Artfact Live! April Auction Results Roundup

(Boston, MA) – Online sales continued to thrive in April thanks to a variety of high-quality auctions from Artfact’s international community of auction houses. Highlights include: Eldred’s April 8 – 10 “Americana & Paintings” auction with over 500 online bidders from 19 countries; Alderfer Auction & Appraisal’s April 15 “Antique Doll Auction” where online bidders claimed 40% of the sale and Vectis Auctions’ “Specialist Diecast” auction on April 27 with 284 lots selling online.

Kodner Galleries, “Antiques, Fine Art, Jewelry & Decorative Art” – April 14, 2010
19th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Plaque
Price Realized: $16,000
Asian Art continues to be a hot commodity at Kodner Galleries. In March a Chinese Jade Carved Figurine estimated at a mere $200 to $300 sold online for $1,500. Likewise, it was a 19th century Chinese Export painted plaque that piqued the interest of online and in-house bidders alike during Kodner’s April 14 auction. The plaque, which measures 15 1/8” x 9 ¾”, features a polychrome figure of a girl seated under a tree. Estimated at $500 to $700, the signed plaque sold online for $16,000—more than 20 times pre-auction estimates.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/19th-century-chinese-export-porcelain-plaque-of-a-203-c-83c15268ab

Lyon & Turnbull, “Decorative Arts” – April 14, 2010
George Wagner Gilt Bronze and Ivory Figure circa 1910
Price Realized: £3,400
Dated circa 1910, the gilt bronze and ivory statue sold by Lyon & Turnbull on April 14 highlights an important transition point in the evolution of 20th century Decorative Arts. While the sensuous nude and naturalistic draping is indicative of Art Nouveau, the use of luxurious materials like bronze and ivory hints at Art Deco. Thanks to strong online participation, this beautifully carved figure sold well above its pre-auction estimate—going to an online bidder for £3,400.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/george-wagner-gilt-bronze-and-ivory-figure,-circa-11-c-55e4514585

Weschler’s, “Jewelry, Coins & Watches”—April 17, 2010
Gentleman’s 18kt Gold Open Face Pocket Watch
Price Realized: $17,000
It was a late 19th century gentleman’s pocket watch that stole the show during Weschler’s April 17 auction. Estimated at $2,000 to $3,000, the watch features a blue silhouetted gold architectural dial with repeating Renaissance man automaton above three seated putti hammering bells. Selling to an online bidder for $17,000, the pocket watch more than quadrupled estimates—making it the top selling online lot and the second highest price overall.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/gentleman-s-18-karat-yellow-gold-automata-quarter-31-c-8cd212b915

Eldred’s, “Spring Asian Art Auction”—April 23, 2010
Rhinoceros Horn Bead Necklace
Price Realized: $24,780
Consisting of 80 meticulously carved beads, a rhino horn necklace sold by Eldred’s during its “Spring Asian Art Auction” caught the interest of several online bidders. While the necklace dates to the early 19th century, rhinoceros horn has been prized for centuries for its supposed healing powers and beautiful, translucent color. Thanks to the participation of several online bidders, it quickly soared above its $2,000 to $2,500 estimate. Selling online for $24,780 (including buyers premium), the rhinoceros necklace was the top selling item from the April 23 auction.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/rhinoceros-horn-bead-necklace-consisting-of-eight-620-c-54833f3c37

Note: Auction lot details and enlarged lot images available at www.artfact.com with free registration.

About Artfact:
Founded in 1989, Artfact is the largest global marketplace of fine and decorative arts, antiques, collectibles, and estate auctions. On January 1, 2009, Artfact launched Artfact Live!, its proprietary live auction bidding platform, enabling users to bid real time on auctions being held around the world by its prestigious auction house partners. Currently, over 1,000 fine auctioneers actively list their catalogues with Artfact.com and its U.K. sister site Invaluable.com, reaching the Artfact community of more than 10 million knowledgeable collectors and dealers worldwide. Artfact's industry leading database includes more than 57 million complete auction results totaling more than $204 billion in value, including information on more than 500,000 international artists. In 2006, Artfact acquired RFC Systems, the leading provider of enterprise software developed specifically for the fine art and antique auction house industry. RFC helps prestigious auction houses around the world manage their businesses by automating their day-to-day operations.

Editor’s Notes:
- Additional background information available.
- Interviews with Doug Ellinger, VP Marketing, dellinger@artfact.com, (617) 746-9882
- Complimentary media subscriptions to the Artfact database available upon request.