NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s will offer Important Americana from the Collection of Dr. Larry McCallister in a dedicated auction on 26 January 2013, as part of its annual Americana Week sales in New York. The auction comprises American furniture, decorative arts, silver and fine arts collected by Mr. McCallister over the course of nearly 40 years. Dr. McCallister is an enthusiastic collector in many different categories, and the auction reflects his attention to quality of craftsmanship and passion for masterpieces of design. The works will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 19 January, alongside the various-owner Important Americana auction that will take place on 25 & 26 January.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COLLECTION
The Potts Family Chippendale Carved and Highly Figured Mahogany Scroll-Top Desk and-Bookcase with Bust of John Locke, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1770
Estimate $200/400,000*
This desk-and-bookcase is a masterpiece of Philadelphia Chippendale case furniture, surviving with its original portrait bust of the English philosopher John Locke, a popular figure in Philadelphia. The piece was made for the Potts family of Pottstown, Pennsylvania and was believed to have been among the furnishings at the family home, Pottsgrove.

An Important Pair of Federal Flame Birch-Veneered and Carved Mahogany Sabre-Leg Side Chairs, Attributed to Thomas Seymour, Possibly with John Seymour, Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1804-10 Estimate $60/120,000
With the front saber legs set straight forward, these chairs represent the least-common design of the five variations made in Thomas Seymour’s shop.

A Chippendale Carved Cherrywood Tall-Case Clock, Christian Eby, Manheim, Pennsylvania, circa 1795-1805 Estimate $150/250,000
With a Philadelphia-influenced design, interpreted by a local shop with roots in Germanic craft traditions, the case of this clock is among the finest achievements of Lancaster County cabinetmaking in the Rococo style.

The Important Hall Family Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Bonnet-Top Block-Front Chest-on-Chest, Attributed to Benjamin Frothingham, Charleston, Massachusetts, circa 1770 Estimate $150/300,000
Born in 1734, Benjamin Frothingham may have established his own business by 1753, the year he made the desk-and-bookcase with his signature now in the collection of the U.S. Department of State. He served in the military during the war, attaining the rank of Major.

A Very Rare Classical Ormolu ‘George Washington’ Shelf Clock, Made for the American Market, Possibly by Jean-Baptiste Dubuc (1743-1817), Paris Estimate $40/60,000
This clock is one of a group imported from Paris for the American market in the first quarter of the 19th century to satisfy the patriotic fervor and admiration for Washington. There are examples of these clocks in the White House, State Department and other museum collections, however, this is the only known example bearing the seal of the United States.

A Very Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Wing Armchair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1770 Estimate $80/120,000
The serpentine crest, shaped wings, horizontally-rolled arms, distinctive flared back-kicked legs, and front cabriole legs with carved knees and claw feet identify this easy chair as the most expensive version of its form made in Philadelphia.


*Pre-sale estimates do not include buyer’s premium.