(Newton, MA) – Artfact’s staff highlights key sales from the more than 100 auctions hosted on Artfact Live! during April 2009. All sales and prices are final and have been confirmed by Artfact’s auction house partners.
Cottone, “Fine Antique Clock Auction” – April 25, 2009
18th Century Duncan Beard Brass Dial Tallcase Clock
Made by the renowned Delaware clockmaker Duncan Beard, this 18th century tallcase clock with brass dial and walnut case sold to an Artfact Live! bidder for $6,785 (including buyer’s premium). An example of Beard’s work was included in the “Delaware Clocks” exhibition at Biggs Museum of American Art in 2007.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/18th-century-duncan-beard-brass-dial-tallcase-99-c-575f314da3
Freeman’s “American Furniture and Decorative Folk Art” – April 19, 2009
Maria Cosway, portrait of Thomas Jefferson, Oil on Panel, signed on label
Selling for $2,625 (including buyer’s premium) on Artfact Live!, this portrait of Thomas Jefferson painted by Maria Cosway generated interest from several online and floor bidders. Cosway, an Anglo-Italian artist, was purported be the love interest of Thomas Jefferson while he served as the American envoy in Paris.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/maria-cosway,-portrait-of-thomas-jefferson,-oil-o-177-c-b90ee775ee
Lyon & Turnbull “Blenheim” – April 8, 2009
A 16th Century Turkish Iznik jug, circa 1580
Dating to the 16th century, this Iznik jug decorated with stylized tulips, carnations and fruit medallions generated considerable interest among Artfact Live! bidders. Iznik pottery, which was originally made to imitate Chinese porcelain, was named after the region in Anatolia in which it was produced. Bidding for this jug, which is in remarkable condition considering its age, alternated between the floor and Artfact Live! Ultimately it was an Artfact Live! bidder who beat out the floor with an impressive £6,000 (USD $9,025) bid.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/a-16th-century-turkish-iznik-jug,-circa-1580-22cm-78-c-e31e0434f6
Eldred’s “Americana and Paintings” – April 4, 2009
Octagonal Sailor’s Single Valentine “Home Sweet Home”
This 19th century Sailor’s Valentine with the words “Home Sweet Home” sold well above it’s pre-auction price estimate of $2,000-3,000 to an Artfact Live! bidder for $4,095 (including buyer’s premium). “Valentines” were originally brought home by sailors in the 19th century to loved ones. Their intricate designs were created by natives in Barbados using small sea shells. Traditional designs included a compass, heart or rose. Rare examples, like this lot, include sentimental messages spelled out in shells.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/octagonal-sailor-s-single-valentine-home-sweet-h-200-c-8835e374fd
Alderfer Auction & Appraisal “Antique Doll Auction” – April 2, 2009
5 WWI Kaiser Wilhelm Doll House Soldiers
A set of WWI Kaiser Wilhelm Dolls, Alderfer’s top selling lot, was won by an Artfact Live! bidder for $5,537 (including buyer’s premium). Outselling the next highest lot by $3,995, this lot soared above its pre-auction estimate of $2,000-3,000, as floor and Artfact Live! bidders competed for the rare set of 5 German Bisque-head dolls.
http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/5-ww-i-kaiser-wilhelm-doll-house-soldiers-1-c-764dddb95d
Other standout sales on Artfact Live! during the past month in which high sell through volumes were achieved include:
National Book Auctions, “Books, Ephemera, Stamps, Coins, Currency – Judaica” April 5, 2009
Artfact Live! generated 297 sales, equaling over 66% of the total lots sold.
http://www.artfact.com/catalog/searchLots.cfm?scp=c&catalogRef=NK7MVB43FA
Fusco Auctions, “Important Camera, Lens and Film Making Auction” – April
