Date: Sun 01-Feb-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: AMYD

Quick Words:

Ritaeaston2

Full Text:

Boyd Offers Estate Of Early Area Settler

W/4Cuts

By Rita Easton

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- The estate of local poet Celia Baxter, one of the area's

first settlers, was offered in 420 lots on January 29 at Boyd Auctions. An

interested and curious crowd, holding 335 bidding numbers, generated a gross

of $190,000.

Bringing the highest price of the auction, a Mahal rug with dimensions of

11'6" by 21'3", having a rust field with an intricate border, one of a group

of over 30 rugs, reached $16,500, purchased by a dealer.

An 8 by 11 foot Heriz realized $2,500, and an early Eighteenth Century

American crewel embroidered sewing pocket, with ties to go around the waist of

the sewer, fetched $2,900. A Gustav Stickley settle in oak realized $13,000

from a dealer; a Morris chair by Gustav Stickley sold at $7,000; and an oil on

canvas by S.P. Hodgson, (American), dated 1858, featuring a view of mountains

and water, went out at $7,000.

A pair of candelabra in glass, with many hanging crystals and ormolu

decoration, reached $4,000, and a 1920s custom mahogany dining room set sold

to two buyers. The six chairs, a round table with claw foot base, and a

sideboard sold for a total of $9,000. A tramp art wall box with diamond design

on the door was purchased at $400.

An unusual Victorian laminated piano chair on casters, having an exquisitely

carved pierced back, was the buy of the day at $1,300; a pair of Arts and

Crafts copper sconces sold at $300; and a Shaker footstool, looking very

"right," went out for a paltry $200 to a lucky buyer.

A 20-inch-high sculpture in bronze of a nude woman achieved $800; a

composition Charlie McCarthy, fully dressed down to his monacle, hat, and

overcoat, brought $250; and a second McCarthy fetched $150.

"They were both in such good condition that I don't think people thought they

were old," said Maureen Boyd of the gallery.

Small at under four inches wide, an exquisitely chased casket in sterling

silver, having a rounded top with carrying handle, fetched $225, and a group

of paisley shawls ranged from $650, for a handmade example, to $200.

"It was a good sale, characterized by strong pieces all the way through," Boyd

commented.

Prices quoted do not reflect the 10 percent premium.