14th-century Yuan Dynasty jar tops $1.3M at I.M. Chait Asia Week sale

I.M. Chait’s director of operations, Josh Chait, described a tense battle that pitted the ultimate winner against an Internet (LiveAuctioneers) and absentee bidder, as approximately 100 guests in the gallery looked on. 

“It was the same feeling as watching a high-stakes gambling event. There’s no way of knowing who will come out on top. Also, whenever there’s a phone or Internet bidder involved, you can never be sure what their limit is,” Chait said.

Beyond the million-dollar threshold, bids on the precious Chinese artifact increased in $10,000 increments. When bidding ceased at $1.1 million, presiding auctioneer and company founder Isadore M. Chait called out, “Going once – going twice – sold!” and brought down the hammer to thunderous applause.

“There was tremendous excitement,” Josh Chait said, describing the scene that followed. “Some 20 people swarmed around the glass display case to take pictures and video the jar for Chinese Facebook and Twitter – and for posterity. Shortly afterward, the Southern California affiliate for NBC called us. It didn’t take long for the story to get out.”

In spectacular condition, the 14-inch blue and white ovoid jar is a revered historical icon from China’s Yuan Dynasty period. Its decorative motif narrates a scene from the Yuan zaju drama “The Savior Yuchi Gong” and describes how General Yuchi Gong saved the Tang Emperor Taizong from assassination. Isadore Chait had correctly predicted the vessel would reach or exceed one million dollars at auction.

Several bronze, jade and furniture lots brought stellar prices, as well. Lot 224, a 7 7/8in spinach jade brushpot with a continuous landscape scene of sages in a courtyard, came to auction with provenance from the Cleveland Museum of Art Collection. Estimated at $35,000-$45,000, it rose to $122,000.

Lot 186, a highly important early 15th-century Ming Dynasty gilt bronze Bodhisattva of Manjushri with six-character Yongle mark under its base finished well within estimate at $274,500. A Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze shrine with jeweled borders and eight elaborately chased repousse Buddhist emblems, entered as Lot 101, was bid to $36,600 against an estimate of $6,500-$8,000. The 295-lot auction’s closer, a pair of Chinese huanghuali wood armchairs, settled at $43,750, more than six times the high estimate.

According to I.M. Chait’s records, most of the bidders taking part in the March 17 auction were either American or Chinese. Some had stopped over in Los Angeles specifically to attend the auction en route to Asia Week New York.

“Holding our annual Asia Week auction at the Beverly Hills gallery was something new for us,” said Isadore Chait. “For the past seven years we had held our sale in Manhattan, and it had developed a strong following with Asia Week’s visitors. Unfortunately, this year we weren’t able to secure a suitable auction space in Manhattan, so we decided to conduct our Asia Week sale right here at our West Coast gallery. Some thought it was a bold move.”

Chait admits that he initially had concerns about the change of venue and feared that not being right in the thick of Asia Week New York might have a negative impact on his company’s March 17 sale.

“In fact, it turned out to be just the opposite. It ended up being the highest-grossing sale in our entire 44-year history,” Chait said. “It’s very encouraging to see that collectors will flock to a sale – no matter where it is held – and spend their hard-earned money if world-class and one of a kind items are offered.”

To contact I.M. Chait Gallery & Auctioneers, call 1-800-775-5020 or 310-285-0182; or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the fully illustrated catalog for the March 17 sale, complete with prices realized, online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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California painting tops Kamelot auction at $84,000

The first day of the sale showcased a diverse array of decorative arts items to which bidders responded with great enthusiasm, with frontrunners including antique clocks, oil paintings, satsuma, and a large collection of Austrian bronzes. Presented with estimates of $1,000-$2,000, lot 451, a matched pair of white marble and dore bronze satyr sconces circa 1900 soared to a final selling price of $12,000. Lot 85, a 19th century cobalt blue porcelain and dore bronze French lyre clock with crystal dial sold for $8,100, and likewise, lot 89, a red marble and dore bronze French mantle clock signed by Andre Boisseau “Le Crepuscule” also brought a hefty $8,100.

Other highlights include a unique Renaissance-style bronze inkwell, circa 1900, selling for $6,000 (lot 213), an Asian pottery statue circa 1900 selling for $7,000 (lot 351) and a pair of hand painted porcelain lamps signed ''F. Holz'' circa 1880 selling for $7,500 (lot 398).

Friday’s strong sales continued well into the afternoon, culminating with the fine arts category and the presentation of lot 508, a signed oil painting by California artist Edgar Alwin Payne titled Waterfront Sotto Marina. The painting roused fervent competition, with 21 aggressive bidders – most of who were from the west coast – contending for the prize work of the California native. With estimates of only $3,000-$5,000, the painting shattered expectations as it climbed to a final winning bid of $84,000, achieving the auction’s highest selling price.

Lot 497, a beautiful signed oil painting by New York artist Ivan Gregorewitch Olinsky continued to surpass estimates with a final selling price of $20,000 along with lot 526, an abstract piece by artist Helen Franken Thaler which brought $17,000. Other highlights include an oil painting by New York artist John Koch which brought $8,700 (lot 500) and an oil painting by Spanish artist Jose Rico Y Cejudo which sold to a bidder in Spain for $8,400 (lot 496).

Day two of the sale was met with continued success and featured antique and mid-century furniture and lighting including a selection of highly sought after Jansen and Phillip Lloyd Powell pieces. Among these, a stamped and numbered Jansen regency style ebonized and gilt decorated server circa 1940 realized $18,000 against a presale estimate of $4,000-$6,000 (lot 647). Lot 793, a Phillip Lloyd Powell walnut chest of drawers sold for $9,000, and lot 796, a Phillip Lloyd Powell sculptural walnut lounge chair with shaped back and arms achieved $6,000. Other highlights include a nineteenth century F. Conchon Fabricant Geneve cylinder music box that brought $9,000 (lot 1058) and a pair of Italian mid-century modern lounge chairs having upholstered back and arms supported on bronze and wood frame that also brought $9,000 (lot 816).

For more information or to inquire about consigning, contact Kamelot Auction House at 215-438-6990.

View the fully illustrated catalog for Kamelot Auction House's sale Feb 22-23, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

Noguchi ‘Rudder’ stools, table total $124,200 at Moran sale

LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.

The large room at the Pasadena Convention Center was filled with hundreds of floor bidders, joined by more than 600 other prospective buyers bidding online and via telephone. The sale achieved a 90 percent sell-through rate for the 446 lots.

Much of the electricity in the highly charged atmosphere was generated by an exceptional group of furnishings by renowned mid-century modern designers. They were led by a dining set designed by Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) for Herman Miller in 1944, comprising four “Rudder’’ Model IN-22 stools and a Model IN-20 table. The discovery of the group, in the sewing room of the former owner, was a bonanza. Even a single Rudder stool is an exceptionally rare sighting. The Rudder stool, which is constructed of a shaped wooden seat mounted to a single parabolic wooden leg and two straight metal legs, was manufactured for only a short time, and the production line model was normally made with either a natural birch finish or an ebonized finish to the wood, with the metal legs in a chrome finish. The examples offered at Moran’s were unsigned, and exhibited certain idiosyncrasies, such as an unusual tobacco-brown stain on the wooden parts and a black finish on the metal legs, as well as tool marks to the hardware and other signs of handiwork not typical of production line pieces.

Offered singly in four lots, each carried a conservative presale estimate of $3,000–$5,000. Moran’s expectations for prices well above this level grew steadily in the days leading up to the sale, as inquiries poured in and interest from well-known dealers and modern design experts grew intensely keen. While the experts’ opinions varied, some of those who previewed the stools speculated that they were possibly prototypes made in Noguchi’s studio.

The bidding for each lot showed the same pattern, starting off tumultuously, the bids flying fast and furious with auctioneer and president John Moran expertly controlling the melee, then winding down to a tussle between three floor bidders. Each stool ultimately went to the same buyer, individually realizing $24,000, $22,800, $36,000 and $30,000. Combined with the price of $11,400 achieved for the table, the group realized a collective $124,200. (All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium of 20 percent for cash payment or 22.5 percent for credit card payment.)

Other highlights from the modern design category included:

– Seven lots of verdigris bronze tubular patio furniture designed by Walter Lamb for Brown-Jordan, including tables, chairs, rockers, chaise lounges and a settee, for a total of 19 pieces, collectively realized $20,880.

– A circa-1960 example of the Arredoluce “Triennale’’ three-arm floor lamp, an Italian classic that is still in production (estimate $1,500–$2,500) found a buyer at $3,368.75.

– A color lithograph titled Dog Barking at Moon by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo (1899–1991) achieved $5,819 (estimate: $1,500–$2,500).

Three lots of art glass by contemporary American master Dale Chihuly (b. 1941), each consigned from a private collection in Seattle: a flamboyantly colored “Macchia” basket (estimate: $2,000–$4,000) realized $5,400, another “Macchia” featuring a speckled cobalt body and red lip wrap (estimate: $2,000–$3,000) that also realized $5,400, and a two-piece “Seaform” set in striated pink with black lip wraps (estimate: $2,000–$3,000) sold for $5,206.

Arts and Crafts objects were also well represented in Moran’s 20th century design selections, with 28 lots led by a large collection of art pottery as well as Gustav Stickley oak furniture, lighting and metalware by Tiffany Studios and Dirk van Erp. Copper and mica lamps by West Coast craftsman Albert Berry (1878–1967) are a rare and much sought-after find, and the one offered at Moran’s was gracefully designed with a gently flaring bell-shaped shade. Offered for $2,000–$3,000, it realized $11,400.

Based in Southern California, Moran’s is well known for its success in selling Native American objects, and since their record sale in June 2012 of a Navajo First-Phase chief’s blanket for $1.8 million, Moran’s has attracted a deluge of consignments in the category. The house achieved yet more success with Navajo textiles on Feb. 5, selling a 1920s pictorial rug woven in red, cream and black wool with cow figures in each of the four corners (estimate: $1,000–$1,500) for $5,100, and a Second Phase woman’s wearing blanket for $5,100, well above the estimate of $2,000–$4,000. A Southern Plains beaded umbilical fetish also far surpassed expectations, realizing $2,280 (estimate $800–$1,200).

For more information contact the offices of John Moran Auctioneers at 626-793-1833 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the fully illustrated catalog for John Moran Auctioneer’s sale Feb. 5, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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American makers get their due at Stevens sale Feb. 15-16

The parlor suite, beautifully crafted around 1855, consisted of a sofa (66 inches long by 45 inches high), an armchair and two side chairs. It was the top achiever of the more than 600 lots sold.

Headlining the event was the lifetime clock collection of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Johnson, merchandise pulled from a New Jersey mansion, and items from three other prominent estates. “If it’s true that quality merchandise brings top dollar at auction, then this sale was a success because the better items saw high prices realized,” said Dwight Stevens of Stevens Auction Co., adding, “The economy is definitely improving. People see that the clock is ticking on their lives and, especially now that the election’s over, they’ve gone back to buying.”

Around 200 people attended the auction in person, while another 450 approved registered bidders participated online, via LiveAuctioneers.com. About 400 combined phone and absentee bids were also recorded. “This was the highest concentration of quality lots we’ve sold in years,” Stevens said. “It was a great start for the new year and we have more big auctions in store.”

Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.

A stunning pair of recamiers got paddles waving. A laminated rosewood recamier by John H. Belter in the Fountain Elms pattern and in mint condition, circa 1850, 6 feet long by 4 feet tall and considered rare, soared to $18,400; and a nice laminated rosewood rococo recamier by J. & J.W. Meeks in the Stanton Hall pattern went for $9,775.

Two antique desks, both circa 1855 and both attributed to Meeks, also got the crowd excited. One was a fine rosewood rococo secretary desk with a pierce carved crown and carving on the doors, 9 feet 2 inches tall by 42 inches wide, which sold for $17,250. The other was a rosewood rococo rolltop desk with round front drawers and gallery top, 53 inches tall by 48 inches wide, which sold for $9,775.

A pair of tables, each one executed around 1855 by Alexander Roux, found new owners. The first was a rococo banquet dining table, heavily carved, with claw feet and capable of stretching to 14 feet 6 inches, which brought $17,250. The second was a monumental rosewood rococo marble center table with detail carved fruit basket and carving all over, 62 inches in length, which realized $10,350.

Chairs were offered in abundance and bidders responded with enthusiasm. A set of eight walnut Victorian dining room chairs made circa 1855 by Alexander Roux, in mint condition with heavily carved backs and boasting red silk upholstery, hammered for $16,100, and a rosewood laminated rococo arm parlor chair by Meeks in the Stanton Hall pattern, circa 1855, hit $5,750.

A large walnut Victorian office desk chair with padded arms, carved crown and black leather upholstery, made circa 1870, reached $4,830 and a lovely pair of rosewood laminated pierce carved side parlor chairs with green seats, circa 1855, made $2,300.

Two furniture lots need to be singled out not just for their high dollars realized but for their sheer beauty. One was a museum-quality period Empire sideboard with original gold stenciling, cut glass doors and acanthus carving on the sides, attributed to Anthony Quervelle and made in 1830, which sold for $13,800. The other was a three-piece oak parlor suite by R.J. Horner, circa 1890. Heavily carved, with lions’ heads on the arms and burgundy leather upholstery, the set achieved $9,775.

Fine and decorative arts featured an oil on canvas portrait of a young Victorian girl in a green dress, signed J. Van Keirsbilck, framed with an overall size of 6 feet tall by 58 inches wide, which sold for $8,050; a fine Louis XIV-style silver plate and carved trestle base trolley, circa 1890, $5,175; and a dore bronze centerpiece of cupids climbing a tree base with glass bowl, $3,565.

Antique lamps and lighting included a 19th century astral gasolier with original gold gilding, which sold for $13,800, and matching set of six astral gas wall sconces for $10,350. A rare circa 1920 metal Art Nouveau landing light of a lady with grapes, having a black marble base, hit $10,925; a walnut Victorian pedestal with gas light fixture, gilt bronze, with the original shades, circa 1870, $10,350; and an ornate brass onyx piano lamp with molded floral Art Nouveau shade, $4,370.

Rounding out just some of the two-day auction’s list of top lots, a scarce 19th century Sevres clock in urn form, hand-painted and artist-signed, 26 inches tall by 15 inches wide, rose to $9,200, and a gold Victorian pier mirror with white marble base and cupids in the crown and base, monumental at 12 feet tall and made circa 1850, went for $6,900.

Stevens Auction Co. is always accepting quality consignments. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection call them at 662-369-2200 or, email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the fully illustrated catalog for Stevens Auction Co.’s Feb. 15-16 auction, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

$2.6M sale best in Clars Auction Gallery's 41-year history

After the two-day event was over, President Redge Martin commented, “Yes, it was the strongest in our history. Overall, the auction was just one of those sales. I’ve seen four or five similar to this over the past 20 years where everything just seemed to work out, fueled by the great property offered, good marketing of the sale, an improving economy, very strong bidders and lots of pleasant surprises. The strength of this sale was seen across all categories. Of particular note is the strength of our Internet bidding as we have the strongest presence online of any auction house west of the Mississippi and that is proving increasingly important.”

While the Saturday sale did $300,000, that left $2.3 million to be earned on the just over 1,000 lots offered on Sunday. Asian, fine art and decorative arts all had their day and their astounding surprises.

The Asian category was the most remarkable of the categories in prices realized. Coming near the end of the sale, Lot 3150, a Chinese underglaze blue porcelain brush pot attributed to Wang Bu (Chinese, 1898-1968) measuring 6 1/2 inches high, had been assigned a conservative estimate of $6,000 to $8,000. Joyce Kwong, Asian art specialist at Clars, noted that “In general, works by Wang Bu have a very strong market and he is known for underglaze blue decorated porcelain.”

Martin opened the bidding on this piece at $13,000 and for several minutes, the increments of $10,000 kept rising steadily. In the end, the brush pot sold $534,300.

Furthering the remarkable Asian prices realized at this sale was Lot 3126, a Himalayan gilt bronze figural group of Yamantaka Vajrabhairava Ekavira, 19th century, measuring 10 1/2 inches high. The estimate was conservatively placed at $1,000 to $2,000 as it had some arm and attribute loss. That did not seem to faze bidders on this lot, however, as it sold for $248,300.

The fine art category offerings were particularly impressive at this sale and the prices realized in this category matched the level of works offered and greatly exceeded them in a few cases.

The European bronzes offered seemed to know no limits once the bidding began. Topping the bronze offerings was Lot 2246, an after-Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917) bronze titled Nude Study of Pierre de Weissant, 1995. The bronze bore the artist’s name “A. Rodin” and was inscribed “By Musee de Rodin 1955-George Rudier.” According to Rick Unruh, vice president and director of fine arts, “This was a rare casting after the artist from 1955 from the Musee de Rodin. Due to very limited auction records, we chose to assign the very conservative estimate of $4,000 to $6,000 but our global audience dictated a much more impressive outcome.” Impressive indeed as this bronze sold for $59,500, almost 10 times its high estimate.

A second bronze that more than doubled its high estimate was Lot 2243, a gilded bronze sculpture, circa 1890-1900, by Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912). Titled Immortalite, this work sold exceedingly well for $28,560.

It was an American painting however, that topped the fine art category overall. An impressive work (Lot 2201) by Joseph Henry Sharp (American, 1859-1953) titled Does Everything – Crow Chief, Custer and Reno Scout’ was expected to achieve a high of $50,000. Again, highly competitive bidding on this work saw the final selling price soar to $77,350.

California artist Arthur Frank Mathews (1860-1945) came in second place in paintings with his oil on board (Lot 2165) titled Afterglow at the Seashore. Offered with an estimated of $20,000 to $30,000, this work nicely surpassed this achieving $38,675. On the contemporary side, Black Suckers by Wayne Thiebaud (California, b. 1920) performed nicely within estimate selling for $28,560. And Charles Schulz (American, 1922) surpassed his high estimates with two of his comic strips, Peanuts Daily (Lot 2314) and Peanuts Sunday (Lot 2315) both selling for $16,660 each.

On the European paintings side, it was a work (Lot 2212) by French artist Georges Washington (1827-1910) titled Orientalist Battle Scene that surpassed its high estimate selling for $21,420. An ink drawing on paper (Lot 2294) by Salvador Dali (Spanish/French, 1940-1989) titled Destino also surpassed high estimate earning $17,850.

The Decorative Arts category featured rare works by Teco and Tiffany which perfomed well, but it was a Georgian-style gilt bronze mounted bracket clock (Lot 2469), late 19th century, that unexpectedly achieved seven times its high estimate. Offered for $8,000 on the high side, intense bidding drove the price to $59,500. Deric Torres, vice president and director of decorative arts and furnishings attributed the remarkable sale price to “its monumental size and the triple fusee engraved movement.”

As expected, however, (Lot 2408) the rare Teco glazed earthenware vase (1900-1904) drew highly competitive bidding resulting in the final sale price of $29,750. Selling beyond expectation, from Tiffany and Co., and coming from the N. Lee and B. Herbst-Gruhn Estate, was a service for 18 sterling flatware service in the Renaissance pattern. Offered for $10,000 to $15,000 at estimate, this set sold impressively for $19,040.

And, on the side of whimsy and art, a rare and important carousel reindeer (Lot 2500) by master carver and artist, Gustav Dentzel, Phladelphia, early 20th century, went to a new owner for a respectable $14,200.

For additional information call Clars at 510-428-0100 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the fully illustrated catalog for Clars Auction Gallery's Feb. 16-17 auction, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

Confederate papers victorious at Jeffrey Evans auction

Top price of the day was a collection of important Virginia Confederate veterans manuscript records contained in three volumes, for the Stonewall Jackson Camp #25, UCV# 469, located in Staunton, Va. The 870 pages in the three journals included extensive notes and records of member's war services, resolutions, newspaper clippings, signed letters from Mrs. Jefferson Davis and Gen. Eppa Hunton. Famous members of Stonewall Jackson’s entourage who were affiliated with the camp include Maj. Jed Hotchkiss, Stonewall Jackson's mapmaker; Dr. Hunter McGuire, chief surgeon of Stonewall Jackson's Corps and the doctor who amputated Jackson's arm in a vain attempt to save the general's life; and Gen. John Echols. Estimated to realize $500-800, the colection [Lot 265] sold for $6,900 to a representative of a local historical group.

Two items from the collection of the late Veronica "Ronnie" Riefler Strathmann, Pittsburgh, Pa., also realized strong results. A wrought-iron Arts & Crafts candleholder by Samuel Yellin (1885-1940) with an open-spiral shaft raised on a circular pan-like base and three five-toed pad feet, stamped "SAMUEL YELLIN" under base, dating to the first half of the 20th century, realized $4,600 against an estimate of $800-1,200 [Lot 368]. A wonderfully detailed circa 1900 Victorian painted wood doll’s greenhouse with amazing details including accoutrements such as potted plants, flower pots, baskets, miniature animals, etc., sold for $2,990 [Lot 188]. It was discovered disassembled in the attic of the Strathmann home by Beverley Evans who immediately recognized its auction potential.

Another of the popular lots in the auction was also a toy, a massive German Elastolin play set of approximately 160 pieces. The Western set included a log cabin and fence, two canoes, a covered wagon, teepees, campfires and approximately 148 Native American and cowboy figures. Many of the larger pieces were marked Germany or U.S. Zone Germany. It was accompanied by five boxes and packing papers that appeared original. Dating to the second quarter 20th century and the property of an old Virginia family, the set [Lot 191] realized $2,645.

The auction included a 2,000-plus piece collection of souvenir spoons and silver flatware from the estate of Lillian Merchant of Cape Cod, Mass., which proved very popular with bidders. A lot of 11 spoons and forks [Lot 778] having Western American themes featured ornate figural handles including miners, cowboys and cowgirls and nude figures sold for $1,150.

“Fresh estate merchandise with no reserves and low estimates is drawing strong interest and selling for very respectable prices,” said Jeffrey S. Evans. “This is the largest number of registered bidders that we have had for an auction since the economic downturn. It certainly demonstrates that buyers are coming back into the market and are enticed by the great values available today compared to prices five or six years ago. That renewed interest and energy is a good predictor of an upswing in the antiques and collectibles markets in the coming year.”

The 849 lots realized $208,714.50 (including 15 percent buyer’s premium). There were more than 1,400 Internet bidders with more than 7,225 bids submitted over the Internet.

Phone 540-434-3939 for more details or to consign to future auctions.

View the fully illustrated catalog for Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates cataloged variety auction on Feb. 16, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

JFK memorabilia makes about $2M at McInnis Auctioneers

The collection of about 2,000 photographs, documents, gifts and other items was auctioned Sunday at John McInnis Auctioneers in Amesbury.

The items belonged to David Powers, Kennedy's assistant and close personal friend who died in 1998.

About 350 people attended the auction, with another 1,000 online bidders.

The jacket went to an anonymous bidder and was only expected to fetch from $20,000 to $40,000.

Rich Travaglione of Nantucket paid $525 for a 1946 photo of JFK. He tells The Daily News of Newburyport he bought the photo because it reminded him of the time his father met Kennedy who was campaigning in Boston's North End.

Auction highlights:

$21,000: Price paid for an American flag that flew at the White House during the Kennedy administration; estimate was $3,000 to $6,000.

$16,000: Price paid for a Kennedy administration White House seal used in the West Wing; estimate was $2,000 to $4,000.

$9,750: Price paid for a photo of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on their wedding day signed by the couple; estimate was $2,000 to $5,000.

$6,000: Price paid for Kennedy adviser David Powers’ desk from the White House.

$4,250: Price paid for a small photo of Jacqueline Kennedy captured in the mirror taking a photo; estimate was $100 to $200.

View the fully illustrated catalog for John McInnis Auctioneers' JFK memorabilia auction on Feb. 17, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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Information from: The Daily News of Newburyport (Mass.), http://www.newburyportnews.com

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

AP-WF-02-19-13 1422GMT

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Woodbury Auction has fine day following blizzard

LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.

“We were tempted to postpone the sale due to the pending storm, but Thursday we placed a bet that the storm would end Saturday morning and that by Sunday at sale time most people would be moving around, and it turned out to be a winning wager,” said Schwenke.

Furniture and American country items were strong performers in the sale. A fine Georgian mahogany oval gateleg wake table saw active competition and finally hammered to a determined bidder in the room for $3,840, while an interesting set of six French Art Nouveau chairs fetched $1,560. In the mid-century modern category, a set of six Herman Miller dining chairs sold for $1,845 to the Internet, a 1950s Baker breakfront set went to the Internet for $1,965, a Gilbert Rohde game table went for $660, and a Herman Miller Rosewood Credenza had numerous phone and Internet bids and eventually sold in the room for $1,440.

An oil on canvas of the Isle of Capri by Guido Odierna sold to an absentee bidder for $1,440, and a Rubino abstract bronze sculpture hammered at $819 to a pleased bidder in the room. Two small abstract oils on canvas by Charles Green Shaw went for $643 and $585.

A collection of Oriental rugs saw heated bidding from the room, phone and Internet. Top rug lots were a large 19th century palace size rug, which went for $2,400, and another large room size Persian rug from a Greenwich estate, which was sold to the Internet for $3,567.

Additional consignments are being accepted for Schwenke’s next sale, which is an Americana, folk art and decorative arts auction on Sunday, April 14. Phone inquiries should be directed to 203-266-0323.

View the fully illustrated catalog for Schwenke’s Woodbury Auction of Feb. 10, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.