1795 13-leaves $10 gold eagle coin, graded NGC AU by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., est. $123,000-$246,000. Government Auction image

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – On Jan. 1, 2012, California-based Government Auction will host its seventh annual New Year’s sale, featuring rare gold coins, fine jewelry and gems; art and antique music machines. More than two million dollars in merchandise will be sold to the highest bidder at the event, which is structured as an absentee, phone and Internet auction, with Internet live bidding available through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The company traditionally reserves for its annual New Year’s sale only the best and most valuable items in its inventory. “It takes a lot of time to prepare for our New Year’s auction, but it’s always worth it. Collectors love it because most of the lots have no reserve and start with an opening bid of only one or two dollars,” said Chris Budge, of Government Auction’s Marketing department.

A strong candidate for top lot of the 2,000-lot sale is a 1795 13-leaves $10 gold eagle coin. Fewer than 5,100 gold eagle coins were minted in 1795 – some with the eagle grasping a branch with 13 leaves and others with nine leaves. Only 400 to 500 examples of the 13-leaves coin are known to exist. These coins hold strong interest with collectors because they were the first U.S. gold eagle coins to be stamped. Designed by Robert Scott, each weighs 17.5 grams and has 91.7% gold content. The coin in Government Auction’s sale is graded NGC AU by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., and is expected to make $123,000-$246,000.

Additional coin highlights include an 1882-CC $20 Liberty Head coin, est. $37,500-$75,000; and a 901-S Barber 25-cent coin, est. $70,500-$141,000.

18K yellow and white gold necklace with 35 emeralds weighing 19.02 carats and 288 diamonds weighing 7.20 carats. Estimate $43,000-$86,000. Government Auction image.

Several truly exquisite necklaces are entered in the auction. A design in 18K yellow and white gold features 35 emeralds with a total weight of 19.02 carats and 288 diamonds having a total weight of 7.20 carats. The Gemological Laboratory of America has valued the necklace at $86,419. It carries a presale estimate of $43,000-$86,000.

An 18K yellow gold necklace with 36.15 carats of genuine Ceylon cabochon sapphires and 3.5 carats of diamonds could fetch $32,000-$64,000; while a striking 7.90-carat cabochon ruby pendant-style 14K gold necklace is estimated at $18,000-$36,000. The ruby in the latter necklace is a blood-red color and serves as the focal point of three stepped squares of surrounding diamonds. The pendant is suspended from a heavily diamond-encrusted necklace. Estimate: $18,000-$36,000. Yet another select entry is the 2,281.35-carat faceted emerald gemstone, described as having a “dark tone with strong, vivid saturation.” The massive emerald could realize as much as $80,000 on auction day.

John Lewis Brown (French/Scottish ancestry, 1829-1892), signed landscape with figures, horses, dogs. Oil on board, 18 x 22in., est. $13,500-$27,000. Government Auction image.

A signed John Lewis Brown (French/Scottish ancestry, 1829-1892) oil-on-board painting showcases the artist’s skill in painting equine, canine and military subjects. “Brown was influenced by the Impressionists, especially Degas, which is obvious in this painting,” said Budge. The framed 18 by 22in. pastoral work is estimated at $13,500-$27,000.

The auction will not be short of musical accompaniment with a 1940s Rock-Ola jukebox in the lineup. The classic jukebox plays 78 RPM records and exudes visual appeal with its colorful, illuminating Art Deco façade. Estimate: $5,100-$10,200. Two early forms of mechanical musical entertainment will be available to bidders, as well. A rare Polyphon music box in immaculate condition carries an estimate of $10,500-$21,000; while a Regina upright music box in mint condition and accompanied by 15 discs may climb much higher, to its estimate of $57,000-$114,000.

1940s Rock-Ola jukebox with illuminating Art Deco façade, est. $5,100-$10,200. Government Auction image.

From the same general timeframe as the mechanical music machines, a Caille upright 5-cent slot machine is richly decorative, with a copper marquee, front plates, paw feet and additional trim to its handsome oak body. A stunning work of art, its target price is $66,000-$132,000.

Sports fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to bid on a custom-matted and framed collage of autographs, images and collector sports cards representing the athletes known collectively as the “NBA 60 Greatest Players.” Among the superstars included in the collage are Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and many other masters of the hardcourt. An estimate of $14,997-$29,994 has been set on this lot.

Government Auction’s Jan. 1, 2012 New Year’s Day sale will commence at 7:30 a.m. Pacific Time/10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Absentee, phone and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com will be available. For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Debbie on 661-823-1543 or e-mail info@governmentauction.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Auction 6 December 2011 4PM
450 Park Avenue, New York

Viewing 22 November – 6 December
10am – 6pm 22 November –23 November
10am – 6pm 28 November – 5 December
10am – 4pm Tuesday 6 December

See some of the fantastic items in this sale, beautifully shot to capture all their details at:

www.fellows.co.uk

4.3-carat diamond ring known as ‘The Headlight’ could make $35,000-$45,000

4.3-carat European-cut diamond and platinum ring, VVS2 clarity, I-J color, 1930s, est. $35,000-$45,000. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Sparkling diamonds, lustrous pearls and spectacular Victorian cameos join a select array of Swiss watches and other high-quality estate jewelry in a 300-lot sale to be held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Quinn’s. The family-owned auction house that serves the Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic region has built a strong following for its annual pre-Christmas Estate Jewelry Auction, which perennially includes the types of glittering stocking stuffers that never go out of style.

An impressive offering of diamond rings is led by a 1930s example featuring a 4.3-carat old European-cut diamond in platinum setting. The stone is graded VVS2 for clarity and I-J color. “The last woman who wore the ring referred to it as ‘The Headlight,” said Quinn’s Jewelry specialist Lynnae Henderson, who has cataloged the auction headliner with a $35,000-$45,000 estimate. Another beautiful ring is the Hearts on Fire succession band with six graduated diamonds of 1.85 carats total weight set in 18K white gold. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000.

In addition to rings, the diamond section includes a pair of 3-carat (total weight) diamond stud earrings, est. $2,000-$3,000; a 7- to 8-carat diamond tennis bracelet in 14K gold, $1,000-$1,500; and a platinum and diamond brooch of Art Deco design, $4,000-$4,500.

Four examples from a large selection of rare antique cameos. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

The auction also features a collection of exquisite cameos, some exhibiting rare subjects in their design. A Victorian brooch finely carved with the image of Britannia retains its original box from a jeweler in Edinburgh. Other cameos in the auction depict the goddess Diana, the dance muse Terpsichore, and a Classical Roman woman carved in high relief with her hair swept back. The subject of the latter piece, which is a lava cameo with greenish tinge, is one that Henderson said she has never seen before.

Pearls are a flawless choice as a holiday gift, whether the recipient is a wife, mother, daughter or grandmother. Options available to holiday shoppers include a double strand of baroque pearls in white-to-gold color with 14K gold clasp and matching mabe pearl earrings, est. $300-$400; and a diamond-clasped opera-length strand of graduated pearls ranging from 5½ to 9mm in diameter. Additionally, the sale includes several multi-strand freshwater pearls.

18K gold men’s Patek Philippe wristwatch with ellipse blue dial, est. $8,000-$9,000. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

Among the timepieces to be auctioned are a ladies’ Rolex and two men’s Rolex watches – an 18K gold President model, est. $8,000-$12,000; and a stainless steel with 14K gold Datejust. An 18K gold men’s Patek Philippe watch with ellipse blue dial could bring $8,000-$9,000.

Circa-1953 Antonio Pineda (Mexico, 1919-2009) sterling silver pendant with sizable amethyst and accent pearl on handmade silver-link necklace, est. $900-$1,000. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

Mexican silver jewelry is known for its purity and craftsmanship. A collection of mid-century pieces is led by a circa-1953 Antonio Pineda pendant with sizable amethyst and pearl on a handmade silver-link necklace. It is estimated at $900-$1,000. A Parure 3-piece mid-century sterling set comprised of necklace, bracelet and earrings features rhomboid-shape silver elements adorned with finely worked green cabochon stone bezels, rendering what Henderson describes as “a spectacular effect.” Estimate: $350-$400. Those who appreciate fire opals will find many tempting items in the sale, including a 1940s-50s ring whose stone is green with orange fire, with small diamonds surrounding the bezel.

The sale features an extensive selection of approximately 100 14K gold rings with semiprecious stones, including garnets, aquamarines, a London blue topaz and an outstanding Tanzanite. Additional highlights include two Art Deco rings – a clear aquamarine in white gold, and a flat white gold ring with four sapphires and diamonds cut in unusual geometric shapes – and an Art Nouveau pendant with a hand-painted picture of a woman detailed with rhinestones.

A special group lot consists of two 14K yellow gold Masonic pieces – a signet ring and a pendant. The ring has Masonic designs and engraving, and a central diamond within the familiar fraternal motif of architectural instruments. The hexagonal pendant is enameled gold and opens on two sides to reveal symbols inside. A diamond and double-head eagle further adorn the pendant, which is in pristine condition. “A jeweler’s assessment was that the pendant is old but has been well preserved,” said Henderson.

Exquisite jeweled bird pin from a selection of 14K and 18K mid-century animal-form pins. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

Many mid-century animal pins in 14K and 18K gold will be offered, with forms including birds in nests, turtles, bees, a bull and a hummingbird. Also, Quinn’s will auction several vintage charm bracelets, several 14K and 18K gold necklaces in various weaves, a David Yurman choker, and two Tiffany designs – a mesh cuff bracelet and graduated silver-bead necklace. “There’s a huge selection that ranges from the affordable to the very high end. All of it is realistically estimated.” said Henderson.

Quinn’s Estate Jewelry, Gold & Precious Gems auction will commence at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. The gallery is located at 431 N. Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046. All forms of bidding will be available. For additional information, call Lynnae Henderson at 703-532-5632 or e-mail info@quinnsauction.com. Visit Quinn’s online at www.quinnsauction.com.

Additional lots have been added to Rago’s Siver and Jewelry Auctions on December 2nd and 4th. Visit www.ragoarts.com for more info.

Friday – Meissen, Fine Porcelain, Asian Art

Saturday – American, English, Modern Art, Design

Sunday – European Antiques, Silver, Jewelry

Saturday 19^th November 11am – 4pm

Fellows are pleased to announce an extra Viewing Day for the following auctions:

Antique & Modern Jewellery

Stones for Tender

Silver, Plated Ware, Coins & Medals

We will also be holding a Silver & Jewellery Valuation Day

Visit our specialists for a free valuation with no obligation.