Faberge Koush Fetches $58,300 at Philip Weiss Sale An authentic turn-of-the-century Faberge silver koush (serving vessel, similar to a gravy boat) sold for $58,300 at a multi-estate sale held Sept. 15-17 by Philip Weiss Auctions in Oceasnside, N.Y.
ORIGINAL FABERGE SILVER KOUSH , CRAFTED AROUND 1895,
BRINGS $58,300 AT PHILIP WEISS AUCTIONS’ SEPT. 15-17 SALE
(Oceanside, N.Y.) – An authentic turn-of-the-century Faberge silver koush (serving vessel, similar to a gravy boat) sold for $58,300 at a multi-estate sale held September 15-17 by Philip Weiss Auctions. The sale was conducted in the firm’s showroom at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, N.Y. Prices include a 10% buyer’s premium.
“This was a superb koush, beautifully crafted of 50 percent Russian silver and with dazzling jewels throughout,” said Philip Weiss, owner-auctioneer of Philip Weiss Auctions. “It was about fourteen inches long and weighed more than three pounds. And with the stamp (#84) and hallmark underneath, it was undeniably Faberge.”
Weiss said the auction – his first big event since a mid-July multi-estate sale – was a success, grossing more that $500,000. “We had over 2,000 Internet bidders and about 300 absentee and phone bidders, and they were all active, very aggressive,” he remarked. “The crowd was modest – maybe 75 people or so each of the three days.”
In other highlights:
Philatelists strained to get a good look at the Canada #3 cancelled 12-pence stamp that was the undisputed star of the coins and stamps category. The brownish-black stamp came with a Philatelic Foundation certificate, attesting to its rarity and estimated worth ($80,000). The winning bidder came away with a bargain, at just $29,700.
Also sold was a fabulous collection of Japanese stamps, housed in 18 huge binders. It sold for $15,400. Consigned by an upstate New York collector, the group was beautifully displayed and annotated, with a huge catalog value. Examples were from the 19th century on up and there were even some forgeries, shown alongside the real thing.
As for coins, two gold pieces shined bright and fetched handsome final gavel prices. One was an 1801 $10 Liberty coin (PCGS graded AU55). In near-uncirculated condition, the piece sold for $17,600. The other was an 1802/1 $5 gold coin. Graded NGC MS 60, it went to a happy bidder for $8,475.
A monumental pair of figural dore bronze sconces (circa late 19th century), attributed to Henri Picard, rose to $25,300. Standing 58” tall x 30” wide, the superb examples featured stamps on the verso of all the flowers. Overall, both sconces were in fantastic condition.
Artwork, a staple at most Philip Weiss sales, was well represented at this auction, too. A pair of oil on canvas works took top honors. The first was an untitled painting of two women and a cat by the British realist Henry John Yeend King (1855-1924). Signed by the artist and contained in a gorgeous period gilt frame, it gaveled for $12,550.
The other work was a monumental painting by the New York artist George Herbert McCord (1848-1909). Titled “Sunset Seascape,” the signed piece was done around 1875 and sold for a final price of $9,900. It measured 30” x 50” and was housed in a magnificent period
