Auctions nationwide were an art collector’s dream this past week, as John Lennon’s 1970 “Bag One” portfolio, full of 14 lithographs, sold at Clars for $41,600. Fine art also did well, as an oil on board depicting Chillon Castle near Montreaux, Switzerland, by Hermann O. Herzog was raised to $7,980 at Schwenke. Buyers were also able to secure Italian jewelry at affordable prices, with a 14K yellow gold rope necklace realizing $5,625 at EstateOfMind, while a 14K yellow gold chain link bracelet changed hands for $1,375 at SJD Auctioneers. For these highlights and others, keep reading.
Delphos Gown Glams Up Augusta Auctions
BELLOWS FALLS, VT. — An eye-catching Fortuny Delphos gown in pleated lavender silk with its original gold stenciled belt attained $23,125 at Augusta Auctions on February 18. Originally bought in Italy, the circa 1930 sleeveless gown was adorned with purple and cream striped Murano glass beads and its selvedge was stamped “Fortuny Depose.” For information, www.augusta-auction.com or 802-463-3333.
Lalique Vase Rules World Auction Gallery
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — A René Lalique Sophora amber art glass vase made $8,450 at World Auction Gallery on February 18. The circa 1926 vase stood 10 inches tall and was fully marked and numbered “977.” For information, www.worldauctiongallery.com or 516-307-8180.
Herzog Castle Landscape Earns Royal Finish At Schwenke
WOODBURY, CONN. — Schwenke Auctioneers’ 595-lot February Fine Estates Auction, conducted February 17, was led by an oil on board painting by Hermann O. Herzog (German-American, 1832-1932). The scene, showing Chillon Castle near Montreaux, Switzerland, was signed “H. Herzog” to the lower right and came from a New Jersey estate. The 10⅜-by-12⅞-inch framed painting sold to an online buyer for $7,980. For information, www.woodburyauction.com or 203-266-0323.
Clars Bidders Lean In For Lennon Portfolio
OAKLAND, CALIF. — In Clars Auctions’ February 19 Important Fine Art Auction, John Lennon’s 1970 “Bag One” portfolio sold for the high price of $41,600 ($12/16,000). The 14-lithograph portfolio, which was included with a title page, edition page and patent leather portfolio bag, was edition number 232 of 300 and each of the signed sheets measured 30 by 23 inches. The bag itself measured 26 by 35 inches. For information, www.clars.com or 888-339-7600.
French Wine Finds Favor With Heritage Bidders
DALLAS — Three bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy, France) from 2020 surged past pre-auction expectations when it sold for $51,660 to lead Heritage’s Fine & Rare Wine Signature Auction on February 20. For approximately 400 years, the land that now belongs to the De Villaine and Leroy families was passed through hands which left their marks on the vineyard. The name Romanée was given to the original vineyard by the De Croonembourg family, who purchased the land in 1631. Conti was tacked on in 1760, after Louis François, prince of Conti, won the land in a bidding war. For information, www.ha.com
Buyers Chase Gold Necklace At EstateOfMind
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — A signed circa 1990s 14K yellow gold rope necklace from Italy brought $5,625 at EstateOfMind’s February 21 auction. For information, www.estateofmind.biz or 845-386-4403.
Boxed Christensen Agate Set Tops Block’s
TRUMBULL,CONN. — A rare Christensen Agate Company No. 1 Guinea box was the star lot in Block’s Marble Auctions’ February 22 sale when it sold for $28,750. Sold with its original package, the 26 marbles came in a handmade wood display case. Both lid and base were paper-covered cardboard. A label “World’s Best Guineas” was pasted on the lid, as is typical of these boxes. For information, www.marbleauctions.com or 203-209-7076.
Race Car Secures The Cup At Copake
COPAKE, N.Y. — When the checkered flag waved at Copake Auction on February 21, a 1947 Ford V8 60-horsepower midget race car finished as the highest-priced lot in the firm’s Automobilia & Toy Auction. Bearing the number “77” and belonging to Johnny Coy, this was a typical early style midget, most likely built from plans in Ray Kuns Automobile Racing books from the mid 1930s. It came from the Marty Himes Racing Museum (Bay Shore, N.Y.) collection and sold for $7,500 ($5/7,500). For information, www.copakeauction.com or 518-641-1935.
Chain Link Bracelet Secures Highest Price At SJD
AMENIA, N.Y. — SJD Auctioneers’ February 19 Antiques & Collectibles Auction featured 265 lots from multiple estates. Leading the charge at $1,375 was a 14K yellow gold chain link bracelet made in Italy. The bracelet measured 8 inches in length and weighed 17.7 grams. For information, 845-489-7408 or www.auctionninja.com/sjd-auctions.
