Date: Fri 20-Nov-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Stanton

Full Text:

"Seven Hearths" at Stanton

(with 3 cuts)

By Rita Easton

HAMPDEN, MASS. -- Following a week of previews, Stanton Auctions held an

unreserved sale in two sessions, October 24 and 25, offering the contents of

Seven Hearths, a landmark estate on Longmeadow Road.

The property had been the home of Mr and Mrs Frederick Maher, Jr., since they

purchased it in 1953. Prior to the Maher's acquisition, the Colonial Main

Street home had been a Congregational parsonage for 100 years, after having

operated as a tavern inn for its first 100 years.

The Mahers carefully restored the homestead, which still retains its original

Colonial lines both inside and out. For 40 years they sought furnishings in

keeping with the historical background of the house, filling the 12 rooms with

period antiques from cellar to attic.

Auctioneer Peter Stanton Imler called the turnout "The biggest crowd we've

ever had in our 18 years, with over 600 attending during the two days" for the

exclusive (no additions) and 100 percent absolute sale. Just under 1,000 lots

were sold, although certain lots contained many items.

"It was one of the most successful sales we've ever run," Imlet said, "because

everyone knew them, particularly in the Western Massachusetts area. The

merchandise was interesting as `good old' stuff."

Garnering the starring bid of $4,700, an 11-inch diameter redware three color

slip decorated plate, in red, yellow, and brown against the redware background

went to the trade.

"There was no spectacular lot that went through the ceiling," Imler continued,

"just a good steady value for the two days."

A fine Riley Whiting Winchester tall clock, circa 1790-1810, was purchased

privately at $3,100; a slant lid pine desk/blanket chest in old red, circa

1750, realized $3,000; and a group of 75 butter molds reached $500 for a cow

mold, $300 for an eagle mold, while groups of five or six ranged from $300 to

$500.

The second day the bidding was started with 100 lots from the room called the

"Shaker room." A Shaker Mount Lebanon seed box read $850; a number 7 Shaker

rocker brought $875; a Shaker tape loom reached $600; a Shaker maple and pine

bed sold at $500; Shaker boxes ranged from $250 to $600; a penny foot Shaker

box stove was purchased at $200; a Shaker flax wheel spun out a $350 bid; a

Shaker number 2 rocker was purchased at $400; and a Shaker "Brother Gregory"

chair sold at $375. A miniature Shaker horsehair sieve, only 1¬ inches in

diameter, brought $300.

A creamware pitcher and bowl set went out at $650; a box of approximately 25

or 30 antique marbles; including some large swirls, sold at $900; and a

Sheraton sofa in a floral tapestry upholstery went to a private buyer, who

lives two doors down from the Maher house, for $1,200.

Of a group of fine silhouettes, a Samuel Pierce of Greenfield example in a

round pewter frame reached $850, the remainder rounding down to $250. A period

Sheraton cherry and bird's-eye maple four drawer chest, with backsplash,

garnered $1,600; and a group of children's mugs, as is, was broken into two

lots, one going out at $350, the second at $450.

Accessories from the seven fireplaces in the home included a fireplace fender

of wire mesh, Eighteenth Century, selling at $1,400; and an iron kettle, with

kilter arm making $900. Eight early sandpaper paintings sold as a single lot

bringing $1,850; and over 30 quilts ranged from $150 to $1,000.

Prices quoted do not reflect a required ten percent buyers premium.