Multi-estate auction scheduled for March 21 by Cottone A multi-estate auction comprising 350 lots from important collections, prominent homes and even museums will be sold Saturday, March 21, by Cottone Auctions in Geneseo, N.Y., beginning at 11 a.m.
It also carries a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-$25,000.
An oil on canvas rendering of chicks by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (American, 1819-1905), consigned from an estate in Bradford, Pa. (est. $8,000-$12,000).
A 19th-century bronze sculpture of a cellist by A. Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1848-1913). The work features a detail of Ludwig von Beethoven on the neck of the cello. The 31-inch tall sculpture has an excellent patina and is signed by the artist.
A 19th-century Carrara marble sculpture by an unknown Italian artist, depicting a girl with a jack-in-the-box. The unsigned work is 29 inches tall; one toe has been reglued.
From the Stoneware category, a rare presentation water cooler, made by Tyler & Dillon of Albany, N.Y., is expected to fetch $15,000-$25,000. The 8-gallon water cooler, crafted around 1825, is 17 inches tall and features an incised cobalt bird and flower decoration. It was originally made for Loveland Paddock of Watertown, N.Y., a prominent public figure and land owner of the time.
Tiffany lots sure to get paddles wagging include a dichroic “Indian Basket” leaded glass and bronze lamp, 17 inches tall with signed base and shade; a 243-piece sterling silver flatware set in the Olympian pattern, an Acorn lamp; a monumental bowl; and other art glass. All of the Tiffany offerings are from the private collection of Dr. Roger Malbranche of Albany, N.Y.
Another lot certain to wow bidders is a Josiah Gooding tiger maple tall case clock, made in the late 18th century in Bristol, R.I., and Taunton, Mass. The clock stands tall at 7 feet six inches. Features include line inlay, fluted quarter-columns and the original painted metal dial with urn. Consigned from the Alton Taber Collection in Batavia, N.Y., it should sell for $5,000-$7,000. Another 18th-century tall case clock, made by Thomas Pearsall, will also be offered.
From the furniture category, an 18th-century walnut Italian two-drawer chest with arrow inlay carries a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-$5,000. Consigned from a private Buffalo estate, the piece has a deep, rich patina and the original brasses. It measures 35 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 23 inches deep.
Rounding out the top lots, a fine Regina 15-inch disc double comb music box is expected to find a new owner for around $5,000-$8,000. Consigned from the private collection of Dr. Malbranche, the serpentine mahogany music box features a paint-decorated case, original finish and 46 playing discs (which will play, incidentally; the music box is in excellent working order).
Previews will be held Friday, March 20, from noon to 6 p.m. (or by appointment), and Saturday, the day of sale, from 9-11 a.m. Cottone’s next big auction will be a significant clock sale, scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Already consigned are an Ithaca Cornell model floor clock, some fine New England banjo clocks (including Simon Willard), a rare Juvet time globe, and E. Howard wall regulators. Many of the clocks are from the private collection of Dr. Malbranche; a private Texas collection; the North Carolina collection of Ted Stevens; and other
