PITTSFIELD, MASS.- Fontaine’s Auction Gallery will present an important two-day Fine & Decorative Arts auction September 26-27 to include over 900 lots of Nineteenth-Twentieth Century lighting, Tiffany lamps, art glass, leaded glass windows, fine silver, porcelain, marble and bronze statuary, Asian items, paintings, pottery, American and European furniture, clocks and jewelry. Preview is by appointment only September 24-25. Bidding is available via Internet, phone and absentee.

The auction includes such highlights as an early and rare Tiffany Studios "Dragonfly" table lamp, a Tiffany Studios "Oriental Poppy" table lamp and Park Avenue winter scene by Guy Wiggins. Represented in the sale will be items from the estate of Steve Hohener, two extensive painting collections and over 100 Tiffany Studios items, including examples of the Dragonfly, Nasturtium, Poinsettia, Dogwood, Geranium and Woodbine


A monumental sterling silver nautical centerpiece, early Twentieth Century ($50/75,000) is modeled as a ship with a horse figurehead, scrollwork and nautical nymphs,15 by 40½ by 20 inches and weighs 674½ troy ounces.

The auction will start off on day one with one of the most extensive and important selections of Tiffany Studios works — mostly its famous leaded glass lighting — to hit the market. The first lot across the block is a rare Dichroic “Nautilus” table lamp, circa 1905, estimated at $40/60,000. The auction heats up with noteworthy examples like a rare circa 1898 Tiffany Studios “Dragonfly” table lamp ($150/250,000) having its base impressed “Tiffany Studios, New York, D795” and the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Co. monogram and a rare “Turtle-Back” Moorish lantern ($150/250,000) in leaded and favrile glass set with “turtle-back” tiles, circa 1910.

Also attracting much interest are a Dichroic "Drophead Dragonfly" table lamp ($120/160,000), circa 1910, having a telescoping “Cat’s Paw” base and a 22-inch diameter shade impressed “Tiffany Studios, New York, 1507.” Dichroic glass, which changes color as light passes through it, is still one of the most technically demanding effects Tiffany's artisans achieved. These lamps, especially those that also have dragonfly motif, are perennial favorites with serious collectors.


Tiffany Studios Dichroic "Drophead Dragonfly" Table Lamp ($120/160,000), circa 1910 with a telescoping "Cat's Paw" base.

Rounding out the selection of table lamps are an “Oriental Poppy,” circa 1910 ($80/120,000); a “Nasturtium” table lamp, also circa 1910 ($60/80,000) and a circa 1905 “Dragonfly” example ($50/75,000).

Chandeliers are also desirable and this sale features quite a choice example: a Tiffany Studios “Flowering Bouquet” chandelier ($125/175,000). Leading a highly select presentation of Tiffany Studios windows is the circa 1910 Gosling memorial window, “Boy David Holding Harp,” estimated at $50/75,000.


Tiffany Studios "Flowering Bouquet" chandelier ($125/175,000), circa 1910.

Shining bright is another highly ornate standout: a monumental sterling silver nautical centerpiece, early Twentieth Century ($50/75,000). Modeled as a ship with a horse figurehead, scrollwork and nautical nymphs, the piece measures 15 by 40½ by 20 inches and weighs 674.5 troy ounces. The parade of silver across the block continues with a Tiffany & Co. “Persian” sterling silver flatware set (designed in 1872) comprising 205 pieces ($15/25,000).

The fine art category includes about 50 fine paintings in a range of genres and from European and American artists. Highlights include one of Guy Wiggins (American, 1883-1962) distinctive winter scenes along New York City’s Park Avenue ($20/30,000), a signed oil on board measuring 24½ by 20½ inches, and a William H.D. Koerner (American, 1878-1938) oil on canvas from 1910 titled “Quit Your Kidding” ($20/30,000) retaining a Berry-Hill Galleries, New York, label.

The jewelry and precious metal category will also appeal to buyers with such standouts as a pre-Mayan 18K gold Lambayeques (Sicáns), 700-1200 CE ($12/16,000), a platinum tennis bracelet set with about 12.87 carats of emerald cut diamonds ($12/16,000) and a David Webb 18K yellow gold sautoir necklace with two extensions ($12/16,000).


John H. Belter (1804-1863), Rococo Revival etagere ($12/16,000), circa 1850-1860, rosewood, laminated rosewood, marble and glass.

John H. Belter (1804-1863) Rococo Revival furniture also makes an appearance in this auction with a lavishly carved rosewood etagere ($12/16,000), circa 1850-1860, with a rare stenciled mark; and an equally enthusiastically carved giltwood center table with winged maidens ($10/15,000), circa 1860, the latter carved with winged maiden busts, scrollwork, foliate and maiden heads.

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is the oldest operating auction gallery in Western Massachusetts. It has earned the trust of collectors, investors and gallery owners worldwide. All cataloged lots receive nationwide exposure to the firm’s database of more than 30,000 select buyers. Fontaine’s Auction Gallery has been voted “Best Antique Auction Gallery” eight times by the public.


Guy Wiggins (American, 1883-1962), “Park Avenue, Winter,” estimated at $20/30,000.

Fontaine’s is actively seeking quality items for all upcoming auctions, to include furniture, lighting, art glass, clocks and watches, paintings, porcelains, bronze and marble statuary, Asian items, art glass and cameo glass, Russian objects, silver, musical, coin-op, advertising, toys, banks, gaming and carousel items.

The firm will buy outright or accept on consignment. Call 413- 448-8922 and ask to speak with John Fontaine, or you can send Mr. Fontaine an email to info@fontainesauction.com. For more information about the company and the upcoming auction schedule, visit /2. Updates are posted frequently. Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is located at 1485 West Housatonic Street (Route 20), Pittsfield, Mass. For more information, visit www.FontainesAuction.com or call 413-448-8922.