| Press Contact: | Stuart Slavid, Director | Catherine Riedel, Director |
| European Furniture & Decorative Arts | Marketing & Public Relations | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
978-779-6241 ext. 306 |
978-779-6241 x231 |
EUROPEAN FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS
AT SKINNER APRIL 24TH
Featuring Fine Silver
BOSTON, Mass. - April 8, 2004 – www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, one of the nation's leading auction houses, will host an auction of European furniture and decorative arts in Boston on April 24, 2004 at 10 a.m. The sale features a very strong selection of American and European silver, crowned by a particularly fine and unusual seven-piece Gorham Martelé tea and coffee service of .9584 silver (lot 491, $50/70,000). "This extensive set represents the crème de la crème of American silver, and we are especially pleased to present it to the public," notes department director Stuart Slavid.
American and European Silver
Martelé was Gorham's Art Nouveau line, established in the late 19th century, under the direction of the English artist William Christmas Codman. Cherished by collectors, Martelé silver features hand hammered surfaces, sinuous lines, and the use of naturalistic themes, and is arguably some of the highest quality silver ever produced by American artisans. The set offered at this auction is hand chased and embossed with daisy stems, and comprises a teapot, coffeepot, covered sugar, milk jug, waste bowl, kettle on stand, and a large serving tray. The lines are fluid and sensual, each piece bearing Martelé's classic hammered surface, giving the whole an ethereal, twinkling appearance.
Other fine examples of American silversmithing include a set of twelve Dominick & Haff sterling service plates, c. 1868, in a fitted mahogany case (lot 471, $6/9,000). A six-piece Ball, Black & Co. tea service, made in New York in the third quarter 19th century in conjunction with Eoff & Shepherd (lot 472, $6/8,000), and a large mid-20th century Old Newbury Crafters sterling and enamel accented punch bowl and undertray believed to have been made as a limited edition of ten for Shreve, Crump & Low (lot 502, $4/6,000), also will be offered. English silver is highlighted by a pair of George II silver gilt tea caddies in a fitted case, made by John Swift in London in 1754 (lot 371, $2/3,000), and Continental selections include a Georg Jensen sterling center bowl, model no. 625B (lot 455, $1,8/2,200).
Furniture
Furniture in the sale is led by an American Renaissance Revival gilt-bronze mounted marquetry inlaid ebonized side cabinet, likely made in New York, c. 1875 (lot 80, $5/7,000), and an 18th century Welsh oak dresser (lot 101, $3/5,000). Additional selections include an unusual Regency mahogany telescopic what-not stand from the second quarter of the 19th century, with three rectangular tiers collapsing to one triple-top side table (lot 95, $8/1,200). Also featured are reformed Gothic oak metamorphic chair/library steps (lot 162, $5/700), and a late 18th century George III oak slant-lid desk (lot 282, $1,5/2,800).
Decorative Arts
Decorative arts cover a broad span of styles and forms. Examples include a remarkable and impressive 84 ½-inch carved alabaster figural hall lamp carved with a band of Dionysian children (lot 308, $8/12,000), and a large bronze figure of a chevalier on horseback with a serving girl, by the French artist Adrien-Etienne Gaudez (lot 232, $5/7,000). Others include a 34-inch Louis XV-style tortoiseshell and bronze mounted bracket clock with a two train, half striking A.D. Mougin movement (lot 165, $2,5/3,500), and a late 19th/early 20th century Vienna decorated porcelain mantel urn and stand, finely enamel decorated throughout with scenes of classical gods and goddesses on a cobalt blue ground (lot 286, $1/1,500). Also featured is
an early 20th century Bergman cold painted "Naughty" bronze miniature trunk formed as a miniature steamer trunk, the lid revolving at the front latch to reveal a reclining nude woman (lot 194, $8/1,200).
General offerings include textiles (including two tapestry lots, 240 and 322), four Louis Vuitton trunks (lots 250, 251, 252, 255), paintings, English and European porcelain, carriage clocks, tall case clocks, glassware, and metalwork.
Previews and Catalogue Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22nd, and 12 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 23rd. Illustrated catalog #2234 is available by mail for $29 ($35 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $26. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For more information, call 978-779-6241, or visit www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, and order catalogues online.
Note to Editors: Photos available upon request. Contact Catherine Riedel at 978-779-6241 x 231.
About Skinner:With galleries in Boston and Bolton, Mass., Skinner is a full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art. Regularly seen on the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, Skinner is one of the nation’s leading auction houses. Skinner conducts auctions year-round and has received world-record prices for many pieces sold at auction. Departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographica, and Discovery. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.