been consigned, with multiple artists represented. Included in the mix are lithographs autographed by Olympic decathlon gold medal winner Bruce Jenner.
Many wonderful pieces of garden statuary will be offered, all coming from area estates. Most are life-size classical forms – some of marble, some of bronze – with a few additional works having an Asian theme.
A standout amongst the garden antiques is a circa-1800 monumental cast-iron planter embossed with Chinese characters and bas-relief floral and foliage decoration. The consignor acquired the planter in the 1970s, a move that may turn out to have been a wise investment, according to D’Atri. “Today’s buyers are paying much more for Chinese iron vessels than they did back then,” he said. The handsome tripodal vessel is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.
Between 130 and 140 figurally carved or molded Meerschaum pipes and 40-50 walking sticks are included in the sale. Each item will be auctioned individually to offer collectors their particular choice from an especially diverse selection.
The auction is rounded out by antique Asian furniture, a large grouping of antique French and German dolls; and an item that defies classification: a 19th-century vampire killing set. Contained in an attractive wood case, the set consists of a collection of weapons, including a gun, knives and stakes – presumably to drive through a vampire’s heart.
D’Atri explained that, at one time, cases containing vampire-killing paraphernalia were kept onboard some eastern European stagecoaches to provide an extra level of security for night travelers who believed in the fictitious blood-sucking bats. “The manufacturer of these sets preyed upon people’s fears, not unlike the makers of 19th-century patent medicines,” D’Atri said. He noted that a similar set sold recently at Sotheby’s for around $25,000. The example in Sterling Associates’ sale is modestly estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
Sterling Associates’ Major Fine Art & Estate Auction will be held on Saturday, June 9, starting at 12 noon Eastern Time. It is structured as a hybrid auction in which previewing is available at the physical gallery, but all bidding is exclusively absentee, by phone or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com.
“The way our auctions work, all bidding is conducted remotely, but we’re very much a permanent brick-and-mortar company where anyone can come in to inspect the goods,” said D’Atri. “It will be run exactly like a live auction, but without a live audience.”
The live gallery preview is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 5-8 inclusive. The gallery is located at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624. For additional information on any item in the auction, call 201-768-1140 or e-mail info@antiquenj.com. Visit Sterling Associates online at www.antiquenj.com. View the fully illustrated catalog online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
CAPTION:
Pair of circa-1750 Qianlong Chinese famille rose covered vases in the Mandarin pattern, est. $20,000-$30,000. Sterling Associates image.
