May Auction Exceeds all Expectations at John Moran Pasadena, CA – As the saying goes, there are only two things in life which are certain: death and taxes. Based on the results of John Moran Auctioneer’s May 2nd antique and estate auction, perhaps an
Jayne Skeff
PR/Marketing Specialist
John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers
(626) 296-6642
email: skeff@sbcglobal.net
For comments on this Auction, please contact:
Kyle Amundsen, John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers
(626) 793-1833, email: kyle@johnmoran.com
IMPORTANT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ESTATE EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS AT
JOHN MORAN’S MAY 2ND ANTIQUE AND ESTATE AUCTION
Pasadena, CA – As the saying goes, there are only two things in life which are certain: death and taxes. Based on the results of John Moran Auctioneer’s May 2nd antique and estate auction, perhaps an addendum to this saying is in order: “the third thing in life which is certain is that auctions will defy predictability.”
All homework done by Moran’s top notch experienced staff, pre-sale estimates set, this auction was destined to be an exciting one as it would feature over 200 lots of antique furniture, decorative objects, art and memorabilia from a very important Southern California estate. It was early on in the sale that it was apparent that this was going to be one of those “golden” auctions where no matter what lot hit the block, the bidding was aggressive and strong prices were realized. There were 716 registered bidders for this sale (over 400 bidding via the Internet). Total gross sales on the 244 lots was $406,706. All prices realized include 13% buyers premium).
Vice President Jeff Moran took the podium for the first half of the sale. His reserved demeanor never waivered as it was evident early on that would not be an ordinary auction. Only 41 lots into the sale, a Chinese hardwood altar table went up with an estimate of $500 – 700. This altar table in ordinary form (pic 1) quickly soared past high estimate to sell for $7,350. Barely 15 lots later, another surprise almost rattled Jeff Moran’s composure when a mid 19th century framed chromolitho depicting San Francisco by Hanhart, London (pic 2) went on the block, again with an estimate of $500 – 700. When the hammer dropped at $8,475, over 10 times it’s high estimate, it was a lock – this was going to be an very interesting sale and exciting evening indeed. And, as they say in the “business” the hits just kept coming.
The renewed interest in silver as an investment was evident when an early 20th century Tiffany & Co. sterling flatware service comprised of 201 pieces in the Olympian pattern garnered twice over high estimate selling for $25,990. A late 19th century/early 20th century French bronze brought strong reaction from the bidding audience when, after highly competitive bidding, it sold for over four times it’s high estimate. The 28” bronze was a figure of an Egyptian and was signed E. Picault (pic 3). The estimate on this lot was $1,500 - $2,500. It hammered at an astounding $20,340. At this point a trend for the sale was evident — the presale estimates were being wonderfully uncooperative with the final selling prices.
