Ripley Auctions

Lot 4: Tall Mission Oak Grandfather Clock
Starting with this Mission Oak Grandfather tall clock, a buyer has a chance in this auction to begin a substantial furnishings plan for arts and crafts furnished rooms. This clock stands 77" high and is 18" wide. It includes weights and pendulum.

Lot 5: Stickley Brothers Mission Oak 4 Chairs A/C
This set of four Stickley Brothers side chairs are made of oak. There is some damage to joints that need to be re-glued. Also, some wood is missing near slats. But if you are handy in the workshop this should not be a problem.

Lot 6: Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Dining Table
The oak side chairs of the previous lot are a perfect match for this Stickley Brothers Mission oak dining table #2404 which comes with its leaf. I presume that the Stickley Brothers are L. and JG. Stickley.

Lot 8: Stickley Brothers Arts and Crafts Sideboard
I own several pieces of Stickley Brothers furniture, but not a sideboard by this well-known firm. This work will help fill out your dining room. There is an age crack to one side. Look for other Stickley and mission furniture and furnishings in this auction to fill your needs. For example, Lot 33A is an unusual arts and crafts mission oak Morris reclining chair.

Lot 9: Benedict Arts and Crafts Hammered Copper Dish
I like the character and design of this Benedict Studios Arts and Crafts hammered copper covered dish. It is marked on its base. It stands 9" high and is 11 1/2" across -- a handsome work to stand on the Stickley Brothers sideboard of Lot 8.

Lot 233: Deco Chrome Arm Chair Hoffmann/Howell
Kem Weber was an important American designer of the deco period. This tubular chrome arm chair with its original cushions reminds me of similar armchairs original to the famous PSFS building in Philadelphia -- one of the seminal skyscrapers in the U.S. Look also to lots 237 and 303 for other Kem Weber designed works.

Lot 337: George Nakashima Set 4 259 Side Chairs
Several works designed by master studio furniture maker George Nakashima are offered in this sale. Look at them all and make your own choices. The chairs in this lot are branded "George Nakashima 259" (for model #259 -W for Widdicomb, USA c. 1955). Widdicomb was a high end furnishings establishment in Philadelphia at the time. It would be interesting to learn more about the relationship between Widdicomb of Philadelphia and Nakashima of New Hope, PA. in the 1950s when the new studio movement for hand crafted furniture was in its infancy.

Lot 373: Paluzzi Terra Cotta Sculpture Mother and Child
Claudine Paluzzi (American, b. 1931) is an artist who is represented with several works in this auction. I find this small (6 1/2" tall) terra cotta sculpture of a mother and her child a tender but not sentimental work.

Lot 387: Dali St George and the Dragon Color Etching
I am not often attracted to Dali's etchings. Yet this one of "Saint George and the Dragon" has a lively quality. The dragon's face is almost cartoon-like, but appealing. The image of St. George is so abstracted it is almost ghost-like or merely suggested.

Lot 393: E. Brucker African American Female Portrait
Edmund Brucker (American, 1912-1999) was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He studied at the Cleveland School of Art and by 1938 had joined the staff of the Herron Art Institute, where he taught until his retirement. This and the previous Lot 392 demonstrate his great mastery of portrait drawing. Both are charcoal. While the previous lot is larger and in some ways more powerful, I prefer this image that measures 20 1/4"x 13 1/2". Perhaps I'd change my mind if I had a chance to view them side by side in person. If you enjoy owning masterful drawings, why not purchase both?

Lot 415: Weisflog Pop Art Family Portrait Wall Size Mural
Social commentary is made by the artist Don Weisflog (American, 1922-2006) in this large oil on canvas. It measures 56"x 74"! Depicted is a family splayed out in a large room engrossed with television, and oblivious to each other. The title for this work is "Visual Entrapment." Several other works by Weisflog are offered in this auction.

Lot 424: Don Weisflog Studio Pottery Vase Indiana Art
Don Wesflog, mentioned above, was a versatile artist who received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin. He taught there as well as at other schools in Indiana. His studio pottery appeals to me for its form and strong design pattern. This studio pot is signed on its base. It stands 10 1/2" high.

Lot 477: Eames DCW Red Aniline Dining Chair Wood
This is a classic DCW Red Aniline colored low bentwood lounge chair designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, mfg. Evans Product Company of Michigan. The chair retains its original foil label and nice bright color. I own an almost identical chair. I also acquired for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the prototype model of this chair made for display in the Museum of Modern Art in 1947. The initials DCW stand for "Dining Chair Wood". Look at Lot 476 for a similar Low chair that is blonde rather than red. Buy both works and enjoy very comfortable seating with style.

Lot 486: Paul Evans Mirror Patchwork Patinated Frame
This is a handsome Paul Evans patchwork mirror with patinated metal frame that is 30 inches square -- very appealing & very stylish!

Lot 544: Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely) Signed Op Art
Spectacular optical brilliance is displayed in this Op Art print by Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely, French, 1934-2002). The print is signed and numbered 49/900. Light seems to stream forth from this print that evokes the space age.

Nadeau's Auction Gallery

Lot 8: Group lot to include Nikon lens couple
If you own a Nikon camera you may wish to investigate this purchase.

Lot 47: Pair of Federal brass Connecticut andirons.
Winter is coming. Now is the time to consider acquiring some attractive brass andirons for your fireplace. These look like fine Federal era brass examples.

Lot 48: Pair of Federal brass knife blade andirons
Knife blade andirons with brass finial tops are stylish and appealing. They display the art of the blacksmith in the era of nation-building in the early years of nineteenth century America.

Lot 49: Pair of Federal brass andirons and four brass
Here is a lot that offers Federal brass andirons with four brass top fire tools. It is a good gathering of needed fire tools. But if fire tools are already owned, then I would prefer the knife blade andirons of Lot 48. Look also at Lot 50 for another pair of Federal brass andirons. The four lots of andirons in this sale offer a great chance to compare and contrast to satisfy your own needs and taste.

Lot 62: Iron wall rack with curled iron probably
The ornamental workmanship of this iron wall rack is astonishing. Exactly when and where it was made is not stated, but the catalogue entry speculates that it is "probably" Pennsylvania Dutch. No matter, the effect of this iron work is impressive.

Lot 137: Federal pewter teapot marked Boardman Hart NY
This looks like a good example of the "Britannia" era of pewter in America with a pewter teapot marked Boardman Hart, NY.

Lot 233: Etching of a town signed John Taylor Arms.
John Taylor Arms was a remarkably gifted American graphic artist.

Lot 270: Gorham sterling silver flatware set forty-five
It would be hard to imagine that the buyer of this 45 piece silver sterling flatware set by Gorham of Providence would be anything but happy- if the price at auction is right.

Lot 326: Wendell W. Chase sketches and etchings many
Interesting is this gathering of many sketches and etchings by Wendell W. Chase along with architects rendering of Boston Fish Market Corporation in South Boston.

Bunte Auction Services, Inc.

Lot 2061: ***COCHITI POLYCHROME POTTERY JAR Stylized
Curious and fairly rare is this Cochiti Pueblo pottery jar that represents a stylized bird decorated with black painted leaf and feather designs.

Lot 2066: EUNICE NAVASIE (HOPI) Polychrome painted
Eunice Fawn Navasie from northern Arizona in Hopi country is now no longer alive. She was a marvelous potter who generated a number of potters in her family. She explained to me that her designs came to her in her dreams.

Lot 2068: ***LAGUNA OLLA POTTERY JAR Polychrome painted
I wonder who at the Laguna Pueblo made this ten inch high Olla (or water vessel). It is a beautiful traditional design. Could it be the work of Evelyn Cheromiah or one of her students or her daughter, Lee Ann Cheromiah? Whomever it was, this potter was gifted.

Lot 2081: WESTERN APACHE COIL BASKET With star box
The western Apache who made this coil basket with its star box and triangular design had a perfect sense of radial symmetry in four directions. The four directions are basic to much Native American art and culture.

Lot 2083: PIMA COIL BASKET With 5 repeating geometric
The ingenious interlocking design of this Pima coil basket of 15" diameter is visually arresting. Condition is good.

Lot 2150: CHIPPEWA BANDOLEER BAG Beaded on cloth
This beaded Chippewa Bandoleer bag with flower and leaf decorations deserves an owner who will appreciate its dramatic decorative display. This is about 38" high by 12" wide.

Lot 2172: NAVAJO WEAVING Two Gray Hills with serrated
This Navajo weaving is a generous size at 70"x 43 1/2" -- and the color is handsome. Two Gray Hills is one of my favorite design patterns -- looks to be in good shape. Needs some cleaning.

Gray's Auctioneers

Lot 29: A pair of Regency mahogany cellarettes
Appropriate for the dining room of a wine connoisseur! I presume this pair of Regency cellarettes are British and must date c. 1820. The catalogue is not that specific, but a visit to the auction can help determine that.

Lot 92: Four Arts and Crafts style leaded windows
Someone who wants the "look" of arts and crafts windows without the price of period artifacts might consider this handsome set. Note that Arts and Crafts style indicates that these are not vintage works c. 1900.

Lot 212: Three Stick Spatter plates with rabbits.
Lots of "Stick Spatter" wares are posted in this auction. I like these because they feature running rabbits around their borders. Within the plates are three Adams Rose floral designs popular with the "Pennsylvania Dutch".

Lot 262: A fine Dan Mask
This impressive Dan mask comes with a receipt and certificate of Authenticity from Galerie Carrefour, Paris, 1969, stating that it comes from the Yacoba (Middle Region) Danane, Ivory Coast, and is an antique piece. The mask comes from the estate of Odette Valabregue Wurzburger.

Lot 303: Circle of Robert Walker (1607-1658) Portrait
Some conservation work is needed on this oil on canvas portrait from the circle of Robert Walker (1607-1658). Despite that, this is an opportunity to acquire an attractive portrait of a seventeenth century gentleman.

Lot 356: A gold and amethyst brooch
What a rich-looking brooch this is! It was made in the mid to late Victorian period (1860-80) -- with well wrought gold mounting a handsome amethyst. This comes from the estate of Odette Valabregue Wurzburger.

Lot 3087: ***TWO ROYAL WORCESTER TOBY JUGS ''Betsy''
Many Toby Jugs are offered in this auction. Most are the famous Royal Doulton character jugs. Look at them all and make your own choices. These two smaller Royal Worcester Toby Jugs are uncolored and to my taste-- good stout folks that seem contented.

Lot 3118: ***THREE CHARACTER JUGS George Washington
Two of these earthenware character jugs (Martha and George Washington) were made for the New York World's Fair 1939-1940. The other is a Wedgwood Elihu Yale Toby.

Lot 3191: ***GIUSEPPE ARMANI SCULPTURE Depicting eagle
The vigor of this Giuseppe Armani sculpture of an eagle on a rock is arresting. It stands 16 3/4" high. Wingspread is 16".

Lot 3255: ***LLADRO PORCELAIN FIGURINE ''Up And Away''
I'm not much attracted to Llardro porcelain figurines because to me they seem too sweet. But there are many finely made Llardro works in this auction that deserve attention. I like this one because of its depiction of Santa in his sleigh. Another Santa image is in Lot 3270.

Lot 3400L: ***BABE RUTH AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALL CONDITION:
Baseball collectors take note. This is a rare Babe Ruth autographed baseball that should hold appeal.

Westbridge Fine Art Auction House

Lot 2: Argent British photo Canada grain float
This period photograph records a Canadian parade with an extraordinary grain float. Remarkable!

Lot 6: Brangwyn British ink drawing of ship
Bold pen draftsmanship is characteristic of the British artist Frank Brangwyn who made this drawing for an illustration in Southey's Life of Nelson. Everything in this drawing suggests movement.

Lot 36: Maxwell etching Edinburgh landscape
Calton Hill, Edinburgh is represented in this fastidiously rendered etching made in the early 1900s by Tom Maxwell. Beautifully done!

Lot 37: Meindl Austrian oil winter mountain landscape
Here is an oil painting depicting a mountain landscape with a solo trail in the foreground snow by Austrian artist Meindl. The title of this painting is "A Mountain Paradise."

Lot 45: Saint-Alban French oil fishing
What clever focus on the bobber is displayed in this oil on canvas abstraction of water by the French artist Saint-Alban.

Swann Auction Galleries

Lot 29: CHUNG LING SOO. Chung Ling Soo.
Many impressive posters advertising masters of magic, necromancy, divination, enchantment and illusionism are offered in this auction. Here is an impressive and mysterious-looking lithographic poster for Chung Ling Soo printed in Birmingham.

Lot 81: HAMLEY BROTHERS. Illustrated Catalogue of Conjuring Tricks.
The Hamley Brothers in the late nineteenth century published an illustrated booklet of 108 pages with numerous illustrations. If understanding magic is your interest, then this Illustrated Catalogue of Congering Tricks, is a possible resource.

Lot 104: HOUDINI, HARRY. Press booklet for The Master Mystery, Inscribed and Si...
Perhaps Harry Houdini is the best known American who practiced many different spectacular magic tricks -- most famous of which was that of an escape artist. Here is his own copy of a Press booklet for "The Master Mystery" inscribed and signed by Houdini -- illustrated throughout with pictures of Houdini, who was an impressive looking man.

Lot 115: HOUDINI, HARRY. Vintage photograph showing a manacled Houdini jumping ...
This photograph shows Harry Houdini manacled and jumping into the Charles River from the Harvard Bridge. The photo was made by Walter J. Berry -- no date for the photo.

Lot 117: HOUDINI, HARRY. Vintage photograph of Houdini with well-known magician...
If a group of famous magicians photographed together with Harry Houdini appeals, then this is an opportunity to acquire an image of a great gathering. No doubt they shared their trade knowledge but were anxious to guard against the general public knowing the secrets of their profession. Lot 165 reveals but one of Houdini's secrets about how he escaped a locked water torture cell.

Lot 175: (HOUDINI, HARRY.) Robertson, M. M. Large pencil and pen-and-ink drawin...
I like this original pencil and pen drawing that depicts various aspects of Harry Houdini and his career. It was made by M.M. Robertson in 1939.

Lot 200: (MAGIC SET.) No. 25 Gilbert Mysto Magic Show Set.
Magic sets or kits captured the imagination of many youngsters who took up performing magic acts entertaining family and friends for a hobby. This set was made in New Haven, Conn. It is the largest magic set made by Gilbert-- No. 25 Gilbert Mysto Magic Show Set in its original case and with 5 instruction books. It dates to 1951. A much earlier set is offered in Lot 203 -- made in Germany in the 1870s. The most elegant set of the several offered in this auction is the French magic set of Lot 205, made in the 1870s.

Lot 246: ROBERT-HOUDIN, JEAN EUGÈNE. La Grand Pendule Clock.
There are three elegant Robert-Houdin clocks of Paris in this auction. This one is the most extraordinary. It was made in Paris in the 1860s. Read the entry for a description of this Houdin's La Grand Pendule Clock. The other two are Lots 32 and 77 -- both are impressive offerings as well.

Lot 300: WILKINS, JOHN. Mathematical Magick: or, the Wonders That may be Perfor...
Although a fourth edition, this book by John Wilkins, Mathematical Magick: or, the Wonders That may be performed by Mechanical Geometry (London, 1691) is an early book about magic and may well be a source of pleasure and information for a historian of magic. For an eighteenth century magic book see Lot 253, called The Compleat Gamester (London, 1739). See Lot 47 for 18 engraved plates depicting sleight of hand magic of the late eighteenth century.

Freeman's

Lot 4: EMILE HERMANN, Sterling silver tea&coffee set
This sterling silver set by Emile Hermann is a splendid early modern example of German workmanship. The sleek design of the 1940s is evident in the spare but beautifully curved design of these works.

Lot 5: Johan Rohde for Georg Jensen, Serving pieces
The 1950s taste for Danish modern/classic design is represented by these two "Acanthus" serving pieces by Johan Rohde for Georg Jensen. This is fine sterling silver marked "Sterling Denmark."

Lot 18A: Decorative plate from New York's World Fair
I enjoy collecting works that were made to celebrate world's fairs. This decorative plate shows scenes from the 1939 New York World's Fair. Read the entry for information on a label on the back of the plate.

Lot 45: SUE AND MAR, Mahogany 2 door armoire
Quiet elegance is reflected in this Sue and Andre Mar (French 1875- 1968 -- 1885-1932) mahogany two door armoire. The piece was made c. 1918-1920. Stylistically, this work might be described as early deco.

Lot 46: Four side chairs from France 1920s
This set of four side chairs with gilt frames and red upholstery would harmonize with the armoire listed above. They were made in France in the 1920's.

Lot 47: French wall mounted console with onyx top
To help furnish a deco period interior a person needs a console table. Here is a French example made c. 1928 with wrought-iron base and a white onyx top. An elegant French glass and mirrored vitrine/display case (French c. 1932) could be added with acquisition of Lot 49. Note also the sleek side table of 1935 offered in Lot 50. Ah, there are many elegant works that would look well together in this auction!

Lot 228: JOSEF ALBERS (GERMAN 1888-1976) 'S P VI' FROM
A number of color screen prints by Josef Albers (German 1888-1976) in this auction illustrates his investigation of color interactions and their relationships for which he is so famous. Although this "homage to the square" screen print was printed in Stuttgart, Germany, Albers left that country after the close of the Bauhaus in 1933. He first taught at Black Mt. College in North Carolina where he was in charge of the painting program until 1949. By 1950 he was teaching at Yale and became a powerful influence in the modern movement in this country. His influence continues at an Albers archival center in Bethany, Connecticut. Note that other screen prints offered in this auction were printed in Paris and New Haven.

Lot 239: NICOLA SIMBARI (ITALIAN B. 1927) 'DRIFTWOOD IN
I know nothing about Nicola Simbari (Italian, b. 1927), but this oil on canvas (35 3/4"x 39 1/4") is startling for its color and powerful sense of sunshine. It is signed by the artist and dated for the year 1963. Its title is "Driftwood in Ostia."

Lot 255: HENRY MOORE (BRITISH 1898-1986) 'TWO RECLINING
This color etching/acquatint and the previous lot (254) are both prints by the famous British sculptor, Henry Moore (1898-1986). This artist's proof from an edition of 25 prints represents the figural sculpture with openings for which Moore was most famous.

Lot 277: RUDOLF STAFFEL (AMERICAN B. 1911) 'LIGHT
I acquired a much larger ceramic "Light Gatherer" made by Rudolph Staffel (American, 1911) for the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Helen Drutt, who was married to Staffel, was a great promoter and dealer of contemporary crafts and brought Staffell to my attention. This translucent porcelain vase is inscribed by the artist under its base. While it is only 3 3/4" tall, it is a museum quality work! Staffel was something of a mystic. He was known to bury his ceramic masterpieces for later rediscovery.

Lot 306: HARRY BERTOIA (AMERICAN 1915-1978) UNTITLED -
The sculptor and furniture designer, Harry Bertoia (American 1915-1978) was extraordinarily versatile. This desk top size piece of sculpture is untitled but reflects the appearance of a bush. It was made in 1959 and comes directly from the artist through the present owner's parents. Look at Lot 307 for a larger work by the same artist.

Lot 371: STUART SHILS (AMERICAN B. 1954) STILL LIFE
Remarkable illusionistic realism is evident in this still life, oil on canvas by American Stuart Shils (b. 1954). Curious is the amount of luminous opalescent space above the still life -- as if the artist was most interested in this quiet space without forms.