NEW YORK.- On January 30 2008, Christie’s New York will hold its first Maritime Sale of 2008. The sale boasts an exceptional selection of over 350 maritime lots and offers impressive works by early American maritime artists as well as exceptional 20th century pieces and a spectacular selection of sailor folk art and scrimshaw.

Featuring over 120 paintings, the picture section of the sale includes six unique works by the much sought-after Montague Dawson. The highlight of the section is his masterwork, Night Suspect (estimate: $150,000-250,000). Capturing an evening battle scene, through Dawson’s precision one can almost feel the surrounding swell of the waves while peering into the unusual close up of the ships deck. The artist’s American brig Argus engaging His Majesty’s sloop Pelican in British Waters (estimate: $80,000-120,000) is another highlight of great historical importance.

James Edward Buttersworth’s The American full-rigger Kennebec leaving New York Harbor (estimate: $150,000-200,000) is another highlight of the sale. Boasting impeccable provenance, this painting depicts a full portrait of the Kennebec in New York Harbor – a most unique and unusual yachting scene. Collectors of yachting scenes will also be delighted by Stephen J. Renard’s The New York Yacht Club Cruise, 1937 (estimate: $40,000-60,000). Portraying the great age of yachting this piece is a splendid tribute to the New York Yacht Club’s racing history.

Also offered in this sale is an important group of models including a late 17th Century Admiralty Board Model of a British 64 gun 4th rate ship of the line (estimate: $20,000-30,000). This model is an exceptional piece boasting intricate decorations and carvings and an original Admiralty hull. Highly-important and coveted is the Builder’s Presentation Model of the American Sandbagger Truant (estimate: $15,000-25,000). Presentation models for small yachts are exceedingly rare, making this representation of the 22 foot, unbeaten race record, Truant all the more distinctive.

A late 19th Century American Humidor in the form of a Capstan (estimate: $6,000-8,000) is another unique highlight of the sale. Attributed to Tiffany & Co, circa 1890 and featuring the house’s impeccable craftsmanship, the humidor is detailed with numerous nautical motifs in gilt brass and steel. Elsewhere in the sale, there is an excellent selection of sailor folk art and scrimshaw, including a Large 19th Century British Woolwork Ship Portrait (estimate: $10,000-15,000) and a 19th Century Double Octagonal Sailor’s Valentine (estimate: $7,000-10,000). A pair of large 19th Century Scrimshaw and Polychromed whale’s teeth (estimate: $5,000-7,000) which serve as book ends feature double sided intricate engravings of naval and whaling scenes.

Auction: Maritime January 30, 2008. Viewing: Christie’s Galleries at Rockefeller Center January 25 – 29, 2008.