Furniture

San Rafael Auction Gallery – Fine Art, Furniture & Chinese Antiques Auction

September 23rd, 2011 by

Featuring the Property from the Estate of
William Sproule, San Francisco,
President of Southern Pacific Rairoad from 1911-1928.

Catalog now online

Second Consecutive Million Dollar Sale for Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.

September 23rd, 2011 by

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. is proud to announce their second consecutive million dollar sale.  As with all LLAES, Ltd. catalogued auctions, this sale garnered an international audience and a packed house.  Over 1200 absentee and phone bids were executed on sale day, with an additional 800 bidders registered through Live Auctioneers.  More than 200 bidders energized the house with traditional floor bidding.

Important French Parcel Gilt & Gem Set Jewel Casket, Sold $69,000

This auction was held at LLAES, Ltd’s auction gallery in Hillsborough, North Carolina, which is currently being expanded by 5,500 square feet, bringing their overall square footage to 15,500 square feet.  This expansion will offer 2000 square feet of additional gallery space, a state of the art walk in wine cooler, and ample storage space for consignors.  Construction is expected to be complete by December of 2011.

This landmark auction was led by the catalogue cover lot, a 19th century French Parcel Gilt & Gem Set Jewel Casket, which brought top honors selling for $69,000 (prices include the 15% buyers premium).  Despite strong international interest, this casket will remain in the United States.  Another top lot was a bronze by Janet Scudder (Am., 1869-1940) which breezed past its estimate to achieve $52,900.

The remainder of the 700 lot Catalogue Auction saw strength and consistency

Confederate North Carolina Contract Forage Cap, Sold $14,375

from start to finish.  An outstanding Confederate and militaria collection opened the bidding on sale day.  A Confederate North Carolina Contract Forage Cap more than doubled its estimate, hammering for $14,375.  With fervent bidding between phone and floor bidders a rare Mendenhall, Jones & Gardner Confederate Rifle rose to $17,250.  Another top lot was a McElroy Confederate Foot Officer’s Sword, which sold for $10,350.

 

This sale offered an impressive collection of North Carolina and southern pottery, the quality of which was reflected by bidding activity on sale day.  An Alamance County Redware plate, circa 1880, North Carolina, which was a property deaccession from the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts to benefit their acquisitions fund, sailed past its estimate to achieve $13,225.  Other top sellers include a NC Slip Decorated Redware Plate which sold for $5,750 and a NC Slip Decorated Redware Pitcher which hammered for $4,370.

 

Southern Federal Inlaid Serpentine Sideboard, Sold $21,850

American Furniture brought solid and strong bidding throughout the sale.  Top lots include a Southern Federal Inlaid Serpentine Sideboard which achieved $21,850 and an outstanding American Classical Secretary Bookcase which rose to $7,475.

 

Estate Jewelry was led by an Edwardian Platinum & Aquamarine Pendant, which blew past its estimate with heated bidding between phone bidders and brought

Amethyst, Turquoise, Diamond, and Pearl Choker, Sold $6,900

$13,800.   Other lots of note include a 44-carat Amethyst, Turquoise, Diamond, and Pearl Choker, which brought $6,900 and a Platinum and Three Stone Diamond Ring which hammered for $6,612.50.

 

Carved Soapstone Buddha, Sold $17,825

Asian lots elicited much excitement from both floor and telephone bidders.  Two exciting lots to watch were a Carved Soapstone Buddha, which exploded to $17,825 and a Large Chinese Porcelain Jardiniere which rallied to $17,250 and left with a floor bidder.

 

Fine Arts offerings were diverse and of top quality.  Lots of note include an oil on canvas by Lendall Pitts (1875-1938) entitled, “Source of Romanche” which sold for $4,600; a woodcut on wove paper by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), “The Annunciation,” which hammered for $3,910; an etching by Adriaen van Ostade (Dutch, 1610-1685), “The Gossips,” which brought $2,300; a pencil signed screen print on paper by Andy Warhol (Am. 1928-1987) which brought $3,910; and an untitled Alexander Calder (Am. 1898-1976) which sold for $2,185.

 

The Decorative Category was led by the sale of an outstanding Ormolu & Cut Glass Chandelier, 19th century, which

Janet Scudder (American, 1869-1940) “Bird Fountain,” Sold $52,900

between phone and floor bidding rose to $8,050 and a Northwest Coast Polychrome Bentwood Box which soared past its estimate and brought $20,700.  Another lot of note was a Swedish Gilt Bronze Garniture Set, 19th century, which hammered for $4,600.

 

The Fine Wine session, which was held Friday, September 16th at 6PM, was energized by a magnum bottle of La Tache, vintage 2005, which hammered for $8,912.50.  Other top achievers include:  four bottles of Chateau Margaux, vintage 1985, which sold for $1,380 and two lots of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, vintage 1981 and 1985, which both sailed past their $300-$400 estimates to achieve $977.50 and $920 respectively.  The next Fine Wine Auction is scheduled for Friday, December 2nd at 5:30PM.  To discuss buying or selling fine wines contact Mark Solomon, Fine Wine Director, at mark@llauctions.com.

 

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.’s Two Day Winter Catalogue Auction will be held on December 2nd and 3rd, 2011.  LLAES, Ltd. is always seeking quality consignments, whether it be an entire estate or a significant item. If you would like to discuss selling please call the gallery at 919-644-1243 or email at info@LLAuctions.com.  To learn more about Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. please visit their website at www.LLAUCTIONS.com.

Rago Arts and Auction Center – Great Estates Auction Weekend

September 22nd, 2011 by

Accepting consignments through Oct. 12th

Featuring Silver and Jewelry, Decorative Arts, Fine Art, Furnishings, Asian, Ethnographic, Musical Instruments, Coins and Currency, Ephemera, Memorabilia, and Militaria

Sotheby’s New York – American Paintings, Furniture, Folk Art and Silver

September 21st, 2011 by

As its title implies, our sale of American Paintings, Furniture, Folk Art and Silver on September 27th and 28th presents a wide and notable selection of decorative and fine arts produced in the United States starting from the mid-eighteenth century onward.

Sotheby’s – Paris – Important Moblier, Sculptures et Objets d’Art

September 20th, 2011 by

The autumn sale of Important Furniture, Sculptures and Works of Art will consist of approximately 200 lots including rare carpets and textiles.

A mid-18th-century “à la façon de la Savonnerie” carpet, probably Aubusson, Louis XV, with “Mamluk” patterns is a rare example of craftsmanship made before French decor became fashionable.

A Louis XIV needlepoint table cloth, circa 1660-1680 and two Régence needlepoint panels, circa 1720, adorned with the French coat-of-arms are remarkable examples of European technique and “savoir-faire,” which were widely applied in Europe in the 18th century.

In the furniture section of the sale is a rare and fine gilt bonze mounted brown tortoiseshell, brass inlaid and ebony cartel clock, Louis XIV, circa 1700, attributed to André-Charles Boulle, and a pair of carved gilt beechwood folding stools, Louis XV, circa 1740, delivered for the prince-évêque de Rohan-Soubise.

Two Louis XV pieces of furniture stamped Lacroix for the viscount of Breteuil finalize a remarkable group of 18th century French furniture.

Among the sculpture in the sale is a French terracotta bust by Augustin Pajou depicting Claude-Edme Labille, circa 1784 and a French, Parisian, late 14th century ivory figure of the Virgin and Child.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers – Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts

September 16th, 2011 by

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers handles a wide variety of furniture and decorative arts including American, English and Continental Furniture and Decorative Arts; Twentieth Century Decorative Arts; Asian Works of Art; and Rugs, Carpets and Textiles.

Sotheby’s – New York – A Mid-Century Eye: The Collection of Coleen Sullivan

September 15th, 2011 by

On September 21st, Sotheby’s New York will present A Midcentury Eye: The Collection of Colleen Sullivan, a window into the vibrant and unique aesthetic of this private collector.  This auction of European and American furniture, ceramics, glass and carpets from the 1930s -1960s, assembled with a curatorial eye by Ms. Sullivan in her Chicago apartment over the last decade, includes works by Jean Royere, Georges Jouve, Rene Herbst, Helge Vestergaard Jensen, and Samuel Marx.  With the majority of the pieces estimated between $5,000 and $30,000, the auction represents a rare opportunity for both new and established collectors to acquire sought after works from influential designers at an accessible price.

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. to Hold Two-Day Fall Catalogue Auction on September 16th & 17th

September 6th, 2011 by

Important French Parcel Gilt and Gem Set Jewel Casket, with the mark for Paul Rigaux and Pierre Leblanc (est. $20,000-$40,000)

Over 700 lots of fine art, decorative arts, and fine wine will be offered at LLAES Ltd.’s Two-Day Fall Catalogue Auction.  Fine Wine to be sold Friday, September 16th at 6PM, Fine & Decorative Arts to be sold Saturday, September 17th at 9AM.  This event will be held at the firm’s state of the art gallery in Hillsborough, NC.

 

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. is proud to announce their Two-Day Fall Catalogue Auction.  The fine offerings at this sale will feature property deaccessioned from the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, the North Carolina Museum of History, the New Bern Historical Society, as well as other select estates and collections.  Floor, absentee, and telephone bidding will be available both days, as well as live online bidding through Live Auctioneers.

 

Of special note, LLAES, Ltd. is under current construction to expand their gallery space by 5500 square feet, bringing the total square footage to 15,500 square feet.  This expansion will offer 2000 square feet of additional gallery space, a state of the art walk in wine cooler, and ample storage for consignors.  LLAES, Ltd. expects the construction to be completed by December of 2011.

 

The first session on Friday evening will offer 107 lots of fine wine and will be led by a magnum bottle of La Tache, vintage 2005 (est. $6,000-$8,000).  This sale will also feature vintage 1996 Petrus, one bottle (est. $1,200 -$1,500), vintage 1959 Chateau d’Yquem, one bottle (est. $1,000-$1,500), as well as vintage 1985 Chateau Margaux, four bottles (est. $800-$1,100).  To discuss buying or selling fine wines contact Mark Solomon, Fine Wine Director, at mark@llauctions.com.

 

Starting at 9AM on Saturday morning, over 600 lots of Fine and Decorative Arts will be offered.  This session will start off

Southern Federal Inlaid Serpentine Sideboard, circa 1800, eastern North Carolina (est. $10,000-$15,000)

with an outstanding Confederate and Militaria collection.  A rare Mendenhall, Jones & Gardner Confederate Rifle, made in Guilford County, North Carolina (est. $12,000-$16,000) should generate excitement. Other lots of note include a McElroy Confederate Foot Officer’s Sword (est. $9,000-$12,000), a Confederate North Carolina Contract Forage Cap, circa 1860-62 ($4,000-$6,000), and an Identified Rhode Island Civil War Gillmore Medal (est. $3,500 – $4,500), which was awarded “For Gallant and Meritorious Conduct” at Fort Sumter.

 

Fine Silver will be strong, as usual, led by an Important French Parcel Gilt & Gem Set Jewel Casket with the mark for Paul Rigaux and Pierre Leblanc (est. $20,000-$40,000).  Other top lots include a Tiffany & Co. Japanese Style Sterling Bowl (est. $1,000-$2,000) and a Swedish Silver Tea Urn by Gustaf Mollenborg (est. $4,000-$6,000).

 

Over seventy lots of Fine American Art will energize the sale throughout the day.  Top lots include a series of four bas relief sculptures of calla lilies by Donald Sultan (est. $8,000-$12,000), an oil on canvas by Francis Flanagan, entitled, “Monhegan Island, Maine” (est. $4,000-$6,000), and an oil on canvas by Lendall Pitts entitled, “Source of Romanche” (est. $3,000-$6,000).  An unusually fine offering of contemporary American art and photography will also generate excitement, led by an untitled lithograph by Richard Diebenkorn (est. $4,000-$6,000) and a screen print on paper, pencil signed on the lower left by Andy Warhol (est. $2,000-$4,000).

 

Bronze Bird Fountain with remnants of gilding by Janet Scudders (est. $15,000-$25,000)

Sculpture will be well represented at this auction, led by a bronze bird fountain with remnants of gilding by Janet Scudder (est. $15,000-$25,000).  This sculpture bears a foundry mark reading “GORHAM Co. Foundeurs,” and was included in a 1919 exhibition of 22 garden sculptures organized by W. Frank Purdy, president of the Art Alliance in New York City.  Other fine offerings include a bronze fluid abstract modernist sculpture by Oded Halahmy (est. $500-$1,000) and a 19th century carved wood with gesso and polychrome paint statue of Our Lady of Guadelupe (est. $1,000-$2,000).

 

American Furniture offerings are extremely strong and provide an outstanding sampling ranging from 18th century to modern forms.  Top lots include a Southern Federal Inlaid Serpentine Sideboard, circa 1800 (est. $10,000-$15,000), a North Carolina Paint Decorated Blanket Chest, attributed to Alamance County, the first half of the 19th century (est. $5,000-$10,000), a circa 1810 New York Federal Linen Press (est. $4,000-$8,000), an American Classical Secretary Bookcase, circa 1820-1840 (est. $4,000-$6,000), a North Carolina Country Sheraton Sideboard attributed to Guilford County, early 19th century (est. $2,000-$4,000), and a Philadelphia Chippendale Arm Chair, second half of the 18th century, attributed to William Savery (est. $1,000-$2,000).

 

Amethyst, Turquoise, Diamond, and Pearl Vintage Choker Necklace, consisting of one round amethyst weighing approximately 44 carats (est. $4,500-$6,500)

The Jewelry Department at LLAES, Ltd. has again brought a fine collection of estate jewelry and watches to market, led by an Amethyst, Turquoise, Diamond, and Pearl Choker consisting of one round amethyst weighing approximately 44 carats (est. $4,500-$6,500). Other lots of note include a Platinum and Three Stone Diamond Ring (est. $3,500-$5,500), an Antique Red Coral Bracelet (est. $600-$800), and an 18KT Diamond and Emerald Link Bracelet (est. $1,000-$3,000).

 

Decorative Accessories, led by a Tiffany Studios collection including a Tiffany Blown Glass and Bronze Candelabrum (est. $4,000-$8,000) and a Tiffany Studios

Tiffany Blown Glass and Bronze Candelabrum, signed Tiffany Studios New York 10088 with Tiffany Studios Monogram (est. $4,000-$8,000)

16 Piece “Grapevine” Desk Set (est. $4,0000-$8,000), will be a highlight of the sale.  Other exciting lots include an Alamance County Redware Plate, circa 1800 (est. $2,000-$4,000), a Navajo Germantown Blanket (est. $2,000-$4,000), and a Fine Ormolu and Cut Glass Chandelier, 19th century (est. $2,000 – $4,000).

 

LLAES, Ltd. continues to bring fresh Asian Art offerings to market.  Lots of note include a Chinese Millefleur Bottle Vase, 20th century (est. $1,000-$2,000), a Large Chinese Famille Jaune Porcelain Vase, 19th century (est. $1,000-$2,000), and a Large Chinese Scholar’s Brush Pot, likely 18th century (est. $600-$900).

 

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.’s Two-Day Winter Catalogue Auction will be held on December 2nd and 3rd, 2011.  LLAES, Ltd. is always seeking quality consignments, whether it be an entire estate or a significant item. If you would like to discuss selling please call at 919-644-1243 or email at info@LLAuctions.com.  To learn more about Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. please visit their website at www.LLAUCTIONS.com.

Jacobean Furniture

June 16th, 2011 by


Jacobean furniture dates all the way back to the year 1600. The revival of this style lasted for almost a century. The period represents the growth of foreign influence and the passing of the oak styles. The Jacobean style was made popular during the reign of James the first and was also popular under his son Charles the second.

The earliest Jacobean furniture was influenced mainly by Elizabethan (1603 -1688) styled furniture. During this time the furniture took on different styles. Early Jacobean furniture was somewhat inward looking, not fully embracing exotic influences that were more ornate. Colonial Americans copied the early styles of the furniture as best as they could since they did not have skilled furniture makers.

Commonwealth Style (1649-1660) marks the middle of the Jacobean Period, when the furniture was of simpler design and undecorated. The late Jacobean Period is that of the Carolean period, named for King Charles II. Charles the first was more cultured than his father and took much care and interest in the furnishings of his palaces and mansions and especially in the collection of great art and paintings. During Charles’s reign over England, he paid more attention to domestic comfort with much more use of padded upholstery, carpets instead of rush mats, and finer embroidery. The Latin name for James is Jacobus. The English style in vogue beginning with James I’s reign is referred to as “Jacobean”. The Jacobean, or Jacobethan, era was another phase of English Renaissance architecture, theatre, and decoration and formed a continuation, begun in the Elizabethan age, of the Renaissance’s penetration into England. In America, Jacobean style furniture is synonymous with Pilgrim style because the early English settlements in America took place during the Jacobean era.  Very little American furniture of the earlier part of the Jacobean period is still surviving; but later pieces, from about 1670, are more numerous. Most of the American primitive furniture was produced during this period by colonists to make do, because there were few skilled cabinetmakers in the colonies.

There were many different features in the Jacobean furniture style. Oak was the chief wood and Ash and maple were used for turning and whittling. Using pine wood was also a popular method. There were also a few different types of Jacobean furniture.  This included turned chairs, highly carved mirror frames, footstools, and gateleg tables. Upholstery was used to improve chairs. Upholstery is the work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding,springs,webbing and fabric covers. Materials such as silk, tapestries, crewelwork, linen, velvet, and even leather were used on various types of chairs. There were four different chair styles in the Jacobean era that included three-legged, carver, and Brewster. Almost all flat surfaces on chairs, chests, etc. are carved in low relief. Jacobean furniture was very sturdy, massive in size, notoriously uncomfortable, and made to last. The furniture pieces that were produced consisted mainly of chests, cupboards, trestle tables, wainscot chairs, and gate legged circular tables. Some veneering and inlay were used, and many pieces were painted. Spiral turning was also very popular. Tables were rectangular in shape, with small melon ball turning on the legs. As a rule, Jacobean furniture construction was simple. It was assembled with mortise and tenon joints, held together with pegs.

Jacobean period furniture can mainly be found in the auction houses of England. Being built to last, many pieces have not only survived, but are still in good condition. Understandably expensive, most “Jacobean antiques” available for sale are actually 19th century reproductions. Lines of furniture today have the same styles and will reference the Jacobean era.

Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers – May Jackson Rooms Auction

May 10th, 2011 by

Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers’ May Jackson Rooms Auction is finally here!  You’ll see a variety of beautiful pieces – far too many to list here!  But here are a few of the many pieces available at this amazing auction:

  • A Fine Selection of English Furniture and Decorative Art including a Harvest Table, Welsh Dresser, Pew, Cupboards, Bookcase, Terra Cotta Chimney Pots and Mirrors
  • Exceptional Painted French Louis XV Style Armoire with Beveled Edge Mirrors, Louis XV style Marble Top Bombe Chest, Pair Louis XV Belle Epoque Armchairs and a Louis XV Belle Epoque Settee
  • Antique American Bookcases, a Baker Armoire, China Cabinets, Contemporary Design Furniture and Wrought Iron and Patio Furniture and Outdoor Elements
  • Oil Paintings and Prints including a large Floral Oil by Sebouten
  • Asian Decorative Art, Lamps & Chandeliers
  • Handwoven Carpets and Area Rugs, Sterling and Plated Silver
  • Flo Blue, Ashworth Bros., Mottahedeh, Limoges, Staffordshire, Waterford, Baccarat and More
  • Large Selection of Silver, Costume and 14k Gold Jewelry
  • American Samplers and Longaberger Baskets
  • Toys & Collectibles, Much More!