Auction Details

Fine & Decorative Arts

Auction starts at 9:00 AM.
 
The soft shine of old silver and the stunning artistry of stained and leaded-glass windows will greet bidders at Morphy’s Saturday, April 4 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction. More than 600 lots will be offered, with all forms of bidding available, including absentee and live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Start time is 9 a.m. Eastern.
Dozens of categories are listed in the catalog, including fine jewelry, pottery, silver, inkwells, coins, paintings, art glass, canes, clocks and historical ephemera. Additionally, there are antique telephones and a cast-iron selection that includes figural doorstops.
Highlights within the decorative arts section start with Lot 495, a beautiful silver-overlay art glass vase executed primarily in peacock blue. Its estimate is $1,500-$2,500. Lot 417, a 9½-inch Rookwood vase with foliate theme was designed by Rose Fechheimer and is estimated at $1,000-$2,000. An impressive 33-inch, squeezebag-decorated Roseville jardinière with pedestal has an Art Nouveau landscape motif and is artist-initialed “H.S.” (Helen Smith) and “E.D.” Entered as Lot 457, it is expected to make $1,000-$1,500.
Sixteen leaded and stained-glass windows will be offered consecutively from Lots 522-537. Many are large, measuring 47 by 51 inches. Some have cathedral-shape designs; others are rounded or profusely decorated with floral images. All display a high standard of artistry. Estimates range from $100 at the low end to $800 at the top.
An extensive selection of American, English and Continental silver includes every imaginable vessel, as well as flatware, serving pieces and candlesticks. An outstanding example of ornate, repousse artistry, Lot 245 is a Stieff sterling silver flower vase shaped as a spray-form basket with upright handle. Standing 18 inches tall and weighing 46.3 ozt, it is cataloged with a $6,000-$8,000 estimate.
Several music boxes will cross the auction block. Among them is Lot 374, a rare enameled box with a feathered “singing” bird. It plays well and could reach $3,000-$6,000.
The highest-estimated artwork in the sale is Lot 548, a signed Wifredo Lam (Cuban, 1902-1982) pastel-on-paper of abstract animals, measuring 27½ by 18¼ inches. It is unframed and estimated at $10,000-$15,000.
In the fine jewelry section, an eye-catching platinum filigree diamond ring weighing approximately 1.03 carats is entered with a $6,000-$8,000 estimate. It’s in prestigious company alongside Lot 345, a signed (J.E.C. & Co.) platinum line bracelet set with 46 French-cut rubies. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000.
An array of whimsical cast-iron figural doorstops includes many types of animals, buildings, and people. A standout within the group is Lot 42, a 15¼-inch Honey Bear holding a honey pot in his hands and licking his lips. A perennial charmer in excellent condition, this example is estimated at $2,500-$3,500.
A broad selection of antique coins and currency is included from Lots 83 through 173. One of the monetary highlights is Lot 168, a Parker and Burke 1901 US $10 large note with red seal. In extra-fine condition, it bears the image of a buffalo and explorers Lewis and Clark. Estimate: $2,200-$2,800.
Morphy’s Saturday, April 4, 2015 auction will be held at the company’s gallery at 2000 N. Reading Rd., Denver, PA 17517. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Start time is 9 a.m. Eastern.
Preview the entire auction inventory daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or from 8-9 a.m. on auction day, prior to the start of the sale. For additional information on any item in the sale or to reserve a phone line for live bidding on auction day, call 717-335-3435 or email info@morphyauctions.com. Note: Absentee bids may now be placed online through Morphy Live anytime prior to the auctioneer’s announcement that a lot is open for bidding on the floor.

For a preview of items included in this auction, see below: