Hershey, Pa – USA Theatres, promoters of the upcoming American Antique Toy & Coin-Op Show, recently revealed some of the quality dealers who will be exhibiting at the inaugural show.

Tom Miano, owner of Serious Toyz, will be occupying 24 feet of exhibit space, offering a fine variety of vintage toys and collectibles; while Fred Franklin, owner of Rec Room Specialties, will be showing off a great selection of antique slot machines, game machines and other coin-operated related items.

The American Antique Toy & Coin-Op Show will feature quality exhibitors buying, selling and trading an array of antique and collectible toys, such as character toys, tin toys, mechanical toys, banks, advertising items and coin-ops, according to the promoters.

The show is set to debut on Saturday, March 3 at the Eastern Civic Center, located at 90 Harding Road in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.

“The location at the Greenwich Civic Center is a highly strategic choice,” said Ronald M. Vastola, Outreach Coordinator of USA Theatres.  The site is conveniently located to most major metropolitan areas in the Northeast, and can easily attract collectors from Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and of course, the New England states.

“It’s only a 40 minute, $8 ride from Grand Central Terminal in New York City,” Vastola said.  “The Eastern Civic Center in Old Greenwich is situated within walking distance from the Metro-North Train Station.”

Other exhibitors on tap include Mike Milo and Lauren Czajkowski, co-owners of Milo Toys & Collectables; and Ken Laurence, owner of Heroes Unlimited and show promoter of the Super Megashow held in New Jersey and the Boston Super Megafest.

Additional exhibitors from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, who specialize in jukeboxes, soda machines and gumball machines, have responded to the show; including Dan Morphy, owner of Morphy Auctions, who is interested in utilizing 24 feet of exhibit space.

Anyone planning on attending the show can expect to pay $10 for general admission on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For the serious collector, early buyers are welcome Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. and also Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. for $20 per person each day.  Children under 12 will be admitted for free, accompanied by a paying adult.

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase, provided by Joemomma Foods, Incorporated of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Exhibitor space is still currently available; however, exhibitors are encouraged to sign-up soon as spaces are limited.

“It’s going to be a brisk and fantastic show,” Vastola added.

For more information, call (717) 542-0567 or email usatheatres@yahoo.com

You may also visit the website, www.usatheatres.com/conventions

For hotel accommodations, you may contact the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, the official hotel of the American Antique Toy & Coin-Op Show.

The Hilton is located at 1 First Stamford Place in Stamford, Connecticut, just 1.4 miles, 4 minutes from the Eastern Civic Center.

Mention the show to receive a special room rate of just $79 per night (promo code: AMA).

You may call the hotel directly at (203) 967-2222 or visit their website, www.hiltonstamfordhotel.com

Swann has actively participated in the international prints and drawings market since the 1980s. Over the past decade, the Works of Art on Paper department has become a world leader in museum-quality old master through modern prints, drawings and watercolors.

We also conduct regular sales devoted to American Art and Contemporary Art, as well as occasional auctions of single-owner collections.

We look forward to assisting you with your collections of prints, drawings and watercolors.

Monique Frydman (American, b. 1943-), ‘Jaune Majeur III,’ 1988, 86 x 76 inches. Provenance: Galerie Baudoin Lebon, Paris. Est. $12,000-$18,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – On Saturday, Jan. 21, Clark’s Fine Art of Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), Calif., will conduct its first auction of 2012 – a 270-lot auction of premier modern and contemporary artworks from three significant collections, plus additional select consignments. Two of the featured collections are from the estates of Hollywood luminaries who played key roles in the production of TV and film classics known the world over. The third collection consists of contemporary works of art donated by supporters to the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center, a Los Angeles nonprofit that will benefit from its portion of the auction proceeds.

One of the sale’s key collections was amassed by Harold Berkowitz, a prominent entertainment lawyer whose A-list clients included Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Jack Lemmon and even the canine superstar Rin Tin Tin. Maintaining offices in Beverly Hills and Paris to accommodate his international clientele, Berkowitz had a hand in the deals behind the Pink Panther movie series and 1975 horror-thriller Jaws, as well as many of television’s most enduring shows, including Lassie, Flipper, The Donna Reed Show and All in the Family.

Alex Brown (American, b. 1966-), ‘Presence Chamber,’ 1998, 68 x 60 inches. Est. $6,000-$9,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

“Mr. Berkowitz, who passed away in 2010, lived in Malibu and collected contemporary and modern art that suited the décor of his home. His refined taste is reflected in the artworks he personally chose for his collection,” said Clark Cierlak, owner of Clark’s Fine Art.

The second major art collection in the sale comes from the estate of Hollywood director Jerrold “Jerry” Bernstein (1930-1979), whose TV credits included The Flying Nun, Gidget, Nanny and the Professor, I Dream of Jeannie, and scores of other popular shows.

“Like Mr. Berkowitz, Jerry Bernstein favored contemporary and modern art. He also liked and, to a lesser extent, collected African art. His art collection has remained in the family for the past 32 years. We are honored to be presenting it at auction,” said Cierlak.

The contemporary art collection consigned by the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center blends perfectly into the trifecta of auction headliners. It is comprised of quality contemporary artworks that were gifts from generous supporters.

Alfio Castelli (Italian, b. 1917-), ‘Colloquio,’ cast bronze sculpture, 1962, 60 x 40 x 48 inches. Provenance: David E. Bright collection. Est. $20,000-$40,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

“The Silverlake center has been a respected institution within the Los Angeles Jewish community for more than 60 years and provides early childhood education and social programs for people of all backgrounds who have an interest in Jewish culture,” said Cierlak. “Over the years some very nice artworks have been donated to the center. There are paintings with previous appraisal values of $30,000 to $40,000 that we will auction with estimates of $4,000 to $5,000 each.”

One of the sale’s top highlights is a 1988 Monique Frydman (American, b. 1943-) pigment, color pastel and oil painting on canvas titled Jaune Majeur III. The 86 x 76 inch work is artist-signed and dated on verso, and comes with provenance from Galerie Baudoin Lebon in Paris. It is estimated at $12,000-$18,000.

Another fine American work is Alex Brown’s (b. 1966-) oil on canvas titled Presence Chamber. The 68 x 60 inch painting – titled, signed and dated “1998” on verso – renders a three-dimensional op art effect. With an appraised value of $37,000, it is cataloged with a $6,000-$9,000 estimate.

Gene Logan (Californian, 1922-1999), ‘Standing Nude Woman,’ welded metal sculpture, 70 inches tall inclusive of hydra-stone base. Est. 1,000-$2,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

A wonderful cast-bronze sculpture titled Colloquio was created in 1962 by Italian sculptor Alfio Castelli (b. 1917-). The signed 60 x 40 x 48 inch depiction of two angular figures in a perpendicular arrangement was previously in the collection of the late David E. Bright and is estimated at $20,000-$40,000. Cierlak noted that David Bright was “a renowned collector who bequeathed 23 paintings to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where a wing was named after him. There are also 11 works from his estate at the Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA.”

Standing Nude Woman, a 70-inch-tall welded metal sculpture by Californian Gene Logan (1922-1999), comes with provenance from the Ankrum Gallery, which opened in 1960 and for decades was a favorite haunt for art collectors in LA. Estimate: $1,000-$2,000.

Alida Margolis (American, b. 1975) created the oval oil on canvas titled We Love You All. Signed and dated on verso, the 64½ x 106 inch painting has an appraised value of $20,000. It will be offered at Clark’s on Jan. 21 with an $8,000-$12,000 estimate.

Norwegian artist Haavard Homstvedt’s (b. 1976-) acrylic-on-linen wrapped over panel work titled Nudes (Double Step) measures 64 x 48 inches and was previously appraised at $35,000. Some sharp-eyed collector could take away a bargain if it sells within its estimate range of $4,000-$6,000.

Alida Margolis (American, b. 1975), ‘We Love You All,’ 64 ½ x 106 inches. Est. $8,000-$12,000. Clark’s Fine Art image.

Two signed multicolor acrylic columns by Yugoslavian artist Velizar Vasa (b. 1933-) will be offered individually in consecutive lots. Each incorporates a spectrum of colors – blue, green, yellow and purple – and measures 101 inches tall, inclusive of stand. The presale estimate on each column is $4,000-$6,000.

Clark’s Fine Art welcomes all forms of bidding for its Jan. 21 auction, including live at the gallery, absentee, by phone, or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. The gallery is located at 14931 Califa St., Space A, Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), CA 91411. The auction will begin at noon Pacific Time. Preview 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Jan. 20, and from 10 a.m. till noon on auction day.

For additional information on any lot in the sale, call 818-783-3052 or e-mail gallery@pacbell.net. View the fully illustrated catalog online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com. Visit Clark’s website at www.estateauctionservice.com.

1900 Coca-Cola serving tray featuring the soft drink company’s first model, Hilda Clark; 9½ in. diameter. Est. $2,000-$3,500. Morphy Auctions image.

DENVER, Pa. – More than 2,000 lots of antique toys, trains, advertising and rare comics are primed and ready to make their appearance Feb. 9-11 in Morphy Auctions’ first sale of 2012. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet, with start times set for 10 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. for the Saturday session.

The fun begins with 350+ lots of Coca-Cola and other soda pop advertising. Highlights include a 1929 Orange Crush calendar with full pad, est. $700-$1,200; a 1900 Coca-Cola serving tray, $3,000-$4,000; and a complete set of 10 original Coca-Cola advertising pocket mirrors from the years 1906-1916. The set is expected to fetch $1,800-$2,500.

Following the soda pop section, there will be 150 general advertising lots, including an Ingraham Hills Liver Ticker reverse-on-glass clock with the image of a pretty girl, $3,000-$4,000; and a small grouping of dye cabinets, including examples promoting Peerless Dyes and Diamond Dyes.

Plaster Penfold smoking golfer advertising figure, 1930s. Est. $800-$1,200. Morphy Auctions image.

After a very successful initial outing in December at Morphy’s, part two of an advanced collection of advertising figures will cross the auction block, together with additional consignments of comparable quality. In all, there are approximately 100 lots of figures produced from the 1920s to 1950s.

“There’s a tremendous variety,” said Morphy Auctions associate Mike Karberg. “Any product you can imagine is included, from alcoholic beverages and sporting goods to clothing, food and consumer goods.”

Highlights include an extremely rare Mr. All-American Hot Dog figure advertising Jordan’s Franks, estimate: $1,000-$2,000. Also in the collection are four figural advertising pieces featuring Esquire magazine’s dapper mascot, Esky. From a different consignor comes a 1940s composition advertising figure depicting the “Kelvinator (Refrigerators) Lady.” Estimate: $800-$1,200.

The Friday session includes 50+ pressed-steel toys (e.g., Keystone, Buddy ‘L’) and 150 tin wind-up and battery-operated toys, with many key items from Marx and Linemar. A clean Buck Rogers Rocket Fighter in its original box, a Schuco teddy bear on scooter and a desirable boxed Batman battery op are among the top lots. A single-owner collection of approximately 80 Howdy Doody toys will be offered, as well.

1966 battery-operated walking Batman toy, tin with vinyl head and original cloth cape, original box. Est. $4,000-$8,000. Morphy Auctions image.

More than 150 European wind-up toy lots span automotive, nautical and other categories. Around 50 colorful penny toys, mostly Continental in origin, are in excellent condition and come from a long-held collection. There are numerous autos, motorcycles and specialty figurals, such as an articulated sailboat and soccer players. An additional European lot in this section is a large “Holland” biscuit tin ship.

Among the 200 character lots are 50+ vintage wristwatches, many in their original boxes. Characters represented include Mickey Mouse, the Lone Ranger, Davy Crockett and Donald Duck. A Howdy Doody wristwatch store display is a standout in this category.

The Saturday session begins with 50+ figural cast iron lots, including bottle openers, doorknockers and paperweights. Cast-iron mechanical banks are led by a Perfection Registering bank that Morphy’s CEO Dan Morphy says is “one of the nicest examples [he’s] ever seen.” Estimate: $25,000-$35,000. Other mechanicals include a Mammy with Spoon (blue dress version) and a near-mint Santa at the Chimney.

Cast-iron Perfection Registering mechanical bank, all original and in working order. Est. $20,000-$30,000. Morphy Auctions image.

Over 100 cast-iron toy lots will cross the auction block, with a large assortment of motorcycles, trucks and cars by Hubley, Arcade and Kenton.

A wonderful selection of more than 200 toy train lots awaits bidders, with many pieces coming from the Estate of Kenneth J. Rohrbaugh. “The trains in the Rohrbaugh grouping had been on loan to the Lincoln Train Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,” explained Morphy’s Chief Operating Officer Tom Sage Jr.

The predicted top lot in the train section is an outstanding Lionel Mickey Mouse Circus Train set, complete with its original box and cardboard inserts. Additionally, there are many excellent prewar Lionel 0 gauge passenger sets with original boxes, an American Flyer standard gauge stadium set in original set box, and a number of more contemporary trains, including productions from MPC and MTH (Mike’s Train House.)

“There’s a good mix of trains,” said Sage, “including a standard gauge white Ives 3243 set, an American Flyer President’s Special set, Marklin and other European trains.”

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ No. 1 comic book, 1963, CGC-graded 8.5 with off-white pages. Est. $25,000-$30,000. Morphy Auctions image.

With the expert oversight of Brian Schutzer and Pittsburgh’s legendary Sparkle City Comics, Morphy’s will launch its new Comic Books division during the third session of the Feb. 9-11 event. More than 250 prized comics from an original-owner collection will be offered, including a 1963 The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1, CGC-graded in 8.5 condition, which is expected to realize $25,000-$30,000. Other anticipated top lots include a 1963 X-Men No. 1 and a 1963 Tales of Suspense No. 39 featuring the first appearance of Iron Man.

All forms of bidding will be available for Morphy’s Feb. 9-11, 2012 auction, including live at the gallery, phone, absentee, and live via the Internet through Morphy Live or LiveAuctioneers.com. The auction will commence at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Feb. 9 and Friday, Feb. 10; and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. For additional information, call 717-335-3435 or email serena@morphyauctions.com. View the fully illustrated catalog online at www.morphyauctions.com.

Brandeis professor emeritus was noted African-American history scholar

Giant in Tower mechanical bank, 1902, John Harper Ltd., from a collection of cast-iron banks to be auctioned in the opening session. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.

SAUGUS, Mass. – Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers will present selections from the estate of theater critic, university professor and African-American history scholar Dr. Caldwell Titcomb in a Thursday, Jan. 12 evening auction at the company’s suburban Boston gallery. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

The 350-lot sale, which will be divided into two consecutive sessions, includes important archival documents and other ephemera from Dr. Titcomb’s historical research, as well as Asian art and bronzes; furniture and several paintings. Additional private consignments from New England residences include collections of antique mechanical banks and toys; 19th-century rifles, fine diamond jewelry and American sterling silver.

“There’s more than enough in this sale to keep people interested and on their seats, but we also enjoy playing host to our guests, so there will be a complimentary hors d’oeuvres smorgasbord and beverages available for all who attend,” said Tonya Cameron.

Session I, starting at 5 p.m., features a single-owner collection of approximately 20 cast-iron mechanical banks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among them are an Eagle and Eaglets, Humpty Dumpty, Trick Dog, Teddy (Roosevelt) and the Bear, full-figure Uncle Sam, Artillery, and Uncle Remus. A coveted English production known as the Giant in Tower bank was made in 1902 by John Harper Ltd.

The bank collector also amassed a number of amusing battery-operated toys from the 1950s and ’60s. The grouping includes Shoeshine Bear, Mambo Elephant, Drinking Monkey, Clown Playing Xylophone, and Sneezing Bear. A Bubble Blowing Monkey is similar in design to the battery ops but functions via an electrical plug. The opening session also contains a few boxed space-theme and wind-up toys.

File copy of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb’s 1966 letter to Amherst College inquiring about the dates during which “famous Negro abolitionist Robert Purvis” may have been a student there. Archive of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., the 300-lot session featuring Dr. Titcomb’s estate items will commence. Tonya Cameron said she is honored that her company was chosen to auction the late professor’s collections.

“Dr. Titcomb was an intellectual fixture in Boston’s theater scene. He had been a professor at Brandeis University, was a longtime theater critic and a passionate musician and composer. On top of that, he was deeply interested in African-American history and left an extraordinary archive of letters – some historical and some his own – and other ephemera documenting decades of study in that field,” Cameron said.

A file copy of an Aug. 6, 1966 letter from the Titcomb archive attests to the late professor’s fastidious attention to detail. In that letter to Amherst College’s Alumni Records Department, Titcomb informs that he is researching “early Negro college students” and wishes to clarify a possible historical discrepancy. He asks if Amherst’s records can confirm whether or not “the famous Negro abolitionist Robert Purvis” attended, but did not graduate from, Amherst College prior to 1826. In his letter, Titcomb explains that he wishes to confirm a published statement he had seen regarding Purvis’ matriculation at Amherst, noting that the timeframe stated seemed “odd, since Purvis was not born until 1810.”

The ephemera highlights also include a typed manuscript for a play Titcomb wrote, and five personally assembled scrap albums of obituaries, biographies and other materials pertaining to theatrical luminaries from around the world. “It’s a remarkable time capsule,” Cameron observed.

Pair of large, bronze foo dogs, Estate of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.

Dr. Titcomb embraced many cultures and traveled extensively across Asia, acquiring 18th, 19th and 20th century antiques. The auction selection includes many bronzes in the $500-$1,000 range and several in the $200-$500 range. The top lot of this category is a pair of large bronze foo dogs estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Ceramics include Imari and Moriagi productions and a beautiful Kutani porcelain vase in an orange and blue colorway. Carved hardstone figurals will be offered in group lots.

Louise Davies Webber abstract watercolor painting. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.

Also coming from the Titcomb estate are abstract paintings by Maine landscape and still life artist Louise Davies Webber, a Chinese sword with decorated handle and scabbard; and an Indian sword with figural hilt.

Private consignments yielded an extensive Reed & Barton 24-place-setting sterling silver flatware set in the Burgundy pattern. While a few of the settings lack their salad forks, the silver suite includes desirable butter pats and knives; and many unusual serving pieces such as a stuffing spoon and large meat fork. The set is housed in a mahogany chest and carries a presale estimate of $4,000-$5,000.

Gorham 6-piece coffee, tea and water kettle set with tray, 1950s. Est. $4,000-$4,500. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.

Another silver highlight is a Gorham 6-piece coffee, tea and water kettle set. The midcentury service, complete with tray, is expected to make $4,000-$4,500.

Firearms are led by a G. Hyslop antique flintlock Kentucky long gun and Thompson/Center 50 caliber flintlock. Other collectible weapons include an 1880s-era Turkish flintlock pistol and an Allen Thurber & Co. pocket pistol with an 1845 patent. Civil War books and etchings complete the section.

(Top) 1880s-era Turkish flintlock pistol and (bottom) Allen Thurber & Co. pocket pistol with an 1845 patent. Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers image.

The auction’s broad variety of goods also includes 18th century Spanish Colonial paintings, Abe Blashko drawings, bronzes by listed artists, a fine campaign chest on pedestal, five vintage Brunswick ivory-tipped pool cues with pearl and ivory inlay; and gold and diamond estate jewelry.

Tonya A. Cameron’s auction featuring selections from the estate of Dr. Caldwell Titcomb will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at the company’s gallery at 113 Bennett Highway, Saugus, MA 01906, commencing at 5 p.m. Eastern time. Preview: Jan. 11 from 12-5 and Jan. 12 from 12-4:45.

All forms of bidding will be available, including telephone, absentee and online through LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information, call 781-233-0006 or e-mail tac602@gmail.com. Visit Tonya A. Cameron Auctioneers online at www.tacauctioneers.com.

Fri., Jan. 13 @ 11am:
Discovery Day One / Early 20th C. &
Estates Goods
Sat., Jan. 14 @ 11am:
Discovery Day Two /
20th C. Modern

Previews

Jan. 7-11, noon-5pm
Jan. 12, noon-7pm
Open Jan. 13/14 @ 9am

Auction 25 January 2012 1pm
450 Park Avenue, New York

Viewing 18 – 25 January
10am – 6pm Monday — Saturday
12pm – 6pm Sunday

Tiffany & Co. grandfather clock, Guy Wiggins painting among sale’s highlights

Late-19th-century Tiffany & Co. carved mahogany grandfather clock, 100 in. tall, with Winterhalder & Hofmeier German movement, sun/moon dial, eight bells, Westminster chimes. Est. $3,000-$5,000. Nest Egg Auctions photo

MERIDEN, Conn. – The Brechlins are home for the holidays and will celebrate as the Connecticut family’s Nest Egg Auctions presents its annual Gala Holiday New Year’s Auction on Saturday, Jan. 7. The sale will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

Those attending the 209-lot auction will be offered festive hospitality, with complimentary food and drink; and live music.

“Everyone comes to our New Year’s auction,” said auctioneer Ryan Brechlin. “Hey, free shrimp!”

Along with the food and entertainment, guests will be able to enjoy previewing an outstanding lineup of antiques and collectibles on display prior to the auction.

LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding for those who cannot attend the sale, which will be held at Nest Egg Auctions’ gallery at 30 Research Parkway in Meriden.

Ryan Brechlin will oversee the event together with his sister Jennifer Brechlin and their mother Mary Ellen Brechlin. All three family members work full time for the second-generation auction house. Present in spirit will be the family patriarch, Carl Brechlin, who died in 2008.

The Jan. 7 auction will be Nest Egg’s first sale of 2012. What better way to ring in the New Year than with a late-19th-century Tiffany & Co. grandfather clock that stands an impressive 100 inches tall and has all the bells and whistles expected of a fine Tiffany timepiece.

“It has a good German movement [Winterhalder & Hofmeier] and a beautifully carved mahogany case,” said Ryan Brechlin. “It’s enormous. People who want a Tiffany clock like them big.”

With a sun and moon dial, eight bells and Westminster chimes – all in running condition – the clock is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Circa-1902 National cash register Model 92, custom designed for Barton & Hoysradt department store in Columbia County, N.Y. Est. $1,000-$2,000. Nest Egg Auctions photo.

Another large mechanical marvel in the sale is a Model 92 National cash register, which was custom made for a New York department store, Barton & Hoysradt, around 1902. The register is fully functional and includes all keys and its original instruction book. The entire piece – register and attached cabinet – measures approximately 19 1/2 inches by 26 inches by 36 inches and has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate.

“It’s a cool piece, one of the biggest registers National made. The drawers all integrated to the different departments in the store,” said Brechlin.

Another choice mechanical device in the auction is a Mills Novelty Co. American War Eagle nickel slot machine from the mid-1930s. From an Old Saybrook, Conn., estate, the classic one-arm bandit in working order is expected to make $1,000-$2,000.

Guy Carleton Wiggins (American, 1883-1962), ‘New York Library in Storm,’ signed lower left, 12 x 16 in. sight, 20 x 16 in. in signed Fredrix NY frame. Est. $5,000-$10,000. Nest Egg Auctions photo.

The auction’s high point may come with the introduction of a Guy Carleton Wiggins (American, 1883-1962) oil-on-board painting of the New York Library in a winter storm. The artwork executed in quintessential Wiggins style carries a $5,000-$10,000 estimate.

“It has everything you want in a Guy Wiggins painting – New York in winter, snow and American Flags,” said Brechlin. “This one has two flags.”

Brechlin noted that the 12-inch by 16-inch Wiggins painting is from the Alfred Cheney Johnston Collection. Johnston was a famed New York City-based photographer known for his portraits of Ziegfeld Follies showgirls as well as of 1920s/1930s actresses. The final 65 lots of the auction consist exclusively of Johnston photos of this type.

“This will be the last of the Alfred Cheney Johnston estate photographs, which we’ve spread over three auctions during the past year. Because they’re the last offering, I’m hoping people will go a little crazy for them,” said Bechlin.

High-gloss print, approx. 10 x 13 in., identified on verso as “Marie Stevens” with ACJ stamp. Est. $500-$1,000. Nest Egg Auctions photo.

Some of Johnston’s beautiful subjects were noted silent film stars. These particular images will be sold individually. Many other lots include multiple images. Estimates range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

While the subject matter was risqué for its time, Johnston’s work was technically and artistically superb, and is highly collectible today. The enlargements, many 10 inches by 13 inches, are in excellent condition.

An especially desirable collector’s item in the sale is an Art Deco porcelain figure of a woman made by Lenci of Torino, Italy. The sultry blonde, wearing a short dress and carrying a basket of flowers, stands 9½ inches high. With minor damage, it has a $500-$1,000 estimate.

Lenci (Torino, Italy) Art Deco figurine, 9½ inches tall. Est. $500-$1,000. Nest Egg Auctions photo.

“Lenci was a small Italian pottery and their best pieces are highly sought after,” said Brechlin. “We sold a Lenci piece earlier in the year for around $13,000.”

A line from the popular 1934 hit Winter Wonderland – “Gone away is the bluebird” – comes to mind when considering a taxidermied passenger pigeon displayed in a period display case. The trophy, an example of a wild species that was hunted to extinction by 1914, is the size of a typical pigeon. The custom-crafted glass and wood case measures approximately 12 inches by 13 inches by 19 inches.

“We’ve done well with some taxidermy,” says Bechlin, who hopes to make $3,000-$5,000 with this former museum piece.

Taxidermied now-extinct passenger pigeon in handcrafted glass and wood case. Est. $3,000-$5,000. Nest Egg Auctions photo.

Three scarce Arts & Crafts Movement books on papermaking by Dard Hunter, a one-time associate of Elbert Hubbard, will be sold. One, published in 1927 and dealing with primitive papermaking, is number 83 of an edition limited to 200 copies. It has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate.

The Literature of Papermaking 1390-1800 by Dard Hunter, published in 1925, is numbered 76 of 160 and signed by the author. The illustrated volume is hand printed in type of Hunter’s own design on handmade paper. It carries a $500-$1,000 estimate.

Hunter’s Papermaking in Indo-China, a limited edition published in 1947, exhibits similar handcraftsmanship and also has a $500-$1,000 estimate.

For additional information on Nest Egg Auctions’ Gala Holiday New Year’s Auction, call 203-630-1400 or toll-free 800-448-0692; or e-mail ryan@nesteggauctions.com. All forms of bidding will be available. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com. The catalog may also be viewed on Nest Egg’s website: www.nesteggauctions.com.

Auction results online now at Sothebys.com