A bidding war erupted at Alderfer’s auction of Fine Art and Decorative Accessories this past Wednesday, December 8, as an unassuming selection of daguerreotypes was offered.
The four images, by William Mason, depicting Philadelphia outdoor scenes from the Chestnut Street area and estimated between $4/6,000 and $9/11,000 each, created quite a stir.
“We knew there was going to be some excrdf_Descriptionent,” stated Alderfer’s. The extent of that excrdf_Descriptionent, however, proved to be a surprise to nearly everyone.
The first lot, a view of Chestnut Street and Second Street sold at ten times the low estimate for $46,000. A view of Chestnut Street with houses and storefronts went for $48,875. The North side of Chestnut Street, depicting shops, realized $43,125, and another view of Chestnut Street shops sold at $46,000. The accumulative total for the lots was $184,000.
Prices include the 15 percent buyer’s premium.
A complete review of the auction will appear in a future issue.
-JMW Fletcher
