Date: Fri 30-Oct-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

May

Full Text:

Julia Auction In Rockport, Me.

w/17 cuts

By Stephen May

ROCKPORT, ME. -- Spurred on by enthusiastic and often humorous banter by

auctioneer Jim Julia, James D. Julia, Inc, attracted a large turnout for its

over 1,300-lot annual summer sale at the Samoset Resort.

Up for bid was a huge trove of eclectic items, ranging from early Americana to

Victoriana to a variety of paintings and sculpture, drawn from old collections

and estates. The culminating sale of the Maine season grossed $1.4 million.

The lots were displayed in a huge room, inviting inspection by dealers and

collectors from as far away as North Carolina and Texas, as well as numerous

potential buyers from Maine and New England. The equally large adjoining room,

where the auction was held, was filled with bidders from start to finish.

Over the course of one long evening and two full days, attendees were

entertained and encouraged by Julia's spirited banter and rapid-fire delivery.

There was also active participation by phone bidders.

Top lots were a gaggle of fine items from the Tiffany Studio, perhaps

stimulated by the current Tiffany exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of

Art. Leading the way was a rare Tiffany favrile glass and bronze daffodil

table lamp, measuring 25 inches high and in excellent condition. It brought

$60,375. Its presale estimate was $50/$60,000.

A Tiffany favrile glass and bronze lily lamp and a Tiffany dogwood table lamp,

well cared for, each fetched $44,850, close to estimates. Additional lamps by

Tiffany and others sold for prices ranging up to $10,000.

Spirited bidding marked the sale of a handsome mahogany tall clock by I.

Simpson of Bardstown, Ky. With a moon dial featuring a ship and house scene,

it went for $39,100, nearly ten times the estimate. Also soaring spectacularly

above expectations were several furniture objects created by Herter Brothers

for the Greek Revival residence of William Drew Washburn in Minneapolis. A

splendid pair of side chairs fetched $32,200 (est $1/2,000), while an

intricately detailed desk reached $10,350 (est $1,5/2,500).

In the view of several observers, the most spectacular lot was a magnificently

crafted, Nineteenth Century marquetry case clock that was found in Florida.

Measuring 34 inches high, 25 inches wide and eight inches deep, its front

columns were fitted with a barometer and thermometer and the central mirror

folded down to reveal a bird's-eye maple interior. In fine condition, it also

featured a secret drawer, hundreds of inlays in American and exotic woods and

ivory, a wide range of symbols and designs, and other original touches.

Julia called it "the finest example of inlay and marquetried work this firm

has ever seen. ... The craftsmanship and originality ... cannot be

overstated." Echoing those sentiments, one expert on the scene said it was

"too good to be by [Christian and Gustav] Herter." For whatever reason, this

grand piece failed to arouse anticipated interest, finally selling for

$13,800.

There were a number of attractive paintings including quite a few by fairly

well-known American artists. Unfortunately, many were damaged or badly in need

of cleaning, which tended to keep prices down or resulted in their failing to

sell.

The top-estimated canvas, "Navajo Weaver," purportedly by Western artist E.I.

Couse, did not sell, presumably because its authenticity was not verified.

Owned since the 1920s by the Recess Club of Detroit, which closed in 1987, the

large painting carried an advance estimate of $50/100,000.

The oldest American painting offered was a depiction by an unknown artist of

Peter Minuit, director general of the Dutch West India Company, negotiating to

purchase Manhattan Island from Indian chiefs in 1626. Discovered in the attic

of a Maine institution, it was seriously damaged -- nine dime-sized holes,

among other things -- but was nonetheless a fascinating image. After cleaning

and restoration, it should make a great display and conversation piece for the

Boston couple who claimed it for $8,050, within its estimate of $5/15,000.

A colorful harbor scene, "Morning Light" (1936) by Anthony Thieme, fetched

$9,775, somewhat over its estimate of $6/8,000. A fine oil on canvas of a

brilliant autumnal landscape in New England, by underappreciated John J.

Enneking, fetched a reasonable $6,900 ($5/8,000).

An English art gallery snapped up a nice Antonio Jacobsen oil painting of an

unnamed ship, dated 1891, for $6,212 ($4,5/5,000). It will need a good deal of

conservation work. A strong oil on canvas by Cape Anne stalwart Emile Gruppe,

"Rockport Bass Rocks," was a good buy for an alert bidder at $1,150.

One of the more interesting lots was a marble bust by expatriate American

sculptor Randolph Rogers (1825-1892), signed "Rome 1860." Julia said it was

"possibly a likeness of Longstreet," more likely referring to Augustus Baldwin

Longstreet (1790-1870), a Southern writer and college president, than

Confederate general James Longstreet (1821-1904), a controversial Civil War

figure. Perhaps being too damaged for buyers, it did not sell.

Understandably attracting presale and bidding attention was a spectacular

golden gilt and copper schooner weathervane. Modeled after a two-masted

sailing vessel, with full-bodied hull, rugged sails, solid mast and flags

flying, it measured 64 inches long and 59 inches high. Emanating from a

Harwichport, Mass., yacht, it sold for what seemed a bargain at $5,195

($7,5/10,000).

Other highlights included a Regency carved and gilt wood convex mirror created

in Edinburgh, $9,200. A highly decorative six-piece coin silver tea set,

featuring marks of both William Gale and Son and Tiffany & Company, sold for

$7,187. Another six-piece sterling silver tea set by Marcus & Co of New York

went for $5,290.

A standout among Native American items was a large Tlingit decorated basket

for $4,600.

Unless otherwise noted, all prices include a 15 percent buyer's premium.

In addition to Julia's regular specialty and estate sales, a feature of next

year's schedule will be what was described as "the largest auction ever to be

held in the state of Maine...the Lange Estate to be sold in the summer of

1999. The Lange estate is expected to offer $3-8 million in quality antiques,"

Julia concluded.