Philadelphia pewter tankard, circa 1780, attributed to William Will. This is an exceptional example of Philadelphia pewter and one of the finest American tankards extant. Provenance: The collection of Jeanne and Bernard B. Hillmann, Wyckoff, N.J. Two William Will tankards realized $28,800 and $19,200.
Auction Action in Downingtown, Penn.
DOWNINGTOWN, PENN. — Pook & Pook is off to a strong start in 2016 after its two-day Americana auction on January 15-16.
Friday evening’s sale of the collection of Jeanne and Bernard B. Hillman saw high prices for redware and the Hillman’s renowned pewter collection. American art glass stole the show on Saturday along with an impressive performance from a rare group of miniature and children’s furniture. The well-attended auctions kept up a steady stream of generous prices and were an important addition to January’s Americana canon.
The Hillman collection of American decorative arts made up the first 300 lots of the auction and kicked off with a fine variety of largely New England and Mid-Atlantic redware. A green speckled, Bristol, Mass., covered pitcher realized $14,400, and was one of many strong performers. Friday evening’s real highlight, however, was the Hillman’s noteworthy collection of American pewter. Grouped into 145 lots, the collection realized more than $282,800, a sum resulting from the consistent sale of mid-level pieces and the exciting performances of a few great items, including William Will tankards that realized $28,800 and $19,200.
Saturday’s sale started off as expected with stellar pieces of fine art, including a lovely William Trost Richards watercolor coastal scene that realized $28,800. A collection of art glass lamps provided literal and figural bright spots to the day by realizing more than $100,000 in six lots. The pieces, by Tiffany Studios, Gallé and others, required the full complement of phone bidders and had heads turning with excitement. Saturday’s high prices for miniature and children’s furniture are also of note, offering a rare area of steady and rising prices in an otherwise difficult furniture market. A rare Pennsylvania child’s walnut tall chest, circa 1770, realized $11,070, and was one of many to exceed or even double the projected high estimate.
William Trost Richards (American 1833-1905), watercolor coastal scene depicting Conanicut Island from Gray Cliff, Newport, R.I., went out at $28,800.
The surprise of the day was a painted, double-sided gameboard, circa 1900. Coming to Pook & Pook, from the estate of Mark and Joan Eaby, this interesting piece of folk Americana realized $19,680.
Prices realized include the buyer’s premium. For information, www.pookandpook.com or 610-269-4040.
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