Early, Rare and Unusual Take Center Stage at Auctions
The most recent auctions at Rago and Treadway/Toomey saw fantastic numbers for the ‘every day’ Arts and Crafts lots with sale prices consistently at or above their estimates. But the remarkable among them truly soared reaching record-breaking highs continuing to prove that Arts and Crafts is here and collectors are excited to buy.
At Rago’s Early 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction on June 5th in Lambertville, New Jersey, new global auction records were established via several lots including #118, an exceptional two-color glaze, Van Briggle early Lorelei vase from 1902. It flew past its estimate of $35,000-$45,000 eventually landing on its final, winning bid of $274,000.
Other impressive Arts and Crafts lots included #102, a Frederick H. Rhead University City tile panel, which realized its lower estimate of $250,000. Lot #170, a Harvey Ellis/Gustav Stickley inlaid desk estimated at $80,000-$120,000, which sold for $87,500. Lot #70, a Joseph Heinrichs drinking set estimated at $9,000-$14,000, which sold for $23,750. And lastly, Lot #43, a large and unusual George Ohr Two-handled vase, featuring green, gunmetal, raspberry, and indigo speckled glaze, which sold for $46,875 (top photo).
A couple hundred miles away in Oak Park, Illinois, the Treadway/Toomey 20th Century Art & Design Auction on June 6th hosted yet another successful auction seeing similar, consistent sale prices at or above their estimates for the ‘every day’ lots. However, several rare pieces realized much higher prices.
But perhaps the two most important pieces of the Early 20th Century portion of this auction were two unlikely lots. Lot #289, a Tiffany Studios, Geometric hanging lantern in bronze with Favrile glass. Even with Replacement chains and ceiling cap produced by Paul Crist Studios, this fixture rose above it’s estimate of $20,000-$30,000 and sold for $39,650.
And last, but most certainly not least, an exquisite piece and the star of this auction, Lot #291, a Rene Lalique Sea Holly hair comb, circa 1900 with horn, silver, gold and glass. It easily climbed past it’s estimate of $20,000-$30,000 bringing in a remarkable $205,500 (bottom photo).
Visit our Facebook page for more photos of lots from these two fantastic Arts and Crafts auctions and congratulations to all winning bidders!
For more information, complete Auction Results and Online Catalogs for Rago Auctions, please visit www.ragoarts.com.
For more information, complete Auction Results and Online Catalogs for Treadway/Toomey, please visit www.treadwaygallery.com.
