Deer Compote Highlights Pennsylvania Majolica Offerings

Deer and stag compote, $24,000.

By Rita Easton

HATFIELD, PENN. - The estate of Walter and Norma Lieb of Cleveland and others, consisting of 979 lots of majolica, were sold on October 26 and 27 by Michael G. Strawser of Majolica Auctions.

The auction was preceded by a viewing session on each of the two days.

Bringing the highest bid of the auction was a 10-inch high deer and stag compote, going to a private collector at $24,000.

A George Jones underwater pitcher having a motif of fish swimming under a band of seagulls, in shades of cobalt and turquoise, standing 7 inches high, brought $18,000 from a private buyer; a George Jones covered cheesekeeper in turquoise, yellow and green, with leaves decorating the sides of the cover, having a figure of a cow for a handle on the center of the cover, went to the trade at $5,250; and a Victoria Pottery Company sardine box, with a basketweave motif and leaf decoration, reached $3,500.

George Jones underwater pitcher, $18,000.

A monumental Minton jardiniere stand, decorated with rams heads, having restoration to one foot, made $9,000; an Etruscan oyster plate with rope border, having some rim repair, sold at $5,000; a Holtcroft sauce boat in the form of a fish, the fishtail being the handle, was purchased at $850; and a three-well candy dish with a butterfly handle, by George Jones, fetched $6,750.

An oyster plate with a sunflower pattern, each flower forming a shallow well for an oyster, achieved $1,500; a Palissy charger with an intricate design of willow and swamp creatures was sold at $6,000; a George Jones rectangular tray with a bamboo and butterfly pattern, 13 inches wide, garnered $5,500; a shell and coral tea set comprising a tea pot, cream, sugar, and two cups and saucers did $3,750. A George Jones calla lily vase, 10½ inches high, went out at $4,500.

Prices quoted do not reflect a 10 percent buyer's premium.