: The threat of inclement weather failed to put even the slightest
damper on Noel Barrett's December 9-10 auction of antique
dollhouses, miniatures and dolls, highlighted by the Carolyn and
Charles Sunstein collection. The 778 lot sale, produced in
association with Becky and Andy Ourant, achieved $1.4 million,
with the Sunstein material well exceeding its cumulative high
estimate.
"We had a great crowd," said Barrett. "The Sunstein collection
brought out the buyers, and there was very strong eBay
participation as well."
Bidders were spoiled for choice throughout the sale. The first
dollhouse lot of the Saturday session, a 54-by-48-by-20-inch
Silber & Fleming-type dollhouse manufactured in England
around 1880, set the tone for what would follow. Sitting halfway
back in the gallery audience was Lucy Morgan, owner of a
dollhouse museum and store in Camden, Maine. She had raised her
paddle at $8,500, and when the gavel came down, Morgan was
surprised to learn she had won the lot. "Who, me?" she exclaimed
with surprise and delight. Morgan started her buying odyssey off
on the right foot, securing the lot for $9,350.
While virtually any doll by the French manufacturer Bru is
highly sought after, a black Bru is in a league of its own,
since very few were created. This 16 1/2-inch example, a Bru
Jne 5 with Henri Chevrot brown kid body, carved wood lower arms
and legs, pierced ears and original black mohair wig,
outperformed all other dolls at the auction, earning $52,250.
Photo: British-American Media Ltd.
But Morgan's eye - like everyone else's - was on the star lot
of the sale, the circa 1880-1890 dollhouse known as the Spanish
Mansion. The exquisitely furnished, 54-by-54-by-17-inch residence
featured a faux-painted facade of variegated brick and Ashlar
blocks with white marble quoining. Its 11 rooms included a nursery,
chapel, gentleman's study and even a sewing room. Featured on the
front cover of the auction catalog, the Spanish Mansion enticed
oohs and ahs from bidding hopefuls, who knew of its illustrious
background.
At least two other floor bidders besides Morgan battled for the
Spanish Mansion. But in the end, it was Morgan who produced the
winning bid of $192,500. "I'm really thrilled to have it," she
said, immediately after her auction victory. "It has such
beautiful furnishings in it, and it adds a lot to our
collection." In all, Morgan would prevail on six dollhouse lots
as well as many miniature furnishings.
James and Beverly Gallagher drove across the state from Erie,
Penn., arriving with a wish list in their hands. "My wife likes
miniatures," said James Gallagher, "and we came here for the
experience and the opportunity to see these fine antiques."
Gallagher said he needed a couple of pieces to complete a few
rooms in the couple's 6-by-7-foot basement display of dollhouse
rooms. They were successful on one of the lots they pursued,
paying $4,400 for a pair of matching German kitchen cabinets,
circa 1900, each unit 171/4 inches tall and stocked with tiny
pots, pans, ladles and a stove top.
Joyce Kekatos, a doll collector and seller from the Bronx,
N.Y., stands with her prized purchase - a 13-inch Jumeau bébé
pictured in John Noble's book Beautiful Dolls. Retaining not
only its original wardrobe but also its original band on its
left forearm, the doll was acquired for $19,800. Photo:
British-American Media Ltd.
The Sunstein dollhouses and miniatures were complemented by
two other collections featured in the sale: the Jackie and Anthony
Chirico collection of French bébés and fashion dolls, and the Joyce
and John Davanzo doll and toy collection.
Barrett noted that very strong prices were achieved by rarities
from each of the collections. A Bru Jne 5 finished as top doll
lot at $52,250; while a Bru Jne 8 child doll with blond hair,
brown paperweight eyes and a pastel dress and hair garland
brought $24,200.
Prices reported include ten percent buyer's premium.
Barrett will auction part one of the contents of the Mary Merritt
Doll Museum on September 29-October 1 at the Inn at Reading,
Penn. For information, www.noelbarrett.com or 215-297-5109.
