MT. CRAWFORD, VA.- The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates November 12, 2016 Americana and Fine Antiques Auction was a successful event and generated strong prices in multiple categories. With over one hundred and twenty consignors included, the auction consisted of an especially large 1,091-lot offering of high quality material, much of which was fresh to the market, and, in many cases, had descended directly in the families of the original owners. Bidding was intense throughout the long day, with strong institutional interest and over three thousand registered bidders from nearly fifty countries participating.
Leading the way in a robust folk art category, the sale’s top lot was an important Shenandoah Valley of Virginia folk art cut-work/scherenschnitte watercolor and ink on paper valentine, dated 1856, one of three valentines and an embroidered show towel made by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham County, Virginia, fresh to the market, descended directly in the family of the maker. A rare and delicate form in very fine condition, the valentine brought $22,230 (Lot 260) from a prominent Virginia dealer bidding on behalf of a client (all prices include a 17% buyer’s premium). Another valentine by Sarah Weaver, dated 1854, also captivated collectors, ending, after spirited bidding, at $12,870 (Lot 261). From the same group, an embroidered cotton on linen show towel, dated 1854, one of only four Shenandoah Valley examples known, attracted strong bidder interest, selling to a prominent Virginia institution for $12,870 (Lot 262). Other noteworthy folk art results from the sale include an American carved hollow-body carousel figure at $8,775 (Lot 281), a large and dynamic late 19th century hooked rug at $8,190 (Lot 355), and a vibrant American, possibly New York, tied bed cover exhibiting an undulating embroidered design at $6,435 (Lot 371).
Additional segments of the sale produced positive results as well, demonstrating signs of vigor in what is often an unpredictable market. Native American material and American Historical objects were two such categories that exhibited strength. Featuring the collection of author, scholar, craftsman, and historian, Wallace Gusler of Williamsburg, Virginia, the auction contained a choice selection of Native American articles, including a wide array of tomahawks, axes, points, and other objects. Top performer in this section of the sale was an 18th-century American pipe tomahawk. The early form retained its likely original leather-covered haft exhibiting “crow track” decoration and generated strong pre-sale interest, selling to a private collector for $9,360 (Lot 193). Historical material also performed well in the auction and was highlighted by an important wineglass cooler from the Andrew Jackson/Franklin Pierce-pattern White House service. Produced by either Bakewell, Page, and Bakewell in Pittsburgh or the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works in New York and beautifully engraved with a design based on the Great Seal of the United States, the rare object soared past its estimate range to settle at $14,040 (Lot 179).
The auction finished with a large selection of 17th to 19th century ceramics highlighted by a Virginia estate collection of English and Dutch tin-glazed Delft that drew strong Internet interest. Top lot was a 10” diameter tazza signed “VE” for Lambertus Van Eenhoorn, at De Metaale Pot, Delft, Holland which reached $2,808 (Lot 855).
After the sale, company president and auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale generated tremendous interest from private collectors, regional and national institutions, and dealers alike. The excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and high quality of the merchandise offered. In addition, the auction was 99% unreserved, so the results are a true and honest gauge of the current market.”
The firm is currently accepting consignments for their next Americana Auction to be held June 17, 2017.
