GARTH’S ANNUAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND AMERICANA AUCTION – IN GREAT FORM! “Good distinction over time about form and surface: that is the key to materials from collections in this sale”, commented Garth’s Auctions CEO, Jeff Jeffers as he offered details regarding which will
News-Antique.com - Aug 20,2012 - “Good distinction over time about form and surface: that is the key to materials from collections in this sale”, commented Garth’s Auctions CEO, Jeff Jeffers as he offered details regarding material consigned from the property of a late, career military man turned antique aficionado. Collectors and dealers have always hoped for, if not longed for, the “eye” to discover special items during their forays to thrift stores, yard sales, and auction venues. This particular Garth’s consignor taught himself well and his finds are just some of the highlights from over 750 lots of fine Americana including formal and painted furniture, folk art, ceramics, fine art and more, which will be sold during the Annual Labor Day Weekend Auction to be held August 31-September 1 by Garth’s.
Proud to represent the passions of Garth’s longtime clients, Jeffers lauds the efforts of those who study whenever they could in an effort to master the “good, better, best” mantra. Most may never have museum quality items, but can live and love the best afforded at a given moment in time. For example, a terrific Chippendale stepback cupboard is among the fine items to be offered. Likely from Virginia or Pennsylvania, the late 18th-early 19th century, walnut and pine, two-piece cupboard has glazed upper doors, three drawers, paneled lower doors and bracket feet. The old blue paint on the interior adds to the charm of the 87.75" high piece which is estimated at $4,000-8,000. A folksy corner cupboard probably originated in western Pennsylvania, western Maryland, or West Virginia. With the original reddish brown graining and applied spool turnings painted in a darker color, the cupboard is estimated at $2,000-4,000. A dozen other cupboards will be sold throughout the two-day auction.
As collectors learn, furniture attributed to a specific cabinetmaker or school of cabinetmakers adds interest and value. A late 18th century Chippendale high chest of drawers attributed to the Dunlap School, New Hampshire, is ornamented with fan and pinwheel carved drawers and cabriole legs with ball and claw feet. The 80" high chest once belonged to Bill Samaha (Ohio/Massachusetts) and Rich and Susie Burmann (New Hampshire). Estimated at $15,000-25,000, the chest, which previously sold at Garth’s as lot 21 on May 20, 1995, is a fine representation of New Hampshire’s foremost school of cabinetmaking. A selection of 17 additional Chippendale, Hepplewhite, & Sheraton chests will also sell including lot 173, a Pennsylvania Hepplewhite walnut and poplar chest. With French feet supporting nine dovetailed drawers (five with hidden locking mechanisms) with edge beading and what appears to be the original brasses and finish, the chest is expected to reach $3,000-6,000. Lot 309 is a New England Chippendale cherry and pine chest dating to the second half of the 18th century. With high cutout feet extending from one-board ends and a decoratively scrolled apron, the chest with three dovetailed overlapping drawers and three false drawers which actually front a blanket chest top section, is of further interest since it never had hardware (56.75"h, estimate $3,500-5,500).
