NORWOOD, NJ.- Sterling Associates is known for its eclectic auctions of fine art, furniture, lighting and other quality collectibles sourced from stately country homes and stylish city residences in the New York metro region. An integral part of Bergen County, New Jersey’s art community for two generations, Sterling’s online-only sales are unique in that all goods may be previewed ahead of time at the company’s physical premises in Norwood, New Jersey.
On Wednesday, November 6, the Sterling team will host a diverse 209-lot auction of fine art, jewelry; furniture, lighting and other desirable estate goods. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable.
Among the notable fine artworks is a Johann Berthelsen (Danish/American, 1883-1972) oil-on-canvas depicting a Central Park pond with two swans enjoying a leisurely swim. Recognizable Manhattan buildings are seen in the background. “This is a classic Berthelsen interpretation of a small pocket of tranquility in Manhattan,” said Sterling Associates’ owner, Stephen D’Atri. “It’s a peaceful Impressionist scene that perfectly captures a quiet setting in an otherwise noisy, high-energy city.” Measuring 16 by 20 inches, the painting is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.
A framed Victor Vasarely (Hungarian/French, 1906-1997) line study on canvas, numbered 22/39 on verso, is titled “a Picasso” and dated 1973. Measuring 16¾ x 25¾ inches, this simple but compelling modern work is expected to make $500-$700.
An exceptionally diverse assortment of styles is seen in the furniture section, ranging from traditional to Art Deco to mid-20th century. The high style and excellent quality of a pair of James Mont modern sofas is already attracting many online views. Designed with openwork wooden frames in the Asian taste, the deeply comfortable duo measures 60¼ inches wide (each). The pre-sale estimate is $800-$1,200. Also designed by James Mont, a 78-inch-wide cerused oak cabinet with a pocketed façade and attractive bas-relief koi-fish medallion on its center door opens to reveal a mini bar. A handsome addition to any home, the cabinet is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.
Certainly one of the most unusual auction entries is a Ray Lewis cast-aluminum Art Deco chair with a dual-horse motif and leather sear. The chair is from the Fauna Collection and is numbered 4 of 950. The estimate is $800-$1,200.
More than a dozen distinctive handbags and purses, predominantly designer brands, add whimsy to Sterling Associates’ sale. There are seven coveted designs handmade by Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills, including animal forms (cat, dog, tiger, horse in horseshow) and other novelty figurals. Woods’ New Year’s Eve purse is shaped like a champagne bucket with a bottle chilling in ice, while Chez Maison replicates a wonderfully detailed cottage whose “roof” opens for access to the purse’s interior. Also featured are a Mary Frances vintage beaded and embellished handbag, two Italian-made purses labeled “Saks Fifth Avenue,” and a vintage clutch purse designed to resemble a folded French magazine. All purse lots are estimated at $100-$300.
The auction includes dozens of lots of sterling silver flatware and serving pieces. A Tiffany & Co., ladle in the Provence pattern, weighing approximately 64 grams, is expected to scoop up a winning bid of $200-$300, while an ornately decorative Tiffany fish server with repousse and etched decoration, 146 grams, could reach $300-$400.
Sterling Associates’ Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 Estate & Fine Art Auction will begin at 11 a.m. US Eastern Time. Sterling Associates, Inc., is a full-service brick-and-mortar auction house. The company’s “hybrid” auctions are conducted online, just like a live auction, but without a live audience in attendance. Bidders may participate absentee, by phone or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable. All items may be previewed prior to auction day at the gallery. Also, all goods won in the auction can be picked up at Sterling Associates’ nearby satellite warehouse located at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624.
