Aberdeen-Auctions of St. Petersburg, FL achieved excellent results in the August 2 – 3 sale of Russian artifacts.
Three Russian eggs were the stars of the show at the Aberdeen-Auctions sale of August 2-3. The top cackle rights went to a five inch tall burgundy model with gold exterior decoration made in the manner of Carl Faberge. It opened to reveal a small bouquet of porcelain and silver flowers. Nestled in its custom made case with Cyrillic markings the egg brought a winner of $17,250 including the fifteen percent buyer’s premium. A diminutive four inch version made of porcelain with a gilded body and star within a sunburst on the reverse featured the figure of a female saint on the face. Manufactured by the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory of St. Petersburg and signed “FNB” in unclear Cyrillic, the egg attracted 24 bids closing at $14,950. A third egg also porcelain by the Imperial Manufactory displaying the figure of a Russian pope, signed “KZ” in Cyrillic, hammered at $12,650.
The 365 lot online sale carried by LiveAuctioneers.com registered 326 online bidders, five absentee bids and 27 phone bidders representing dealers and collectors from 28 countries.
Several pleasant surprises were recorded in the sale. One of the best was a two volume set in Russian entitled “Travels in the East of Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia When Cesarewith” by E. E. Ukhtomskiy, published in St. Petersburg in 1893. From the collection of P. Dunkan, it was illustrated by N. N. Karzan and included more than 500 lithographs. Estimated at $4,500/$6,000, it raked in 58 bids with a winner of $14,370. Another little eye opener was a Russian silver and enamel napkin ring enameled with colorful foliage. Circa 1902 with Cyrillic maker’s marks, the 1¾ by 2½in ring was estimated at $440/$500. It closed at $1,350.
Horses were a popular as eggs, at least bronze ones were. A 7in tall bronze figure of a mounted peasant boy with two more horses, by Evgeni Lanceray (1848-1886), inscribed with signature and foundry mark brought a winning bid of $14,650 against the $11,000/$13,000 estimate. Another work by Lanceray, a 9in tall figure of a Kirgiz horseman went for $7474 and a 9½in bronze by Vasili Grachev (1831-1905) mounted on a rose marble base depicting a couple kissing while on horseback with a date stamp of 1877 sold for $9,200. Substituting cast iron for bronze worked for a Russian troika being pulled by a pair of horses, marked and dated 1912, the 18 by 10 by 7in figure set sold for $4,150 against the estimate of $1,000/$1,500.
Russian art also did well starting with a Russian gilded silver and enamel photograph frame, the work of master Antip Ivanovich Kuzmichov, Moscow 1888. The enamel featured colorful cloisonné and translucent royal blue enamel. The 5in frame bore the maker’s mark in Cyrillic, the assayer mark, a Moscow hallmark and a scratched inventory number 3955. It sold within estimate at $14,950. But the art itself was the top lot of the sale. A 25 by 20in framed oil on canvas of theater action by Natal’ia Sergeevna Gonchaova (1881-1962) signed lower left sold over estimate for $20,700. It was closely followed by a pair of village scenes, oil on canvas, by Jacopo da Ponte Bassance (Italian 1610/18 – 1593). From a private collection in Lexington, KY the framed 46 by 70in paintings sold for $18,400. A work by Walter Dendy Sadler (English 1854-1923),oil on canvas entitled “The Complete Angler” dated 1884, framed 41½ by 55in, sold for $11,788.
For more information about this sale call (727) 656-2974, email Aberdeen.auctions@gmail.com or visit the website at http://www.aberdeen-auctions.com/.
With the nomination of Governor Sarah Palin as VP on the Republican ticket, now we have a real election with definite choices. But, what’s important to us in the Antique & Collectible business is — can we make money with it? Yes, we can.
Regardless of whom you’re rooting for, before today, there was only one party that could make history. But now, which ever party wins, history will still be made this November. I believe this election will rate within the top five great elections of all times. Right up there with Washington, Lincoln and Kennedy. In the world of Political Memorabilia, this means mega bucks.Yesterday’s events have heightened the possibility of for us.
Since the Primaries began, I’ve been writing about getting out there and stocking up on the free memorabilia generated from this election, from both parties. Today, I almost want to command you to go out there and find posters, pins, photographs, ribbons and anything else that represents this election. Go to rallies, town hall meeting, debates, party headquarters and anywhere else you think of where material from this election might be hiding. Those who started early during the Primaries and were able to get their items signed now have a real treasure in their hands.
November is right around the corner, and time is running out for you to acquire these items. What are you waiting for? Items are already escalating in price on eBay and other auctions. You can check this out by going to eBay and doing a word search for McCain, then Obama, and then Palin. Then check the completed sales prices.
Pick up some items while they’re still free. Or, purchase a real treasure at an auction for a good price now, because I don’t think we’ve seen anything yet. Pins, posters and other items from this historic election, featuring Obama and Biden plus McCain and Palin will likely bring in thousands upon thousands just a few years from now.
My Dad, God bless him, told me once, “If you see your lucky star be sure to grab hold and never let it go.” Well this election can be a lucky star for anyone who takes advantage of this opportunity. I am 67 years old, and in my lifetime, there has never been an opportunity like this one. I challenge you to look through price guides and see the prices people are paying for political memorabilia that has very little historic value. Memorabilia from this election will rate up there with the best of the best.
Do you remember the auction of Kennedy’s personal affects? His desk, I think, brought several hundred thousand dollars and then other offerings tripled and quadrupled their estimated values. Kennedy’s belongings will nowhere match the value of the belongings of winners of today’s candidates in this election.
When you discover where you can either buy or get these free collectibles, try to get more than one. You’ll find the value will have greatly increased shortly after the election, and you can cash in on some short term, but and save some items to cash in long term, and some to pass down to your children.
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NRA’s Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest Opens Saturday
RATON, NM – The Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest, housed at the NRA’s Whittington Center, opens this Saturday, August 30. The grand opening of the highly anticipated museum highlights 130 firearms that contributed to the exploration and development of the southwest, specifically the northern New Mexico region.
The Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest is funded by a generous donation from Frank Brownell of Montezuma, Iowa, the CEO of one of Brownells, the nation’s largest gunsmithing and firearms accessory businesses. The museum is a welcomed addition to the 33,300-acre, world-class shooting facility, which attracts 200,000 visitors a year.
Life-size mannequins depict the uniforms, firearms, and equipment used by Union Soldiers at the 1862 battle of Glorieta; the men from Raton who served in Troop G of Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the Spanish American War; and the men of New Mexico who served in the famed Thunderbird Division (45th) in the Second World War.
The Whittington Center, established in 1973, will become home to the largest collection of firearms and related memorabilia on display in the state. One section of the museum illustrates New Mexico’s history, from the earliest days of the Spanish conquest through the modern era. Other sections showcase firearms used in hunting the six species of game found on the center’s sprawling preserve and the firearms used in any number of the regional, national, and international shooting matches held at the center’s world-class ranges.
The museum is open year round, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays. It is located 10 miles Southwest of Raton off Highway 64. Call (575)445-3615 for more information.
Automotive Fine Arts Society’s 23rd Annual Art Show a Hit at 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Artist Stanley Rose Captures Top Honors at the 2008 Exhibit
Pebble Beach, Calif. – August 28, 2008 – Demand for automotive fine art was strong as the Automotive Fine Arts Society experienced solid sales and attendance during their 23rd annual art exhibit at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17, 2008. Stanley Rose headlined the award winners by capturing the prestigious Peter Helck Award for his stunning painting, “Nuvolari.” Sponsored by the Lincoln Division of Ford Motor Company, the amazing art show on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links included automotive subjects in a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and various metals.
“The Pebble Beach Concours was once again the world’s ultimate gathering of classic cars and astute auto enthusiasts,” said Ken Eberts, president of AFAS. “We experienced an amazing flow of visitors throughout the day and received rave reviews of our latest works. Thanks to events like the Pebble Beach Concours, the demand for automotive fine art continues to grow across the globe.”
The organization’s top honor, the Peter Helck Award, went to Rose’s “Nuvolari.” The 40″ x 40″ oil on canvas painting featured racing legend Tazio Nuvolari and the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider. The amazing 8C 2300 Spider was the star of Alfa Romeo’s racing stable during the 1930s. Nuvolari piloted the Alfa to victories at the famous Targa Florio road race in 1931 and 1932. The award is given annually to the artist whose work represents what his fellow artists believe is the pinnacle of automotive fine art. Rose also won the Lincoln Award for his elegant display of original works.
“I’m proud to receive these high honors for a painting that commemorates a pair of vintage racing icons,” noted Rose. “The inspiration for this piece came from seeing a stunning Alfa Romeo 8C on the field during the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours. I was mesmerized by the flawless mechanical detail of the front wheel suspension and brake system, which I highlighted in the painting. The image of this unique car offered a perfect setting for a portrait of Tazio Nuvolari, who was quite familiar with the Alfa 8C.”
Receiving Awards of Excellence for original pieces at the 2008 show were Eberts, Larry Braun, Peter Hearsey, Jay Koka and Richard Pietruska.
For 23 years, AFAS artists have earned significant praise at the Pebble Beach Concours and are widely acknowledged as the premier automotive artists in the world. The AFAS will showcase new automotive depictions during their 14th annual exhibit at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March 2009.
About the Automotive Fine Arts Society
Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the AFAS includes some of the most prestigious talents in fine art. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS participates in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d´Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. Information about AFAS is available at www.autoartgallery.com or by contacting Luke DeRouen at (214) 520-3430 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com.
Sotheby’s New York Sale of Important Jewels to be held on September 25, 2008
Featuring Superb Collection of Period Jewels
Top Quality Estate Diamonds Offered
New York, New York – On September 25, 2008, Sotheby’s New York will hold a sale of Important Jewels, with an exciting selection of signed and period Estate Jewels and white diamonds which are extremely interesting to collectors in this market. The sale consists of approximately 450 lots and is estimated to bring $11 / 15 million*. The pre-sale exhibition opens on September 20, 2008.
The highlight of this sale is an exceptional group of period jewels, mostly by Cartier, that showcase the timeless beauty of art deco and retro jewelry design. The collection, which will open the second session of the sale and is Property from a Private Collector, comprises over 40 lots, the majority of which are wonderful examples of classic 1930s and 1940s style. About this collection, Gary Schuler, Director of the Jewelry Department at Sotheby’s New York said, “When we first saw this exquisite property, we knew it’s ideal for the market today as it will appeal to not only traditional Cartier collectors but those who admire great jewelry design. The jewelry is not just beautiful to look at, it’s completely wearable and remains in fashion today. This collection epitomizes the eye of a collector who favored accessorizing with the chicest designs of the day, and each jewel chosen has endured the test of time.”
The offering from Property from a Private Collector features a Rock Crystal, Tourmaline and Diamond Clip/Bangle Combination, Cartier, circa 1935 (lot 265, est. $15/20,000), a stellar example of crisp art deco design. Amongst the many examples of retro style jewelry is a Citrine Quartz and Diamond Flower Brooch, Cartier, circa 1945 (lot 247, est. $15/20,000), featured on the cover of the sale catalogue.
In addition to the art deco and 1940s jewels, this Collection also includes earlier vintage pieces such as an angelic Natural Freshwater Pearl and Fancy Colored Diamond Bar Brooch, Black Starr & Frost, circa 1915 (lot 268, est. $50/75,000). At the core of the most important jewelry collections is a major diamond ring, and this one is no exception, offering an emerald-cut Harry Winston Diamond Ring, circa 1962, set with a D color, VS1 clarity stone, weighing 7.59 carats (lot 273, est. $250/350,000).
From The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal, distinguished collectors and philanthropists with a pioneering interest in African and Oceanic Art, comes an impressive Diamond Ring, Harry Winston (lot 455, est. $200/250,000), set with a D color, VVS1 and Potentially Flawless stone weighing 5.81 carats. The Rosenthal jewels also include an 18 Karat Gold Bangle-Bracelet, Pol Bury, circa 1970 (lot 447, est. $6/8,000), designed as a cuff topped by a plaque set with articulated spheres, inspired by ethnic motifs and contemporary in style, a Seed Pearl and Diamond Sautoir, French, circa 1910 (lot 454, est. $15/20,000) and several other classic pieces.
Another private collection featured in the sale of Important Jewels is Property from the Estate of Odette Valabregue Wurzburger comprising signed daytime jewels mainly by Van Cleef & Arpels. The highlight of the Estate is an exquisite Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, set with an emerald-cut Kashmir sapphire weighing 25.25 carats (lot 228, est. $250/350,000). Another desirable stone from the Wurzburger Estate is a very beautiful 7.34 carat emerald-cut Diamond Ring of E color (lot 229, est. $85/100,000).
Amongst the array of signed jewels included in the September auction is an 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Parure, Sterlé, Paris, circa 1950 (lot 444, est. $40/60,000) comprising a delightful bow design necklace, bracelet and pair of earclips. From a Pennsylvania Estate, a swag motif Diamond Necklace, Harry Winston (lot 407, est. $150/175,000) is set with round and marquise-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 57.00 carats. Another collectible piece being offered is an Emerald and Diamond Ring, Verdura (lot 408, est. $100/150,000), featuring an emerald-cut classic Colombian emerald weighing approximately 11.00 carats. Strong competition is expected for a Diamond Ring, Tiffany & Co (lot 431, est. $625/675,000), set with a D color, Internally Flawless, oval modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 7.33 carats, flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds, mounted in platinum.
Sotheby’s International Jewelry department looks forward to sales of Magnificent Jewels in Hong Kong on October 7; Geneva on November 19; and New York on December 9. Highlights from these sales will be previewed at exhibitions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and throughout the U.S. this fall.
Only six examples of this work by the Prairie School designer are known to exist. It will be sold at Matheson’s AA Auction in Melbourne, FL in the September 27, 28 sale.
Matheson’s AA Auction sale of September 27, 28 will feature fine art and antiques from five estates including one from Miami and one from Palm Beach. Included in the inventory from one of the estates of a long deceased owner where it sat undisturbed for decades was a Teco vase designed by Frank Albert early in the twentieth century. According to Auction owner Lloyd Matheson only six examples of this vase are known to exist. The last one known to cross the auction block as September 11, 2005 at Treadway Toomey Gallery. The 18½in tall vase with the organic looking swirling base in the soft Teco green matte finish with three Teco marks on the base has a presale estimate of $40,000/$60,000.
In addition to the vase the auction inventory of fresh to the market fine estate antiques includes some exceptional art by August Rene Francois/Rodin French (1840-1917) including two watercolors of Cambodian dancers, A watercolor by Aiden Lassell Ripley (American 1896-1969) and a landscape “Mink Hollow Brook by Jervis McEntree (American 1828-1891), three drawings by George Cruikshank (British 1792-1878) as well as nearly a dozen hand colored Currier and Ives lithographs, Audobon hand colored lithographs and ten examples of Florida Highwaymen paintings by Alfred Hair, James Gibson, Isaac Knight and Al Black. Other sporting art includes eight signed lithographs by Frank W. Benson (American 1862-1951) and nine colored prints by Arthur Burdett Frost (American 1851-1928).
The two day sale will include over 800 lots with over 250 lots of fine jewelry, major clocks, fine art and fabulous furniture from one estate. Only twenty lots in the sale will be presented with reserves.
A number of outstanding clocks are featured in the antiques portion of the sale including a large dore’ bronze cartel clock signed “Barbedienne” 53in high by 18in wide purportedly from the estate of Harry Winston, an 18th century boulle working clock and stand, Boutard, Paris, 52in high, a 7ft 2in tall 18th century grandfather clock by Ralph Barret Winstanly, Wigan and an 8ft 4in moon phase grandfather clock by Peter Fearnley, also of Wigan. Also included is a pair of magnificent dore’ bronze candelabra, signed Mathieu Meusnier, 43in high.
Over 100 lots of jewelry will flash and impress in this sale which features a 3 carat solitaire platinum engagement ring with the color “G,” a 2 carat diamond solitaire cocktail ring, a 2.7 carat solitaire gold ring, two Patek Phillipe 18K watches and an expandable 18K gold necklace with 5 carat solitaire as well as much more.
The sale will begin at 11:00AM Saturday September 27 and will continue at 12:00 NOON Sunday September 28. Preview will be Friday September 26 from 11:00AM to 6:00PM and two hours prior to the sale on each auction day. Matheson’s AA Auction is located at 600 E. New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, FL 32901. Seating for 200 can be reserved by phone, (321) 768-6668 or by email at aaauctions@earthlink.net. Selected portions of the catalog are available for viewing on the Matheson’s AA Auction website at http://www.mathesonsaaauction.com/ and at http://www.liveaucitoneers.com/. The auction will be called by 33 year veteran auctioneer and auction co-owner Lloyd J. Matheson, Jr. Phone and absentee bids are welcomed. For more information call auction owners Lloyd or Jan Matheson or Auction Manager Carey Lucas (321) 768-6668.
Museum Victoria Acquires Indigenous Objects At Auction
Museum Victoria has acquired two Indigenous objects of international significance from recent auctions – Rain Ceremony Dreaming, a painting by Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri, and a 19th century shield from Victoria.
The items, purchased for $36,000 and $73,000 respectively, will join Museum Victoria’s Indigenous Cultures collection which comprises more than 65,000 objects.
“Museum Victoria has the most extensive and culturally important collection of Australian Aboriginal materials in the world,” said Lindy Allen, Senior Curator, Anthropology (Northern Australia), Museum Victoria.
Museum Victoria’s Indigenous Cultures Collection from Central Australia encompasses diverse examples of material cultural items collected over a 100-year period from Arrente, Warlpiri, Warumungu, Kaytej, Pitjantjatjara and other groups.
“Early painted boards such as Rain Ceremony Dreaming represent an integral shift away from the traditional representation of ritual iconography towards the production of these same images by the old Pintupi men at Pupunya using modern materials. These men, including Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri, had only recently walked out of the desert and at this time were being encouraged to express themselves in an entirely novel way by the art teacher Geoffrey Bardon,” explained Allen.
Created in 1972, the work represents the Rain Dreaming ceremony and features clear depictions of artefacts, sand paintings and decorated ritual objects. Within a few years these realistic representations of ritual work disappeared, and the designs became more abstracted to disguise the sacred meanings associated with them. In doing so, this became the foundation of what is considered the most important artistic movement to emerge from Australia, the Western Desert Art Movement.
“Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri played an instrumental role in the development of the Western Desert Art movement and his work has been recognised internationally, so the Museum feels extremely fortunate to be able to have purchased this significant piece,” she added.
Also purchased at auction was a rare and distinctively decorated broad shield from Victoria, dating from the 19th Century. In an 1878 work by R. Brough Smyth (The Natives of Victoria), this type of shield is referred to as a Gee-am, used for protection in general fights involving spears.
The shield was acquired under the Victorian Artefact Acquisition Fund, auspiced by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, which allows Museum Victoria to actively seek out and acquire historical Victorian Aboriginal wooden artefacts so that they are in public ownership and therefore available to the Victorian Aboriginal community.
AULDEN CELLAR-SOTHEBY’S OPENS THE FALL SEASON WITH FINEST AND RAREST WINES ON SEPTEMBER 20TH
Aulden Cellars-Sotheby’s will hold its first of four wine sales this fall season in New York beginning with a various-owner sale of Finest and Rarest Wines, on September 20th, 2008. The sale will include 1,361 lots, and is estimated to bring $2.3/3.3 million. Three sales will follow, one each month through December, including an Evening Sale on Tuesday, October 28th.
The September sale will include wines from Bordeaux, Sauternes, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone and California, a few highlighted are featured below. The sale will begin at 10am followed by a lunch served to all registered bidders. A pre-sale tasting will be held on September 18th from 6-7 pm (please call the Sotheby’s Wine department for reservations (212) 606-7050).
Below is a list of highlights that will be offered on September 20th: Please note that estimates do not include buyer’s premium
Bordeaux
4 cases of 6 magnum bottles of Château Lafite 1966 (est. $2,250/3,250 per lot)
6 bottles of Château Cheval Blanc 1961, (est. $4,500/6,000)
12 bottles of Château Haut Brion 2000 (est. $5,500/7,500 per lot)
12 bottles of La Mission Haut Brion 2000 (est. $5,500/7,500 per lot)
Sauternes
24 half bottles of Château d’Yquem 1990 (est. $6,500/8,000)
12 bottles of Château d’Yquem 1990 (est. $6,000/9,000)
Red Burgundy
6 bottles of Clos de la Roche, 1966 Armand Rousseau (est. $3,000/5,000)
3 bottles of Richebourg 1949, Leroy (est. $4,750/7,000)
4 cases of 12 bottles of Musigny, Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, 1999 Comte Georges de Vogue (est. $4,500/6,500 per lot)
White Burgundy
3 bottles of Montrachet 1983, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (est. $4,250/7,500)
12 bottles of Meursault Charmes 1990, Domaine des Comtes Lafon (est. $3,000/4,000)
2 magnums of Montrachet 1995, Domaine Ramonet (est. $5,000/7,000)
Champagne
3 magnums of Krug 1985 (est. $3,000/5,000)
1 magnum of Bollinger, R.D. 1961 (est. $2,000/3,000)
3 magnums of Dom Perignon 1971 (est. $6,000/9,000)
3 magnums Salon Le Mesnil, Blanc de Blanc 1985 (est. $3,000/$5,000)
Rhone
6 bottles of Côte Rôtie, La Landonne 1985 Guigal (est. $4,250/6,500)
5 bottles of Côte Rôtie, La Mouline 1985 Guigal (est. $3,500/4,500)
Cailfornia
14 bottles of Groth Reserve 1985 (est. $3,500/5,500)
2 cases of 4 bottles of Screaming Eagle 2005 (est. $4,000/6,000 per lot)
6 bottles of Harlan Estate 1997 (est. $6,000/9,000)
RARE, IMPORTANT ATLAS OF CHINA WILL HEADLINE OLD WORLD AUCTIONS ONLINE SALE, SEPT. 10th – 24th
(Sedona, Ariz.) – An important atlas of China with 42 maps, executed in Paris in 1737 by the renowned French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville, is the anticipated top lot of an online auction (#125) planned for September 10-24 by Old World Auctions. The atlas constitutes the first scientific mapping of China, for the Emperor Kang-Shi. It is expected to bring $14,000-$18,000.
The atlas – just one of hundreds of important maps, atlases and other items slated to change hands in the sale – was the principal cartographical authority on China for the rest of the 18th century. It provides the first accurate depiction of the Pacific coastline and features the first map of Korea by a European cartographer. It also has detailed coverage of China and the first serious study of Tibet.
“The weekend before the auction’s close, we will be exhibiting and previewing selected lots at the Rocky Mountain Map Fair in Denver,” said Curt Griggs of Old World Auctions. “The event will be September 19-20, at the Denver Public Library. We will have on hand approximately one hundred of the better maps and atlases.” For more details on the map fair, you may log on to www.rmmaps.com.
A Revolutionary War-era plan of Boston, depicting the famous Battle of Bunker Hill (J. Murray, London, 1778), is expected to pique the interest of map enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The plan shows the city of Boston with a key below. It also provides a dramatic depiction of the the iconic 1775 battle, with the American and British forces separated by the now-famous rail fence (est. $600-$750).
An incredible, large-scale chart of the West Indies, spanning from Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico through the Bahamas and Caribbean islands as far south as Antigua (William Heather, London, 1757), will also be sold. The chart is filled with excellent detail, particularly in the Florida Keys and Bahamas. It is printed on three joined sheets, as issued. It is expected to hammer for $5,500-$7,500.
An ambitious atlas of the world, but concentrating mainly on the American continent (Samuel Augustus Mitchell, Philadelphia, 1854), is sure to intrigue atlas collectors. It is an unusually fine copy of a highly sought after atlas, complete with 75 hand-colored maps of the world, North America and other continents, Oceania, the U.S. and its territories, and numerous city plans (est. $6,000-$8,000).
The first separately printed map devoted to the Arctic (Gerard Mercator, Amsterdam, 1628) will also come up for bid. The North Pole is shown according to legend, as a large rock in a giant whirlpool, surrounded by four islands separated by rivers. One of the islands is noted as being inhabited by pygmies. In North America, there is an early reference, by name, to California (est. $2,500-$3,250).
Certain to draw attention because it is so unusual and rare is an early Korean wood-block map in heavy back ink, created by an anonymous artisan around 1850. The map was made in Korea, with the toponyms and explanatory text written in Chinese (typical of early Korean cartography during this period). It details the province of Hamgyong-do (est. $400-$600).
Rounding out the list of top lots are a star chart of the constellations Aquarius and Scorpio, executed in London in 1749 by Dr. John Bevis (1695-1771). Bevis was a successful physician whose interest in optics and lenses turned into an occupation. He also loved the stars, and was the original discoverer of the Crab Nebula. He began compiling his star atlas in 1746, but it was never completed and his celestial charts are exceedingly rare (est. $1,000-$1,500).
Old World Auctions’ previous sale (#124) closed on May 7, with over 800 lots changing hands. Following are top lots from the sale. All prices quoted include a 15% buyer’s premium.
A graphic Democratic Party campaign poster, produced during the contentious presidential election of 1884 between Grover Cleveland (Democrat) and former Speaker of the House James G. Blaine (Republican) topped out at $748. The Democrats used exaggeration and deception in the poster to suggest Blaine was in the pockets of the railroad companies. It evidently worked: Cleveland won.
A superb map of the province of Peking, China (Blaeu, from Novus Atlas Sinensis, Amsterdam, circa 1655), reached $4,600 on an estimate of $1,100-$1,300. The map is the most ornate of the fifteen provincial maps in this landmark atlas of China compiled by Father Martino Martini, an Italian Jesuit priest.
An uncommon and detailed sea chart of the North Sea (Van Keulen, Amsterdam, circa 1740) hammered for $3,163. The map shows the eastern coastlines of England and Scotland to the Shetland Islands, and from Scandinavia to Flanders, with soundings and coastal detail. It is decorated with a fabulous cartouche that incorporates the scale of miles and two coats of arms. A lone ship sails the sea.
One of the most decorative 18th-century world maps (Homann, Nuremberg, circa 1730) soared to $4,313. The two hemispheres are surrounded by vivid engravings of water spouts, a rainbow, earthquakes and a volcano. The map shows a typical geographic view of the period, with an incorrect northwest coastline for North America (“Terra Esonis”), and most of the Pacific incompletely mapped.
A small French map depicting the fledgling settlement of Santa Barbara, Calif. (circa 1844) rose to $431. The mission, gardens and pueblo are located and the Presidio and battery are noted to be in ruins.
Several other maps also exceeded their estimates. An uncommon and detailed sea chart of the North Sea by Van Keulen (Amsterdam, circa 1740) hammered for $3,163, despite its less-than -tellar condition. An interesting set of maps showing Union and Confederate Army troop buildups over three days (July 1-3, 1863) in Gettysburg, Pa., climbed to $489, against a high estimate of $250. A handsome strip-style English road map published in John Ogilby’s Britannia (circa 1675) sold for $633, against a $350-$425 estimate.
Old World Auctions has been based in Sedona, Ariz., since 1993. The firm specializes in cartography and conducts five sales each year. The auctions are always held online; the firm has no floor auction. In addition to Internet bidding, phone, fax and mail bids are accepted. Last year, Old World Auctions celebrated its 30th year of offering quality cartographic material to clients worldwide.
To learn more about Old World Auctions, and to view the lots that will be featured in Auction #125 (on-line September 10th), click on www.OldWorldAuctions.com. The firm is accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a historical map or a collection, you may call them at (928) 282-3944, or toll-free, (800) 664-7757. You can also e-mail them, at Marti@OldWorldAuctions.com.
Smithsonian “Earth from Space” Exhibition to Appear in Classrooms Across the Country
Washington, DC- Beginning this fall, students across the country will be able to experience a Smithsonian exhibition in their own schools. The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, is providing a free poster version of the popular exhibition “Earth from Space” to more than 700 schools, universities, libraries, community centers and other venues.The 20-poster set features beautifully detailed satellite images of the planet-from the swirling arms of a massive hurricane and the grid-like pattern of Kansas farmland to the triangular shadows cast by the Great Pyramids and the sinuous channels entering the Arctic Ocean. “Earth from Space” illustrates how satellite imagery is gathered and used to expand mankind’s understanding of life on Earth. It also explores the remote-sensing technology used to gather the images and describes the individual satellites whose images are on display.
“The Smithsonian is proud to be able to share illuminating scholarship from the National Air and
SpaceMuseum in a format that allows for extraordinarily widespread distribution,” said Anna Cohn, SITES director. “‘Earth from Space’ inspires dreams and discovery, and while the photographs were taken from far away, they can launch learning opportunities about our lives here on earth.”
The poster exhibition was born of the popular and award-winning museum exhibition of the same title that premiered November 2006 at the National Air and
SpaceMuseum. In 2007, “Earth from Space” won a U.S. Geological Survey communications award for science content.
The images provide clues about the nature of our planet and offer teachers opportunities to engage students in a broad array of science topics, including geography, environmental studies, ecology, oceanography and meteorology.
An educational companion Web site, www.earthfromspace.si.edu, contains an online version of the exhibition, and additional images and information. It also provides numerous educational resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, Web site links and available publications.
“Earth from Space” was developed by the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and
SpaceMuseum, in collaboration with SITES. Andrew Johnston, a geographer at the center and author of “Earth from Space” (Firefly Books, 2004), is the exhibition’s curator.
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside
Washington, D.C., for more than 50 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. Exhibition descriptions and tour schedules are available at www.sites.si.edu.
