There isn’t much that hasn’t been said about Albert Einstein, but even if the theories are a bit too technical to understand or the science doesn’t much interest you, his legacy of insatiable curiosity is all that one needs to know to understand his ultimate success. Of this, he said, “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious.” And so it is an apt symbol that his personal seal features a monkey scratching its head, a reminder of how, when boiled down, the vehicle to progress begins with nothing more than a question. Einstein’s personal seal comes to the block at Hermann Historica, joining other top lots from around the world in this week’s picks.
HERMANN HISTORICA
Sale Date: May 1-11, 2018
Lot 5073
Albert Einstein (1879–1955) – Personal Seal
Silverplated monkey scratching its head, seated on a conical malachite base, the seal surface, with cut name inscription “Albert Einstein” within a stylized question mark, and the base made of one piece. Silverplated bezel decorated with flowers in relief. Overall height 2¼ inches high.
Estimate: $5,3/6,500
BRUNK AUCTIONS
Sale Date: May 11-12, 2018
Lot 587
John Emms (British, 1843–1912)
“Portrait of Four Retrievers and a Black Spaniel,” signed lower right “JNO Emms/1897,” oil on canvas, 35¼ by 49¼ inches.
Estimate: $60/90,000
HERITAGE
Sale Date: May 11, 2018
Lot 50055
NASA Apollo Three-Seat Crew Couch
Complete with head beam assembly and left and right hand stabilizer beams, manufactured by Weber Aircraft in 1968.
Starting Bid: $6,500
SKINNER
Sale Date: May 11, 2018
Lot 263
Albert Bierstadt (American, 1830–1902)
“Butterfly,” signed and dated, oil and pencil on paper, 6¼ by 7¾ inches sight.
Estimate: $12/18,000
MICHAAN’S
Sale Date: May 12, 2018
American Painted Writing Arm Windsor Chair
With candle and book drawers, late Eighteenth Century, Connecticut. Lacquer black, spindle back with turned legs.
Estimate: $1,2/1,800
WIEDERSEIM ASSOCIATES
Sale Date: May 12, 2018
Lot 191
Pennsylvania German Berks County Dower Chest
With original paint, “Maria Schlicher 1796,” 29 by 52 inches.
Estimate: 2,5/3,000
SCHMIDT’S ANTIQUES INC
Sale Date: May 12, 2018
Lot 68
Newcomb College Pottery Vase By Joseph Meyers
Decorated by Mazie T. Ryan. Baluster form decorated with stylized floral motif in green on a creamy white ground, the whole covered in a semigloss high glaze, early transitional, circa 1910, 6-1/8 inches high.
Estimate: $1,5/2,000
WESCHLER’S
May 11
Lot 240
John F. Kennedy White House Autographed Presentation Table
This table was presented to Letitia (Tish) Baldrige, the Social Secretary to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, at her farewell party which was held in the Navy Mess of the ground floor of the West Wing of the White House on May 29, 1963. Various signatures include John F. Kennedy, Jackie, Caroline, Theodore Sorenson, McGeorge Bundy, Arthur Schlesinger Jr, Pierre Salinger, Bob Knudsen, and others from the Kennedy administration and White House staff.
Estimate: $7/9,000
FAIRFIELD AUCTION
May 16
Lot 627
Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase
18 inches high, circa 1913.
Estimate: 3/5,000
