Prestige Watches, Sapphires and Gold Sparkle in Government Auction's New Year's Day Auction

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Government Auction will start off the New Year on a high note with a Jan. 1 sale featuring exclusive designer watches, fine jewelry and gold coins. The auction will begin at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time, with an opening bid of only $2 on most lots.

The fine jewelry selection is led by a stunning 16.92-carat sapphire and diamond ring. Considered in ancient times represent holiness or the heavens, the blue sapphire was a favorite amongst kings, who believed the precious stone could attract Divine favor. The ring to be auctioned by Government Auction is made of 14K white gold and contains 2.65 carats side diamonds surrounding the main stone, a rectangular-cut fancy blue sapphire. The total weight of the ring is 13.7 grams.

Offered for auction in the watch category is a Vacheron Constantin Geneve men's watch. Founded in 1755, the Vacheron company has a long and illustrious past, and its products have been owned at different times in its history by such notables as Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius XI, Harry Truman and the Duke of Windsor. The watches are manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, by one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world. With such an illustrious pedigree, these prestige watches are highly sought after and avidly collected. The Vacheron featured in the Jan. 1 sale is a simple yet elegant design composed of a brown leather band with a white face and black lettering encompassed in stainless steel casing. Also featured in the fine watch category is a men's Rolex Submarine stainless steel watch. The watch comes in its original box with certificates included.

In keeping with the luxury theme, Government Auction will offer a coveted Louis Vuitton purse. The top-handle purse is brand new from the factory and sure to be a favorite among bidders. The bag exhibits the classic design for which Louis Vuitton is best known: brown leather with gold LV logo. The bag is a light cream-colored leather with gold-colored fittings.

In addition to the luxury goods being presented, the auction house is also featuring a collection of gold coins. A top highlight is a 1904 $20 U.S. Liberty Head gold coin. The Double Eagle, as the coin is also known, was minted from 1850 to 1907 during the height of the California Gold Rush. Of all the gold coins minted before 1907, the Double Eagle had the highest gold content – almost one full ounce of pure gold. Designed by James B. Longacre, the coin weighs 33.43 grams and is composed of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper.

In the antique category, a highlight item is an antique three-piece Ansonia clock. The Ansonia Clock Co. was a major American clock manufacturer based in New York in 19th century. The highly successful business crafted thousands of clocks in numerous styles. This clock is genuine Ansonia and in mint condition. It features a romantic spring theme of a young maiden surrounded by sculpted irises and pansies. Its patina is original and it is delicately colored in bronze, light green, blue and purple tones.

Additional auction highlights include a rare Crescent upright coffee grinder, a 1793 Chain Cent XF porous full-rim coin, a Caille upright slot machine and more.

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.

 

 

1904 $20 U.S. Liberty Head gold coin. Government Auction image.

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LiveAuctioneers.com Adds Advanced Analytics To Online-Bidder Registration Process

New technology enables auctioneers to view consolidated data before approving bidders

NEW YORK – In its ongoing mission to provide auction houses with the most dependable method of pre-screening potential online bidders, LiveAuctioneers.com has added comprehensive bidder analytics to its existing approval process. The new data suite provides aggregated information and statistics culled from several sources to create the most reliable bidder profile currently available anywhere in the Internet-auction sector.

Auction houses using LiveAuctioneers for their Internet live-bidding services may now view the following amalgamated information for any potential bidder via the company’s back-end bidder analytics:

·          How long the person has been a registered member of LiveAuctioneers

·          How many past auctions they have signed up for

·          How many bids they have placed through LiveAuctioneers in previous auctions

·          How many searches and catalog items they have saved, indicating how

involved they have been on an ongoing basis

·          An Experian bar chart that rates how closely the personal information entered by the potential bidder, e.g., name, address, telephone number, etc., matches up with data held in the credit bureau’s records. (Note: It is not a credit check.)

 

In tandem with the introduction of LiveAuctioneers’ bidder analytics, the company has added several other new features to the back-end dashboard. Now auctioneers can click on an icon to designate a person as being a “regular” or “blocked” bidder, and to view their LinkedIn or Facebook profile if the member has opted to add those links during the sign-up process.

Also, auctioneers now have the ability to view the number of potential bidders whose approval is currently “pending,” as well as a list of bidders categorized according to status: pending, approved, declined or suspended. Another useful feature tells auctioneers how many bids have been placed so far in an upcoming sale.

“We are confident that auction houses who use LiveAuctioneers’ services for their Internet live bidding now have available to them the world’s most advanced and accurate method of pre-screening online bidders,” said LiveAuctioneers CEO Julian R. Ellison. “With the addition of bidder analytics, auctioneers now have unprecedented access to each and every potential bidder’s online history and other information that is appropriate and germane to the approval process.”

Online: www.LiveAuctioneers.com. Contact: info@liveauctioneers.com

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About LiveAuctioneers.com:

Now in its 10th year of operation, LiveAuctioneers.com provides Internet live bidding services to more than 1,500 antiques and fine art auction houses worldwide. LiveAuctioneers is a privately owned company with headquarters in New York City and a European branch office in London.

Govt. Auction Brings Out Luxury Watches, Gold Coins For Black Friday Auction

More than 1,330 lots will be offered in the one-day auction with bids opening at at only $2 on more lots.

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Government Auction's Nov. 23, 2012 Black Friday auction will launch the holiday season with a sizable cache of luxury goods that includes designer watches, precious gems and gold coins. More than 1,300 lots will be offered in the one-day auction, with bids opening at only $2 on most lots. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide the Internet live bidding for the sale.

An exceptional Patek Philippe Geneve watch is an elite auction highlight in the timepiece category. The Patek Phillipe Company was founded in 1839 and has remained a family-owned business through four generations of Sterns since 1932. The company is, in fact, Geneva's oldest independent family-owned watch manufacturer. Patek Phillippe watches are quite exclusive, with roughly 200 models created in intentionally small production series, thereby ensuring their rarity.

The pre-owned Patek Phillippe to be auctioned by Government Auction is a simple yet classic design composed of a black leather band, steel case and white face with black Roman numerals. Another fine luxury watch in the sale is a Men's Rolex Oyster. The watch is a vintage example of stainless steel with a white face.

Included within the multitude of fine jewelry pieces is a stunning 27.04-carat pear-cut blue sapphire and diamond ring. The ring is composed of 14K white gold with the large sapphire elevated above the band portion of the ring. The band enclosure is V-shaped to match the proportions and composition of the main sapphire and is surrounded by 1.82 carats of diamonds on the side.

In keeping with the holiday weekend’s luxury theme, Government Auction will present the gift to please any woman who favors designer brands: a Louis Vuitton "Claudia" purse. Brand new from the Louis Vuitton factory, the top-handle bag is mainly white with multicolor leather straps and corners with the “LV” signature design prominently featured as a multicolored pattern throughout. The monogram multicolor is a creation of designer Takashi Murakami, exclusively for Louis Vuitton.

For numismatics enthusiasts or gold investors, the Black Friday event includes a coveted rarity: an 1881 U.S. $10 Liberty gold coin. Known as "Eagles," coins of this type are composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, a combination that renders a deep, rich golden patina. This particular type of coin was minted from 1866-1907 in Philadelphia. The obverse features a golden-coifed Lady Liberty, while a majestic American Eagle appears on verso.

The sale’s antique category is led by Lot 47a, an antique Regina music box. This stately machine made around 1900 has an automatic 27.5-inch disc changer encased in luscious mahogany with spindle railing on top of the cabinet and carved corbels.

Other auction highlights include a 2.65-carat princess-cut diamond gemstone, an Audemars Piguet wristwatch, a Mills Hi-Top 5-cent slot machine, a National Cash Register Model 13 and more.

View a video of auction highlights at http://youtu.be/JsrPOXUTqUE .

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.

 

  

       

Louis Vuitton handbag in motif designed by Takashi Murakami. Government Auction image.

LiveAuctioneers.com Posts Impressive Gains

Buoyant traffic, increased mobile bidding boost LiveAuctioneers’ Q3 results

       

NEW YORK – An aggressive European campaign and continued growth in bidding through mobile devices set the stage for impressive 3rd-quarter results from LiveAuctioneers LLC (www.LiveAuctioneers.com).

Soon to conclude its 10th year of operations, LiveAuctioneers is widely regarded as the leading provider of Internet live-bidding services to antiques and fine art auction houses worldwide. The Manhattan-based company has developed a sector-specific model that is based on the simple premise of “more traffic, more bidders, more profits,” said CEO Julian R. Ellison.

During the 3rd quarter of 2102, there were 8.5 million visits to the LiveAuctioneers site, reflecting an increase of 21.29% over the comparable quarter of last year. The number of absolute unique visitors – 4, 765,689 – was up 12.75% over Q3 2011.

“What was most satisfying was the 1.4 million visits recorded through mobile devices,” said Ellison. “This showed a 161.94 percent jump over last year’s third-quarter figure. We were among the early believers in mobile bidding and developed an app when it was still a curiosity in the marketplace. It’s now very much a part of our core business.”

Statistics also verify that during the last quarter, mobile users stayed on the LiveAuctioneers site longer and viewed more pages than mobile users of Q3 2011.

From all sources, there were more than 72 million page views on LiveAuctioneers.com during the months of July, August and September. Compared to the same quarter of last year, this indicates an increase of 30.6%. Additionally, more than 289,000 absentee bids were lodged online through LiveAuctioneers.

During the third quarter, the company achieved a milestone by signing its 1,400th auction-house client. Many of the new customers were American auction houses, but Europe also proved to be a hotbed of new business. By the close of September, LiveAuctioneers’ clientele included 26 auction houses in the UK, 23 in Germany and 7 in Italy.

“There are few corners of the world that are not represented in our client base, now,” said Ellison. “Auctioneers consider LiveAuctioneers an indispensable part of their marketing plan and realize that exposure on our site and the ability to offer their customers absentee and live online bidding is the most effective way to attract quality bidders worldwide.”

Fine paintings are consistently amongst the top-selling items on LiveAuctioneers. That trend continued in the third quarter with the sale of a signed Carl C.M. Rungius (German/American, 1869-1959) oil-on-canvas landscape titled “Moose on a Ridge.” Descended through a Virginia family, the artwork had been exhibited in 1908 at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York. It was purchased through LiveAuctioneers for $188,800 (inclusive of 18% buyer’s premium) in Copley Fine Art Auctions’ July 12 sale.

“As we enter our second decade, LiveAuctioneers is making a significant investment in new technology, marketing and website design,” Ellison noted. “We believe that these improvements will result in many new-bidder signups, which, in turn, will benefit our auction-house clients. Our goal is to make the LiveAuctioneers experience – from catalog browsing to bidding and buying – an enjoyable one for all who collect, invest in art or simply want to acquire unusual pieces for their homes or offices.”

Click to view a video that shows an auction in progress through the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD7aSvcHjxw

Carl C.M. Rungius (German/American, 1869-1959),‘Moose on a Ridge,’ oil on canvas, sold by Copley Fine Art Auctions to a LiveAuctioneers.com bidder for $188,800. Image courtesy of Copley Fine Art Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.com Archive.

 

Merton D. Simpson Gallery To Auction Tribal Art Treasures Online, Nov. 17

The auction lineup features a highly refined selection of more than 30 objects from the traditional areas of Africa.

NEW YORK – The Merton D. Simpson Gallery of Tribal and Contemporary Art will conduct a special online auction, titled “Small and Beautiful Treasures,” on Saturday, Nov. 17, beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live-bidding services for the sale.

The auction lineup features a highly refined selection of more than 30 objects from the traditional arts of Africa collected by Merton D. Simpson nearly 40 years ago. They include rare objects evoking prestige and power, such as a fine Yoruba ibeji and divination platter.

Established in 1954, Merton D. Simpson Gallery of African, Oceanic and Contemporary Art houses an extensive, museum-quality collection. The gallery has always taken a global approach and maintains an exciting inventory of painting, sculpture and decorative arts acquired through Simpson's travels and from a circle of knowledgeable, well-connected friends in all corners of the world.

Simpson was part of a global movement of artists coming of age in the mid-20th century. These artists, who included Romare Bearden and the Spiral Collective; Hale Woodruff, Willem de Kooning and Pablo Picasso, were heavily influenced by traditional works and art practices. Simpson assisted in cultivating these talents and the movement itself, both as a world-renowned philanthropist and collector, and as a fully involved hands-on artist.

With an eye considered second to none in his field, and with more than 50 years of successful business transactions with galleries in New York City and Paris, Merton D. Simpson is one of the most respected African and tribal art dealers in the world. The Merton D. Simpson Gallery of Tribal and Contemporary Art has been instrumental in helping individuals and institutions build comprehensive, culturally significant collections.

For additional information on any item in the Nov. 17 online auction, call the gallery at 212-686-6735 or e-mail mdsgallerynyc@gmail.com.

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

 

Songye Kifwebe mask, Zaire, wood, 11 inches. Est. $7,500-$11,250. Merton D. Simpson photo.

Alaina Simone

212-686-6735

mdsgallerynyc@gmail.com

38 W. 28^th St. Fl 5

New York, NY 10001

Government Auction Offers Superb Redmond Painting, Diamonds, Gold Coins On Oct. 28

Featured items include 2001 Bentley Azure, Audemars Piquet Royal Oak Offshore men’s watch, 51.28 carat white gold necklace and much more.

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Government Auction's Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 auction is brimming with original art, precious gems and other treasures. Antique gold coins, diamond necklaces and a fine oil-on-canvas painting by renowned California Impressionist Granville Redmond (1871-1935) are among the top highlights in the sale. Most of the 1,300 lots have $2 starting bids and will be available to bidders worldwide through LiveAuctioneers.com. 

The Granville Redmond work, titled "Sunny Stubblefield," is a 9½ by 12½-inch landscape that features a slumbering ranch house surrounded by turquoise skies, old oak trees and blades of California sage grass. The label on verso reveals provenance from "Schussler Bros., Art Dealers, 285 Geary St., San Francisco. 

Redmond is regarded as one of the first tonalist painters of the California school. As a child, he was deaf due to a bout with scarlet fever. He attended a school for the deaf where he was taught painting, and went on to study in San Francisco and Paris. He is best known for landscapes featuring poppies, trees and mountains. 

"Usually paintings of this caliber are snatched up by a high-end auction house such as Christie's or Sotheby's. We are truly pleased to have acquired the Granville Redmond oil on canvas through a California estate sale," said Government Auction’s chief auctioneer Paul Sabesky. The work is expected to realize $25,000-$30,000.

Among the top pieces of fine jewelry to be auctioned is a stunning 26-carat diamond necklace. The 14K white gold eternity necklace measures 17 inches and is styled as a flexible “ribbon” with 59 graduating round-cut brilliant diamonds that terminate in a concealed clasp with twin safeties. Also included within the multitude of elegant jewelry pieces is a 51.28-carat tanzanite and diamond necklace. Measuring 18 inches long, it is 14K white gold with 22 oval-cut natural tanzanites surrounded by round-cut diamonds having a total weight of 7.39 carats. Those diamonds are in addition to the main gemstones, which weigh 51 carats. In total, the necklace weighs 60.30 grams.

Leading the watch category is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore men's watch. Audemars Piguet is known as the master of precision in watch manufacturing. The watch is comprised of a black leather band with a copper case that encloses a white face and black dials. Another luxury timepiece in the sale is a 14K gold ladies’ Rolex with gold serpentine band and octagonal gold case with white face and gold numbering. 

A much larger timekeeper highlights the antiques section of the sale – a 3-piece Ansonia clock set estimated at $2,250-$4,500. The Ansonia Clock Company was a major 19th-century American clock manufacturer based in New York. The firm crafted thousands of clocks in a wide variety of styles that are as popular with today’s collectors as they were with families of more than a century ago.

Gold coins have become a staple at Government Auction event, and based on the excitement and number of bids placed on them in the California company’s recent auctions, it’s obvious that collectors are pursuing them aggressively. A special entry in the Oct. 28 auction is an 1883 $10 Liberty gold coin. Also known as the "Coronet," the coin was designed by sculptor Christian Gobrecht. The Coronet features Lady Liberty wearing her hair in a loose bun with a coronet on her head inscribed with the words "Liberty." An American Eagle is shown with the words "United States of America" and motto "In God We Trust." The composition of the coin is 90% gold and 10% copper, which accounts for its beautifully warm, golden hue. Another numismatic treasure to be auctioned is a $5 Indian Head gold coin.

Last but certainly not least, a 2001 Bentley Azure stands ready to transport some lucky bidder to their home or other destination. Equipped with a ‘Special S’ package, the black with black interior luxury vehicle is in excellent condition and has only 17,000 original miles on its odometer. Estimate: $300,000-$600,000. Note: This car must be picked up from Government Auction’s premises in Techachapi, California.

Government Auction’s Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 auction event will commence at 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time/9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. 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.

About Government Auction:

Government Auction is one of the most reputable jewelry and gem clearinghouse companies in the United States, with more than 20 years of experience. The Southern California-based firm works closely with agencies and individuals, including the IRS, bank and trust officers, and estate and bankruptcy trustees to liquidate confiscated assets such as fine jewelry, luxury vehicles, gold coins and artworks.

 

CAPTION:

Granville Redmond (Californian, 1871-1935) 'Sunny Stubblefield,' oil on canvas, est. $25,000-$30,000. Government Auction image.

Material Culture To Rekindle “Spirits…” With 10/14 Event Featuring Prince Twins Seven-Seven Painting

450+ auction lots include art, textiles, antiquities, ethnographic art, carpets and jewelry

PHILADELPHIA – An important artwork by Prince Twins Seven-Seven (Nigerian, 1944-2011) not only co-headlines Material Culture’s 450-lot Oct. 14 auction, it also inspired the event’s title: “The Spirits of My Reincarnation Brothers and Sisters.”

Deeply mystical and immediately identifiable, the works of Prince Twins Seven-Seven have spurred a new level of interest in the marketplace since Material Culture offered several exciting multimedia paintings by the artist in their May 5 auction debut. The self-taught Prince Twins Seven-Seven expressed his boundless imagination in themes that blended esoteric imagery with a vibrant, traditional West African color palette. The 65 by 58-inch batik dye, watercolor, acrylic and oil-on-cloth painting featured in Material Culture’s Oct. 14 sale was purchased directly from the artist in 2007 and is one of seven of his works entered in the sale. It is expected to realize $5,000-$7,000.

Other self-taught artists represented in the October offering include Vojislav Jakic, Kwame Akoto a k a Almighty God, Purvis Young and Felipe Jesus Consalvos, a Cuban-American (1891-1960) who worked as a cigar roller but whose natural talent as an artist was not widely known until after his death. Consalvos created visually stunning modernist collages that incorporate cigar bands and cigar-box paper with photographs, postage stamps and magazine images. His mixed-media collage titled “Let Dreams Come True” was created around the second quarter of the 20th century. It measures 10 x 8 inches (15¾ x 13¾ inches framed) and comes with provenance from the Fleisher/Ollman Gallery. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.

The auction will showcase a selection of items from the Bill Liske collection of early Chinese and Tibetan textiles, carpets and ethnographic artworks. Material Culture’s first offering of articles from the Liske collection – auctioned on May 26 – was enthusiastically received, said owner George Jevremovic, a cultural arts dealer of 30+ years.

“The Liske collection is special because it reflects the impeccable eye of a collector who lived and worked as a mountaineering guide in the Himalayan region for three decades. Textile dealers in the area taught him how to identify pieces that were genuinely exceptional,” said Jevremovic.

Liske’s expertly chosen collection has appeared at the History Museum in Denver, the Krimsa Gallery in San Francisco, the Shaver-Ramsey Gallery in Denver, and in Hali magazine.

A premier artwork in the Liske collection is a powerfully rendered early Thangka scroll painting depicting the deific reincarnation known as Vajra Varahi in Sanskrit and Dorje Pakmo in Tibetan. Dating to 14th-16th century Tibet, it is valued at $3,000-$4,000.

Another auction highlight is the Michaelian Meshed (31 feet by 47 feet), a circa-1900 Persian carpet originally custom-woven for the prestigious Union League Club in New York City. It remained in the club for decades until its purchase in the 1950s by Frank Michaelian of Michaelian and Kohlberg. Suitable for a discriminating owner with a palatial space, it will be offered for sale publicly for the first time in its history on Oct. 14, with an auction estimate of $60,000-$90,000.

An outstanding 19th-century Syrian silk and gold judge’s tunic from the collection of Samy and Sara Rabinovic, Philadelphia, was the blue-ribbon exhibition winner at the 1996 International Conference on Oriental Carpets, and is expected to fetch $3,000-$4,000. Also up for auction is a rare pre-Columbian funerary headband made with a knotted-pile technique, valued at $1,000-$1,500; and a 19th-century Tibtetan or Bhutanese bull-headed Buddhist dance mask of meditational deity Yamantaka. The mask’s vivid red hue was achieved by applying pigment to a papier-mâché of laurel or mulberry. Estimate: $3,000-$4,000.

Other categories of artifacts include an outstanding group of 17th-18th century Mughal columns and arches from northern India, 16th- to 19th-century Ottoman, Central Asian, Asian, African, Continental and pre-Columbian textiles, 17th-19th century Oriental Carpets, African, Himalayan and Oceanic Tribal Arts, antiquities from the Near East, Americas and Asia; 18th- to 20th-century folk art from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas; and 100+ lots of vintage Navajo jewelry from a private Pennsylvania collection assembled in the 1970s.

“From the beginning it has been our goal to present pieces of diverse origin that would present collecting opportunities for every level of buyer, from beginners to advanced collectors and interior designers. In addition, we take the position that it is better to have around 400 items of very good to excellent quality – from consignors who have realistic expectations – than to create a more-specialized sale with a few stars and lots of filler,” said Jevremovic, explaining his company’s mission.

“This is an age in which corporate auction departments seek to maximize their bottom lines with million-plus-dollar items or high-profile sales that have more to do with celebrity and fashion than quality or connoisseurship. We believe some of the best collecting opportunities – particularly for younger buyers worldwide – exist in the areas we are presenting in our October 14th sale: self-taught, folk, ethnographic, decorative and traditional arts,” Jevremovic said.

Material Culture’s Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 auction will commence at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Preview: Oct. 10-12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 4700 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144. All forms of bidding will be available, including phone, absentee or Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information on any lot in the sale, email expert@materialculture.com or call 215-438-4700. Visit the company online at www.materialculture.com.

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CAPTION:

Prince Twins Seven-Seven (Nigerian, 1944-2011), ‘The Spirits of my Reincarnation Brothers and Sisters #2,’ ink, watercolor, acrylic, and oil on cloth, stretcher; 2007, 65½ x 58 inches. Est. $5,000-$7,000. Material Culture image.

 

1949 Triumph, Rubies and Gold Add Luster To Sept. 30 Govt. Auction Sale

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – A stylish 1949 Triumph Roadster, precious gems and valuable gold coins are among the treasures to be offered in Government Auction’s Saturday, Sept. 30 sale. The 1,266-lot offering of antiques, art and luxury watches will be available to online bidders through LiveAuctioneers.com.

For the woman who loves elegant fine jewelry, Government Auction suggests the ruby and white sapphire necklace with a total approximate weight of 161.91 carats.  Surrounded by diamonds, the vibrant main ruby gemstone is fuchsia red in color and cut in a faceted oval shape. The 18-inch-long necklace is composed of silver with gold overlay and features a flexible ribbon of 19 graduating ruby gemstones surrounded by white sapphire bezels. Bidding on this item starts at a mere $2.

Leading the luxury watch category is a previously owned stainless steel Rolex women's watch. This investment timepiece is an Oyster Perpetual with an attractive black face. It is one of several desirable Rolex watches in the auction catalog.

A true classic, the 1949 Triumph Roadster TR 2000 to be auctioned is one of the coolest cars on the road. Its features include a dickey rumble seat with Lucas "King of the Road" headlamps and triple wipers. The car is a right-hand-drive model with a 128ci (2000cc), 68hp OHV 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed, fully synchronized manual transmission. The handsome English roadster has been fully restored with black paint, saddle tan interior, black canvas convertible top, roll-up windows and wood dash. Note: The vehicle is available for pick-up only in California by the winning bidder.

In addition to the luxury items being presented, the auction house is also featuring a collection of fine gold coins. A top example is an 1853-G $1 U.S. Liberty gold coin. The coin is NGC graded as MS 63 and is sealed in plastic protector pouch. The coin is medium antique gold color and shows only few handling marks. Its obverse features Lady Liberty, while a laurel wreath and “One Dollar” appear on the reverse. Its metal content is 90% gold, 10% copper. Another noteworthy coin in the sale is an 1889-CC Morgan silver dollar.

In the antique category, an old-time favorite is a Wurlitzer Model 780-E "Wagon Wheel" jukebox with keys. Wurlitzer is the most revered name in vintage jukeboxes, known for its beautifully styled, high-quality productions. The "Wagon Wheel" is comprised of carved oak with steel fittings and, as the name implies, contains a wagon-wheel design in the center. This vintage jukebox made in 1941 has been fully restored and is in good working order.

Additional auction highlights include a coveted Louis Vuitton purse, an Alberto Vargas signed lithograph and many other luxury goods and antiques.

Government Auction’s Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 auction event will commence at 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time/9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. 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.

About Government Auction:

Government Auction is one of the most reputable jewelry and gem clearinghouse companies in the United States, with more than 20 years of experience. The Southern California-based firm works closely with agencies and individuals, including the IRS, bank and trust officers, and estate and bankruptcy trustees to liquidate confiscated assets such as fine jewelry, luxury vehicles, gold coins and artworks.

1949 Triumph Roadster TR2000. Government Auction image.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 14, 2012

‘Diamonds Speak’ In Watch Auction HQ’s Sept. 30 Auction Debut

West Coast firm specializes in top-tier jewels, timepieces for discriminating buyers

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Sept. 30, 2012, a new first-class auction resource for luxury gems, jewelry and timepieces will become available to buyers worldwide with the launch of Watch Auction HQ’s auction division. The Portland-based company was formed from the 2011 merger of a private jewelry wholesale firm and a boutique specialist in estate and privately acquired fine jewelry. Businessman Nick Dillard and a prominent jeweler/gemologist are partners in Watch Auction HQ, which deals only in fine jewelry and watches of an especially high standard, as evidenced in the selection they’ve hand-chosen for their Sept. 30 auction premiere.

“Our private clients are entertainment executives, business owners and ‘captains of industry.’ They are sophisticated buyers who expect exclusivity and a much higher level of customer support than they might receive elsewhere,” said Dillard. “For instance, we recently sold his-and-her diamond bezel bracelets to a movie industry executive and flew to Los Angeles to deliver them personally to the client’s Beverly Hills residence. We’ve tailored our auction model so it incorporates many of the white-glove extras our private clients appreciate, such as lovely cases and packaging for all goods, and complimentary Fed Ex shipment. In addition, auction bidders will have the assurance of knowing that they are dealing with a company that has already proven itself to be of utmost integrity.”

The 300-lot Sept. 30 auction titled ‘Diamonds Speak’ will be structured as a timed online auction through LiveAuctioneers.com, with additional bidding options to include phone and absentee bidding. Lots will close consecutively after the start time of 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST).

Among the men’s timepieces to be offered are watches by Audemars Piguet, Omega and Rolex. Leading the ladies’ watches is a highly desirable diamond-bezel 18K gold Rolex Datejust model. Other ladies’ watches include a stunning 18K yellow gold Lucien Picard contemporary design with 48 pavé diamonds on its face, 32 diamonds on the bezel and 240 diamonds on the bracelet; and a chic 18K yellow gold Tiffany & Co. wristwatch with 134 diamonds on the bezel and diamond dial markers.

The ultimate fashion accessory that moves with ease from the country club to a formal dance is the now-classic tennis bracelet. Watch Auction HQ will offer to the highest bidder an elegant, mint-condition 14K gold tennis bracelet set with 39 diamonds weighing approximately 10 carats.

Several other bracelets are worthy of special mention. A 18K yellow gold custom design by David Freeland features a full carat of sparkling diamonds set in a row alongside a circle of gold-framed opals. Also guaranteed to turn heads is a superb Renaissance-style custom-designed bracelet of white and yellow gold set with tourmalines and both square and round diamonds – total weight: 62.2 grams. The third key lot amongst the bracelets is a hinged design of cobalt-enameled 18K yellow gold fashioned as two intricately detailed, ruby-eyed lions’ heads.

Another statement piece in the sale is an 18K yellow gold and diamond necklace designed by Gabriel Barda. Its graceful motif features gold “leaves” set with 60 round diamonds cumulatively weighing (approx.) 2 carats.

If there is a single jewel that can speak a thousand words, it is the diamond solitaire, says Nick Dillard. “When a fine diamond is cut in a special way, it shows off the jewel’s brilliance and can be the most spectacular thing.” Just such an example in the Sept. 30 sale is the marquise-cut solitaire diamond that serves as the focal point of a 14K yellow gold ring. Ten channel-set diamonds accent he impressive center diamond within a distinctive contemporary design.

Dillard said Watch Auction HQ will be introducing many custom marketing features to its online sales, as well as a private club whose members will receive an exclusive catalog containing “pieces to dazzle even the most discriminating buyer – these items will be for members’ eyes only.”

Starting with the Sept. 30 auction, there will be a gift drawing to accompany each Watch Auction HQ sale. No purchase is required. Anyone who signs up to bid or to receive either the company’s e-mails or e-catalog will automatically be entered for a chance to win a fine-jewelry item or timepiece valued at no less than $500. The Sept. 30 auction-drawing prize is a men’s 14K gold Longines vintage watch valued at $1,000.

“What we want to stress above all else is that customer service is of prime importance to us. We answer every question and respond to every phone call, e-mail and social media contact promptly and courteously. We view each customer as a long-term business partner and want to build lasting relationships with people who like to have fun and enjoy the finer things in life,” Dillard said.

For information on any item in Watch Auction HQ’s Sept. 30 “Diamonds Speak” auction, or to arrange for a phone line on auction day, call 800-890-7780 or e-mail nick@watchauctionhq.com or info@watchauctionhq.com. Visit the company’s website at www.watchauctionhq.com. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet on auction day at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

To view a brief video clip previewing Watch Auction HQ’s Sept. 30 sale, click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KGv9lefS7Sg&noredirect=1

CAPTION:

Ladies’ Tiffany and Co. 18K yellow gold watch with 134 diamonds on bezel, diamond markers on dial. Original Tiffany box. Est. $5,500-$7,000. WatchAuctionHQ image.

Gold Coins, Rolex Watches Join Fine Jewelry, Coin Ops At Govt. Auction, Aug. 26

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Today’s collectors want luxury brands, but few will share details of the one consistently reliable source for their favorite finds: Government Auction. This southern California company is the largest of its kind and the only one in the United States that works closely with certain government agencies to acquire high-end assets and confiscated goods such as fine gemstones and jewelry; Rolex watches, gold coins and antiques.

On Sunday, Aug. 26, Government Auction will present a bounty of investment-grade coins, antique slot machines and premium-quality jewelry in a 1,500-lot sale with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com. Bidding will start as low as $1 on most items.

Jewels have fascinated collectors for centuries. In describing them, the Victorian novelist George Eliot said, "These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of." Eliot’s observations spoke of how those who love and wear jewels forge a personal connection with earth’s glittering rarities, what they symbolize and why they are so highly valued. Her comments of over a century ago seem just as valid today, since jewelry remains the premier gift choice for loved ones and those held in high esteem.

Government Auction’s Aug. 26 sale might very well have captured George Eliot’s attention, with its generous selection of jewelry and loose diamonds. A truly grand design is the 18K gold ring set with a 13-carat emerald and 2.76 carats of diamonds. This impressive ring makes a hefty statement, weighing in at 16.70 grams. Government Auction’s Chris Budge noted that the central emerald does have inclusions. “This is not uncommon with a stone of this size and color,” Budge said.

In Sunday’s sale, collectors of luxury watches can take their pick from dozens of previously owned timepieces, including seven Rolexes. A watch that is attracting considerable presale interest is a Rolex men's Oyster watch. A desirable Perpetual Datejust made of stainless steel and gold, it features a handsome black and gold face. Another fine entry is a Rolex women's Oyster watch. Also a Perpetual Datejust, this watch is crafted of stainless steel with a steel face.

A strong selection of rare gold coins will be featured in the auction. The grouping is led by a true investment piece – 1911 $10 US Indian Head gold coin. Designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the $10 Indian Head gold coin was struck in Philadelphia and features Lady Liberty wearing a full Indian headdress. The reverse bears the image of a proud American Eagle with the motto "In God We Trust." Government Auction’s Chief Auctioneer Paul Sabesky commented, "Collectors consider this coin a ‘must-have’ because of its unique artistic design and gold content."

The auction also features a collection of antique and vintage slot machines. A beautiful example of old-time craftsmanship is the early 1900s Dewey upright slot machine. Coin-operated machines of this type are the mechanical predecessors to the electronic and pull-type slot machines seen in today’s casinos. The "Dewey" was named after naval leader Admiral George Dewey, who is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. The highly ornate "Dewey" is cased in oak with brass legs and trim. Its facade features an image of Admiral Dewey surmounted on a red, white and blue US shield. The machine is fully restored and working.

Additional auction highlights include an authentic, top of the line Coach brand python-skin purse; an 1880 US $10 Liberty gold coin, a 3-carat tanzanite and diamond ring; and much more.

The Sunday, Aug. 26 auction will start at 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time/9:30 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.

 

18K gold ring set with 13-carat emerald and 2 carats of diamonds, est. $19,450-$38,900. Government Auctions image.

About Government Auction: 
With more than 20 years of specialized experience, Government Auction is a trusted resource for the purchase of quality assets such as jewelry, gemstones, memorabilia, collectibles, art, prints, antiques and vehicles. Many of the valuables offered in Government Auction’s sales are confiscated assets that require immediate liquidation. Examples of ways in which Government Auction’s goods are obtained include bankruptcies, the IRS, estate sales, trusts, etc.

Cartier Watches, Gold Coins and Diamonds In Government Auction July 29 Sale

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – This Sunday, July 29th, Government Auction will present to bidders a cache of luxury and designer goods that includes coveted Cartier watches, diamond jewelry and rare gold coins. Many items are expected to sell for prices far below their retail value.

The event is structured as an absentee, phone and Internet auction, with Internet live bidding available through LiveAuctioneers.com. The first lot will cross the auction block at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time (6:30 a.m. local Pacific time).

Headliners in this sale were selected for their enduring and intrinsic values, with additional choice selections to suit every budget. The luxury merchandise on offer is in pristine condition, and some of the exclusive pre-owned timepieces are “satisfaction guaranteed.”

A large collection of diamond jewelry and loose diamond gemstones will be featured in this auction. The top diamond lot is a gorgeous 6.40-carat princess-cut diamond gemstone. The hefty stone is multifaceted with a cut grade of 9-excellent and has an estimated retail replacement value of $158,405.

"A loose diamond of this cut, clarity and size is a rare find in the retail environment," said auctioneer Jeff Moore. The diamond has been cataloged with a presale estimate of $79,203-$158,405.

A pre-owned classic women’s Cartier Panthere, circa 2000, is one of many deluxe Cartiers and Rolexes in Sunday’s auction. The watch is stainless steel with a white square face and Roman numerals. It is expected to sell for $2,250-$4,500.

Other quality timepieces include a men's yellow gold Rolex Perpetual Datejust President watch. This stunning example of Rolex's flawless design aesthetic features a gold face and band, and is estimated at $27,000-$54,000.

In addition to the plentiful array of luxury items, Government Auction has included an outstanding collection of gold coins. A 1908 $20 US Saint-Gaudens gold coin is also known as a “Double Eagle.” These rare coins were created by the famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens under commission from President Theodore Roosevelt. The President wanted a coin that was reminiscent of those used in Ancient Greece. The resulting Double Eagles were minted between 1907 and 1933, and are among the most collectible of all American coins. Government Auction has placed an estimate of $5,010-$10,020 on their example. Another gold coin to watch for is the 1875-CC $10 Liberty, PCGS genuine, cleaned, which is estimated at $14,100-$28,200.

For sports enthusiasts, a rare item of baseball memorabilia is going to be available: a 1966 Topps #50 Mickey Mantle baseball card. A legendary Hall of Famer, Mantle (1931-1995) is regarded as one of the most talented switch-hitters and greatest players in baseball history. He played in 20 All-Star games and 12 World Series. The card in Government Auction’s sale is graded PSM excellent-mint 6.5 and is estimated at $675-$1,350.

Additional auction highlights include a fully restored ‘Chrysler Plymouth’ kiddie pedal car, est. $2,250-$4,500, a circa-1931 Mills 5-cent War Eagle slot machine with keys, est. $5,100-$10,200; elegant Coach purses and more.

For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Debbie on 661-823-1543 or e-mail info@governmentauction.com.

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CAPTION:

14K gold ring, aquamarine and diamonds with total weight of 19.14 carats, est. $18,577-$37,154. Government Auction image.