Fall Auction Preview
by Kate Nixon
While September kicks off with a number of events, including the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement one year anniversary bash, the fall auction season isn’t far behind. Next weekend, collectors have two auctions to participate in; the AcStickley Arts and Crafts Auction and Treadway Gallery’s Fall Art and Design Auction. These auctions offer the best in Arts and Crafts furniture, ceramics, metalwork, and lighting works for collectors of every experience level.
AcStickley Arts & Crafts Auction
Sep 17, 2022 hosted by California Historical Design
11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EDT
A Grandfather Clock from Gustav Stickley circa 1912-1915 complete with signature and branded mark is offered as part of the AcStickley Arts and Crafts auction September 17th catalog. The estimates for the signature clock are offered in the five-digit range: $18,000 – $22,000.
A Grandfather Clock from Gustav Stickley, a large Grueby green overlapping leaf floor vase, and a signed exceptional tall Marblehead pottery vase — those are just a few examples of the 635-lot auction AcStickley Arts & Crafts happening September 17th at 11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern. While ceramic and furniture offerings from the Alameda, California-based auctionhouse are plentiful and varied, the representation of early 20th century lighting (particularly museum-quality examples of San Francisco legendary coppersmith Dirk Van Erp) and metalwork from Heintz, Benedict Studios, Craftsman Studios and Roycroft are notable standouts.
The aforementioned Grandfather Clock from Gustav Stickley is the tallest of Stickley representatives here; the branded mark and original finish make for an attractive package for the Stickley enthusiast. The clock’s estimates run in the tens of thousands ($18,000 – $22,000) as do the estimates of the early chest of drawers from Gustav Stickley ($20,000 – $30,000). The description of the item references model #624 as a similar work, but the works seems to have come earlier, most likely in 1901. The chest stands more than five and a half feet high and opens up to show eleven drawers. For those collectors who are looking for something a little more on the affordable side, armchairs, cabinets, a Tree of Life magazine stand ($2,000 – $3,000), and sets of Stickley chairs all have estimates under the $10,000 mark. One particular set of matching Stickley chairs (#349) all signed with a branded mark with the original finish ($6,000 – $8,000), is listed as a rare find since a set of ten chairs from Stickley is hard to find. That being said, a number of Stickley rockers are offered – model #365, an early Thornden, and Willow rocker – as seemingly affordable. The Thornden has the largest of the three estimates at $1,200 to $1,500: the others are less than $1,000. Aside from Gustav offerings, Grand Rapids, Harden, L & J.G. Stickley, Stickley Bros, Lifetime, Charles Limbert, and Roycroft are also well represented in the furniture department. And surprise – there’s even a Grove Park Inn Oak and Wicker Console table available to the highest bidder.
One of the 43 Fulper pots being offered in the AcStickley Arts & Crafts auction: this Fulper Pottery Olive Green & Chinese Blue Flambe Vase from the 1910s has a certain waterfall look to it. ($300 – $400)
Much like the large variety of Stickley furniture, the number of Fulper pottery works in the auction is more than just a few. Among the 43 examples of Fulper ceramic works in this auction, none of the high estimates go over $800. These affordable works are great examples for those just starting their art pottery collection; Fulper examples are known for their beautiful color glazes. One particular example of a Fulper pot with olive green and chinese blue flambe glaze ($300 – $400) technique results in a work that easily reminds one of multiple waterfalls. In addition to pots for those starting their collections, there are selections for the serious collector. The heavy hitters of AcStickley’s ceramic offerings go to a Huge Grueby Pottery Matte Green Overlapping Leaf Vase circa 1905 ($12,000 – $15,000) and a signed tall Exceptional Marblehead Pottery Decorated Vase c1910 ($25,000 – $35,000) decorated with blue trees and flowers standing more than one foot high. In between the two dramatic price levels, ceramic works available for bid include those from Grueby pottery, George Ohr, Marblehead, Niloak, Rookwood, Roseville, Van Briggle, and Weller. Even a Louis Comfort Tiffany floor vase ($7,500 – $9,500) with an unusual monochromatic glaze will be offered during the September 17th auction.
In addition to furniture and ceramics, lighting has fantastic representation from the works from Dirk Van Erp, Roycroft, Handel and others. The hand-hammered copper and mica lamps of Dirk Van Erp, along with a large Dirk Van Erp kettle, vases, a large tray and bookends, are all up for bid. The single socket lamp has estimates from $9,000 – $12,000 while the Van Erp three socket lamp goes for $12,000 – $15,000. For those that like the looks of Handel or Roycroft, they are represented here too with a Hammered Copper Desk Lamp (allegedly made by Roycrofter George Wilson) ($4,500 – $5,500) and five lamps from Handel including a large example with its original patina. ($3,500 – $4,500)
A preview of the auction will be held Friday, September 16th 10-5PM. Bidding can be done through liveauctioneers.com, California Historical Design’s website, absentee bidding, or in-person at the Alameda, California storefront.
Visit the AcStickley catalog on LiveAuctioneers.com or visit AcStickley.com
Fall Art and Design Auction
A Clewell copper-on-ceramic vase at Treadway Gallery auction from the collection of Paul Brown shows a fine patina that looks like ancient bronze.
Ceramic works are in good supply during Treadway’s auction, particularly American art pottery firms of the midwest. Clewell Pottery is well represented in Treadway’s catalog: with its unusual fusing of copper and ceramic resulting in a fine patina reminiscent of ancient bronze, this technique is shown in the twelve different examples up for bid from the collection of Paul Brown. Another sizable collection of ceramics comes in the form of George Ohr vases, mugs and varietals; the great majority of the smaller Ohr works have a high estimate of $1,500. One highlighted Ohr vase with a stamped signature has an estimate range of $4,000 – $6,000. Naturally, Rookwood Pottery works take up a large portion of the catalog; 47 different works offer a variety for those who collect the Cincinnati name. A spotlight goes to a Rookwood plaque by ET Hurley – one of a few ET Hurley examples offered – the popular vellum glazed plaque has a estimate range of $2,000 – $3,000. A small collection of silver overlay Rookwood examples of offered for the serious collector as well: a technique mostly from 1900. The great majority of Rookwood examples have lower estimates and would make a great addition to the beginner’s collection.
As noted, one Frederick Rhead vase is offered during the auction: coming from a midwestern collection, this large example has an impressed mark and is brightly colored. ($3,500 – $5,500) Lastly but certainly not least, the Newcomb College vases – and special textile – can steal the show with the museum quality of these pieces. A signed Newcomb vase by early artist K.S. Wraight ($7,500 – $9,500) takes the spotlight for its perfect condition, the double-handled vase example by Sarah Urquhart ($3,000 – $4,000) has similar museum-quality with deep carving and detail. A rare example of offerings from Newcomb College, a fine linen and silk sewing bag ($4,500 – $6,500) embroidered with a tree design is a very rare find. Similar examples are shown and discussed in “The Newcomb Style” and “Newcomb College, Arts and Crafts Sales Exhibition”.
A rare example from Newcomb College, this sewing bag shows a forest scene. Similar examples are shown and discussed in “The Newcomb Style” and “Newcomb College, Arts and Crafts Sales Exhibition”.
Early 20th Century Design
September 22, 2022 hosted by Rago Arts and Auction Center
10:00 AM EST/7:00 AM PST
Early 20th Century Design encompasses both American and European furniture, lighting, and decorative arts. Featuring works by leading makers of the era including an important Newcomb College lamp, exceptional ceramics by Taxile Doat, a Rare and Early Tiffany Studios enameled Grapevine lamp, and a large selection of art glass by Loetz, Gallé, Majorelle, and Daum all from private collections.
While the catalog is not listed yet, you can find more information on Rago’s upcoming auction by visiting the website listed below.
Fine & Decorative Arts | Part One
On September 24 and 25, Fontaine’s presents an important two-part Fine & Decorative Arts Auction to include over 800 lots. This auction will include the collection of Howard and Arlene Lubkin, Rye Brook, New York, and Tiffany Studios lighting from private collections, Manhattan, NY, Houston, TX, Upper Saddle River, NJ, Chicago, IL, Longwood, FL, and Ravenna, OH. Part one will include early 20th century lighting, art glass, leaded glass windows, fine silver, and porcelain. Part two will include marble and bronze statuary, paintings, American and European furniture, and jewelry. The available bidding methods are internet, phone and absentee.
While the catalog is not listed yet, you can find more information on Fontaine’s upcoming auction by visiting the website listed below.
Coming up:
Evening of Inspiration: Silent Auction
October 6th, 2022 a fundraiser event hosted by the Gustav Stickley House Foundation
5:30 – 8:30 PM EST In person at the Skaneateles Country Club
The Craftsman Gala: live and reverse auctions
Saturday, October 8, 2022, a fundraiser event hosted by The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
6:00 P.M. EST
In person at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms (2352 State Route 10, Morris Plains, NJ 07950)
Fine Art + Furniture & Decorative Arts Auction
October 19, 2022 hosted by Toomey & Co Auctioneers
10:00 AM CDT
Keramics & Rookwood: American & European Art Pottery —
Curated by Riley Humler
November 2, 2022 hosted by Toomey & Co Auctioneers.
10:00 AM CDT