Two lots of R.S. Prussia †a 15-inch Carnation mold centerpiece bowl and a 13-piece service, also in the Carnation mold †realized identical selling prices of $4,300 at a multi-estate sale conducted January 22 by Woody Auction. The event took place in the 4H Hall of the Sedgwick County Extension Center. It was an absolute auction, with no minimums or reserves.
The centerpiece bowl was an outstanding example, cobalt blue with floral décor and gold stencil highlights. It boasted great color and condition. The service consisted of a 12-inch chocolate pot, four cups, six saucers, a creamer and a sugar bowl. It was also cobalt blue with gold highlights. A touch-up on the sugar lid was the only thing keeping it from fetching more.
The auction featured the estates of Dorla Gugel of Kansas City (who collected gold and silver coins, Lowell Davis figurines, R.S. Prussia and more) and Russell Cunningham (who specialized in rare and highly collectible R.S. Prussia pieces). There were 80 bidding numbers out for onsite bidders from 16 states and 300 total participants (absentee, onsite and online).
Gold coins are always a hit with bidders, as the value of precious metals continues to soar against the sagging dollar. A pair of lots achieved identical prices of $3,100. One was a four-piece proof set of 2002 Natura Cheetah gold coins, each one made from .999 percent pure gold, with one weighing a full ounce. The lot included a 45 gram sterling silver cheetah figurine with certificate.
The other lot was an eight-piece proof set of 2000 Olympic gold coins. Seven were 10 gram $100 pure gold coins with Elizabeth on the obverse and Olympic scenes on the reverse. Another 10 gram pure gold coin was an Olympic medallion with the Olympic logo. Also sold was an eight-piece proof set of 2001 Krugerrands. The anniversary edition set, .916 percent pure gold, gaveled for $2,950.
R.S. Prussia dominated the list of top lots, including the two examples already described. Other stars of the category included a 10-inch mold 110 bowl featuring a cream center with blue domes and depicting medallion scenes of all four seasons. The extra nice bowl brought $2,800. Also, a hard-to-find 8¾-inch plate in brown tones and an ostrich scenic décor breezed to $1,550.
Two other R.S. Prussia lots of note included an 11-inch Carnation mold dresser tray, peach and lavender satin with fall season portrait décor, $1,100, and a 10½-inch medallion service consisting of a chocolate pot with six matching cups and saucers, also $1,100. The set had a water lily and scenic décor and luster finish. The only flaw was a base hairline crack to one cup.
All prices reported are hammer, exclusive of a sliding commission structure. There is no buyer’s premium at a Woody Auction.
Woody Auction’s next event will be conducted February 26′7, also in Wichita. It will include Part 2 of the Dale Gabel Collection. Featured will be multiple group lots of art glass, postcards, advertising items, firearms, pottery and furniture. The estate collection of Mr and Mrs Robert Galvin of Kansas will also be sold. Overall, 550 lots will be auctioned.
For information, 316-747-2694 or www.WoodyAuction.com .
