Garth's Third Annual Ohio Valley Auction Americana buffs & admirers of the regional artistry of the Ohio Valley will once again celebrate its rich heritage at the third annual Ohio Valley Auction, hosted by Garth's Auctions on May 23rd, 2009
Delaware, Ohio Historian Frederick Jackson Turner once said, “The Ohio Valley has not only a local history worthy of study, a rich heritage to its people, but also that it has been an independent and powerful force in shaping the development of the nation.” This spring, history buffs and those who admire the regional artistry of the Ohio Valley will once again have an opportunity to celebrate its rich heritage at the third annual Ohio Valley Auction, hosted by Garth’s Auctions on May 23rd, 2009. Founded in 1954, Garth’s is Ohio’s oldest premier auction house and it has the reputation, experience and enthusiasm needed to leverage such a sale.
“When Andy Richmond came to us with the suggestion of an annual event focusing on our region, we were immediately intrigued,” explains Jeff Jeffers, President of Garth’s. “For many of us, this region in particular is our passion – our contextual connection to American antiques. What a great opportunity to share that enthusiasm and expertise with the world. After little discussion, it was a no-brainer to make this type of sale an annual event.”
The first two Ohio Valley Auctions have been very well-received, garnering more than 1500 bidders per auction – with objects from over 300 consignors. “This auction is an unparalleled venue for one object or a collection,” continues Jeffers. “We have consignors who have been reluctant to part with a particular piece until this auction came along. Now, to have it featured alongside other quality objects from the same region; it just gets them excited.”
Museums and historical societies have embraced the event as have consignors, buyers and beneficiaries. “Last year, a handful of the lots from the Ohio Valley auction sold to buyers who ultimately donated them to area institutions. It was a great feeling to assist them in their efforts,” says Jeffers. One item to which Jeffers refers is the Elijah Pierce barber chair, lot 82 in the 2008 sale. Pierce, a well-known folk carver, operated a barber shop in downtown Columbus. The chair sold for $10,575, and was subsequently donated, along with Pierce’s trade sign (lot 83) to the Columbus Museum of Art for their permanent collection. “The chair really could not have been sold anywhere else,” says Jeffers. “Garth’s has a successful history with Pierce works, holding the record with a carved plaque, titled Slavery Time, which sold for $74,750. We had fun selling the chair, and coordinating the donation on behalf of the seller. It was very rewarding – and truly in the spirit of the Ohio Valley event.”
When asked to identify his favorite item from the first two Ohio Valley auctions, Andy Richmond, consignment representative and catalog author for Garth’s, is torn. “It would have to be either the General Green Clay horn cup from 2008 ($38,775) or the painting of the Ohio River at Parkersburg from 2007 which sold for $37,775. The cup has such a rich history and story while the painting is
