Exceptional Cataloged Multi-Estate Auction Featuring Furniture, Lighting, Clocks And Accessories To Be Held Saturday, May 22nd At Fontaine’s Auction Gallery In Pittsfield, Mass., Starting At 11 A.M.

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Comment by Bob Burke (Fontaine's Auction) on May 5, 2010 at 1:52pm

Featured lots include 2 George Jones astronomical regulator clocks which could well end up being the top two lots of the sale. One, featuring a fully jeweled movement and carved walnut case is expected to realize $150,000-$200,000. The other is housed in a phenomenal oak Herter Brothers case and boasts a quality polished gilt brass movement (est. $75,000-$125,000).

Other clocks expected to do well include an R.J. Horner father time grandfather clock with movement signed Mapin & Webb (est. $75,000-$100,000); a Howard & Davis (Boston) drum head astronomical regulator in excellent condition (est. $75,000-$125,000); and a time globe (circa 1880), patented by Lewis Paul Juvet (est. $15,000-$20,000).

Rounding out the category, other clocks of note include a rare Tiffany Studios pine needle carriage clock, with bronze case and excellent patina (est. $4,000-$6,000); a large Chelsea 8-day ship’s clock with open moon hands and silvered 7-inch dial with black Roman numerals (est. $2,500-$3,500); and a French silk thread bronze Apollo mantel clock (est. $1,500-$2,000).

Stars of the period furniture category include an R.J. Horner 10-piece oak figural lion carved dining room set (est. $75,000-$100,000); a 5-piece J.H. Belter Fountain Elms laminated parlor set with a sofa, two armchairs and a side chair (est. $75,000-$100,000); and a 4-piece marble-top bedroom set with burled panels attributed to John Jeliff (est. $15,000-$25,000).

The Tiffany name and legend will lead the way when it comes time for vintage lamps and lighting to illuminate the room. Two standout examples are a Tiffany Studios (N.Y.) conical daffodil table lamp shade with confetti and fragment glass (est. $40,000-$60,000) and a 20-inch Tiffany Studios signed dragonfly table lamp on a 2-tone faux turtleback base (est. $40,000-$60,000).

Also offered will be a Tiffany Studios 14-inch tulip table lamp (an early electrified oil lamp), with 14-inch domical shade with red striated tulips (est. $30,000-$50,000); a Tiffany Studios desk lamp with turtleback shade (est. $10,000-$15,000); and a 20” Duffner & Kimberly Henry II table lamp (est. $20,000-$30,000).

Decorative accessories will feature a 19th century signed “Fiske” cast iron fountain with stork top (est. $15,000-$25,000); a 7-inch Faberge silver enamel and ivory jar by Anders Nevalainen (est. $8,000-$12,000); a pair of French Empire figural bronze tazas with ebony putti figures (est. $3,000-$5,000); and a rare Tiffany Studios pine needle double inkwell (est. $1,500-$2,000).

Bronze statuary is worth noting. One is a festive bronze and ivory figure of a dancing woman by Dimitri Chiparus (1886-1947), titled Carnival, in excellent condition (est. $35,000-$45,000). The other is a James Gruzalski large bronze bust of an Indian chief wearing a puma headdress, signed, in excellent condition and with a good dark patina (est. $2,000-$3,000).

Also set to cross the block on May 22 is a Regina bow front upright changer music box in a mahogany case with shell carved crest, playing 12 discs 20.5 inches in diameter and signed on the soundboard “Regina 50871” (est. $12,000-$15,000); and a lady’s 14kt gold and diamond ring featuring one old European cut diamond of about 1.5 carats, with VS clarity (est. $4,000-$6,000).

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is actively seeking quality consignments for its summer and autumn auctions. The firm also buys antiques and entire estates outright. For more information, or to consign an item, estate or collection, call (413) 448-8922 and ask to speak to John Fontaine. Or, e-mail him at info@fontaineauction.com. For more info, log on to www.fontainesauction.net.