PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Attributed to Colchester, Conn., cabinetmaker Samuel Loomis, the perfectly proportioned Chippendale block front and shell-carved chest-on-chest was part of the personal collection of Jerry and Selma Blum. The piece was pictured in Albert Sack’s New Fine Points of American Furniture and described as a “masterpiece.” It was bought by Arthur Liverant, bidding from the gallery for a client. He paid $408,000. The collection included exceptional mocha, early metalware, fine paintings, and much more early furniture.

The three-day auction included the Baten collection of American furniture, fine silver, China Trade porcelains and paintings, marine arts, and an Andrew Wyeth painting that sold for $156,000 – to his son.

A complete report on the auction will follow.