Appreciating Fine Antiques

The Value Of Chinese Furniture Begins With The Wood

I. M. Chait — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:03:49 +0000

By Izzy Chait -
Recently, some collectors of American and European furniture have made comments and asked questions about Chinese furniture, with a viewpoint based upon a false presumption that furniture in and from China is not as sturdy or as durable as Western furniture. I have to say this is not an accurate statement, and this concept, being false, should get put to bed immediately.

Under The Hammer – Antique Auction News (Feb. 2010)

Mike McLeod — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:50:34 +0000

~ An American silver punch bowl by Cornelius Kierstede (ca. 1700-1710) sold for $5.9 million at a sale of Important Americana held Jan. 22 by Sotheby’s in New York. Also, a Chippendale-figured mahogany Bombe slant-front desk made in Marblehead, Mass. (ca. 1770) hammered for $698,500; “The Maxwell Vase,” an American silver presentation vase by Fletcher & Gardiner (Philadelphia, 1829) brought $494,500; and a pair of Philadelphia Queen Anne side chairs (ca. 1750) hammered for $362,500. Prices include 12 percent buyer’s premium.

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A Real Page-Turner: The Thrill of Book Collecting

Daniele Gair — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:53:53 +0000

Daniele Gair - In this day and age of 24-hour electronic connectivity and reading everything from the newspaper to “War and Peace” on a smart phone, one might get the idea that books are going the way of the telegraph. But there are still some of us who appreciate the value of having a good book in the hand, whether it’s a fresh paperback for relaxing summer reading or the aged beauty of a pristine first edition.

Upcoming Auctions – Antiques, Art and Collectibles

Mike McLeod — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:52:41 +0000

On February 2, Christie’s in London will present its Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale and The Art of the Surreal featuring 48 lots, including: “Gitane” by Kees van Dongen (1877-1968), estimated at £5.5 million to £7.5 million; “Espagnole” by Natalia Goncharova (1881-1962), estimated at £4 million to £6 million; Pablo Picasso’s “Homme assis sur une chaise,” estimated at £3.5 million to £5.5 million, and “Tête de femme” (Jacqueline), estimated at £3million to £4 million); and “Nu aux jambes croisées” by Henri Matisse (1869-1954), estimated at £2.5 million to £4 million. Also offered will be a portrait by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919).

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Under The Hammer – Antique Auction News (Jan. 2010)

Mike McLeod — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:28:09 +0000

~ Bonhams & Butterfields’ Native American Art Department’s Winter Sale on December 14 yielded $2.3 million from property offered from estates, museums and private collections from across the U.S. and Europe. Grease bowls in use circa 1800 by the Tinglit or Haida from the Berthusen Collection were the top items. A 12-inch bowl carved with the head and tail of an eagle sold for $230,000. A ten-inch-long Northwest Coast bowl carved in the likeness of a seal effigy with head, tail and flippers projecting at the ends, sold for $206,000. Both bowls were estimated at $75-$125,000.

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Under The Hammer – Antique Auction News (Dec. 2009)

Mike McLeod — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:12:41 +0000

~ Boris Karloff’s costume from 1934’s “The Black Cat” sold for $89,625 at Heritage Auctions’ 20th Century Icons auction November 6-7 in Dallas. Jack Ruby’s hat, which he was wearing when he shot Lee Harvey Oswald, hit $53,775. Also, a John F. Kennedy-signed “Dallas Morning News” hammered at $38,837. At Heritage’s Signature Vintage Movie Posters Auction on November 12-13, the only known Style B one-sheet for the 1934 movie, “The Black Cat,” sold for $334,000, making it the fourth highest selling poster of all time. This movie was the first collaboration between Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.
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As Time Goes By: Antique Pocket and Wrist Watches

Daniele Gair — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:51:35 +0000

Daniele Gair - Of all the mechanical devices invented over the centuries, from cameras to cars, nothing beats the watch for its captivating combination of luxury and scientific significance. Originally made only for the very rich or very royal, the personal, portable timepiece has had its influence on commerce, exploration and transportation for nearly six centuries. A watch can indicate not only individual style, but also personal influence, affluence, not to mention one’s commitment to punctuality. Watches have been passed down as family heirlooms, given as a mark of accomplishment, and even carried into space. From the highly decorated to the technological marvels, the classic timepiece will never go out of style.

The World Antique Market

I. M. Chait — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:25:56 +0000
I. M. Chait – As the population on planet Earth grows, the world seems to be getting smaller and smaller. A few short decades ago, it would have been unheard of or not believed that antique dealers and collectors from around the world could travel with such ease and regularity to all the various cities [...]

Raise A Toast: Collecting Vintage Cocktail and Barware

Daniele Gair — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:05:22 +0000

Many a Sunday afternoon has found me deeply engrossed in 1930s-Era detective stories, and two of my favorite sleuths are the swanky and stylish stars of the Thin Man series, Nick and Nora Charles. To my eyes, this couple had it all, from witty repartee to stylish cloths, and they exhibited a smooth sophistication, matched only by their talent for detection. Their Jazz Age glamour was enhanced by a stunning array of Art Deco accessories, most particularly an ever-present cocktail bar. Although their drinking wasn’t always that glamorous, their excellent taste in barware, with glimmering shakers and delicate martini and champagne glasses, was truly intoxicating.

Under The Hammer – Antique Auction News (Oct. 2009)

Penny — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:28:25 +0000

~ Christie’s First Open-Post-War and Contemporary Art sale in New York on September 23 was highlighted by Andy Warhol’s (1928-1987) “Flowers” which hammered for $1,082,500, including buyer’s premium. The work is synthetic polymer and silkscreen inks on canvas, 22 x 22 inches, and is signed and dated “Andy Warhol 64” twice. Another leading work was Roni Horn’s (b. 1955) “Steven’s Bouquet,” which sold for $242,500, including buyer’s premium. The piece is aluminum and Plexiglas, 30 x 50 x 15 inches, and was executed in 1991. It is from an edition of three.
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