Thursday, May 24, 2012

New Jersey’s Sterling Associates Announces June 9 Major Fine Art & Estate Auction


Success predicted for pair of circa-1750 Qianlong covered vases

CLOSTER, N.J. – With two highly successful auctions already to their credit since launching operations in December, New Jersey estate specialists Sterling Associates will go for a trifecta on June 9 with a Major Fine Art & Estate Auction featuring quality consignments from the tri-state area. Like the previous sales, the June event will be a “hybrid” auction, which combines a gallery and online preview with absentee, phone and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The 500-lot auction will feature paintings, furniture, porcelain, sculptures, rugs, sports art and an extensive array of lighting, candelabra and accessories. There are numerous highlights in all categories, but the lot that company owner Stephen D’Atri predicts might be “the star of the sale” is the pair of circa-1750 Qianlong famille rose Chinese covered vases in the Mandarin pattern.

“These vases are truly stunning. The decoration is so heavily applied, they almost look like Meissen,” D’Atri said. The 17-inch vases were held in a private collection for more than 30 years following their purchase from a dealer on New York’s Park Avenue. The duo is estimated at $20,000-$30,000.

From the same source comes a superb 19th-century French dore and patinated bronze centerpiece. The design incorporates a pair of putti supporting a gilt faux-wicker basket from a base adorned with a ribbon-entwined garland. A piece of outstanding quality, it is expected to make $6,000-$8,000.

Another premier lot is the magnificent palace-size silk Iranian Tabriz rug from the third quarter of the 20th century. It measures 26 by 16 ft and features a palette of pinky-peach and light greens with some reds for strength. Sterling Associates has placed an estimate of $30,000-$50,000 on the textile masterpiece.

Nothing adds a finishing touch to a room quite like an elegant light fixture, and “elegant” is the right word to describe an Art Deco-style chandelier created in the manner of Edgar Brandt or Oscar Bach. With its fine filigree work and delicately suspended bell-shape forms and crystals, it embodies the flawless balance and style of fine lighting from the Gatsby era. Previously in an eastern Pennsylvania residence, it will now pass to a new owner after crossing the auction block with a $4,000-$6,000 estimate.

There is always a demand for scientific antiques to outfit a traditional study or library, so D’Atri believes there will be strong interest in a circa-1800 Continental globe on stand. The globe offered by Sterling Associates measures an impressive 22 inches in diameter and is expected to make $400-$600.

An enormous modern oil-on-canvas painting of Marilyn Monroe is illegibly signed and dated. The framed 64½- by 50¼-inch portrait is probably too adventurous for a conventional décor, D’Atri said. “It’s ultra sophisticated, very large and very cool. It’s meant to be viewed from a distance.” The portrait is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Eight serigraphs by the Russian-born French artist Romain de Tirtoff Erte (1892-1990) will be auctioned. A gold-framed pair of serigraphs from Erte’s “Zeus & Hera Suite” is numbered 153/300 and estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Several sports-related artworks have been consigned, with multiple artists represented. Included in the mix are lithographs autographed by Olympic decathlon gold medal winner Bruce Jenner.

Many wonderful pieces of garden statuary will be offered, all coming from area estates. Most are life-size classical forms – some of marble, some of bronze – with a few additional works having an Asian theme.

A standout amongst the garden antiques is a circa-1800 monumental cast-iron planter embossed with Chinese characters and bas-relief floral and foliage decoration. The consignor acquired the planter in the 1970s, a move that may turn out to have been a wise investment, according to D’Atri. “Today’s buyers are paying much more for Chinese iron vessels than they did back then,” he said. The handsome tripodal vessel is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

Between 130 and 140 figurally carved or molded Meerschaum pipes and 40-50 walking sticks are included in the sale. Each item will be auctioned individually to offer collectors their particular choice from an especially diverse selection.

The auction is rounded out by antique Asian furniture, a large grouping of antique French and German dolls; and an item that defies classification: a 19th-century vampire killing set. Contained in an attractive wood case, the set consists of a collection of weapons, including a gun, knives and stakes – presumably to drive through a vampire’s heart.

D’Atri explained that, at one time, cases containing vampire-killing paraphernalia were kept onboard some eastern European stagecoaches to provide an extra level of security for night travelers who believed in the fictitious blood-sucking bats. “The manufacturer of these sets preyed upon people’s fears, not unlike the makers of 19th-century patent medicines,” D’Atri said. He noted that a similar set sold recently at Sotheby’s for around $25,000. The example in Sterling Associates’ sale is modestly estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Sterling Associates’ Major Fine Art & Estate Auction will be held on Saturday, June 9, starting at 12 noon Eastern Time. It is structured as a hybrid auction in which previewing is available at the physical gallery, but all bidding is exclusively absentee, by phone or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com.

“The way our auctions work, all bidding is conducted remotely, but we’re very much a permanent brick-and-mortar company where anyone can come in to inspect the goods,” said D’Atri. “It will be run exactly like a live auction, but without a live audience.”

The live gallery preview is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 5-8 inclusive. The gallery is located at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624. For additional information on any item in the auction, call 201-768-1140 or e-mail info@antiquenj.com. Visit Sterling Associates online at www.antiquenj.com. View the fully illustrated catalog online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

CAPTION:

Pair of circa-1750 Qianlong Chinese famille rose covered vases in the Mandarin pattern, est. $20,000-$30,000. Sterling Associates image.

 










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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Rolex Watches, Rare Gold Coins, Fine Gems In Government Auction’s May 27 Sale

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Southern California’s Government Auction is rolling out the red carpet for bidders at its Sunday, May 27 auction of luxury goods, led by an array of top-notch timepieces, coveted gold coins and exquisite jewels. The auction will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (6:30 a.m. Pacific Time) and is structured as an absentee, phone and Internet auction, with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

 “Anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a Rolex watch will have an excellent opportunity to fulfill that wish at our May 27 event,” said Chris Budge, of Government Auction’s Marketing department. “We will be auctioning a collection of high-end watches that includes designs by Rolex, as well as Cartier and Bvlgari. Bidding will start as low as $2 on most items.” 

One of the wristwatch highlights is Lot 9A, an impressive pre-owned 1985 Rolex men’s stainless steel and gold Model No. 15053 (est. $3,225-$4,300). Known to timepiece collectors as an Oyster Perpetual Date, the watch retains all its original parts, including the face, band and dial. It features an 18K yellow gold and stainless steel bracelet with a champagne dial and 18K yellow gold index markers. “This watch is considered a classic – a statement piece meant to be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime,” said Budge. 

Women have not been left out of the Rolex stakes by any means. Lot 17A in Government Auction’s sale is a 1997 Rolex women’s Oyster Model No. 67103, composed of stainless steel and gold. A symbol of quiet but impeccable taste, this attractive link-bracelet watch could bring $2,775-$3,700 at auction. 

For centuries, rubies have fascinated jewelry lovers. They’re found in the collections of virtually every crowned head, and their value has only increased as mines have closed. Lot 202 in the May 27 auction, a dazzling pendant-drop necklace, combines classical design with 74 carats of rubies and 5 carats of diamonds, all in a setting of lustrous 14K yellow gold. The necklace’s linked floret clusters feature 29 natural, chevron-shape rubies surrounded by diamonds. Each ruby measures approximately 9mm by 7mm. The necklace has a retail replacement value of $41,350.

Another major draw in the May 27 auction event is the select offering of gold coins. Lot 3, an 1850 $20 U.S Liberty Head gold coin known as a “Double Eagle” was minted at the height of the gold rush. Of all the gold coins minted prior to 1907, the Double Eagle had the highest gold content. The coin to be auctioned represents the first year of production for the $20 Double Eagle of this particular design, which ended its run in 1907. The coin features the Liberty head surrounded by 13 stars on the front and is stamped "Twenty D" on the reverse side of the coin.

“The $20 Double Eagle is an elusive coin and is quite rare. It is sure to attract some major coin experts and collectors,” said Paul Sabesky, Government Auction’s chief auctioneer. 

Additional numismatic highlights include an 1884CC United States Morgan silver dollar and a 1911 $2.5 U.S. Indian Head gold coin. And once acquired, where better to keep one’s valuable coins than in an antique nickel-plated Model 5 National cash register? Entered as lot 42, this rare cash register is of the tall, narrow style used in early 20th-century candy stores. It is topped by a handsome, cobalt-blue and white marquee that reads: “This Registers the amount of your Purchase.” The lot is estimated at $7,500-$15,000. 

Government Auction’s Sunday, May 27, 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: 

Rolex men's 1985 stainless steel and gold watch. Government Auction image.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Paul Fraser Launches Online Auction Firm With May 24 Collectibles Sale


GUERNSEY, Channel Islands – Britain’s Paul Fraser has built a stellar international reputation from the sale of blue-chip collectibles, rare stamps, antiques and pop-culture memorabilia. His insightful, always entertaining newsletters are read religiously by investors and often quoted by the media in their quirky “we leave you with this” stories on TV or in print. Now Paul Fraser has stepped into the auction arena with the launch of PFC Auctions, whose debut online auction closing May 24 features a blockbuster lineup of unique, investment-grade collectibles. 

A trusted source for 35+ years to collectors in 214 countries, Fraser has brokered numerous high-profile transactions, such as the sale of John Lennon’s stamp album to the Smithsonian, and a deal with the Royal Philatelic Collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As PFC’s May 24 auction roster attests, Fraser gives the people what they want: entertainment, sports and autographed celebrity memorabilia; royalty items, space and aviation relics, as well as the offbeat and unexpected. “Anything unique with an interesting story and great provenance will sell well,” Fraser said.

With the recent first wedding anniversary of Prince William and Princess Catherine, Fraser expects strong interest in Lot 125, a slice of wedding cake from the royal couple’s 2011 wedding. Held in a presentation tin, the distinguished dessert is accompanied by a printed “compliments” slip from TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, as well as a 16-page Order of Service from Westminster Abbey.

Princess Diana’s enduring appeal has already prompted aggressive bidding on Lot 124, a collection of record albums that belonged to the princess-to-be while she was still a young Lady Diana Spencer. Each album cover was personally signed by Diana, in some cases more than once.

Yet another of the sale’s royal highlights is Lot 128, a family-photo Christmas card of Prince Charles, Princess Diana, the young Princes William and Harry, and their pet dog. The card is personally inscribed by Prince Charles and signed by both Charles and Diana.

Fraser feels confident that a US buyer will end up with Lot 133, an American Flag autographed respectfully on verso by three legendary astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell and Gene Cernan. The astronaut trio signed the flag during a NATO-sponsored visit to Afghanistan in 2011.

“This flag is a superb display piece with an exceptional set of autographs from the first and last men to set foot on the moon (Armstrong and Cernan) and the first man to orbit the moon (Lovell),” Fraser said. Autographs are continuing to appreciate in the marketplace, Fraser noted. “We’re witnessing full sets of Apollo 11 signatures increase in value by 15% per annum,” he said.

Impeccable provenance accompanies both Lot 90, a Fender Duo-Sonic guitar once owned by John Lennon; and Lot 98, Lennon’s black leather suitcase. Sold previously in a Christie’s auction (1996), the suitcase came directly from the collection of Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia.

“The King” is represented in the sale by Lot 87, a circa-1958 Alden copper and bronze-finish electric guitar that Elvis Presley owned during his military days. The lot also includes an amplifier, a selection of Elvis photos and a letter of authenticity.

Lot 95 is the vividly hued, Indian serape-stripe jacket Bob Dylan wore on the cover of his classic 1975 The Basement Tapes LP. It is offered with a letter of authenticity that describes the events surrounding Dylan’s acquisition of the now-iconic jacket.

The sports memorabilia section is led by Lot 102, a pair of brown leather focus mitts owned and used by martial arts superstar Bruce Lee (1940-1973). Lee used the mitts regularly in his training while practicing punching and kicking techniques. The lot’s provenance is extensively detailed in the online-catalog listing.

From the world of professional motor sports comes a pair of leather racing gloves that revered Scottish driver Jim Clark Jr OBE (1936-1968) wore during his last Formula 1 practice session at the South African Grand Prix track. They are paired with a letter of provenance from Gordon Huckle, who was the mechanic on Clark’s car from 1966-1968. Clark died during an F2 race in Germany on April 7, 1968.

The world-class selection of art, antiques and pop-culture collectibles chosen for PFC’s debut online auction comes with the same assurance of authenticity Paul Fraser has offered for more than 35 years as a private dealer. And that assurance extends to even the most unconventional offerings, like hair.

“Celebrity hair always attracts comment when it appears at auction. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with the Justin Bieber (Lot 76) and Michael Jackson (Lot 77) hair cuttings,” said Fraser. Strands of hair from Elvis (Lot 80) and also Marilyn Monroe (Lot 78), obtained the day she famously sang “Happy birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy, are entered, as well.

Bidding is currently in progress on all lots in PFC’s debut online auction. For additional information on any item in the sale, call 011 44 117 933 9500 or e-mail info@pfcauctions.com. To view all lots and sign up to bid, visit the company’s user-friendly website: www.pfcauctions.com.

American Flag signed by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell and Gene Cernan on a recent trip to Afghanistan. PFC Auctions image.