carved Ivory Playing Card Press from the 1880s, with an unusual screw mechanism and the only example known, possibly a gift to a gambling industry executive, rose to $9,350; a prostitute’s garter (circa 1890s), with fancy beaded trim and reading “Oh Stop!”, 7 inches, breezed to $8,800; and an Oliver Chilled Plow Wood Sand sign (circa late 1880s), in excellent original condition, realized $7,700.

This rare Lucky Strike three-dimensional die-cut quad-fold store window cardboard display sold for $6,325.

• A Daisy Air Rifles paper banner titled “The Happy Daisy Boy,” with metal bands top and bottom, 14 inches by 21 inches, hit the mark for $7,150; a late 1800s trade sign for Eagle Halls Light Divine Optometrist with great visual appeal, 54 inches by 30 inches, fetched $6,600; and a Lucky Strike three-dimensional die-cut quad-fold store window cardboard display with four athletes brought $6,325.

• Rounding out the top lots: a cast-iron cigar advertising clock for Katy Flyer Cigars in the shape of a train engine, possibly a one-of-a-kind and an exceptional example of tobacciana, made by Golden Novelty Mfg. Co. (Chicago, Ill.) crossed the finish line at $5,775; and a Will & Finck Faro Case Keeper in a cherry wood frame, with hand-carved boxwood cards, pips and ivory beads, garnered $5,463.

For more information about this auction, call (951) 453-24154, email to mikeckles@aol.com or visit the Showtime Auction Services Web site.

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This set of rare Tiffany sterling silver and mixed metals salt and pepper shakers went to a determined buyer from New York City for $4,000 at a multi-estate sale Sept. 25-26 hosted by Richard D. Hatch & Associates.

FLAT ROCK, N.C. – A gorgeous pair of rare Tiffany sterling silver and mixed metals salt and pepper shakers, each piece standing 3 ¾ inches tall and in the flying crane décor, hammered for $4,000 to a determined bidder from New York City.

The battle for the Tiffany shakers highlighted a multi-estate sale held in Sept. 25-26, which was facilitated by Richard D. Hatch & Associates.

“This sale really had something for everybody,” said Richard D. Hatch of the auction, which featured more than 1,400 lots and grossed more than $250,000. More than 200 people packed the showroom facility, while 340 bidders registered online, via LiveAuctioneers.com. Absentee and phone bidding participation was also strong, but Hatch expressed some disappointment over generally flat prices.

“Attendance was strong,” Hatch pointed out, “but prices for mid-level antiques, furniture and collectible items remains low. The way I see it, if you loved the piece when it was selling at $500, then you should still be loving it when it drops to $250. A lot of items are selling for half what they brought a couple of years ago. Now is the time to start a collection or add to a collection, or decorate your home.”

Hatch also noticed a trend with regard to online bidding. “With eBay no longer participating with eBay Live, online bidding sign-up numbers have dropped by about 70 percent. But those that sign up through LiveAuctioneers.com, which we use and like, seem to be more serious buyers. Of the 340 online bidders in this recent sale, 121 were successful. Twenty-one percent of all lots were sold online.”

Following are additional highlights from the sale (all prices quoted are hammer, exclusive of either the 10 percent in-house or 15 percent Internet and live telephone bidding buyer’s premium):

This original oil painting by noted British artist William E. Harris (1856-1929) brought $1,300.

• Fine art was served up in abundance. An original oil painting by noted British artist William E. Harris (1856-1929) crossed the block at $1,300, while a pencil-signed lithograph by American pop art icon Leroy Nieman was a virtual steal at just $200. Also, a bronze statue of a dog by 19th century French artist Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) topped out at $600—another good buy, considering the artist.

• Furniture generally brought bargain prices. A period Chippendale slant-front desk coasted to $800; a period Chippendale mirror fetched $350; a set of eight original Hitchcock chairs garnered $700; a North Carolina pine cupboard went for $800; a back bar from a local barber shop (circa 1915) rose to $600; and a mid-century dining room set by Heywood Wakefield sold for the bargain price of just $450.

One lot comprising two nice old violins was a surprise hit of the sale, rising to $3,100.

• The gallery was loaded with fine china and glassware. A 67-piece set of Bavarian china sold for just $100; a 54-piece set of Lenox china in the “Autumn” pattern breezed to $750; a large collection of Victorian art glass syrup pitchers delighted the crowd and went for $50-$450 each; and an unusual 19th century Meissen covered biscuit box made $800. Also, one lot of two nice old violins brought $3,100.

• The showroom gleamed with sterling silver flatware sets. A 94-piece set of “Chantilly” by Gorham demanded $1,750; a 60-piece set of “King Edward” by Gorham changed hands for $850; a 79-piece set of Rose by Stieff reached $1,500; an 81-piece set of “Burgundy” by Reed & Barton made $2,750; a 63-piece set of “Buttercup” by Gorham hit $1,000; and a 63-piece set of Strasbourg by Gorham garnered $1,600.

This dazzling Deco diamond bar pin brought $2,750.

• Jewelry cases were also loaded to the brim. A Cartier men’s Santos wristwatch, appraised at $6,750, went for just $1,100; a Cartier diamond dress clip was snapped up for $500; a stunning star ruby and diamond pendant commanded $2,000; and a dazzling Deco diamond bar pin hit $2,750. Also, an original silver gelatin print photo of a nude Marilyn Monroe, taken by Lawrence Schiller, made $600.

Richard D. Hatch & Associates is celebrating 30 years in the auction business and Hatch says sees a steady flow of diverse and quality items come through his gallery. “The real challenge in today’s market,” he said, “is to find buyers to absorb all the merchandise at prices that are fair to the buyers and sellers alike. Much of it comes from past customers, reminding us that we are all temporary caretakers.

“We must do all we can to educate people and promote an industry that has slowed down drastically,” he said. “The joy of collecting is still there. With prices down, we must attract a new group of buyers.”

For more information about this sale, call (828) 696-3440, e-mail to hatchauctioninfo@yahoo.com or visit the Richard D. Hatch & Associates Web site.

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This cardboard diorama for Mayo-Skinner Automatic Windshield Cleaner, graded 8.5 out of 10, sold for a surprising $5,060 at the Fall Peotone Petroliana & Advertising Auction on Oct. 16, 2009.

PEOTONE, Ill. – A dazzling cardboard diorama, advertising Mayo-Skinner Automatic Windshield Cleaner and graded 8.5 on a 1-10 scale for condition, sold for $5,060 at a Fall Peotone Petroliana & Advertising Auction held Oct. 16 in advance of the annual Fall Chicagoland Advertising Show in Peotone.

“The diorama was just a great piece with great graphics, in all-around good condition,” said Dan Matthews of Matthews Auctions, which facilitated the auction “It also showed that cardboard advertising signs can command high dollar prices at auction right along with gas globes, lenses, porcelain signs and more glamorous items.” The diorama, measuring 27 inches by 32 inches by 12 inches, had minor damage at the edges.

Some 440 lots changed hands at the sale, which grossed a little more than $250,000. The event drew 125 people, while about that many bidders participated online, via Proxibid. An additional 25-30 people bid by phone, while more than 20 bidders left bids by fax and other means.

“We were very happy to take the online bids, but there’s nothing like selling to the room and by phone,” Matthews said.

“The auction did about as well as we expected,” Matthews added, “but how we got there wasn’t what we expected. Some of the lots we figured would bring top dollar ended up selling flat, while other items we didn’t think would do too well sold for way more than their high estimate. It made for an interesting day. And the good news is, people came to spend their money. Bidding was very spirited.”

Following are additional highlights from the sale (all prices quoted include a 10-percent buyer’s premium):

The top lot of the sale was this Marine Gasoline 15-inch lens in metal globe body, garnering $10,450.

• The top lot of the sale was a Marine Gasoline 15-inch single lens in metal globe body, with speed boat graphic and graded 8.9 for condition. It soared to $10,450. Also, a Hancock “Cock ‘o the Walk” 15-inch single lens in metal globe body, with rooster graphic and graded 8.9, brought $7,979; and an Oldsmobile Service 42-inch double-sided porcelain sign with crest logo and great gloss hit $5,170.

• A Conoco Gasoline 26-inch double-sided porcelain sign with soldier graphic, graded 8.5 and with good color and gloss, garnered $5,500; a Paragon Gasoline 25-inch double-sided porcelain sign with truck, derrick and refiner scene, both sides graded 7.5, with pole and generic base, changed hands for $6,600; and a (Red Indian) Gasoline Motor Oil single-sided 60-inch porcelain sign reached $5,500.

• A Buick Valve-in-Head Authorized Service double-sided 42-inch porcelain sign, marked Walker & Co. (Detroit) breezed to $4,400; an updated Refiners Gasoline Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign, 36-inch (not 42-inch), graded 9.5 and with super color and gloss, attained $3,300; and a Studebaker Authorized Service double-sided porcelain sign, 42-inch, both sides grade 9, hammered for $3,025.

Hancock “Cock o' the Walk” 15-inch single lens in metal globe body, with rooster graphic, sold for $7,979.

• A Wesco 48-inch single-sided porcelain sign with big “W” and jet logo, graded 8.9 and with good color and gloss, fetched $4,125; Liberty Gasoline 15-inch lenses in original metal globe body with original “GILLCO” sticker, the body lenses rated 9, went to a determined bidder for $2,640; and a White Eagle Full Feather milkglass one-piece cast globe, graded a near-perfect 9.5, made a respectable $2,200.

• An 18 inch by 21 inch McColl-Frontenac (Red Indian) Products single-sided die-cut porcelain sign, graded 9 and marked P&M (1946) crossed the block at $3,740; a Weed Chains “As Necessary As Gasoline” single-sided tin price board sign, 24 inches by 17 inches and graded 8.9, rose to $3,575; and a Wings Ethyl Gasoline porcelain point-of-purchase sign, 6 inches by 7 inches and graded 9, hit $2,970.

• A spectacular Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil 42-inch double-sided porcelain sign with black “T” and both sides graded 9.5, with hanging ring, coasted to $5,225; a Dodge-Plymouth “Dependable Service With Dodge Trucks” double-sided porcelain die-cut sign, 48 inches by 48 inches, both sides graded 9, reached $4,620; and a Waverly Motor Oil double-sided porcelain die-cut curb sign hit $3,300.

Oldsmobile Service 42-inch double-sided porcelain sign with crest logo and great gloss was hammered at $5,170.

• A Mobil (Flame Socony) Vacuum Bottle Gas double-sided porcelain sign with iconic Pegasus horse bracket (sign 17 inches by 30 inches, Pegasus 32 inches by 25 inches) sold as one lot for $2,750; Frontier Gas “Rarin’ to Go!” 13.5-inch display lenses on a glass globe body, graded 8.5, commanded $2,750; and a Texaco metal globe, dated 1938, both sides graded 9 and with clean fields, made $1,705.

• A Hupmobile 8 & 6 double-sided porcelain sign, 24 inches by 35 inches, graded 7.5 on display side and 6.75 on reverse side, went for $2,090; a Standard-Vacuum Oil Co. Kerosene Oil porcelain flange sign with elephant graphic and Arabic lettering, 18 inches by 25 inches, graded 8.5, realized $1,760; and an updated, medium detail White Eagle milkglass one-piece cast globe, 9.5, made $1,430.

• A Johnson Gasoline Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign, 48-inch, graded 9 (display) and 8.9 (reverse), with chrome hanging ring, achieved $2,750; a Rolling Ridge Polled Herefords (Paul Greening, Owner) double-sided porcelain sign, 48 inches by 60 inches, both sides graded 9+, sold for $1,100; and a Texaco Motor Oil “Free Crankcase Service” single-sided porcelain sign, 30 by 30 inches, rose to $880.

Dodge-Plymouth “Dependable Service with Dodge Trucks” double-sided porcelain sign brought in $4,620.

Matthews Auctions’ next big auction is coming up quick—an Absolute Petroliana & Gas Pump Auction slated for Saturday, Nov. 7, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

For more information about these auctions, call (217) 563-8880, e-mail to info@matthewsauctions.com or visit the Matthews Auctions Web site.

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From The New York Times:
Insurance Waived in Warhol Theft Case

Hmmm. As noted here earlier, 10 Andy Warhol silkscreens valued at a million dollars went missing from a West Hollywood home. If the lack of a forced entry had L.A. police wondering, the new wrinkle in the case must have them totally baffled. The owner has said thank very much, but no thanks to his insurance company, which was offering him reimbursement. Huh? Richard Weisman says he doesn’t want the company going through his records.

From the New York Times:
Elvis’s Hair, Streisand’s Costumes Sold at Auction

In another update, that shock of Elvis Presley’s hair sold at auction for $18,300 even though there was no DNA authentication of it. It, however, was not the top seller. That honor went to a monogrammed shirt that the King of Rock may have worn for a magazine shoot. The presale estimate was between $2,000 and $4,000. When the hammer came down, the shirt sold for $62,800.

From Bloomberg:
Streisand’s Extra ‘A’ Sells for $8,750 in Auction for Charity

Bloomberg gives more details on the Streisand auction. One cute thing that sold was a wooden “A” painted gold. The clever Julien’s Auctions called it the missing letter from Barbra’s name. It went for almost 30 times its presale high estimate of $300.

From The Associated Press via Auction Central News:
Fabled French restaurant to sell surplus spirits, wine

If you’ve ever had the rapturous pleasure of dining at Tour d’Argent, which is perched above the Seine in Paris, you already know the restaurant has an incredible wine cellar. Since the restaurant has been around since 1582, it has had ample time to fill its cellar with 450,000 bottles. In doing some clearing out, bottles that the sommelier forgot about were found, though it’s hard to imagine anyone would forget several 1875 Armagnac Vieux. Much to the delight of wine lovers, 18,000 bottles will be auctioned in December.

From Bloomberg:
Raphael Drawing May Sell for Record $19.7 Million

If all goes as expected, a 12-inch chalk drawing by Renaissance artist Raphael will set a record when auctioned at Christie’s next month. The piece has notable provenance having been owned by painter Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) and King William II of Holland (1792-1849). The drawing has not been up for auction in 150 years.

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Gallery Owner Doug Eisele has divided the collection into four major exhibitions:

"War Party" by John Hauser (1858-1913)

Landscape by Frank Duveneck (1848-1919)

“Queen City Artists – Past and Present” features fresh acquisitions of Cincinnati’s “Golden Age” painters and living artists whose works are in harmony with this earlier period. Included are works by Frank Duveneck, T. C. Lindsay, Edward H. Potthast, Dixie Selden, John Twachtman and John Hauser, along with two dozen others. Many of these works were acquired from several private collectors, most of whom had acquired the works directly from the artists years ago.

One of the “Cincinnati Characters” by Wesley Kime (b. 1929)

One of Wesley Kime’s “beautiful women”

A tone seascape by Wesley Kime

“Cincinnati Characters” is the accumulated work of Cincinnati/Dayton physician and artist Wesley Kime, which includes 120 oil portraits of Cincinnatians painted at The Cincinnati Art Club Sketch Group between 1990 and 2008, described by the artist as “classical, realistic, rather 19th century style that appropriates some of the more effective elements of impressionism.” The influence of Duveneck on the artist is apparent. The paintings are character studies of normal citizens who were of interest to Dr. Kime, including the doorman at the Cincinnatian Hotel, a train engineer, several doctors, a baker and a number of beautiful women. The exhibit will also include 110 watercolors of California and Colorado landscapes, Boston and San Pedro harbor scenes and St Louis architectural renderings, as well as 10 sparkling jewel-toned seascapes. The Gallery was able to acquire the collection directly from the artist.

Satire by Father Robert W. Hasselhoff (1932-2002)

“Unlikely Confessions” contains 300 original works by Father Robert Hasselhoff, a Cincinnati priest and teacher. Known as “Hass,” Hasselhoff was a thought-provoking and often politically irreverent artist who took glee in satirizing public events and places ranging from parish meetings to strip clubs. The collection of mostly unseen works by the deceased artist came to the Gallery through a close friend of Hasselhoff’s who collected his works.

Abstract by Herbert Art (1910-1996)

“Containment of Color” defines the technique used in 128 abstract works by Herbert Art of Canton, Ohio. Art was influenced by the stained glass work in Italy and incorporated the look and feel into his abstract works. Starting with fields of color, Art defined the fields using black outlines resembling the lead in stained glass to produce abstract impressions mostly of nude females. The Gallery obtained these works directly from Art’s family.

Only a sampling of the works by Hasslhoff and Art will be displayed in the Gallery. Others will be displayed online on the Eisele Gallery of Fine Art Web site.

Eisele has emphasized that the works in these exhibitions will be very reasonably priced. Portraits in the “Cincinnati Characters” collection will be priced between $300 and $1,500 with many tagged below $500. Many of the landscapes are under $300. With cutting edge pricing Eisele, anticipates many of the works will be sold early in the exhibition runs and encourages interested patrons to not delay in making plans to visit the Gallery in person or online.

All four exhibitions will premiere with an opening reception on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

For more information about the exhibition, visit the Eisele Gallery of Fine Art Website site at www.EiseleFineArt.com or call (513) 791-7717.

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