DENVER, PA.- Morphy’s festive December 10-11 Winter Fine & Decorative Arts Auction of 1,160 luxury lots surpassed $1.8 million, with fine jewelry, European decorative art and American art glass dominating the top 10. There was no shortage of interest in “the finer things,” whether it was a sparkling diamond necklace or a fabulous Tiffany Studios lamp.
The old saying “age before beauty” certainly didn’t apply to the diverse array of 37 leaded- and stained-glass lamps, which displayed both qualities in glowing harmony. The high-end selection included 17 Tiffany Studios table, desk and hanging lamps, led by a magnificent Daffodil lamp with a 20-inch leaded-glass shade. Its design incorporated several shades of blue in its background with daffodil reeds that showed off incredible complexity and a myriad of colors ranging from light to darker shades of green and blue, with mottled golden orange and yellow blossoms. The shade was signed to the inside rim Tiffany Studios New York 1497. Its original Tiffany Studios three-socket patinated bronze ribbon base was crafted with a foliate motif that complemented the shade perfectly. In Excellent condition, it sold within its estimate range for $72,000.
A Tiffany Studios banded Dogwood leaded-glass lamp exhibited a rare and beautiful color palette. The shade’s emerald green geometric pattern near the aperture progressed to deep reds and cranberries and was further decorated with a band of dogwood flowers in streaked reds and whites. Signed Tiffany Studios New York on its lower rim, the shade crowned a Tiffany Studios-signed patinated bronze telescopic table base. The reticulated four-socket base with a reddish-brown patina and verdigris accents was adorned with a pomegranate motif on the column. In Excellent condition and authentic even down to its teardrop cap, this lamp completed its bidding run within estimate, at $54,120.
One should never underestimate the visual power of a single stunning diamond which, if fine enough, can mesmerize all on its own. That was the lesson embodied in a men's 18K yellow gold ring set with one cut-corner rectangular modified brilliant-cut Fancy Yellow natural diamond. The hefty gem weighed in at 5.37cts, and per its included copy of a GIA Colored Diamond Report, its description was: Distribution: Even; Clarity: VVS1; Polish: Good; Symmetry: Good; and Fluorescence: None. With a gross weight of 19.8 grams and graded VG-Excellent, the size-10 ring sold for $41,820.
Another glittering jewelry lot that captured attention at the auction preview was a ladies' platinum graduated diamond (30.44ct tw) necklace accompanied by an original AIGL appraisal report with an ERRV (Estimated Retail Replacement Value) of $168,775. Measuring 17 inches in length and marked PT950 on its clasp, it settled within estimate for $31,500.
Jean Michel Schlumberger (1907-1987) was a major French jewelry designer who earned acclaim for his work at Tiffany & Co. In 1956, at the request of Tiffany’s then-president Walter Hoving, Schlumberger commenced a career with the firm, designing from his own dedicated workshop at the flagship Fifth Avenue store until his retirement in the late 1970s. He was so highly regarded by Tiffany’s, they eventually named him a corporate vice-president. All Schlumberger for Tiffany designs are greatly coveted by those who appreciate originality and superior quality. At the December sale, Morphy’s Jewelry team was delighted to offer bidders an 18K yellow gold Croisillon “X” bracelet with blue paillonne enamel, marked Tiffany & Co / Schlumberger /France / 750 to the underside of its clasp. With a gross weight of 93.3 grams and accompanied by an original satin-lined box marked Tiffany & Co. / New York, it gracefully conveyed to its new owner for $36,900.
Rolex is a brand that has become a staple at all Morphy’s sales that include luxury goods. In the December offering, a gents' 18K yellow gold vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 40mm GMT Master Ref 1675 wristwatch was hotly competed even though it was not quite perfect. With a brown dial and gold markers, hands and bezel, it weighed 118.6 grams and was assessed to be in Good-Very Good condition and in running order. Accompanied by its original box, it was chased to $30,720 against an estimate of $6,000-$9,000.
An elegant timepiece in 18K gold, a Patek Philippe private label hunting cased pocket watch was marked Ryrie Bros, Toronto on its dial, indicating it was made sometime between 1917 and 1924, prior to the company’s affiliation or merger with Birks. It came with a 14K gold pocket watch chain that weighed 10.75 grams and measured 13½ inches in length. Minus the chain, the watch weighed 92.1 grams. In running order, and in VG condition, it outperformed at auction, garnering a winning bid of $7,200 against an estimate of $2,000-$3,000.
Leading a small but select grouping of European pottery, a rare circa-1900 Clement Massier glazed Mushroom vase was designed by Lucien Levy-Dhurmer and impressed Clement Massier / Golfe Juan. It was also signed in the slip Clement Massier / Golfe Juan A.M. Exhibiting striking iridescence, the much-admired 14-inch-tall vessel was bid to $41,820 against an estimate of $10,000-$15,000.
Wireless fans turned on and tuned in to an Emerson BT-245 Tombstone radio composed of marbleized bluish-green and ivory-colored Catalin. The cabinet showed no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs, and its dial was described as original and bright. Graded in overall VG condition, with only some small chipping around the grille and a few other minor exceptions to condition at one corner on the knobs, it sold for $6,600 against an estimate of $1,000-$3,000.
To discuss consigning a collection or single item to a future Fine & Decorative Arts auction at Morphy’s, call Dan Morphy at 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Online:
www.morphyauctions.com
