Rago Lalique Sale Demonstrates the Mettle of Glass

"Tourbillons" vase, $35,000.

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. - David Rago Auction's second annual sale of Lalique on Saturday, October 23, was more than 95 percent sold, with most of the 170 lots fetching within or above estimate.

Dawes added that he was especially pleased to see a large number of dealers and collectors in attendance, several of whom had flown in specially for the occasion.

Highlights of the auction included classic Rene Lalique vases, notably a "Tourbillons" vase with black enamel from 1926 that sold for $35,00; a deep red "Poissons" vase that ended at $14,000 after spirited bidding; and an opalescent "Ceylan" with love bird design, which made $5,400.

"Poissons" vase, $14,000.

A good selection of automobile mascots featured a "Victoire" in amethyst-tinted glass, which sold for $17,500 to a Midwestern collector competing with a European.

Other statuary included a superb example to the "Source de la Fontaine Calypso," which sold at its high estimate of $20,000. The opalescent "Moyenne Voilee" statuette brought its high estimate of $4,500.

Architectural pieces proved popular with a rare gilded mirror "Entrelacs" selling within its estimated range at $17,500 and a rare pair of panels in "Jeune Faune" design selling above estimate for $6,000.

A strong selection of perfume bottles was 99 percent sold, mostly at or above estimate. The highest hammer price realized for a perfume bottle was for "Rosace Figurines," which brought $3,500.