Date: Fri 27-Nov-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

PLANES

Full Text:

Planes Crafted By Freed Slave At J&S

(with cut)

By Rita Easton

NORTH BROOKFILD, MASS. -- J & S Enterprises held an October 4 auction

featuring the wood molding planes of C.E. Chelor, a freed black slave born

between 1720 and 1740, who lived and worked in Wrentham, Mass.

Of seven planes, five were signed, and the remaining two were attributed to

the craftsman. The planes ranged between $5,500 and $6,500 each, purchased by

several different bidders -- all of whom were collectors -- for the high bids

of the day.

"A lot of history went along with this fellow Chelor," said Joe Craig of the

gallery. "He belonged to the Masons. One gentleman who was here had written a

book on C.E. Chelor and came up here just to add me to his knowledge for a

book that he's going to have reprinted. It was rather interesting."

Two hundred attended the event, which followed two days of previews. Four

hundred fifty lots were sold.

A circa 1920s two toy lot, a tin fire engine offered with a ladder truck as a

single lot reached $675; a walnut half commode, estimated at $300/500, went

out at $1,100; an early Pilgrim period chest fetched $1,200; and a one-gallon

crock, incised with a bluebird perched on a branch, made $600.

"I think crocks are generally taking a dip," said Joe Craig of the gallery,

"but the one-gallon did well."

A swing-handled "Barlow" Nantucket basket, with a diameter of eight inches,

reached $500; an unsigned jardiniere and stand, made after the 1920s, fetched

$450; an early English chest, measuring 2« inches high by four feet across,

with three carved panels across the front and another three across the lid,

thought to be circa late 1600s, was purchased at $825; a large wall clock with

a round face went out at $500; and a smaller wall clock with a six-sided case

framing the face sold at $375.

A three drawer Victorian walnut bureau, with carved handles and backsplash,

achieved $450 for the small piece; early decorative decoys from a single

collection reached $160 for a signed Pratt, the rest ranging up to $300; and

decorative early lighting rods, with arrows and metal balls skewered on the

shafts, ranged from $60/80 up to $200.

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