SKINNER AUCTION OFFERS MORE THAN 1,000 LOTS OF AMERICAN HISTORY

Skinner, Inc. one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, will host an auction of American Furniture and Decorative Arts in two sessions on Aug 14th and 15th in its Marlborough gallery. The sale features nearly 1,300 lots of Americana coming to Skinner from private collections and through museum deaccesioning.

Session one is comprised of a vast collection of material coming from the Mid-West. The collection of several hundred pieces had been assembled since the mid-20th century and was inspired by the Williamsburg forums, made up of pieces of New England furniture that would closely replicate the interior of an 18th century home. Of interest within the collection is a nice set of six Chippendale carved side chairs, estimated at $3,000-$4,000, and an impressive Stephen Taber tall case clock, estimated at $10,000-$15,000. Complementing the collection of furniture is a good collection of American pewter.

Also featured in the first session is a very fine group of Mochaware from the collection of Jonathan Rickard, internationally known expert of English pottery. The session is also highlighted by Chinese export porcelain and early glass.

Session two kicks off strong with the first offering a carved tiger maple spice chest, c. 1780, estimated at $10,000-$15,000; the second a very sweet American School portrait of two children and their spaniel, estimated at $15,000-$25,000; and the third a fine Queen Anne cherry dressing table possibly from Southeastern Massachusetts, estimated at $8,000-$12,000.

Furniture from every New England state from the early 18th century through the mid 19th century is represented in session two. Additional highlights include a Queen Anne high chest of drawers from Southern New Hampshire, late 18th century, estimated at $8,000-$12,000. A number of pieces of Shaker furniture will also be up for bid including an unusual adjustable light stand, estimated at $400-$600, and a pine, cherry and butternut kitchen table with drawers, estimated at $15,000-$25,000. Also, a red-painted trestle table, estimated at $3,000-$5,000, comes to Skinner from the Fruitlands Museum of Harvard, MA.

Weathervanes in a variety of forms such as horses, grasshoppers and a ram, estimated at $4,000-$6,000, grace the sale, as does a good grouping of New England paint decorated furniture. Other lots of note include a carved wooden Indian tobacconist figure, estimated at $8,000-$12,000; a beautiful ship portrait of the Hermaphrodite Brig ELIZA STEVENS by Charles Sidney Raleigh, estimated at $12,000-$18,000; an interesting scrimshaw tooth inscribed with “FREE TRADE AND SAILORS RIGHTS”, estimated at $4,000-$6,000; a Benjamin Champney landscape The Conway Meadow, New Hampshire, estimated at $6,000-$8,000; and an Aaron Willard tall clock featuring a Paul Revere engraved label, estimated at $8,000-$12,000.