Skinner monthly Discovery auctions are approachable and keenly followed by seasoned and novice buyers alike for their affordability and diverse, eclectic offerings.  A recent Country Americana auction featured a broad and eclectic selection of 18th, 19th, and 20th-century furniture, folk art, ceramics, metalwork, fine art, and textiles. Department specialist Kyle Johnson weighs-in on some of the areas where he saw strong auction results.  

 

Six Graduated Painted Firkins, 19th century (Lot 18, Sold for: $1,599)

Six Graduated Painted Firkins, 19th century

  This group of six graduated buckets hammered for $1,300, outperforming the expected $600-800 estimate.… Read More

Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Untitled (Standing Mobile) c. 1953 (Lot 525, Estimate: $100,000-150,000)

More than 500 lots comprising paintings, sculpture, photographs, and works on paper and representing a wide range of periods, styles, and subject matter were offered in Skinner’s May 19 auction. Robin S. R. Starr, Director of American and European Works of Art, notes that the stand-out successes of the auction were major works by renowned artists.… Read More

Sold for $54,120. Arts & Crafts 18kt Gold, Tourmaline, and Sapphire Necklace, Tiffany & Co.

BOSTON, MA – September 17, 2014 – Skinner, Inc. achieved strong results for its Fine Jewelry auction on September 9th, grossing a total of $2.48 million. Highlights included rare Arts & Crafts pieces and signed jewelry by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co.

Victoria Bratberg, Director of Fine Jewelry at Skinner observed, “We were pleased to see such a high level of excitement and competitive bidding.… Read More

Sold for $92,250. Polychrome Carved Indian Princess Tobacconist Figure, Samuel Robb, New York, late 19th century

Continuing to present exceptional examples of Americana at auction, Skinner, Inc. is pleased to announce strong results from its August Americana auction.

Earning over $2 million, a compelling selection of American paintings, furniture, weathervanes, folk art carvings, trade signs and more, as well as Part I of the Howard Roth Collection of Early American Iron, offered something for every collector and Americana buff.… Read More

Sold for $153,000. Silver “Satyr” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory

BOSTON, MA – March 25, 2013 – Skinner, Inc. saw excellent results from its auction of Fine Jewelry last week: a robust presentation of more than 500 lots that earned over $2.7 million. Drawing a great deal of excitement was the sale of three rare pieces of jewelry by Pablo Picasso, each on the block for the first time. Also performing well were signed pieces by Buccellati and Cartier, fine Art Nouveau jewels, a selection of natural pearls, diamond jewelry and period gems.… Read More

18kt Gold and Diamond ‘Angel Hair’ Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, France (Sold for $43,200)

BOSTON, MA – January 3, 2014 – Skinner, Inc. is pleased to announce strong results from its December 10 sale of Fine Jewelry. Led by top-selling pieces by Cartier, J E Caldwell and Van Cleef & Arpels, the auction of over 700 lots grossed more than $3.6 million.

“Fine jewelry was in high demand this holiday season, with people flying in from around the world to shop for gifts,” said Victoria Bratberg, Director of Fine Jewelry at Skinner.… Read More

As a violin-maker, I automatically think of the Gagliano family whenever I think of Naples, Italy. Beginning as far back as 1640 with Alessandro Gagliano and ending with Vincenzo Gagliano in the early 1900s, the family produced a remarkable number of fine violins, violas, and cellos. The most prominent personalities of the family, Alessandro, Nicolaus, and Gennaro, emerge in the more important works that bear the Gagliano label.

BOSTON, MA – December 5, 2013 – Skinner, Inc. is pleased to announce strong results from its November 17 auction of Fine Books & Manuscripts. Grossing over $1.1 million, this sale garnered tremendous enthusiasm across both emerging and established collecting areas, highlighting Skinner’s continued growth in the category.

Early Photography

Sold for $192,000: Gardner, Alexander (1821-1882) Photographic Sketch Book of the War.

… Read More

Auction Led by Sale of Fitz Henry Lane Painting

BOSTON, MA – September 26, 2013 – Skinner, Inc. is pleased to announce robust results from its auction of American & European Works of Art , held last Friday, September 20. The sale brought in a total of $3,224,049.85, including buyer’s premium, demonstrating Skinner’s continued strength in the sale of fine paintings, prints, and photography.

Fitz Henry Lane

Fitz Henry Lane (American, 1804-1865), Camden Mts.

… Read More