Skinner Americana Auction Features William Bradford Ship Portrait and Mochaware Collection

SKINNER AMERICANA AUCTION FEATURES WILLIAM BRADFORD SHIP PORTRAIT, SIMON WILLARD TALL CLOCK, AND COLLECTION OF MOCHAWARE

Other highlights include naive portraiture, Federal furniture, scrimshaw and folk art

BOSTON, Mass. – Feb 19, 2010 – www.skinnerinc.com Skinner, Inc. one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, will host its semi-annual auction of American Furniture and Decorative Arts on Sunday, March 7th.  The sale kicks off at 11 a.m. in the Boston gallery located at 63 Park Plaza and is comprised of 667 lots of material.  Featured is a major collection of Mochaware, utilitarian pottery dating back to the 18th century, which due to its unique glaze and colorful design, finds favor among Americana collectors.  The collection is perhaps the most extensive that Skinner has ever offered in a single sale.

Also offered in the upcoming Americana auction are several lots of interesting tall clocks, highlighted by a Simon Willard in a classic Roxbury case.  This particular clock is especially unusual due to its small size.  It is estimated at $30,000 – $50,000.  The sale also boasts a nice group of Connecticut production clocks from the early 19th century, coming to Skinner from a most discerning collector.

A hallmark of Skinner’s Americana auctions has always been prolific folk portraiture, and distinguished in this sale is Portrait of a Girl and Her Dog in a Grape Arbor by Susan Catherine Moore Waters.  The painting has remained in a New Hampshire collection since it was purchased at Skinner thirty years ago.  It is estimated at $8,000 – $12,000.  Another portrait of interest is a John Samuel Blunt work, Portrait of a Lady Wearing a Green Dress with Jewelry.  While the face is very carefully rendered, the remainder of the picture was done far more quickly, but effectively.  The painting, which is estimate at $15,000 – $25,000 was bought by the consignor’s grandmother in 1930 and has remained in the family since.

The sale also features some particularly fine landscapes, including Overlooking the Harbor, Cohasset, Massachusetts by Frank Henry Shapleigh, most regarded for his New Hampshire scenes.  The piece is estimated at $4,000 – $6,000.  Marine art is highlighted by William Bradford’s Portrait of the Whaleship Young Hector off Clark’s Point, New Bedford.  Created early on in Bradford’s career, the painting has a very luminous in nature and reminiscent of Fitz Henry Lane style, from whom he was influenced.  It is estimated at $60,000 – $80,000.  Other marine offerings include James Edward Buttersworth’s Yacht Race estimated at $15,000 – $20,000 as well as a scrimshaw and whale tooth carvings.

Finally, the sale is highlighted by a pair of fire buckets from Salem, Massachusetts.  While many fire buckets have survived, few pairs have remained intact.  Painting on one bucket in particular is in very good condition.  The pair is estimated at $4,000 – $6,000.

Previews and Special Event

Previews for the auction will be held Wednesday, March 3rd from 12-5 p.m., Thursday, March 4th from 12-8 p.m., Friday, March 5th from 12 -8 p.m., Saturday, March 6th from 12- 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 7th from 8-10 a.m.  In conjunction with Friday’s preview, Skinner will host an Americana gallery walk.  The reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., with the Gallery Walk commencing at 6:30 p.m.  R.S.V.P. 617-350-5400.

Catalogs and Bidding

Illustrated catalog #2494 is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3240.  It is also available at the gallery for $32.  Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale.  Skinner’s site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogs, and bid live in real-time through Skinner-Live.  To register for real-time bidding go to https://www.skinnerinc.com/buy-sell/skinner-live.php.  Or, for more information call 508-970-3000.

About Skinner

Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art.  With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices.  Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business.   Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Paintings & Prints, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks.  Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Bolton, Mass.  For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.

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