PITTSFIELD, MASS. — Every fall, Fontaine’s can be counted on to present a highly select grouping of important examples of fine and decorative arts. Boasting more than 1,000 lots, the September 27-28 auction was a powerhouse event that saw robust sales in nearly every genre. Dominating the sale were over 150 Tiffany Studios items with over 75 fine lamps that together accounted for more than a third of the auction’s overall $5.6 million tally.
The top lot, however, had buyers in a high state of anticipation for weeks before the sale when a rare and early bronze casting of Frederic Remington’s most famous subject, “The Broncho Buster,” was announced as being offered in the sale. The sculpture came from the first group of castings done in 1899 through the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co. Bidding for the sculpture, numbered 58/64, opened at $220,000. and it jumped in $10,000 increments until the final bid of $400,000 was achieved, going to an East Coast buyer.
“We were exceptionally pleased to have sourced this rare example of a beloved work coming from a Berkshire County home and with the response of the bidders to this bronze,” said auctioneer and owner John Fontaine. “More than that though, we were gratified to see the across the board results of the auction that show the strengths of the present market.”
Back in May, Fontaine’s presented a dedicated auction devoted to Tiffany Studios masterworks but left buyers clearly wanting more. A handful of equally impressive lamps were found in the fall auction, led by an early and rare “Poppy” table lamp, circa 1898. The lamp featured a rare decorative rim collar depicting poppy buds and was outfitted with a 16 1/2-inch diameter shade. Bidding was heavy between the phones and online with 15 active bidders participating as the lamp steadily climbed in $5,000 and $10,000 increments. It went past its high estimate and kept going until the dust settled at $287,500.
Other Tiffany lamps that performed solidly or over estimate included a circa 1910 “Bamboo” floor lamp with a “Bamboo” base and finial, standing 66 ½ inches tall, that attained $225,000.
The output of fine Tiffany lamps kept coming Saturday morning. A circa 1910 “Drophead Dragonfly” floor lamp standing 67 ¾ inches tall, made $200,000 as did a circa 1903 “Peony” table lamp having a 22-inch diameter shade. Also earning five figure prices were a 24-inch tall “Dragonfly” table lamp, circa 1910, and an “Apple Blossom” floor lamp, circa 1910, 66½ inches tall, that each took $125,000.
Fifteen window lots were offered in this auction including a Tiffany Studios “Morning” window designed by Elihu Vedder ($200,000-$300,000) that was likely one of his final designs for the company before going out on his own. Selling comfortably within its estimate, the circa 1888 window made $262,500. It was designed with leaded glass, hand-faceted glass jewels, drapery glass, mottled glass and glass roundels and measured 10 feet by 6 feet.
Outperforming its estimate was a lavishly decorated Gothic Revival 14K gold chalice and paten, 20th century, that sold for $75,000. Embellished with ornate and floral engraving, the chalice also had a precious stone embellished cross and was inscribed “Calicem Salutaris Accipiam.” The paten depicted a scene of Jesus and the Apostles.
When it comes to 19th Century American furniture, there are few names that hold as much value as Herter Brothers. A Renaissance Revival center table was attributed to Herter Brothers and that was enough for buyers. They drove the price to $50,000, more than double the high estimate. Hailing from a Boston collection, the circa 1875 table was made of rosewood and had mother-of-pearl and fruitwood inlay.
Another strong performer was a Louis Majorelle and Daum Frères “Nénuphars” table lamp,
conservatively estimated at $2,000/3,000. The circa 1900 gilt bronze lamp having internally decorated glass achieved $26,250. The Daum Nancy shades were marked with the Cross of Lorraine.
Also exceeding high estimate was a pair of signed oils on canvas by Susette Keast (American, 1892-1932), both depicting Gloucester Harbor, attracted a bevy of bids and selling for $50,000 and $43,750 respectively.
All prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is the oldest operating auction gallery in Western Massachusetts. It has earned the trust of collectors, investors and gallery owners worldwide. All cataloged lots receive nationwide exposure to the firm’s database of more than 30,000 select buyers. Fontaine’s Auction Gallery has been voted “Best Antique Auction Gallery” eight times by the public.
Fontaine’s is actively seeking quality items for all upcoming auctions, to include furniture, lighting, art glass, clocks and watches, paintings, porcelains, bronze and marble statuary, Asian items, art glass and cameo glass, Russian objects, silver, musical, coin-op, advertising, toys, banks, gaming and carousel items.
The firm will buy outright or accept on consignment. Call 413- 448-8922 and ask to speak with John Fontaine, or you can send Mr. Fontaine an email to [email protected]. For more information about the company and the upcoming auction schedule, visit www.fontainesauction.com. Updates are posted frequently.
Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is located at 1485 West Housatonic Street (Route 20), Pittsfield, Mass.
For more information, visit www.FontainesAuction.com or call 413-448-8922.
