Leigh Keno Auctions held their bi-annual sale as part of Americana week and had a few interesting surprises including the presence of a big online bidder who won the top lot. Here are some excerpts from the house’s post-sale release:
- Among the paintings that garnered significant prices were The Active off Castle Garden and The Active off Sandy Hook, a pair of Maritime oils by the American painter, James Buttersworth that elicited lively competition; the pair sold for a remarkable $158,750 to an internet bidder.
There is always interest in unique pieces of museum quality objects among top collectors and several of the lots from the estate of Hans Christensen, the Danish-American 20th Century master silversmith, attracted attention from numerous bidders in several different countries.
- Among the items that exceeded their estimates were his iconic sterling silver with rosewood handle and base Teapot and Warmer, his journeyman’s piece executed in 1944 that fetched a remarkable $33,480; which was a world record for a Christensen piece.
- There was a stunning sterling silver with rosewood handle Water Pitcher that realized $17,360; and a sterling silver Jewish Spice Box that sold for $23,560.
“We are delighted with the new world auction record achieved for Hans Christensen’s Water Pitcher and Teapot and Warmer. This was one of the most exciting collections we have had the honor of offering to our clients and we along with the consignor are thrilled with the results,” said Keno.
- Also part of the Christensen estate was a 20th Century swivel chair Model 30 (circa 1955), by the Danish designer Hans Wegner which was found by the consignor in a garage. The chair was purchased by a bidder in the room for $32,240.
- Another star of the auction was a ‘Dragonfly’ leaded-glass fluid lamp from Tiffany Studios that sold to a telephone bidder at $142,600.
