JOHN MORAN AUCTIONEERS ENDS 2008 ANTIQUES AND FINE ESTATE SALE SEASON WITH IMPRESSIVE RESULTS Pasadena, CA –John Moran Auctioneers hosted their final Estate Auction featuring fine antiques for 2008 on December 9th. A total of $415,000 was earned on the 284 lots sold in both the afternoon and e
News-Antique.com - Dec 12,2008 - JOHN MORAN AUCTIONEERS ENDS 2008 ANTIQUES AND FINE ESTATE SALE SEASON WITH IMPRESSIVE RESULTS
Pasadena, CA –John Moran Auctioneers hosted their final Estate Auction featuring fine antiques for 2008 on December 9th. A total of $415,000 was earned on the 284 lots sold in both the afternoon and evening sessions, with internet buyers triumphing over floor bidders on many of the items in the evening sale. Overall for 2008, John Moran’s nine Antique and Estate Auctions recorded just shy of $5 million in revenue and their three California and American Paintings sales earned in excess of $6 million. Looking forward to 2009, John Moran expects it will be an exciting auction season, as in an uneasy economic climate more and more buyers will be attracted by investments in tangible assets.
Of the tangible assets offered for sale on December 9th, Native American artifacts took center stage. The much-anticipated offerings of Native American jewelry, baskets, and blankets exceeded expectations. A large Maidu basket estimated to earn $1,500 to 2,000 sold for $3,200, while a Navajo Eye Dazzler wearing blanket commanded more than twice its high estimate, earning $2,900. A Plains buckskin beaded pouch sold above the high estimate at $1,800, and a Navajo woolen third Phase Chief blanket sold nicely over estimate at $4,400.
The other star attraction of the day was the exceptional selection of sterling silver. Several dazzling pieces were offered in both sessions, continuing Moran’s strong reputation in this department. The most important piece, a striking and monumental Scottish Arts & Crafts centerpiece by George Edward & Sons, Glasgow, 1903, sold for $35,250 in competitive bidding (estimate: $30-$40,000). A Gorham sterling flatware service in the Mythologique pattern attracted 26 bidders, who battled until it reached $12,925. An exquisite oval-shaped Dutch silver tea caddy bearing the mark of Roelof Helwig realized $1725 on an estimate of $700- $900. In the afternoon Discovery Session, a Schofield sterling flatware service in the Baltimore Rose pattern sold for $4,400.
A fine selection of Continental and American furnishings and art also tempted bidders. 18th century Italian furniture figured strongly, with several pieces offered from an important private collection. $18,800 was realized on a pair of painted side tables, followed by the $9,400 brought by a carved rococo style walnut dining table.
A late 19th century Georgian style mantel clock engaged 21 competitive bidders who drove the final sale price to $4,400 (high estimate: $1,500). A pair of early 20th century Empire style gilt wall lights was estimated to bring $3,500 on the high side but earned $5,800. A Queen Anne style walnut overmantle mirror featuring an intriguing, and possibly earlier, painting of figures in an exterior realized $2,587 on an estimate of $700 - $1,000.
A great deal of interest was generated by a German violin, circa 1900, sold together with a fine French bow. Moran had expected the instrument to sell for $400 to $600, but 39 bidders detected the bow’s value, driving the final sale price to $3,800.
