Global Audience Drives Strong Results at John Moran’s September 29th Estates Auction John Moran Auctioneers’ September 29, 2009 Estates Auction, featuring European & American decorative & fine art, proved once again that however battered the economy, exceptional pieces still bring exc
Verre Francais cameo art glass vase, circa 1925 (Lot 1064), decorated in a boldly stylized, red-orange mushroom pattern.
Following up on their success in July with a set of Saint Louis “Thistle” stemware, John Moran offered another set of Saint Louis, this time in the “Apollo Gold” pattern (Lot 1009). Interest was again high, with the 42 pieces selling for $5,462.50.
As expected, silver items continue to thrive in this market. At this sale there were several pieces of .800 German silver. Two pieces were marked M.H. Wilkens & Sohne, Bremen, Lot 1020, a two-handled center bowl, estimated at $800-1200, and lot 1021, a silver mirrored surtout de table, estimated at $500-700, brought $3,450 and $1,150 respectively. Realizing $1092.50, a charming tipping kettle on stand marked Koch & Bergfeld, Bremen, had a pre-sale estimate of $500-700,
Among the many offerings of British and Continental art was a highly detailed scene of figures in an elaborate Baroque interior by Salvatore Frangiamore (Italian 1853-1915). The oil measuring 24”x19” brought $9,775. A 30”x40” oil by British artist Donald Grant (1930-2001), depicting lions in the Serengeti, sold nicely at $8,050.
Eclectic items from various estates in Southern California included a 1938 Steinway & Sons Model B mahogany grand piano (Lot 1060) signed by Theodore Steinway, that brought $20,700 and a fantastical Flemish Baroque painted verdure tapestry cartoon, Lot 1134. Depicting castles in a lush, tree and flower-filled landscape with swans on a river, it doubled the estimate, bringing $4025. Finally, two nautical instruments added yet another element of interest to this varied sale. Lot 1058, a Cary of London miniature cased brass sextant brought $920 on an estimate of $500-700), and Lot 1059, a Hamilton marine chronometer or deck watch, Model 22, sold very well at $1150 on its estimate of $300-500.
John Moran Auctioneers’ next Antiques and Fine Decorative Arts Sale will be held on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009, and will feature the largest selection of fine jewelry of any John Moran sale this year. The catalogued evening sale will begin at 6:30pm. Bidding is available in person, by absentee, phone and also online through Artfact.com. The no-reserve afternoon Discovery Sale will begin at 3:00pm. Bidding is available from the floor only for the Discovery Sale.
On October 13th, 2009, John Moran will host the last in their tri-annual sales of California and American paintings for 2009, offering one of the finest selections of top California Impressionists in the company’s history. The catalogue for this auction is currently available online at www.johnmoran.com. All John Moran auctions are held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena (CA). For more information sales or for information about consigning to John Moran, please call their offices at (626) 793-1833 or visit their website at www.johnmoran.com
Photo Captions:
Photo 1 Moran.TiffanyCandlestick.Sept09.jpg: Offered with an estimate of $3,000-5,000, this Tiffany Studios bronze and green glass adjustable candlestick, model #1250, attracted several phone bidders to John Moran’s September auction, achieving a final price of $21,850.
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