The auction world is fluid and ever-changing, with new sales offering one-of-a-kind objects that can alter the global art market in a single moment. With more than 5,000 auction houses on its marketplace, Invaluable’s sales data — taken straight from auction rooms — offers vivid insight into what categories are the top sellers in fine art, collectibles, jewelry, antiques and more. We present it to you here in this easy-to-access Auction Market Trends Report for 2019.
% Increase in Hammer Price This Year — Top Categories
Ephemera, Cards & Documents
This category outperformed all the others, with hammer prices up dramatically — continuing a two-year upswing. Collectors surged to general advertising lots, signed historic letters and an enduring favorite, postcards. But interest was strong across the board.
Over the Years
Total Hammer in First Half of Year
This Year’s Big Sales
Unsual framed E & J Burke Guinness Chicago and New York baseball adverising showcard
Sold: €25,600
Victor Mee Auctions Ltd
May 9, 2019
Belturbet, Ireland
Malcolm X Deeply Revealing Signed Typed Letter to Elijah Muhammad
Sold: $13,000
University Archives
June 26, 2019
Westport, CT, US
Porcelain NASH Authorized Service Station Sign
Sold: $8,000
Millers Auction Co.
February 9, 2019
Hixton, WI, US
Lots Available Now
Women’s Watches
Interest in women’s watches never really wanes and this year is no exception — with it remaining right at the top of best performing categories. As with men’s watches, the strongest sales continue to be dominated by Rolex, followed by Cartier and Chopard.
This Year’s Big Sales
Rolex Submariner 6204
Sold: $50,960
Antiquorum Genève SA
April 3, 2019
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Rolex Submariner James Bond 6538
Sold: $31,213
Antiquorum Genève SA
April 3, 2019
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Rolex Day-Date Diamond Wristwatch, ca. 1989
Sold: CHF20000
Koller Auctions
June 26, 2019
Zurich, Switzerland
Lots Available Now
Necklaces & Pendants
Hammer prices in this timeless category soared more than 40% so far to start the year. Driving the strong performance were solitaires — especially diamond and emerald.
This Year’s Big Sales
39.68 ctw Marquise Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
Sold: $60,500
Oxford Auction
March 23, 2019
Buena Park, CA, US
A Diamond and Gold Necklace
Sold: $15,000
Phillips
June 7, 2019
New York, NY, US
A Faberge Diamond, Gold and Hardstone Egg Pendant
Sold: $12,000
Shapiro Auctions LLC
May 18, 2019
New York, NY, US
Lots Available Now
Historical, Political & Space Memorabilia
This category took off in the first half of the year. One hint for the growth: the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, on July 20, 1969. Collectibles with “Apollo” in their titles saw total hammer price increase a staggering 177% year-over-year. The top lot sold was a cloth mission insignia from the family of Neil Armstrong.
Indian & South Asian Art
Durable growth in this category — fueled by strong interest in paintings and sculpture — lands Indian & South Asian Art on the top performers list.
This Year’s Big Sales
Jigger Cruz (b. 1984)
Metaphorical Suffocation
Sold: PHP900,000
Salcedo Auctions
June 1, 2019
Makati City, Philippines
Central Indian Torso of a Celestial Being (C. 10th Century AD)
Sold: $20,800
Freeman’s
March 13, 2019
Philadelphia, PA, US
Anglo-Indian Silver-Clad Throne Chair, 19th C.
Sold: $15,000
Showplace Antique + Design Center
March 3, 2019
New York, NY, US
Lots Available Now
Dolls
With almost 30% growth, this category has been solid. Dollhouse miniatures sold well and Barbie was, as usual, a mainstay, while Bisque dolls were the most popular among collectors and commanded top prices.
This Year’s Big Sales
20″ French Bru Jne Doll
Sold: $12,000
The Cobbs
May 2, 2019
Peterborough, NH, US
22″ Bru Jne 10 Bébé Napoleon
Sold: $9,500
Apple Tree Auction Center
April 25, 2019
Newark, OH, US
18 ” Rare Izannah Walker All Cloth Doll
Sold: $8,500
Apple Tree Auction Center
April 24, 2019
Newark, OH, US
Lots Available Now
Bracelets
This category, one that spans generations, has seen 25% growth this year. While much of this growth is led by ageless diamond tennis bracelets, younger buyers continue to look for bangles and charms.
Men’s Watches
Always a top 10 category, this year has seen steady growth of more than 25%, pushed by extremely strong sales of Patek Phillipe, followed by good years for Rolex and Omega — all perennial favorites.
This Year’s Big Sales
Rolex Submariner “James Bond” REF. 6538, CIRCA 1958
Sold: €118,000
Aste Bolaffi
April 8, 2019
Milano, Italy
Patek Philippe Chronograph with Perpetual Calendar, 1998
Sold: CHF85,000
Koller Auctions
June 26, 2019
Zurich, Switzerland
Patek Philippe Complications Calendar Chrono Auto Platinum Mens Watch 5960P-001 in Box W/Papers LIMITED PIECE
Sold: $65,000
GWS Auctions
February 2, 2019
AGOURA HILLS, CA, US
Lots Available Now
Porcelain & China
A solid performance — up nearly 25% — by this category, led by Meissen porcelain, which was by far the greatest seller, followed by Sèvres and KPM, which saw identical sales increases.
Sculpture
Strong growth, which began in 2018 has continued this year, driven by notable increases in busts, along with figural, religious, and abstract works.
Over the Years
Total Hammer in First Half of Year
This Year’s Big Sales
Matteo Pugliese (b. 1969)
The Sinner
Sold: £130,000
Sotheby’s
June 27, 2019
London, United Kingdom
Eugeni Alexandrovich Lanceray (1848–1886)
Bronze Sculpture
Sold: $85,000
DuMouchelles
April 14, 2019
Detroit, MI, US
Stephen Erzia (1876-1960)
“Le Désenchanté (The Disillusioned)
Sold: $71,500
Freeman’s
April 10, 2019
Philadelphia, PA, US
Lots Available Now
What’s it really worth?
Have a trending item you’re looking to appraise or consign? Get an apprasial in 48 hours or less and smoothly transition it to consignment.
What’s it really worth?
Have a trending item you’re looking to appraise or consign? Get an apprasial in 48 hours or less and smoothly transition it to consignment.
