Pop culture collectors were in luck this week, as a PSA-graded Mint 9 Pikachu Illustrator trading card set a new public auction record at Heritage for $1,406,250 to lead auctions nationwide. Also performing well was a 1941 copy of Captain America Comics #1, which realized $71,554 at Hake’s. American historical items were also of interest to bidders, including a letter penned and signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1824 that earned $87,500 for University Archives, as well as a Civil War-era pipe carved at Fort Haggerty that was bid to $698 at Keene. For these highlights and others, keep reading.
Heritage Bidders Choose Pikachu
DALLAS — A PSA-graded Mint 9 Pikachu Illustrator realized $1,406,250 during Heritage Auctions’ March 27-28 Trading Card Games and Manga Auction, setting a new public auction record for its grade and leading the sale to the company’s trading card games record total of $7,620,617. Early trainers could buy a pack of 11 cards for about $4. Nowadays, original Base Set Booster Packs routinely sell for thousands of dollars apiece, while rare cards go for far more. PSA has certified 15 copies of the card at Mint 9, with only one copy graded higher. The Illustrator featuring Pikachu is often called the “Holy Grail” of the hobby. For information, www.ha.com or 214-528-3500
First Captain America Comic Book Is Super At Hake’s
YORK, PENN. — Hake’s Auctions conducted its 246th auction on March 25, with a March 1941 copy of Captain America Comics #1 earning top-lot status at $71,554 against a $35/50,000 estimate. Rated 4.0 (Very Good) by the CGC, the comic, which had art by Joe Simon, Jack Kirby and Al Liederman, featured the origin and first appearances of Captain America, Bucky Barnes and their nemesis, Red Skull. For information, 717-434-1600 or www.hakes.com.
Jefferson’s ‘Best Letter’ Pens Best Result For University Archives
WILTON, CONN. — On March 25, University Archives conducted its 444-lot Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Books, Space & Comics auction, which was topped by an autograph letter signed by Thomas Jefferson, penned at Monticello and dated May 14, 1824, which was part of an exchange with Major John Michael O’Connor. In the letter, Jefferson thanked O’Connor for sending him a “Treatise on the Science of War and Fortifications,” which he explained he would donate to the University of Virginia library. More than doubling its $30/40,000 estimate, the letter signed off for $87,500. For information, 203-454-0111 or www.universityarchives.com.
Civil War Pipe Smokes Competition At Keene
KEENE, N.H. — Keene Auctions conducted its Country Americana Auction on March 29, offering a selection of house-fresh country antique furnishings and accessories from local New Hampshire estates. Topping the sale was a Civil War-era pipe, carved in high relief by W.W. Reed at Fort Haggerty in Arlington Heights, Va. The pipe featured a large, shielded crest in its center and realized $698 after 27 bids back and forth. For information, 603-352-5252 or www.auctionninja.com/keene-auctions.
Sloans & Kenyon Bidders Cheers For Goblets
CHEVY CHASE, MD. — In Sloans & Kenyon’s April 2 Estate Catalogue Auction, a set of 12 sterling silver goblets were bid to the highest price. Made by Reed & Barton in the Francis I pattern, each featured a high-relief cartouche with cornucopias and additional floral swag decoration. With vermeil interiors, the vessels measured 6⅜ inches tall each and had a total weight of 96 troy ounces. The set sold for $13,530 ($3,5/4,500). For information, www.sloansandkenyon.com or 301-634-2330.
Monumental Lions Are King At Fontaine’s Heritage
CANAAN, N.Y. — Ralph Fontaine’s Heritage Auctions conducted its 478-lot Super Spring Auction on March 29. The event was led by a pair of American-made cast iron lions. The 1880s guardians came from a Victorian mansion in Chatham, N.Y., and measured 44 inches long. An internet bidder took them home for $6,985. For information, www.fontaineheritage.com or 518-781-3650.
Sailboat Scene Summons Big Bids At Eldred’s
EAST DENNIS, MASS. — Eldred’s received an exceptional result for a Jonas Lie (New York/Norway, 1880-1940) painting in its three-day Spring Sale, which was conducted April 8-10. Sold during the final session, Lie’s signed oil on canvas depicting birch trees overlooking sailboats in a cove stunned estimates when it achieved $302,400. The 56-by-56-inch framed work was estimated just $30/50,000. For information, www.eldreds.com or 508-385-3116.
Récamier Wakes Up Roland NY Auction
GLEN COVE, N.Y. — A French Empire mahogany and gilt bronze récamier was one of two top lots bringing $16,900 at Roland NY on April 11. The first half of the Nineteenth Century récamier, having green upholstery bearing Napoleon’s emblem of the bee, had a gracefully shaped outline and was elaborately decorated with gilt bronze cornucopia, satyrs, winged lion and hairy paw feet. On the sides were ram’s heads and classical panels displaying maidens dancing with musical instruments. For information, www.rolandauctions.com or 516-759-9400.
Lucky Bidder Picks Up Horseshoe Bracelet At Flannery’s
PINE BUSH, N.Y. — A 14K yellow gold equestrian horseshoe bracelet raced to the finish line at Flannery’s Auction & Estate Services on April 11 when it took top-lot status, selling just over estimate for $3,600. The bracelet measured 7¼ inches long and had a total weight of just under 41 grams. For information, www.flannerysestateservices.com or 845-744-2233.
