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May 1st, 2004 - Arts & Antiques Auction Wrap Up

Auctioneer Jack Christy kicked off the day's sales, opening bidding on a selection of nearly 100 cataloged, offline lots. Great deals abounded as collectors and dealers snatched up antique oak washstands, hutches, side chairs and other furniture as well as a nice selection of framed fine art, watercolors and prints at wonderfully low prices.

The atmosphere changed quickly when bidding opened for online catalogued merchandise. First on the block, a Jugtown Ware triple handle vase in excellent condition (Est. $50.00-$100.00) set the pace for an exciting day of bidding when the price quickly soared to $1,265, including a 15% buyer's premium, to a telephone bidder.

There was plenty of other 19th century pottery and crockery to be had, including a 19th Century wire bale spongeware stoneware water pitcher and syrup pitcher, possibly Red Wing. Despite crazing throughout both pieces and minor chips and flaking, this duo settled nicely within estimate of $300-$600, closing solidly at $425, plus buyer's premium. Meanwhile, a pair of Yellowware bowls with blue flower stencil, possibly Dutch or German, and in excellent condition with some light crazing (est. $40.00-$80.00), closed above estimate at $110, plus buyer's premium.

Model train enthusiasts were in for a treat when for lots of Lionel and Tenshodo HO trains came up for bid. Most impressive in this group was a lot of eight Lionel cars, eight HO scale cares and a Trainmaster transformer. Estimated between $100-$200, this lot breezed past estimate to close at $412.50, including 10% floor bidder's buyer's premium.

Art glass was in abundance at this sale as well, with Steuben, Durand and D. Lotton art glass vases all closing within estimate. A beautiful signed Legras French Nouveau 8" blown glass vase with raised enamel florals, marked Made in France in excellent condition (est. $300-$500) closed at $460, including 15% buyer's premium, to an EBay bidder..

An impressive offering of 19th Century and Modern hand painted Chinese scrolls all fell within or exceeded expectations as local collectors found themselves bidding head to head against savvy Internet bidders. But, the show-stopping moment of the day occurred when a modern Chinese scroll depicting a scholar viewing a waterfall (est. $100-$200), exceeded all expectations with the ending price soaring to $6,325, including 15% buyer's premium, to an Internet bidder.

A bit of nostalgic whimsy took hold when a handsome and fully-functioning vintage Edison SI 19 Phonograph hit the auction block. Pampered and played with over the past month by Antique Helper employees, this wonderful working piece of equipment, offered with 32 vintage Edison 78s. Estimated to bring $200-$400, this item closed within range at $385, including 10% buyer's premium, to a happy floor bidder who has promised visitation rights to Antique Helper staff.

Collectors of Edward Marshall Boehm porcelain were pleased to find four birds up for grabs. By far the most stunning lot in this group, a limited edition yellow shafted flicker in mint condition (est. $600-$800) closed well above estimate at $1,552.50, including 15% buyer's premium, to a happy telephone bidder.

There were plenty of fine art offering to be had at this auction as well, with a selection of Indiana painters that included Francis C. Brown, Paul R. Jones and George C. Baum. Of greatest interest was a 10" x 22.5" watercolor painting by Hoosier artist Floyd D. Hopper. This signed painting depicting sailboats, estimated to bring between $200-$300 closed above estimate at $460, including 15% buyer's premium, to an EBay bidder.

Fine art collectors with more modern taste had the opportunity to choose between two distinctively different styles of art. A Southwestern still life painting by Photo Realist artist Sue Krzyston (American B. 1948), estimated between $500-$1,000 went to a floor bidder, closing at $1375, including 10% buyer's premium. On the abstract side, a "Zen" Serigraph, 21 ½" x 29 ½", by 1960s multi-dimensional artist Peter Max (est. $300-$500) sold within estimate at $488.75 to an EBay bidder.

With the May auction now a thing of the past, preparations for the June Arts and Antiques Auction at Dan Ripley's Antique Helper are well underway. Offerings will include a wonderful selection of silver as well as rare miniature portraits. While consignments are still being accepted, a partial catalogue is already available online at www.antiquehelper.com.