LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. — A 43-inch-tall pine figure of a boy attributed to Nineteenth Century Evans, N.Y., carver Asa Ames was the top lot at Rago’s December 1 Curiouser and Curiouser sale, selling for $53,125, including buyer’s premium.

Ames was not a prolific carver, working only four years, between 1847 and 1851, when he succumbed to Tuberculosis at the age of 27.

Marion Harris, the specialist in charge of the sale, said that the piece was reviewed and supported by various experts. The American Folk Art Museum held an Ames exhibition in 2008. His known works number between ten and 20.

The work was purchased by New York City dealer Joshua Lowenfels.

Watch for a full review in an upcoming issue.