Date: Fri 29-Jan-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: LIZAM

Quick Words:

Arro-Easton

Full Text:

1950's Brooch Launches 1999 At Rusty Arro

By Rita Easton

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. -- World interest was stimulated by a January 16 auction held

by the Rusty Arro Auction Group, according to Chris Bouchard of the gallery.

"We sent photos to Ireland and England, and a potential buyer even flew in

from Ireland," said Bouchard, "but he didn't win the lot he came for."

Lively phone action competed with the 260 registered bidders on the floor,

generating a gross of over $250,000 for the 465 lots offered. While the

gallery rarely puts reserves on merchandise, 58 lots at this auction were sold

with reserve. The turnout left only standing room, despite foul weather.

Various consignors included a prominent Manhattan socialite who preferred to

remain anonymous.

Fetching the starring bid of the auction, a 1950's brooch in platinum, set

with 18 carats of diamonds, went to a retired dealer for her private use at

$25,300.

A 3‹-inch high antique Faberge snuff bottle in 14 carat gold and nephrite, the

ball shape having a swirled pattern surface which was repeated on the stopper,

went to a collector at $8,800, which was double the estimate.

A lot of two Hepplewhite pieces in "as found" original condition, a dressing

table with fitted interior and a matching commode, both American, circa 1815,

each decorated with painted flowers within oval wreaths, garnered $13,200,

going to a dealer; and a 1926 Dodge Brothers touring sedan with four doors, in

running, showroom condition inside and out, made $7,700.

A pair of Georgian 14-karat gold and salmon coral earrings, having long

tear-shaped drops, went to a dealer at $660; a collection of 30 pocket watches

ranged from $88 for a non-working silver lot to a high of $2,420, most sought

by collectors and dealers who travelled from over a dozen states to view and

compete for them; a mixed metals copper and bronze table lamp, with an unusual

abalone shell and bronze shade, the base attributed to Tiffany, standing 18

inches high, reached $935; and a "Linen Fold" Tiffany lamp with signed base

and shade, 16« inches high, sold to a dealer at $8,470.

A cigar holder, in the style of Faberge, in 14 karat gold and enamel, with

ruby and diamond stones, was purchased privately at $4,510; and a pair of

important solid bronze andirons, 36 inches high, signed "Clodion," circa 1800,

in the form of standing bearded mythological figures dressed in classical

robes, reached $3,725, a price indicating that "they slipped through the

cracks," remarked Bouchard.

A sterling silver flatware service for 12, with 14 pieces for each place

setting, having 18 serving pieces in addition, sold at $6,050. The lot, in a

fitted box, was originally sold by Shreve, Crump, & Low, but the consignor and

gallery experts were unable to identify the maker or pattern name. The unusual

set carried a pre-auction estimate of $3,000/$4,000.

The Rusty Arro Auction Group holds three or four auctions yearly. Prices

quoted include a ten percent buyers premium.