PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The auction was billed as the Farewell to the Treadway Mansion Sale, referring to the fact that the company will be conducting future sales from a location other than the Treadway Mansion in Portsmouth, home to Ron Bourgeault’s Northeast Auctions for 25 years. Topping this sale was a group of four ship portraits by James Bard (1825-1897) that together sold for $158,670. It was a strong sale, with about 20 items bringing more than $10,000 each. The tent was full, with numerous items being sold to those present, and telephone bidding was particularly active. A pair of Gilbert Stuart portraits brought $64,800, and the sale grossed more than $1,115,000. The strong selection of paintings led the sale; items of historical interest did well, as did early furniture.

A full report will follow.