: - A rare Keene Glassworks Masonic/eagle flask in a deep purple
amethyst became the top lot at Norman Heckler's recent auction of
Rare Flasks, Midwestern Glass, Bottles and Fine Glass, selling at
$47,040.
The bottle, with a dark purple bottom section, lightening toward
the middle and darkening again at the shoulders and mouth, was
termed "exceptional" by auctioneer and American glass expert
Norman Heckler.
"Though we have handled other examples of this mold and color,"
states Heckler in the catalog, "we have never held as exceptional
example as this one."
The pint-sized flask, a GIV-1, had a sheared mouth and pontil
scar.
Another of the top lots was a Wynkoop's Sarsparilla bottle that
was termed the "top bottle for most medicine collectors." In a
pleasing deep brilliant sapphire blue the tall rectangular
half-gallon bottle had been recently discovered in a Connecticut
home on a fireplace mantel.
Eagle/medallion flask, $31,360.
The bottle was in overall excellent condition with just some
minor scratches on the bottom of the embossed panel and carried an
estimate of $25/50,000. Brisk bidding on the lot pushed the price
near the high estimate with it selling at $43,680.
An eagle/medallion flask in a brilliant medium yellow green
color, "extremely rare and exceptional," according to Heckler who
further stated that it was "one of the most beautiful examples we
have ever handled," also brought a premium price. Bidding on the
lot was spirited with it selling at $31,360.
Another flask to do well was a "The American System"
steamboat/"Use Me But Do Not Abuse Me" example in a brilliant
aquamarine that was also called one of the finest examples in the
mold. Estimated at $10/20,000, the lot was hammered down at
$20,160.
Other top lots included a Keen sunburst flask with expanded mouth
that realized $4,710, and a Layfayette/Ma-sonic portrait flask in
light yellow olive went for $8,400.
Wynkoop's Sasparilla bottle, $43,680.
Two Washington/Taylor flasks attracted quite a bit of
attention from collectors with an example with a strong impression
in deep cobalt blue selling at $7,840, while another example with a
weak impression but in an extremely rare amethyst color realized
$6,720 despite a large mouth chip.
Heckler's also recently conducted a live auction at the barn in
Woodstock that took place in conjunction with a bottle show that
invited vendors to display their wares in their large fields at
no charge. The show saw nearly 50 dealers exhibitors set up their
tables and display a wide variety of glass and antiques. It was
also attended by a large crowd of glass and antique enthusiasts
that showed up to pick the field and then attend the auction.
The show kicked off at 8 am while the auction began later in the
morning. Norman Heckler, despite running mostly absentee auctions
these days, proved that he had not lost his touch by calling an
interesting and amusing sale.
