Items From Nautical And Whaling Collections, Plus Fine Art, Period Furniture And Accessories To Be Sold March 30 By MV Auctions

ITEMS FROM NAUTICAL AND WHALING COLLECTIONS, PLUS FINE ART, PERIOD FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES TO BE SOLD MARCH 30 BY MV AUCTIONS

(Hyannis, Mass.) – Items from collections of nautical and whaling objects, including some belonging to Dale Totty, a Virginia-based watercolor painter and collector, will headline a multi-estate auction slated for Sunday, March 30, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel on Route 132 in Hyannis. The sale will be conducted by MV Auctions / Auctions of Cape Cod and the Islands.

“Dale Totty has devoted a good portion of his life to maritime interests, and he even had plans to open a museum in Richmond dedicated to whaling and shipbuilding,” said Ed Tessier of MV Auctions / Auctions of Cape Cod and the Islands. “He is accomplished both as an artist and collector, although his artistry is not nautical in nature.” Mr. Totty authored the book “Maritime Richmond, Virginia.”

In addition to the items in Mr. Totty’s collection, the sale will also feature important works of art by noted artists; period furniture and decorative accessories; fine Oriental rugs; and other items, gleaned from prominent area estates. “Our March sale has historically been a good one, and this will be no exception,” Mr. Tessier said. “About 275 lots will be sold, and all of it is prime, fresh merchandise.”

The nautical items will feature a great assortment of 19th-century whale craft, to include harpoons, cutters, lances, spades, ditty bags, a sail maker’s bench, sea chest and Brand harpoon gun. In addition, bidders will be treated to a rare, unicorn-like Narwhal tusk (7′ 2″ in length, circa 1900); a nice collection of about eight 19th-century whale bone canes; and some antique scrimshawed whale’s teeth.

Other nautical offerings will include a bone whale boat; a signal cannon; 19th-century shipbuilders’ tools and accessories; dry compasses; octants; sextants; captains’ liquor chests; a ship’s apothecary chest; “Woolie” ships’ portraits; an original whale boat bucket with hemp rope; inlaid sailors’ boxes; Morse helmets; and more.

Highly collectible and sought-after works of art have become a staple at MV Auctions sales, and this one will have plenty to choose from. The following offerings are but a few highlights:

• “Approaching Storm” by Charles Henry Gifford (Mass., 1839-1904) – Mr. Gifford is well known for his works in watercolors and oils (the painting to be sold is an oil-on-canvas). His marine renderings, landscapes and portrait paintings are sought after in the United States and Europe.
• “Mending the Nets” by Ross Moffett (Provincetown, Mass., 1888-1971) – Known for his seascapes, figures in landscape and abstract works, Mr. Moffett was born in Iowa and lived in California and Massachusetts, but he’s best known for his marine renderings of Provincetown. His biggest influence was his mentor and teacher, Charles W. Hawthorne.
• Untitled pencil drawing of a dog by Aiden Lassell Ripley (Mass., 1896-1969) – Mr. Ripley was one of Boston’s most distinguished and most beloved artists. Using oils, watercolors and grahics, he devoted himself to wildlife subjects. He was president of the Guild of Boston Artists (1959-1969).
• Large untitled circus painting by Reynolds Beal (N.Y./Mass., 1867-1951) – Mr. Beal became a prominent East Coast marine and landscape painter, but he was also enamored of the circus genre and painted many circus-related works. He had a great interest in yachting and maritime pursuits.
• An original work of art by Sydney Richmond Burleigh (R.I., 1853-1931) – Mr. Burleigh was born in the coastal town of Little Compton, R.I., and studied in Paris. He returned to Rhode Island and became a prolific painter. He worked in oils, but is best known for his outstanding watercolors.
• Two oil-on-canvas Provincetown renderings by John U. Perkins (Washington, D.C., 1875-1968).
• An oil-on-canvas painting of Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, by C. D. Cahoon.

Other artists who will be represented in the sale include Hobart Nichols; E.F. Lincoln; Clement Drew; August Laux; J. Serres; M.C.L. Drake; Lars Thorsen; F.C. Clark; C.G. Griffin; George McConnell; K. Wroblewski; Umberto Romano; J.C. Spencer; C. Thompson Pritchard; Polly Eddy; M. Kruslin; Porter Price; and Samuel Green. Ships’ prints and a Montague Dawson print will also be sold.

Period furniture pieces that will cross the block include an important Chippendale signed tall chest from the late 18th century; a Rhode Island Chippendale maple bureau; a Hepplewhite spade-foot sideboard (circa 1810); an 18th-century Newport chest on frame; a maple ball-and-claw drop-leaf table; an 18th-century French Canadian tavern table; a Shaker style bureau; and some candle stands.

Other furniture expected to draw keen bidder interest is an 18th-century corner chair; a Georgian console with eagle; camphor chests; tea tables; a drop-leaf Chippendale ball-and-claw foot table; a Stickley table (# 2382); an 18th-century cupboard; a set of six Sheraton chairs; and decorated sea chests. Oriental rugs include a roomsize Agra; Heriz; Oushak; Mahal; Sarouk; and Lavar Kirman.

Decorative accessories are also certain to wow the crowd. Featured pieces include a country game board; a folk art child’s chest with carving and inlays; a Victor Victrola # 4 with wooden horn; a small cigar store Indian; a banner weathervane; a Sheffield tankard by Matthew Bolton; Tiffany footed salts; a pair of Erte bronzes; and a goose decoy.

Other accessories include an apothecary trade sign; firefighting items (including belts, ribbons, badges and hats); a Hawaiian scrimshawed necklace; a Hawaiian silver chalise; a gold “Royal Order of the Kingdom of Hawaii” distinguished service medal; a # 2 Martin ukulele; a sterling silver tea set; sterling silver by Oneida in the “King Cedric” pattern; and other fresh-to-the-market items.

A preview will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 2-6 p.m., and on Sunday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to the start of sale (slated for 1 p.m.). The Courtyard Marriott Hotel is located on Route 132 in Hyannis, next door to the Cape Cod Mall. For more information and directions, click on the MV Auctions website, at www.mvauctions.com.

MV Auctions / Auctions of Cape Cod and the Islands has over 35 years’ experience in the antiques and decorative arts field. The firm handles merchandise from one piece to entire estates. MV Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly at (508) 771-1722. Or, send an e-mail to mvauctions@aol.com.