Continuing the tradition that was revitalized with their Inaugural Auction, Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers presents its first Eclectic Auction in the St. Louis market on Saturday, November 7th. The autumn auction begins at 11:00 a.m. Central and will focus on the delight of discovering varied items ranging from an impressive example of 19th century American quilts to sought-after 20th century furniture by design pioneer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings.
Seated there, the lady of the house might have addressed holiday cards by the light of the Handel table lamp, its shade painted with bare trees and brush in a winter landscape on a yellow-orange ground. The patinated bronze base features a foliage covered standard raised on a shaped circular foot. Signed “Handel 5624,” the lamp is expected to bring $800-1,200.
These and other traditional pieces contrast with the strong lines and complementary birch and walnut accents featured in the German, mid 20th century modern breakfront By Karl Brand for Mobelfabrik. The glass center cabinet is flanked by double doored shelving, atop individual drawers to lend both utility and modernist style. The estimated pre-sale price is $500-700.
Interest is growing in T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings who was the principal designer for Widdicomb Furniture from the mid-1940s through mid-1950s. His work is well represented by the walnut frame, strap chair joined by linen webbing, as well as by a sofa, model 1727, with original upholstery on back and seat.
Both are raised on brass circular tapering legs. The presale estimates are $1,000-2,000 and $2,000-4,000, respectively.
Recalling our nation’s roots, four eagles proudly adorn the American applique quilt from the third quarter of the 19th century. The hand sewn, cotton quilt features stars surrounding a central maple leaf and crescent moon medallion with vining maple leaf border. Memorabilia offered with the quilt include a 4th place trophy from the Sears and Roebuck and Co. 1934 Quilt Show and a small glass etched “Mrs. M. W. Fox” purportedly from the 1904 World’s Fair. (Estimate $1,000-2,000).
Also from the period, a rare stern wheel steamboat model by A. C. Payne will intrigue historians and collectors. Typical in form, the model is painted white with red steam pipes and black paddle wheel, with intricate string rigging throughout. Examples of similar models can be found in the collection of the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, which could push the sales price to $2,500-3,500.
The majestic imported German coach stallion, HEIST 2043, is the subject of an oil painting on artist board. Renowned early 20th century painter J. F. Stephens was an itinerant artist working in Missouri and Illinois. Similar examples have been owned by famed folk art collectors Frank and Barbara Pollack. The painting is signed lower right “from life J. F. Stephens” and dated “1902.” It depicts the stallion Heist standing in a landscape setting with a scroll at lower left reading “Heist 2043, IMP. German Coach
Stallion. Property of Atlas and Pleasant Hill Co, Ill.” Documents accompanying the painting include a
corresponding REA’s Pocket Stallion Service Book, power of Attorney legal document, and 16 certificates
of stock, the group could cross the block at $1,500-2,500.
From rivers and farms, fast forward again to the 1950’s cinema with two nostalgic movie advertising posters featuring – and autographed by – Red Skelton, beloved entertainer, painter and writer. Both lithographs are in modern gallery style frames. “The Clown” poster, numbered 53/27, features the image of Red Skelton at center and reads, “MGM The Clown Starring Red Skelton Jane Greer with Tim Considine.” In the “Watch the Birdie” poster, numbered 50/661, Red Skelton is seen with a camera and two attractive women standing and reads “Red Skelton Clicks With The Chicks Arlene Dahl Ann Miller
MGM’s Watch The Birdie.” Each lithograph is expected to bring $800-1200.
It’s likely that more than a few young boys strolled home from the movies in Red Goose Shoes. The iconic brand was commemorated with an advertising statuette created by artist Dan Satterfield of Setlich Co. for International Shoe Company of America. This gifted edition, numbered 1 / 100 was presented on Valentine’s Day, 1985. The goose “nests” above a rectangular box which reads “Red Goose Shoes” front and back, “Free Golden Egg With Purchase” and “Half the fun of having feet” to opposing sides. The estimated selling price is $400-600.
Lalique collectors will be delighted by the beauty and variety of the exquisite French glass, etched with the signature “Lalique France.” Naturalistic, avian themes include an eagle hood ornament, originally
designed in 1928 with an estimated sales price of $200-300. The conical form Verone center bowl with lifted foot features nine doves resting on scrolling branches should. The bowl has an estimated sales price of $300-500. The stunning Josephine table lamp is distinctive with its reeded square body set with stylized swans at center, the whole raised on a square base. The expected sales price is $400-$600.
Selkirk’s Eclectic Auction full brochure may be browsed online at www.selkirkauctions.com. The Gallery
is located at 4739 McPherson in the St. Louis Central West End. Preview hours will be held from November 1st to November 7th. Selkirk is accepting quality items for its upcoming auctions. For further information regarding how to sell at Selkirk or for a valuation of your item(s), please contact [email protected] or call 314.696.9041.
For more information visit www.selkirkauctions.com
