Antique tapestry fetches $4,884 at Specialists of the South A late 17th or early 18th century wool tapestry depicting a hunter with his bugle, dog and sword in a woodland setting was the top lot at an on-site auction held Aug. 28 by Specialists of the South.
News-Antique.com - Sep 03,2010 - (MARIANNA, Fla.) – A gorgeous late 17th or early 18th century wool tapestry, measuring 71 inches by 103 inches and depicting a hunter with his bugle, dog and sword in a woodland setting was the surprise top lot at an on-site auction held Aug. 28 by Specialists of the South, Inc., of Panama City. The tapestry’s vivid colors and fine condition earned it a top bid of $4,884.
“We knew that tapestry was an old and unusual piece, but when the bidding got spirited between a gentleman on the phone and two online bidders, we knew we had something special,” said Logan Adams of Specialists of the South, Inc. “We never did learn for sure whether it was made in England, as we believed, or its exact age, but that didn’t deter people from wanting it.”
In the end, the online bidder took the prize (via LiveAuctioneers.com). The auction was held at a home once belonging to Floye E. Brewton, Marianna, Fla.’s Citizen of the Year in 2006 and a man who lovingly restored numerous historic residential properties in the area prior to his passing in March of this year. The sale featured about 150 items from the estate of Mr. Brewton.
But the auction also featured a storage unit consignment comprising Continental antiques and other items that had been kept in a climate-controlled storage facility for the past five years. While Mr. Brewton was the event’s headliner, the stars of the day were the treasures in that storage unit. The tapestry was one such treasure, and most of the top lots came from the facility.
In all, 310 lots changed hands. Only one offering – a diamond ring – failed to meet the reserve. There were around 70 people in the room, and the sale attracted 161 registered online bidders (who accounted for a 25.2 percent sell-through). Telephone and absentee bids were also taken. Ms. Adams said any fears she may have had about the sale’s success were quickly dashed.
“As soon as the auction started, it was obvious that the interest was there and the bidding was there,” she said. “Our regulars later on were so complimentary about the quality of the merchandise and the professionalism of the staff. Our team really brought it’s ‘A game’ to that beautifully restored little home in Marianna. Mr. Brewton would have been very, very pleased.” Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include an 11 percent buyer’s premium.
The second top lot was a Gothic refectory table with eight chairs (two with arms) and a buffet ($2,387). Taking third place was a Tibetan Mahakala Thanka painting in ink and gouache on cloth, 31 inches tall by 21 inches wide ($1,887). One other lot topped the $1,000 mark. It was a bronze scalloped Vide-Poche depicting sea gods at a large shell, signed G. Michel ($1,055).
A beautiful 19th century inlaid fall front desk with bookcase top coasted to $833; a nice Limoges porcelain hand-painted floral cachepot trimmed in gold,
