Date: Fri 24-Jul-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Harris

Full Text:

Enameled Ship Sailed For $5775 At Gene Harris Auction June 27

w/5 cuts

MARSHALLTOWN, IA. -- The two leading lots of the Gene Harris Antique Auction

Center "Antique Glass Auction" looked like stained glass miniatures, but

officially bore the name "Plique-a-jour." This process dates from Seventeenth

Century Russia, where pieces of metal are braided into an open design which is

filled with colorful enamels, heated, and then the solid metal backing is

removed, leaving a transparent glass like pattern. In the shape of ancient

Viking sailing ships, the sterling silver plique-a-jour boats launched bids

between $5,775 and $5,225, dependent on the size.

An exciting Loetz Federzeichnung glass vase in the octopus pattern, identified

by "Pat 9159" inked a bid of $5,225. A Lobmeyr cut glass and enamel

eight-piece cordial set served up an intoxicating bid of $4,400. Also by

Lobmeyr, an eleven-piece water set of panel and diamond cut glass with enamel

decoration of an idyllic couple in floral bower with a gilded pedestal foot.

The water pitcher and ten goblets refreshed a bid of $2,750. All bids reported

in this article reflect a ten percent buyer's premium.

A Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre dinner plate, made in England in the 1920s by

Daisy Makeig-Jones sold for $4,180. Crimson Imps with vermillion eyes and a

blue Roc bid with vermillion enameling cavorted over the plate, which had wide

orange floral border with black detail.

The Gene Harris Antique Auction Center offered an extensive range of Russian

enamel items. Hallmarked with a Moscow designation, a sterling silver with

enamel cream jug poured out a bid of $4,070. A Russian enamel letter rack, of

gilt sterling silver, bearing the Tiffany & Company hallmark, posted a bid of

$3,410. A Russian enamel stamp box made a special delivery at $2,530.

The Gene Harris Antique Auction Center registered 123 bidders from 24 states,

plus a telephone bidder from Norway, as well as a gentleman who flew in from

Japan to systematically bid and buy on the fine lots of Nippon porcelain

offered.

Auctions are scheduled to begin at 9:30 am during the months of July and

August.

The Auction Center has 3,000 pieces of Haviland china, which will be offered

August 19 and 20. Preview day will be Tuesday, August 18. An illustrated

catalog is available for $20. Please telephone toll-free at, 800/862-6674 for

information.