Fontaine’s Important 19th/20th Century Fine & Decorative Arts
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 11 am
1485 West Housatonic Street (Route 20)
Pittsfield, Mass.
413-448-8922
info@fontainesauction.com
www.FontainesAuction.com

PITTSFIELD, MASS. — Fontaine’s Auction Gallery will shine a light on fine and decorative arts from the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries at its auction on Saturday, September 25, at 11 am. The sale includes 500 lots, consisting of works by Tiffany Studios, Duffner & Kimberly, Handel, Pairpoint, Gorham, Whiting, KPM, Tiffany & Co., Gustav Stickley, Daum Nancy, Royal Vienna, Émile Gallé, Rene Lalique, R.J. Horner and more.

“Buyers come to us for certain things, and that list includes Tiffany lighting, art glass, leaded glass windows, clocks, American and European furniture, fine silver and marble/bronze statuary, to name a few,” said John Fontaine, owner of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. “We will have standouts in all the collecting categories we are renowned for, and then some.”

The auction will kick off with an iconic example of art glass, a Tiffany Studios “Peacock” and “Gooseneck” favrile glass vase ($15/25,000), which is said to be one of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s most original forms, inspired by the Persian rosewater sprinklers he esteemed. The Peacock versions of this vase were made with five types of glass, two of them being aventurine (glass flecked with gold particles).

Expected to be the big standout item in the auction is a striking leaded and acid-etched glass window by Tiffany Studios, “Gabriel Blowing His Horn,” ($70/90,000), circa 1916, that measures 51½ by 49 inches (framed). The window proportions and glass craftsmanship are sublime, and the window has quite a visual presence that seems realistic while highlighting the supernatural essence of the angel portrayed.

Tiffany Studios lamps, of course, will be well received in this auction, and highlights include a Nasturtium floor lamp ($60/$80,000), circa 1910, standing 68 inches tall and having a 22-inch diameter shade; a circa 1905 Geranium table lamp ($60/$80,000), with an illuminated blown glass base; and a Poppy table lamp, circa 1910 ($50/75,000).
Besides Tiffany, collectors are also drawn to other renowned makers’ lamps, such as a circa 1915 Duffner & Kimberly Wisteria table lamp ($30/$40,000); an early Twentieth Century Handel Arab & Camel table lamp ($8/12,000); and a Pairpoint Murano Orchid table lamp ($6/8,000).
A shining spot in the auction is the sterling silver category with several ornate sets and centerpieces, led by a Gorham Mfg. Co. Maintenon dinner service ($25/35,000), Twentieth Century, including a footed cake, a well meat platter, a water pitcher, a covered tureen and more; an English centerpiece ($20/30,000) that is embellished with repoussé motifs of scrollwork, flowers and foliate, each of the bowls with cartouches decorated with castles, and a Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum tea and coffee service, circa 1891-1902 ($20/30,000). A Whiting Mfg. Co. sterling silver and enamel punch bowl and ladle with grapevines ($8/12,000), late Nineteenth Century, will also be offered.
The scions of American furniture will be well represented with offerings ranging from an R.J. Horner & Co. 12-piece Atlas mahogany dining set, comprising a table, server, sideboard, china cabinet and eight chairs, circa 1890 ($20/30,000) to a Gustav Stickley/Harvey Ellis drop-front desk ($8/12,000), circa 1903, in oak with pewter, copper and fruitwood inlays.

Rounding out the auction will be a Regina-style 35 changer music box ($20/30,000), late Nineteenth Century, having filigree carving; an after Alexander Phimister Proctor (American, 1862-1950) patinated bronze sculpture ($15/25,000) titled “Buckaroo,” 26 inches tall; and a Karl Griesbaum book-form automaton singing bird box with gilt sterling silver, enamel and gems ($12/15,000).
Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is at 1485 West Housatonic Street (Route 20). For more information, 413-448-8922 or www.fontainesauction.com.

19th and 20th century lighting, art glass, leaded glass windows, timepieces, marble and bronze statuary, American and European furniture, paintings, fine silver, porcelains, gold and diamond jewelry.

For online bidding, full lot descriptions, photos and terms of sale, please visit www.fontainesauction.com.

Fax: 413-442-1550
Auctioneer: John Fontaine, Mass. Auctioneers License #327
A+ SINCE 1973