(Geneseo, N.Y.) – A multi-estate auction comprising 350 lots from important collections, prominent homes and even museums will be sold Saturday, March 21, by Cottone Auctions. The sale will be held in Cottone’s spacious 6,000-square-foot gallery, at 120 Court Street. Geneseo is located in upstate New York, just south of Rochester and equidistant from Buffalo and Syracuse.
The auction will feature original paintings by noted, listed artists (some of them from The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y.); several pieces of Tiffany; Americana (to include burl bowls and paint-decorated items, Shaker items and a collection of Toleware); and decorative items, to include pieces of Royal Worcester porcelain and a nice Limoges dinner set).
Also set to cross the block will be rare and collectible Stoneware; bronze and marble sculptures; American and Continental furniture pieces; vintage clocks; Oriental rugs; several Currier & Ives prints; an 18th-century Lancaster & Co. walnut cupboard with carved crest; a Liberts book case; several pieces of art pottery; and more. The auction will begin at 11 a.m.
“We’ve always enjoyed great success by taking on fresh material from private collections and estates and offering it to eager buyers,” said Sam Cotton of Cottone Auctions. “Quality merchandise is the key to any good auction. If you can attract high-end consignments, you will do well even in a down market. We’ve pretty much stuck to that same formula for over 25 years.”
Mr. Cottone said he anticipates a crowd of around 200-300 people, typical for one of his auctions. Internet bidding will be facilitated exclusively by Artfact.com, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A buyer’s premium of 15 percent will be applied to all winning bids. A complimentary color brochure is available by calling Cottone Auctions, at (585) 243-3100.
Original works of art will be offered throughout the day. Several of the top lots include:
A watercolor gouache work by Walter Launt Palmer (American, 1854-1932), depicting a winter scene with cedar trees and titled Hill & Valley. The painting, signed and framed, was deaccessioned by the Strong National Museum of Play.
An untitled oil on canvas painting by Charles Gruppe (Canadian / American / Dutch 1860-1940), titled Cows by the Side of the River and executed near the Village Bridge in Lakeville, N.Y. The work is housed in its original frame and was deaccessioned by the Strong National Museum of Play.
An oil on canvas painting by Emile A. Gruppe (Charles’ son, American, 1896-1978), titled Vermont Birches. The framed work, signed lower left and measuring 30 inches by 36 inches, is in all original condition and is expected to realize $15,000-$25,000.
An oil on canvas seaside rendering by Anthony Thieme (American, 1888-1954), titled Surf and Seagulls. The signed, framed work is in all original condition. Thieme painted in Massachusetts and California and was renowned for his coastal landscapes.
A still life painting by Severin Roesen (American, 1815-1871). The untitled work, done in the late 19th century in Williamsport, Pa., is signed lower right and boasts original condition and frame. It also carries a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-$25,000.
An oil on canvas rendering of chicks by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (American, 1819-1905), consigned from an estate in Bradford, Pa. (est. $8,000-$12,000).
A 19th-century bronze sculpture of a cellist by A. Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1848-1913). The work features a detail of Ludwig von Beethoven on the neck of the cello. The 31-inch tall sculpture has an excellent patina and is signed by the artist.
A 19th-century Carrara marble sculpture by an unknown Italian artist, depicting a girl with a jack-in-the-box. The unsigned work is 29 inches tall; one toe has been reglued.
From the Stoneware category, a rare presentation water cooler, made by Tyler & Dillon of Albany, N.Y., is expected to fetch $15,000-$25,000. The 8-gallon water cooler, crafted around 1825, is 17 inches tall and features an incised cobalt bird and flower decoration. It was originally made for Loveland Paddock of Watertown, N.Y., a prominent public figure and land owner of the time.
Tiffany lots sure to get paddles wagging include a dichroic “Indian Basket” leaded glass and bronze lamp, 17 inches tall with signed base and shade; a 243-piece sterling silver flatware set in the Olympian pattern, an Acorn lamp; a monumental bowl; and other art glass. All of the Tiffany offerings are from the private collection of Dr. Roger Malbranche of Albany, N.Y.
Another lot certain to wow bidders is a Josiah Gooding tiger maple tall case clock, made in the late 18th century in Bristol, R.I., and Taunton, Mass. The clock stands tall at 7 feet six inches. Features include line inlay, fluted quarter-columns and the original painted metal dial with urn. Consigned from the Alton Taber Collection in Batavia, N.Y., it should sell for $5,000-$7,000. Another 18th-century tall case clock, made by Thomas Pearsall, will also be offered.
From the furniture category, an 18th-century walnut Italian two-drawer chest with arrow inlay carries a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-$5,000. Consigned from a private Buffalo estate, the piece has a deep, rich patina and the original brasses. It measures 35 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 23 inches deep.
Rounding out the top lots, a fine Regina 15-inch disc double comb music box is expected to find a new owner for around $5,000-$8,000. Consigned from the private collection of Dr. Malbranche, the serpentine mahogany music box features a paint-decorated case, original finish and 46 playing discs (which will play, incidentally; the music box is in excellent working order).
Previews will be held Friday, March 20, from noon to 6 p.m. (or by appointment), and Saturday, the day of sale, from 9-11 a.m.
Cottone’s next big auction will be a significant clock sale, scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Already consigned are an Ithaca Cornell model floor clock, some fine New England banjo clocks (including Simon Willard), a rare Juvet time globe, and E. Howard wall regulators. Many of the clocks are from the private collection of Dr. Malbranche; a private Texas collection; the North Carolina collection of Ted Stevens; and other private collections. Call for a color catalog ($25).
Cottone Auctions has been conducting specialized auctions for selling fine art and antiques for over 25 years. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or collection, you may call them at (585) 243-3100, or e-mail them at [email protected].
For more information, log on to www.cottoneauctions.com.