A Faberge triangle sunburst desk clock sold for $126,500, highlighting Cowan’s Auctions spring Americana, fine and decorative arts sale on June 23. The auction, which drew more than 1,300 bidders and was also live online, generated total sales of $866,590 from 608 lots.
Peter Carl Faberge was a Russian jeweler made famous by his creation of the Faberge egg, an Easter egg fashioned of precious metals and gemstones. Faberge was also the jeweler of the crown. The Faberge triangle sunburst desk clock was created by Faberge’s leading work master, Henrik Wigstrom, as signified by the H.W. marked on the edge of the frame.
The clock in translucent rose pompadour over a engine turned sunburst ground, contained within a cased silver acanthus leaf border, was made circa 1903‱908.
The sale was also good news for Kentucky and Ohio furniture, as well as Kentucky painters. A Kentucky inlaid slant front desk from the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx brought $14,950, while a Kentucky Sheraton sugar chest sold for $9,200. A Jacob Werrey paint decorated blanket chest, from Ohio, sold for $11,500.
Leading Werrey offerings was a rare and important secretary, signed, that realized $28,750. The walnut and curly maple piece, dated 1889, featured two glazed doors over two drawers in the upper section and below, a fall front writing surface over three drawers.
Kentucky painters that performed well included a Patty Thrum of Louisville, painting, “Impressionist Still Life of Roses” that sold for $5,462. A Paul Sawyier watercolor of “High Bridge over Kentucky River” brought $18,400 and a James Thomas Poindexter portrait of two children from Caldwell County fetched $9,200.
A cigar store Indian attributed to Thomas V. Brooks and made of laminated wood sold for $34,500. A monumental presentation vase of General Lafayette fetched $14,950.
A vibrant, trip around the world Kentucky quilt sold for $9,775 and eight English Hepplewhite side chairs sold well above their $2/3,000 estimate, reaching $9,775.
“This sale was really highlighted by Kentucky and Ohio furniture, paintings and of course the Faberge clock. We were thrilled with the outcome of this sale,” said Diane Wachs, Cowan’s decorative arts co-department head.
All prices include the 15 percent buyer’s premium. Cowan’s next fine and decorative arts auction will be October 12. For information, www.cowans.com or contact Diane Wachs at 513-871-1670.
