Patriotic Posters Feature Of Sale At Fairfield Auction

A collection of over 200 posters from both World Wars will be sold during the July 17 sale scheduled at Fairfield Auction, 53 Church Hill Road in Newtown. The auction will begin at 5:30 pm.

When America entered the first World War, advancements in color lithography allowed for the production of highly decorative posters which proved effective in spurring the public to “Buy Bonds,” “Plant Victory Gardens” and “Avoid Loose Talk” through both World Wars. Many images invoke patriotism, such as “For Home and Country” which depicts a soldier in uniform saying goodbye to wife and child.  Some images were created to shock, such a “This is the Enemy” which depicts a hand with a swastika on the sleeve plunging a dagger into a Bible.

The collection being offered ranges from pure propaganda to the more mundane images encouraging Americans to buy War Savings Stamps or save used fats for munitions production.

The work of some of America’s finest illustrators – including J.C. Leyendecker, James Montgomery Flagg and Howard Chandler Christy – is represented.

The auction also includes a variety of furniture ranging from an English “sawn” table, an early (circa 1620) early dropleaf table with shaped plank legs to a Moderne bedroom suite designed by Paul McCobb circa 1960. In between is a variety including country furniture and Victorian as well as some Continental pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.

A selection of fine art includes a large pencil signed lithograph by Joan Miro.  Other modern works include lithographs by Yaacov Agam, Roberto Matta and Andre Brasilier. Among the more traditional paintings are works by Walter Granville Smith, Edward Henry Holder, a bronze figure by Edward Francis Godwin, and a drypoint etching depicting a cattle roundup by Henry Ziegler.

Among accessories of interest is an 18th Century Venetian helmet.  Mounted with a gilt and embossed shield, stylized wings and a gilt and winged lion, “it makes an impressive statement” says gallery co-owner Jack DeStories.

A collection of Native American artifacts includes dozens of points, stone implements, war clubs, baskets and beaded necklaces. Several estate carpets will be sold including an old French needlepoint carpet. A nice selection of silver, a variety of crystal by Baccarat, Steuben and Waterford, as well as some good antique clocks and pocket watches will also be sold.

Preview is open to the public and will take place Friday, July 16, from 1 to 6 pm, and then on auction day, July 17, from 1 to 5:30 pm.

For further information call 364-1555 or preview online at www.FairfieldAuction.com.