Rare Isamu Noguchi chess table soars to $109,250 at S&S Auction in Repaupo, N.J. A rare and important chess table designed by Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller in the 1940s sold for $109,250 at a multi-estate sale held Oct. 22 by S&S Auction, Inc., in Repaupo, N.J.
Clocks proved popular with crowd, with examples including a carved Black Forest wall clock in very good condition but with a damaged pendulum, 39 inches tall ($2,938); a 19th century John Moore Clerkenwell (London) mahogany key and pendulum clock, signed on the movement ($1,410); and a French Empire bronze and marble clock in cornucopia form ($1,763).
The furniture category was headlined by a 19th century continental marble inlaid vitrine in good condition except for some minor marble damage, 78 inches tall ($2,350); an antique French carved Aubusson sofa with a finely carved frame, 35 inches tall by 60 ½ inches wide ($2,233); and a pair of Italian-style Cerule stools with distressed paint in very good condition ($1,998).
Decorative accessories included an unsigned French bronze console bowl in very good condition, 7 ½ inches tall by 21 ½ inches wide ($2,644); a 10-foot antique iron reproduction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, 45 ¾ inches square and in good condition ($2,233); and a large German porcelain figural grouping with some minor damages to the lace porcelain ($1,565).
Some other top lots from the auction
included a pair of late 20th century French-style gilt mirrors in very good condition, each one 81 inches by 44 inches ($1,565); a 19th century Adams-style American over-the-mantel mirror in good condition but with damage to the gesso ($1,293); and a Victorian brass and crystal chandelier with some missing prisms, 40 inches tall ($1,880).
The uncataloged session of the auction, held earlier in the day, also did well, especially 20th century design pieces. Star lots included a pair of Dunbar tile top side tables ($3,400); a Paul McCobb console ($1,700); a Paul McCobb “Mr. and Mrs” chest ($1,400); and a pair of Dunbar nesting tables ($1,350). “All in all, it was a successful auction, all day long,” Mr. Sweeney said.
S&S Auction, Inc., has another two-session, cataloged/uncataloged auction planned, for Monday, Dec. 3. The uncataloged session will begin at 8 a.m. and the cataloged session will start at 6 p.m. Featured will be bronzes, sconces, furniture, artwork, decorative accessories and more. The firm holds bi-weekly sales every other Monday and typically two cataloged sales per year.
Established in 1972, S&S Auction, Inc., is conveniently located in southern New Jersey, at exit 14 off Interstate 295, minutes from the New Jersey Turnpike, Philadelphia bridges and the Philadelphia airport. Each auction features over 6,000 pieces of furniture, chandeliers, glassware, art, 18th /19th /20th century American, continental and Victorian furniture and modern design.
S&S Auction, Inc., is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (856) 467-3778, or you can e-mail them at info@ssauction.com. For more information, please log on to www.ssauction.com.
