It’s that time again. Time to check out what happened, Last Week at the Auction. America’s Favorite Top 10 List of Auction Results from around the Globe. I am Josh Levine, your post host and guide to the secondhand subculture. If you know me, you know, I love auctions, estate sales and thrift stores. And so, should you. That is, if you really want to make a little extra money. I have found the best way to keep up with what’s hot is by following real world auction results.
But who has time for that? I do, so you don’t have too.
Check these out...
#10 is a 45-Star American flag that just sold for $550 COWANS. It was small but rare. Only 45 stars meant it was between 1896 and 1908 or the period of UTAH Statehood and before we let Oklahoma in the Club. Always count your lucky stars.
#9 A completely stripped down American Wing Chair Frame brought $550 at Thomaston Place. If you saw this un-upholstered beauty out on the street, would you pick it up. No? Well, you might have just left $500 on the curb. Knowing a little bit about the early furniture construction techniques can make you a buck or 2.
#8 is a set of Victor Vasarely Acrylic Cubes that brought $1500 at ABELL. I always check out Lucite and Acrylic sculptures for signatures. Especially now, with that 80s/90s resurgence in full force. This period featured a lot of plastics. That means designers and savvy collectors are looking for this stuff. Demand is up and so are the prices.
#7 A pair of Native American Textiles just sold for $1600 at Selkirk Auctions. These featured the classic rolling log of the early 20th Century. This pattern is typically 1920s 30s Navajo and very desirable to collectors.
#6 is a Reed & Barton Stainless Steel Flatware Set that just brought $3600 at LELAND LITTLE. You did hear me say, stainless steel, right. Designed by Robert Venturi & Denise Scott Brown in 1994, this is a rare set in a very desirable pattern. The were made for over 5 years, so they are out there. See how knowing that could make you some money at an estate sale.
#5 is an amazing Art Deco Atmos Clock that brought $5250 at Fontaine's. I have never seen this variation of the classic Atmos but you can bet I will be looking now. I have featured the classic by Jaeger LeCouture, an estate sale staple, typically bringing between $400-800 but this one is special. Look for those unusual cases and designs.
#4 The Alvin Harris Pintail Drake hammered for $8000 at LELAND LITTLE. I just have to say, there are some amazing decoy collections hitting the market the past few months and the prices have been extraordinary. Its so nice to see the love and passion reflected in great big bids.
#3 is a set of Handcuffs that once Belonged to Harry Houdini that commanded $13000 Potter & Potter. The Babe Ruth of Magic, Houdini’s name has that similar, multi-generational demand and recognition. Some personalities and their collectibles just transcend typical collectible patterns.
#2 A beautiful Gustave Baumann Woodcut just sold for $20000 at William Smith Auctions. Circa 1949, Baumann woodcut prints have been on the rise. I have seen a few reproductions surfacing recently so be aware, but also keep hunting. They are out there and big bucks these days.
#1 today is a "Shoot the Chute" by J.E. Stevens that hammered for $130000 at BERTOIA. This rare Mechanical Bank included it’s original box and 3 Buster Brown Cars. I’ve never seen this one before in person or as a reproduction for that matter, yet ! I have my eyes peeled now…that’s for sure.
And that’s a wrap for this week. If you enjoyed the show, subscribe below because I have more on the way. I keep it short and sweet with all the meat. Now get out there, find some treasure, share this show with a friend and Tell Me your best find in the comment section below.
Until Next Post...
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THE AUCTION HOUSES AND OTHER LINKS
COWANS WWW.COWANAUCTIONS.COM
Thomaston Place www.thomastonauction.com
ABELL WWW.ABELL.COM
Selkirk Auctions www.selkirkauctions.com
LELAND LITTLE WWW.LELANDLITTLE.COM
Fontaine's www.fontainesauction.com
Potter & Potter www.Potterauctions.com
William Smith Auctions www.wsmithauction.com
BERTOIA WWW.BERTOIAAUCTIONS.COM
THE LUCKY ODDS www.theluckyodds.com
Anyway....that my update. If you ever need help an estate, just a free consult or a real estate agent. I would be thrilled to help you.
All my best!
Josh