Date: Fri 04-Jun-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: LIZAM

Quick Words:

New-haven-benefit-auction

Full Text:

Auction Benefits New Haven Colony Historical Society

By Rita Easton

NEW HAVEN, CONN. -- Following two preview sessions, the New Haven Colony

Historical Society held its 33rd annual benefit auction on May 8, hosting an

audience of approximately 100.

Eric Silver of William Doyle Galleries in New York City was the guest

auctioneer for the sale, which took place in the ballroom of the Colony

Historical Society, located at 114 Whitney Avenue. A gross of $25,000 was

realized, with all items donated by members and friends of the society.

While only approximately 250 lots were auctioned, many more were donated to

the cause said Virginia Hepler, chairman of the event. A follow-up on June 25

and an upscale tag sale on June 26 will offer the remaining items, which will

also benefit the Society.

A last-minute entry, which went unadvertised, turned into the starring lot,

bringing $2,100 from a dealer: a grouping of miniature ceramic furniture in a

wall-hanging case, comprising a sofa, four chairs, and an ivory piano.

"We were disappointed in the price realized for a lovely settee," Ms Hepler

said, referring to a piece purchased by a dealer at $650. The Nineteenth

Century French open-arm piece was consigned from the Hill House mansion near

the Yale campus.

"A man who was on our board was raised in that house," she continued, "but he

doesn't live there any longer. [The settee] was in wonderful condition, but

someone got it who will love it."

A 14-inch high Waterford vase on a stand, appraised at $600, was a steal at

$280; an ornate Victorian clock standing 14 inches high, circa 1880, reached

$1,750, selling to a Texas private collector; a mahogany bureau top shaving

mirror on a four-drawer stand garnered $300; and a four by seven foot silk and

wool new Oriental rug, donated by Kebabian, with an appraised value of $1,500,

went to a dealer at $700.

A pair of 1820 Derby soup plates with a $300 appraisal value realized $200; an

1838 coverlet in impeccable condition went to a dealer at $350; a spinning

wheel missing two pieces rang up $150; and a European writing set comprising

an inkwell and a blotter, from a New York

donor, achieved $180.

No buyer's premium was charged.