NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby's announces that it will offer one of the greatest collections of Americana ever assembled, as part of its Americana Week sales in January 2016: Property from the Collection of Irvin & Anita Schorsch: Hidden Glen Farms. Rarely do American collectors immerse themselves so thoroughly into the essence of colonial life, and the Schorsch collection illustrates the passion and dedication necessary to develop such an exemplary offering. The dedicated auction provides an encyclopedic view of furniture, ceramics, books, silver, fine art, needlepoint samplers and decorative arts of the period – with each piece representing Irvin and Anita’s keen eye for craftsmanship and deep knowledge of early-American history.

While Irvin and Anita found the brilliance of American craftsmanship and design in exceptional and singular works, they also found it in more utilitarian pieces, such as a beautifully crafted wooden footstool or a toleware box. These objects were cherished not only for their intrinsic beauty, but also for the history of use that they illustrated. Their comprehensive collection also encompasses a remarkable group of books, which will be offered as part of Sotheby’s Fine Books & Manuscripts sale in June 2016.

Erik Gronning, Head of Sotheby’s American Furniture and Decorative Arts Department, said: “My concept of ‘living with antiques’ was forever transformed after experiencing the Schorsch Collection firsthand at Hidden Glen Farms. This is a collection for the ages; one that invoked the spirits of the antiques gods of yesteryear: collectors and scholars such as Wallace Nutting, Katherine Prentice Murphy, Henry and Helen Flynt and Henry Francis du Pont. The opportunity to present the Schorsch’s incredible vision at auction is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and we are thrilled to share our enthusiasm for this extraordinary collection this January.”

SALE HIGHLIGHTS
• A Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Bombé Chest-On-Chest Boston, Massachusetts Circa 1765 Estimate $800,000 / 1 million

• Ralph Earl Portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Jared Lane (nee Apphia Ruggles): A Pair Signed R. Earl Pinxt and dated 1796 lower left Oil on canvas Estimate $30/45,000

• Very Fine and Very Rare Filigree Sconce New England 18th Century Estimate $150/200,000

• An English Delftware Blue And White Large Punch Bowl Probably Bristol Circa 1760 Estimate $10/15,000

• A Staffordshire Cream-Colored Earthenware Arbor Group of a Pair of Lovers Circa 1760 Estimate $40/60,000