Daniel T. Blyth, auctioneer and owner of Blyth’s Auction Service, prides himself on having developed a good eye for important “merch” during his 15 years in the business. But when during a house call he spied a rare early stoneware still bank atop a dresser, he thought it would bring between $4,000 and $6,000. At his March 24 auction to his surprise and applause from more than 300 people in the hall, the diminutive mint bank with blue bird and floral decoration and intact finial went out at $33,000. “It was a New York piece, a 7-inch-tall penny still decorated on two sides,” said Blyth. “That’s why it brought so much, and condition is the rarity of it. It was in wonderful condition, and, of course, with these kinds of banks, they would have to be broken in order to be emptied.” Advertising his auction was what generated high interest for the bank. “Between Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after the ad came out, we must have had 60-70 calls about the bank,” said Blyth. Ultimately, three phones and about ten bidders on the floor vied for the item, with a floor bidder capturing it. And it was not just the winning bidder who was happy. “The consignor was unable to attend the sale,” said LisaBlyth, auction house co-owner, “so when I asked her what shethought the bank might have brought, she said, ‘Oh, maybe a fewhundred dollars.’ I said, ‘How about $30,000?’ and she cried ‘Oh,my God,’ and later wondered if she had been dreaming.” The Blyths specialize in estate auctions, conducting approximately 50 a year – small country affairs drawing merchandise from the historic Schoharie area. Usually, they host about 200 people in the auction hall, but for this auction, they had more than 250 registered bidders. Other highlights of the March 24 sale included an Imperial mahogany case Symphony music box, which realized $1,650; a 36-inch antique bisque doll, which fetched $935; an Eighteenth Century period Chippendale carved armchair, $726; a Niagara Falls photo, $990; an oak settle-to-table bench, $523; an old 119-drawer post office surround with pigeon holes that made $523; a postcard album that finished at $468; and an oak stick and ball easel and a collection of marbles, each of which sold for $275. Prices reported include the ten percent buyer’s premium. For information, 518-868-4524 or www.blythauction.com.
18 Apr 2006 / 0 Comment
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