The lead lot at the Alderfer’s Fine Art and Antiques Auction, conducted June 9-10, was a previously unknown small Martin Johnson Heade that had descended for generations in a Philadelphia estate. In as-found condition and retaining the original period frame, the painting was in need of nothing but a good cleaning.

Entitled “Cherokee Roses in a Tumbler,” the 181/4- by 10-inch oil on canvas had recently been authenticated by Theodore Stebbins. The lot had the attention of six phone bidders plus an active gallery as it crossed the block, selling at $230,000 including premium.

Other top lots included a George W. Sotter, oil on canvas board spring landscape that hammered at $97,750, and a rare 1781 military appointment signed by John Hancock at $34,150.

A complete review will appear in a future issue.

-JMWF