Ceramics Produced Fireworks during Garth’s March Americana Auction During Garth’s March 11-12, 2011 Americana auction, the ceramics provided continual fireworks as bidders took home a variety of vessels at very strong prices.
$2,651. Two vibrant gameboards reached $2,585 and $999. A carved and painted medallion, purportedly from a Philadelphia circus wagon, was decorated with a scene featuring an elephant and a tiger which prodded a buyer to a bid $1,528.
The large full-bodied copper running horse weathervane which began the Saturday session of the auction held no surprises. With a cast zinc head, verdigris patina with traces of gilding, and its 45" size, a price within estimate of $12,925 was a proper finish for the lot. A carved wooden rooster, similar in form to weathervanes, was a stately 20” high and had a gilt surface which boosted its final price to $2,233.
While furniture was not the main focus of this particular auction, a number of lots achieved respectable prices. An 18th century New England Queen Anne dressing table was refinished with period, but not original, brasses and replaced drops. Nevertheless, with the shell-carved drawer and cabriole legs, it quadrupled its high estimate and sold for $8,225. An American curly maple spice cabinet dating to the late 18th-early 19th century was also refinished, but the diminutive size and appearance encouraged bidders and it sold for $3,290. Attributed to Kentucky, circa 1820-1840, a Sheraton cherry and poplar sugar chest with divided interior, shaped skirt and turned legs achieved $3,055. A rather plain Queen Anne maple and pine highboy crossed the block for $5,523. A ball and claw foot mahogany and maple Rhode Island Chippendale wing chair made $2,703.
A group of watches and fobs, most Masonic, appealed to many, and an open-face pocket example by "Dudley Watch Co, Lancaster, PA", had a glass cover on the back revealing not only the works, but also various Masonic symbols( sold $2,468). A Hamilton Masterpiece 23J open face pocket watch with enameled double headed eagle on the reverse and Shriner's symbols on the front sold for $1,446. A Tourneau chronograph pocket watch garnered the price of $2,290 while a hunter's case watch marked "Tiffany & Co" sold for $1,175.
For further information about this auction, contact Garth’s at 740-362-4771 or visit www.garths.com. Garth’s upcoming auctions include the May 20-21 Americana sale featuring the Fifth Annual Ohio Valley auction and the June 3rd Eclectic sale.
