Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

Lot 5: SIEGE OF LOUISBOURG-1745
The successful siege of Louisbourg in 1745 was an especially important event for troops from Massachusetts. Gov. Shirely, whose stately mansion is preserved in Dorchester, was highly honored for the success of that action. Much to the disappointment of New Englanders, the colonial troops were obliged to leave in 1748 because of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle that returned Louisbourg to the French. This is an important diary worthy of a collector who cares about American history.

Lot 11: AMOS DOOLITTLE ENGRAVING
What an intriguing print by Amos Doolittle (1745-1832) this is. It deserves any conservation attention that a collector might decide to give it. It is a summary of Christian views held in the Federal Era of the whole of Ecclesiastical History from ancient times to what was then the present in 1806, New Haven, Connecticut.

Lot 19: (JOHN PAUL JONES)
This lot offers a fine illustration of John Paul Jones painted in ink and gray wash by the American illustrator/painter Hermann Dudley Murphy (1867-1945). It is signed by the artist, dated '93, and measures 8"x13".

Lot 24: (DEFENDING NEW YORK IN 1776)
What an interesting and detailed account this is about the defenses of New York City against the British invasion in 1776. The attempt to protect New York failed --and General Washington was lucky to have escaped capture.

Lot 593: GARRETT PATRICK F.
Here is a great opportunity to purchase a remarkable collection of autographs already formed -- many remarkable items about outlaws in the Texas Panhandle should capture the attention of collectors in and of Texas history.

Apple Tree Auction Center

Lot 4024: ADLAKE BB SWITCH LIGHT, FOUR LENS, UP FORK STYLE
This switch light looks like something from another time and place-- and like the time it represents it is remote from the present moment. Perhaps that is what makes the many collectibles from the era of the Rail Road so fascinating.

Lot 4054: HAND LANTERN, A & W 250, B & LE RR CUG
Probably for a modest price the buyer can acquire a genuine piece of early rail road history with this hand lantern that was cleverly designed to serve safely and for long hours.

Lot 4140: FRED HARVEY 10 OZ, SILVER TEAPOT, RED & BARTON, BOTTOM MARKED
Too often one forgets the service given on trains. This is a silver teapot made for the Rail Road by the firm of Reid and Barton for Fred Harvey. It would be interesting to learn who that Fred Harvey was. I'm sure that collectors of Rail Road materials know.

Lot 4157: TIN DEPOT/STATION LIGHT, FRONT MARKED B & M RR, REPLACEMENT BRAS...
Here is a modest and practical Tin Depot Station Light. It is a nostalgic reminder with marks to identify the rail road: B & M RR.

Lot 4491: BOOK, ERIE POWER, WESTING & STAUFER, 1ST EDITION, 1970
Lots of books for the Rail Road ephemera collector are available in this auction. Here is just one book that caught my eye -- there are many more well illustrated books worth purchasing. Note Lot 4489.

Julien's Auctions

Lot 5: W.C. FIELDS (2) ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY LARRY SALK
These original paintings by Larry Salk of W.C. Fields recalls for me one of my favorite personalities. Fields is reputed to have said that he would rather have "a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy". I cannot be held accountable for the truth of this statement as it was reported second hand -- after a few drinks were had by the person who made the quote.

Lot 9: CHARLIE CHAPLIN SIGNED CUT SHEET & PUBLICITY STI
Charlie Chaplin was, without doubt, one of the greatest actors of the silent screen era. The film "The Gold Rush" was a classic!

Lot 52: BREAKFAST AT TIFANNY'S 1961 3-SHEET FILM POSTER
This is a three sheet poster for one of my favorite films. It came out in 1961 -- a year that brings back many emotional memories for me.

Lot 76: THE WIZARD OF OZ ORIGINAL EMERALD CITY COSTUME
Not often am I attracted to costumes worn by actors in films. But this one is an exception as the film of The Wizard of Oz of 1938 was exceptional. What an elaborate outfit this is. The costume for the Wizard is appropriately 'over the top.'

Lot 198: KING KONG 1933 ORIGINAL FRENCH FILM POSTER
The film King Kong came out in 1933. This is an original French Film poster from that vintage year, oh, so long ago, when I was born. King Kong became a cult film. Therefore the estimate for this effective poster is considerable. Be prepared for competition if you decide to acquire this work.

Lot 643: HANCOCK JOHN
An ambition to own the famous signature of John Hancock is one matter. Another is for that signature to be affixed to a written document of consequence is another. That is what is meant by the word "content." This manuscript has both. Portions of the original manuscripts, including signature, are lost but professionally restored.

Lot 671: PICKERING TIMOTHY
Timothy Pickering of Salem, MA. was Washington's Secretary of War and Secretary of State. The collections of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms contains his medal of the Order of the Cincinnati and a Silver plated wine cooler which Washington gave Pickering as a token of admiration and friendship. In this document of 1815 Pickering explains his concern for health and possibly developing the Gout and the medical remedies to undertake in order to avoid it. This is a fascinating glimpse into medical cures practiced in America in the Federal Period. As mentioned in my introduction, the poet Cowper believed Gout was caused by indolence, indulgence and and could be avoided through exercise through rambles or walks in the countryside, communing with nature.

Lot 1005: (LINCOLN ABRAHAM)
I like this U.S. Mint bronze medal signed by the engraver G.S. Ellis and dated 1862. Its reverse is hardly politically correct but represents the view of its times -- Farming and the "taming" of Indians showing a group of children playing baseball, symbolizing the "civilizing" of that people. The representation of baseball precedes by seven years the formation of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team.

Lot 1009: (LINCOLN ABRAHAM)
Collectors of Lincolniana will covet this manuscript letter signed by William H. Herndon (1818-19891) who was a law partner and supporter of Lincoln. He helped educate the future president in the anti-slavery movement and wrote a popular biography of Lincoln.

Lot 1187: SUMNER CHARLES
Senator Charles Sumner, from Massachusetts was an outspoken abolitionist. He was attacked and beaten (caned) on the Senate floor by South Carolina Representative Preston R. Brooks. Many prints of this vicious act followed and Sumner spent time in Italy recovering his health. His return to Massachusetts was a political triumph. While abroad, Sumner befriended sculptor Thomas Crawford who made a marble portrait of the Senator that now resides at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Sumner is also honored with a magnificent bronze monument in Harvard, at a street intersection just outside the main entrance to Harvard Yard. This manuscript requests its recipient to not forget adding a wharf to the Charleston Navy Yard. I like the many relationships and the personality that this document recalls.

Lot 1275: BAY OF PIGS ARCHIVE
This is an extraordinary archive pertaining to the Bay of Pigs incident. The latter half of this auction offers many important items relating to recent history both in this country and abroad.

Christophe Joron-Derem

Lot 13: A fine 18thC French terracotta bust of
Handsomely sculptured in fired clay or terracotta, this bust depicts a knight ( a seigneur in armor). It is a noble portrait made in eighteenth century France.

Lot 61: A 19thC Russian mahogany settee
More than one early nineteenth century Russian settee is offered in this auction. I am attracted to this example by its wonderful carved eagles. In the U.S., this form in furniture would have been called a "couch"-- a term that referenced designs from classical antiquity. An earlier form of large upholstered seating was called a sofa, as described by the British poet Cowper in my introduction. Search all terms in Artfact archives to find comparable forms of furniture from different nations. French masters in furniture excelled in the making of fire gilt or ormolu mounts, carving, inlay, paint and gold leaf all of which was eagerly imitated, but was rarely surpassed by German, British and American craftsmen. Search all works offered in this auction for spectacular acquisition opportunities!

Lot 107: A French 18thC Regence chaise longue
Caned furniture is mentioned by Cowper in the quotation of my introduction. Although he cited it as an early step in the evolution of furniture history, the fact is that caned furniture enjoyed long popularity in England, France, and America. This caned French Chaise longue is from the Regency period. It exhibits richly sculptured ornaments of carved shells and acanthus leaves.

Lot 108: A French 18thC Louis XV chaise longue
Especially comfortable and beautiful is this eighteenth century Louis XV chaise longue. With a length of six feet, it is an ample piece of furniture that invites elegant repose.

Lot 110: A French 18thC Louis XV salon suite by Bovo
Offered here is a major suite of salon furniture made in the era of Louis XV. This suite consists of a pair of corbeille settees and four flat back and chassis armchairs (fauteuils) stamped BOVO -- by an unidentified Ebeniste of first rank. See Biblio: Jean Nicolay L'art et la maniere des ebenistes Francais au XVIII siecle.

Rose Hill Auction Gallery

Lot 49: Karen Karnes large covered pottery bowl, signed on base, 8"h, 14"w o...
Karen Karnes is today one of America's most important studio potters who makes massive sculptural pottery. I collected some of her works for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This example and the offering in Lot 48 are treasures worth buying!

Lot 126: Ronald Pearson/American spun bronze bowl.Circa
Ron Pearson was an important silversmith of the new studio crafts movement who kept a studio in Maine. I did not know that he made spun bronze bowls. This is an intriguing example of his work.

Lot 160: Usonian Period,Settee.
What an interesting opportunity this is -- the chance to purchase a Frank Lloyd Wright designed settee. Lot 163 is another desirable piece to own.

Lot 271: Edward Wormley/ Dunbar early 5 drawer bachelor chest, blonde finish, ...
Several works designed by Edward Wormley for the Dunbar Furniture Co. are offered in this sale (see also lot 257). I like this chest especially for its simplicity. Wormley retired to Connecticut where I got to know him. He was a friend of the famous designer Charles Eames. He owned three pieces of furniture that Eames had exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (one of which looked like Lot 231). Wormley gave those pieces to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Lot 336: Oscar F. Bluemner (1867 - 1938) View of edgewater, NJ, Pen and ink dr...
This is a wonderful drawing -- a sketch made on site by an important American artist. Notes on the drawing suggests an intention to use this for making a painting. I own a drawing made by Bluemner at this location. It has given me much satisfaction. This one will yield joy to its owner!

Swann Auction Galleries

Lot 10: CORNELIS DUSART The Drunken Couple.

Lot 12: FRANCISCO JOSÉ DE GOYA Aveugle Enlevé sur les Cornes d''Un Tauréau (Di...

Lot 20: GIOVANNI B. PIRANESI Two etchings.

Lot 21: GIOVANNI B. PIRANESI Three etchings.

Lot 24: REMBRANDT VAN RIJN The Artist''s Mother Seated, in Widow''s Dress and ...

Lot 51: EDGAR CHAHINE Group of 5 etchings.

Lot 55: JEAN-BABTISTE-CAMILLE COROT Souvenir de Toscane.

Lot 102: JAMES A. M. WHISTLER Drouet.

Lot 111: ANDERS ZORN Gulli II.

Lot 120: AMERICAN PRINTMAKERS Three prints.

Lot 133: JOHN TAYLOR ARMS Reflections at Finchingfield, England.

Lot 135: JOHN TAYLOR ARMS Three etchings.

Lot 140: JOHN TAYLOR ARMS Group of 4 etchings.

Lot 173: WHARTON ESHERICK Theodore Dreiser.

Lot 177: MARK FREEMAN Manhattan Backdrop.

Lot 211: REGINALD MARSH Erie R.R. and Factories.

Lot 235: BENTON SPRUANCE Portrait of the Artist as Model.

Fusco Auctions

Lot 1129: Bo Schembechler Signed LE Wolverine Lithograph

Lot 1221: 1960's Topps Baseball Card Collection 5,000?????

Lot 1248: Shoeless Joe Jackson Original Artwork

Hindman

Lot 100: A French Wire Birdcage on Stand, Height 58 1/2 x width 42 x depth 22 i...
Those who keep birds need to own attractive cages. This is one that will serve well for dramatic display.

Lot 173: A Carved Parcel Gilt Pedestal, Height 50 inches.
I always keep a look out for especially attractive pedestals, as I own many pieces of sculpture that deserve presentation. This pedestal looks exceptional.

Lot 363: A Set of Eight Chippendale Style Mahogany Dining Chairs, Quigley, Heig...
The word "Style" indicates that the works are not of the period that they appear to be. But if a look is what one wants rather than period set of chairs, then this will surely more than satisfy the need.

Lot 378: A Pair of Painted Iron Gates, Height 56 1/2 x width 50 inches.
A handsome and decorative pair of iron gates that would provide a noteworthy accent to an entryway at a patio, garden, or into special chamber such as a wine cellar.

Lot 414: A Victorian Rosewood and Petit Point Firescreen, Height 56 x width 28 ...
High Victorian fashion demanded display of elaborate needlework on a rococo revival firescreen frame. This one is made of rosewood. The needlework depicts an attractive subject.

Lot 517: An American Sterling Silver Spectacles Case, Gorham, Length 4 1/4 inch...
It would be a pleasure to own a sterling silver spectacle case made by the firm of Gorham of Providence, Rhode Island. Several works by Gorham are offered in this sale -- I especially like their works of Lots 510 and 511.

Lot 634: An American Sterling Silver Gilt and Diamond Chalice, Height 10 inches...
This is a stunning example of Pugin-inspired gothic revival ecclesiastical silver washed with gold, and mounted with three diamonds. It would be interesting to research the piece to learn when it was made. This and Lots 633 and 635 were made in a style popular in the mid to late nineteenth century which, of course, continued into the twentieth.

Lot 801: A Dirk Van Erp Three Part Copper Coffee Service, Height of pot 9 inche...
Dirk Van Erp was an important metal craftsman and designer in the arts and crafts movement in America. He is perhaps best known for his lamps, but this copper coffee service is a refreshing set to see. It would make a wonderful acquisition.

Lot 1017: *A Group of Sterling Silver and Turquoise Jewelry, Length of necklace ...
Some attractive native American jewelry is in this auction like this squash blossom necklace, ring and brooch which I assume is Navajo workmanship. In lot 1015 there is a Pre-Columbian stone necklace -- and elsewhere in the auction there are attractive examples of ethnic and tribal arts worth considering.

Lot 1063: *A Tesuque Pueblo Pottery Rain God Figure, Height 6 inches.
This is one of the mysterious "rain god" figures that were made at one time in the Tesuque Pueblo. I do not believe that anyone really knows what ceremonial purpose that they served. They became something of a novelty with traders in the 1930's & 1940s and thereafter were generally forgotten. I own a much smaller example.

James D. Julia

Lot 209: APPLIED & ETCHED GLASS VASE
Considered most likely to have been made by Stevens & Williams, this 17" tall colorless glass vase is a monumental work that includes applied stems and leaves, snail shaped flowers and etched ornament.

Lot 225: JOHN RUHLANDER PITCHER
Made by the New Jersey glass artist John Ruhlander, this colorful pitcher is identical to one illustrated in the book by Adeline Pepper, The Glass Gaffers of New Jersey, p. 260. The pitcher was acquired by the consignor directly from descendents of John Ruhlander. It is good to have such documentation for a handsome work.

Lot 286: WEDGWOOD FAIRYLAND LUSTRE IMPERIAL BOWL
What a wonderland or dream-like landscape is pictured in this Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Imperial bowl. It is 11" in diameter and is in very good condition with some minor wear to the interior of the bowl.

Lot 317: LALIQUE CEYLON VASE
The design of this Lalique Ceylon pattern vase is beautiful even considered abstractly--without reference to the image of nuzzling parakeets perched in an arch of branches.

Lot 559: LINO TAGLIAPIETRA VASE
Lino is a glass artist from Murano, Italy who has freely shared his knowledge and skills with American glass studio craftsmen through demonstrations and participation in workshops for several years in the U.S. His generosity and extraordinary workmanship is legendary.

Lot 621: TIFFANY STUDIOS FAVRILE FLOWER FORM VASE
Standing 15" tall, this flower-form vase is a virtual chalice honoring the art of fine design and craftsmanship in glass. It is signed on its underside "L.C.T." for Louis Comfort Tiffany -- the standard mark for Tiffany Studios.

Lot 709: TIFFANY FURNACES FLORAL ENAMEL TRAY
The metal work of Tiffany furnaces intrigue me. Here is an eleven inch diameter example that involves both metal and enameled floral ornament. It is signed L.C. Tiffany Furnaces Inc. 420 Favrile" as well as the Tiffany Glass & Decorating logo.

Lot 718: TIFFANY STUDIOS SWIRLING LEMON LEAF TABLE LAMP
Several fine Tiffany studio lamps are offered in this auction. I am attracted to this example because of its architectural qualities, and nicely designed bronze base.

Lot 742: TWO TIFFANY LEADED GLASS WINDOWS
Here is an unusual opportunity to acquire a Tiffany stained glass window. It measures 87"x 25". What beautiful and rich coloring this window has. It deserves to be installed in a sunny location.

Lot 850: GALLE BLOWNOUT VASE
What a spectacular example of Galle glass this is. It is distinguished by beautiful design, coloring and craftsmanship. The vase would greatly enhance any collection of quality -- and most especially that involving the Aesthetic Movement.