Morphy's Dec. 3 Antique & Vintage Marbles auction features renowned Paul Baumann collection Morphy’s will host its largest-ever auction of antique & vintage marbles on Dec. 3, featuring the Paul Baumann collection. The renowned collection of rarities was started in 1952, when Baumann was 5.
Agate Company. In 9.6 condition, it is estimated at $9,000-$12,000.
A rare and beautiful amber glass latticino swirl marble, 1 5/8 inches in diameter, has 14 equally spaced birdcage latticino bands just beneath its surface. “This marble is extremely rare to find in this size and condition,” said Morphy. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
Another rarity is the 2¼-inch single-pontil end-of-day marble with two opposing red and white panels and other opposing panels of turquoise and white, and turquoise, yellow and white. Graded 9.8 to 9.9, it is cataloged with a $3,000-$5,000 estimate.
Many collectors pursue sulphide marbles, which contain suspended figures of animals, people, numerals, fantasy characters or objects of various types within the glass. The Dec. 3 sale features a wonderful sulphide with the figure of a court jester, or possibly a Punchinello or Punch character [from Punch and Judy], seated with outspread legs. “This is one of the best figures we’ve seen in a sulphide,” said Morphy, who estimates it will sell for $2,500-$3,500.
The sale contains not only rare, early marbles exhibiting the creativity of past generations of artisans, but also a fine assortment of contemporary designs, with desirable examples by Matthews and Beetem.
“We expect an exciting day of bidding on December 3rd,” Morphy said. “Provenance from the Baumann collection adds a premium to any marble, and collectors are well aware of that. Paul is one of the most respected and most knowledgeable collectors in the marble hobby. Morphy’s is greatly honored to be auctioning his collection.”
Morphy’s marble auction featuring the Paul Baumann collection will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, commencing at 9 a.m. Eastern time. All forms of bidding will be available, including live at the gallery, by phone or absentee, and live via the Internet through Morphy Live (sign up at www.morphyauctions.com) or LiveAuctioneers.com.
For additional information, call Morphy’s at 717-335-3435 or e-mail serena@morphyauctions.com. View the fully illustrated catalog and all other auction information online at www.morphyauctions.com or www.liveauctioneers.com.
# # #
CAPTION FOR IMAGE AT TOP:
Onionskin Peacock lutz marble with mica, 2¼ inches in diameter, ex Paul Baumann collection, est. $10,000-$20,000. Morphy Auctions image.
