:An unsigned enamel miniature of George Washington was the star of
Ruggiero & Associates' April 13 auction on iGavel.com, where
it brought a record $120,750. "The high sales price demonstrates
that great items produce exceptionally good results," said Bob
Ruggiero of Ruggiero & Associates, which presented the
auction.
"Our estimate for the miniature was only $5/800 because, although
we had oral tradition as provenance, it was unsigned," he said.
"But quality and rarity count. We saw the same trend in estate
jewelry and European paintings, and with iGavel we reach a
knowledgeable audience worldwide."
Ken Rosenberg, who bid on the miniature for a client, said, "We
believe that this is one of the two or three finest miniatures of
George Washington, second only to the one by [Thomas] Sully.
Although it is unsigned, we think we know who the artist was. The
miniature will be on exhibit at Mount Vernon."
"Gloucester Harbor," Max Kuehne, oil on canvas, $35,650.
Other notable items in the sale included an oil painting of
Gloucester Harbor by Max Kuehne that went for $35,650; a
123/4-carat sapphire, diamond ring/pendant, $16,100; oil paintings
by Frans A.B. de Groot, $10,290, Giuseppe Magni, $9,775, and Pierre
O. J. Coomans, $8,050; and an American carved and giltwood eagle
from the Philadelphia Federal Building, with a wing span of 58
inches, sold for $8,050.
Prices reported include the 15 percent buyer's premium.
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