It’s May in Ohio, and signs of spring are everywhere: warm sunshine, soft earth and good antiques at Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers. May has marked an Americana auction for more years than most people on staff can remember, but for the past 7 years, the May Americana auctions have been highlighted by a special session focused on material from the Ohio River Valley.
“It was never a big leap for us,” comments company CEO, Jeff Jeffers. “Garth’s company history is as much tied to the antiques of Ohio as anything. We sell great Ohio things all year, but the point of this session is to bring a curated selection of good things that speak to the artistry and history of the region. For us, it is about promoting scholarship and appreciation. One of our competitors once commented that Garth’s has done more for the antiques and arts of this region than any other firm – I am humbled by the comment, not sure if I agree…but, appreciative and proud to make an impact.”
The two-day auction kicks off on Friday, May 17 at 2pm and continues on Saturday, May 18 at 10am. Consignments include items from the Texas collection featured in Garth’s January Americana barn burner; the 50-year collection of Marilyn and the Late Peter Wendler of Maumee, Ohio; selections from the collection of Kristine Sorgenfrei-DeBolt; John and Lois Brown; and choice items from the 30-year collection of Tom King, retired Vice President of Garth’s and working folk artist.
“When Tom called to say it was time,” recounted Jeffers, “I was surprised – but, knew it would be a lot of fun emptying the house. Like a trip down memory lane.” King’s collection includes several important contributions to the Americana and Ohio Valley sessions including four scarce miniature bandboxes in wonderfully graphic wallpaper decoration. Featured on the cover of the catalog, the boxes range in size from 2” to 3” high and $300 – $800 each in value, and make a striking diminutive stack. Folk art enthusiasts will have no shortage of options during this auction, including more lots from Tom King’s collection: two bookplates attributed to the same (unknown) Ohio hand (one with Hattie Brunner and Mary Thornton provenance), with colorful, well-proportioned birds on branches and estimated at $250 – $500 each; a couple of portraits by Pennsylvania artist, Jacob Eichholtz (1776 – 1842), estimated at $1,500 – $3,000 each; and a portrait of a woman attributed to Jasper Miles (Connecticut / Ohio, 1782-1849), who moved to the Firelands in 1817, then on to Milan and Berlin Heights (Est. $2,000 – $3,000). A painting of cattle was well-executed by William Henry Howe (New York / Connecticut) and is expected to fetch $2,000 – $3,000.
One of the most important lots of the sale is certain to be a 19th Century stone carved dog, attributed to a tombstone carver by the name of Farmer. Purchased by well known collector, Mike Clum in the 1990’s, the folksy pup is estimated to sell for $35,000 – $45,000. Other top lots include a great stenciled Indiana cupboard in splashy hues of orange, red and green. Dated 1883 and initialed “SY” and “JY”, the two piece stepback features three drawers and a base resting on shaped feet (Est. $4,000 – $8,000). A bow front corner cupboard is sharp with dentil molded cornice, shaped and inlaid skirt and period brasses (Est. $3,500 – $7,000); and, an open work fruit Sandwich glass fruit basket is sweet at only 8.5” tall (Est. $2,000 – $4,000). An impressive bottle whimsy is sure to captivate bidders: with two levels, including a white clapboard farmhouse and a schoolhouse below, wonderful folksy decoration and a terrific provenance (made by Charles Hoke and ex Robert and Mary Merritt, The Merritt’s Museum of Childhood, Douglassville, PA) it is estimated to sell between $4,000 – $6,000.
It would not be a Garth’s Americana auction without choice gameboards, buckets, a variety of baskets and quality textiles (including several early and fine quilts and samplers). Other furniture choices offered over the two day auction include two sets of nicely decorated chairs, and a diverse selection of Chippendale, Queen Anne and Sheraton chests, stands and tables.
For more information about the auction, or to view the catalog in its entirety, visit garths.com or call 740.362.4771. Garth’s is accepting consignments for their summer and fall auctions now.
