Paint-decorated and Gilt Parcheesi Game Board, America, late 19th century (Lot 1053, Estimate $800-$1,200)
A one-owner collection of Americana
BOSTON, MA – June 5, 2015 – Skinner, Inc.’s June Americana-Online auction is comprised of a single, diverse collection of American furniture and decorative arts, assembled by a Northeastern couple whose eclectic tastes ranged from urban to country, classic to quirky, and folky to fine. The public will have the opportunity to browse, discover and bid from more than 500 lots on the block June 8th through June 16th at www.skinnerinc.com. As always, all items can be viewed in person at Skinner’s Marlborough Gallery on Thursday June 11 from 12 PM to 5 PM, Friday, June 12 from 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, June 13 from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Stephen Fletcher, Vice President and Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts at Skinner noted, “The collectors’ passion brought them to shops and dealers throughout New York State, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England. The result is wide-ranging assortment of intriguing pieces that represent their appreciation for both the formal and vernacular. This auction has something for every lover of Americana, with many examples to round out one’s antique collection or to enhance even a modern design aesthetic.”
Trade Signs & Advertising
The collection is highlighted by a large group of trade signs and advertising, representing locales and long-forgotten establishments throughout the Northeast. Examples include a two-sided ‘W. JONES’ tavern sign dating to the early 19th century (Lot 1361, estimated between $1,500 and $2,500), in addition to a two-sided ‘B.L. PAGE/STOVES AND TINWARE.’ trade sign, America, 19th century (Lot 1469, $600 to $800).
Two-sided ‘W. JONES’ Tavern Sign, America, early 19th century (Lot 1361, Estimate $1,500-$2,500)
Furniture and Decorative Arts
Federal and Classical furniture is well-represented, with several fine mahogany tables, sideboards and chairs on offer. Highlighting a section of brightly painted blanket chests and storage boxes is an attractive putty-painted pine chest over two drawers from early 19th century New England (Lot 1020, $1,000 to $1,500).
A variety of small furniture will also be on the block, encompassing painted mini chests, step stools, children’s chairs, and more.
A strong offering of American school paintings up for auction is exemplified by a late 19th century Portrait of the Paddlewheel Steamer Onondaga (Lot 1090, $3,000 to $5,000)
Utilitarian Objects, Toys and More
The collectors viewed everyday objects as works of art, and this auction is replete with a variety of charming household items. From the kitchen, a selection of early wood-carved butter molds will be available (Lots 1419-1425, various estimates), as well as several rare tin cookie cutters from the early 19th and 20th centuries (Lots 1405–1418, various estimates) and an assortment of colorful wooden pantry boxes and tools. A 19th century wooden cakeboard depicting George Washington stands out for its beautiful, carved detail (Lot 1047, $800 to $1,200).
Putty-painted Pine Chest over Two Drawers, New England, early 19th century (Lot 1020, Estimate $1,000-$1,500)
Recreational items at auction include a selection of more than thirty-five pairs of antique ice skates, a wide variety of children’s toys, and painted gameboards – including a 19th century painted and gilt Parcheesi game board (Lot 1053, $800 to $1,200)
Previews, Catalog, and Bidding
All lots offered at Skinner are available to view online or in person, and specialists are available to answer questions, setting our auction house apart from internet-based auction companies. There will be a preview of all the items available in this auction at Skinner’s Marlborough Gallery on Thursday June 11 from 12 PM to 5 PM, Friday, June 12 from 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, June 13 from 12 PM to 5 PM.
View the catalog on the Skinner website at https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2824T. Each lot in the online catalog displays the current bid, asking bid, and time remaining in the auction, in addition to detailed images and condition information. Place a bid for the next bidding increment or place a maximum proxy bid. The system will automatically bid competitively up to that price. Experts are available throughout the auction to answer questions and provide additional information about the lots offered.
About Skinner
Skinner auctions draw international interest from buyers and consignors alike, with material regularly achieving record prices. The company’s auction and appraisal services focus on fine art, jewelry, furniture, and decorative arts from around the globe, as well as wine, fine musical instruments, rare books, Asian art, clocks, Judaica, and more. Monthly Skinner Discovery auctions feature a breadth of estate material. Widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the business, Skinner appraisers have appeared on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, since the show’s inception. Skinner has galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as in New York City and Coral Gables, Florida, with bidders participating in person, by phone, and online. Join auctions live with SkinnerLive! and Bidsquare. For more information and to read our blog, visit the website at www.skinnerinc.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
###
Contacts
Stephen Fletcher
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
americana@skinnerinc.com