By Susan Emerson Nutter DELAWARE, Ohio – Americana continues to win over the hearts of many a collector and on Sept. 14 and 15, Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers offered painted furniture, hooked rugs, crocks and primitive artwork with prices ranging from the impressive to affordable. “There were good things in this auction, and they performed well,” said Garth’s principal auctioneer and CEO, Jeff Jeffers. “Our auctions usually have very high sell through rates, and this one was no different coming in at 95 percent.” These are the types of auctions that have made the well-oiled machine that is Garth’s Auction thrive. And while the employees of Garth’s could probably execute this kind of multi-consignor event in their sleep, there was a bit of reminiscing running through both the crowd and crew; no doubt. This was the last Garth’s auction to be hosted at “The Barn at Stratford” in Delaware; the barn that once echoed with the legendary auctioneering call of founder, Garth Oberland, and later the greatly admired Tom Porter; the barn where the Jeffers’ children (now in college and high school) first heard their parents doing the same. Garth’s Auctions has a new home in the works; the historic Municipal Light Plant in downtown Columbus (589 West Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43215), which is in the final stages of restoration. “After a number of discussions with the city of Columbus, it became obvious that there was synergy and the city’s emphasis on the arts would benefit,” Jeffers said. “After 64 years....it’s time.” Garth’s interim auction gallery is located at 1450 Dublin Road in Columbus with sales being conducted there at least through January 2019. But for this final sale at the beloved barn, the mix of items couldn’t have been better and more fitting. An ordinary yarn winder was anything but that due to several factors; for example, the construction of this circa 1835 birch and pine winder was just a bit finer than most. With turned legs and a reeded urn column, the clock reel with counter featured a carved wooden hand. Other decorative elements included a hinged top for a carved pop-up figure of an African American man in a neck scarf and red coat. Having the scratched carved name of “Sadie M. Smith” on the side, this winder reached $7,200. A fantastic American double-sided wooden panel tavern sign wearing the painted portrait of George Washington with the words “The George Washington 1783” sold for $4,688. The 36 ½ inch high by 34 inch wide sign sold with its wrought iron frame and hanging tabs. The 1783 date refers to Washington’s resignation as commanding general of the Continental Army. Another common item made special due to its decoration was a dometop box with a dovetailed case made of mixed woods that featured an original floral painting including tulips. With tin hinges and latch the 3 ¾ inch by 8 ¾ inch American box was taken to $3,900. An early 20th century American gameboard made of a single board with gallery edges wore its original red, white, and blue paint. Decorated with both Parcheesi and checkerboards, this gameboard also wore initials and the notations, “Love God by Loving Each Other, Ira M. Countryman” and “Kindness is Nobel, Jimmy Hall.” Measuring 21 inches by 21 ½ inches, this gameboard sold for $3,750. Several carved figures also made a statement at this Garth’s September event. A 40-inch tall ship’s carved figurehead of a gentleman in 1820s to 1830s attire with the banner “Antonio Licresti” sold within estimate at $13,200. An American folk art carved wooden parrot with original paint and incised tail feathers at 8 inches tall including the base was won with a $3,600 bid. Other unique items finding new homes via this Americana event included the top lot of the day; an American Lady Liberty statue attributed to William Demuth of New York City. The late 19th century zinc statue was classically robed and sported a liberty cap. She also held an American shield, laurel wreath, and a sword. Standing 58-inches high, this lovely lady realized $25,200. Not every item needed paint in order to be desirable. An 18th century Boston Chippendale reverse serpentine secretary bookcase made of mahogany with pine as its secondary wood was bid to $18,600. Done in three pieces, the bookcase had a removable closed bonnet crest with old flame finials; the top featured scalloped molding and pigeonhole interior, and the oxbow base boasted claw feet and a shell carved apron. Writing height was 33 ½ inches; overall height was 99 ½ inches. An early 19th century cherry and mahogany veneer two-piece Pennsylvania Federal inlaid corner cupboard from Fayette County, Pa. made $4,320. The piece’s exaggerated gooseneck crest and finial, and string inlay with vining and sunflower inlay on top made this 103-inch high piece a stand-out. Smalls continue to be the “bread and butter” of many an Americana sale and this Garth’s auction was no different. The first lot of the day; an Ohio memorial sampler marking the March 18, 1821 death of Charles Davis got the auction moving. Selling for $2,760, the silk on linen sampler included a lovely flower and fruit border, as well as an ornate urn with fruit branches and willow trees in the center. A Howard Regulator clock with Riefler pendulum, Massachusetts, circa 1875, sold within estimate at $5,000. In a black walnut case, the face of this astronomical clock was labeled “E. Howard & Co., Boston” with the German brass Riefler pendulum marked “DRP 60059 Riefler Muchen No. 38” and “EP No. 14259”. Wearing an unusual beaver graphic on a blue ground, a late 19th century American bandbox with an Underwood inventory tag made $1,500. And a 7 inch long carved whale tooth featuring a carved eagle’s head, American arms, and “The Union Must Survive for the Good of All, 1862 Percy Hale” realized $2,340. Mark your calendars for Garth’s next auction; the 58th Annual Thanksgiving Americana and Fine Art affair slated for Nov. 23 at the interim location. Black Friday shopping was never so much fun! Contact: (740) 362-4771 www.garths.com |