$424,000 Liberty Vane At Northeast Auctions

MANCHESTER, N.H.

:Antiques Week in New Hampshire got off to a resounding start with Northeast Auctions' August 5-7 sale at the Radisson Manchester, where the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association Show was slated to open on Thursday, August 11.

"We did about $9 million in sales," confirmed auctioneer Ron Bourgeault, still finalizing his tally as Antiques and The Arts Weeklywent to press. Two single-owner cataloged sales - including the Horton Foote Collection, $646,550 plus premium, and the Kilcup Collection of Americana, $661,725 plus premium - contributed to the total. The third session of the Pamela and Donald Levine Collection of American Glass and Lighting garnered $220,695, while the personal collection of Jef and Terri Steingrebe realized $245,650 plus premium.

"Ten bidders competed at more than $150,000 on our top lot, the Goddess of Liberty weathervane," said Bourgeault. The 193/4-inch-tall Cushing & White figure was knocked down in the room to Illinois dealer Michael Whittemore on behalf of Connecticut dealer Fred Giampietro for $424,000 including premium.

"I've had three small Liberty weathervanes including this one. I sold another small, painted Liberty the first year I did the Winter Antiques Show," said Giampietro, reached at home after the sale.

Other sales highlights included "The Wedding," a carved and painted folk sculpture by Pennsylvania artist John Scholl. The 39-inch-tall construction went to David Wheatcroft for $193,000. The Massachusetts dealer also claimed a rare white Sheraton dressing table, $121,500, notable for its elongated stance and refined paint decoration.