Hesse Galleries’ artifacts auction, conducted May 8, was a resounding success †an indication that the artifacts market is apparently strong and healthy, according to the gallery. Jackie Hesse, Hesse Galleries’ representative, reported that there were more absentee bidders registered for this sale than any other previous Hesse Galleries auction in all of its 30-plus-years conducting auctions.
In spite of such a strong absentee presence, however, the auction was dominated by the bidders who were in attendance at the gallery, as they went home with all of the highest-priced items. There were 415 lots in the auction, and all sold.
The highlight of the auction was unquestionably a wonderful Apache hide dress and mantle decorated with myriad tin jangles, multiple rows of long fringe, beadwork and painted designs which, after spirited competition, reached a final price of $13,200.
Other highly prized items in the sale included a pipe tomahawk with brass tack decoration that sold for $2,640; a spontoon tomahawk that sold for $1,815; a great Hopewell platform pipe that reached $3,960; a red-colored Clovis point for $1,980; a butterfly banner stone selling at $1,375; and a quill decorated knife sheath with knife for $2,530.
There was also a finely detailed birch bark canoe model that brought $1,210, and a military officer’s fitted sword box made of mahogany (sans sword) with a sheath that went for $3,520.
Items in the auction ranged in age from circa 12,000 BC to historic times. There was †for collectors of Indian artifacts †literally something for everyone.
Prices quoted include a ten percent buyer’s premium.
Hesse Galleries is at 20 Main Street, and specializes in sales of prehistoric and historic artifacts in addition to its antiques auctions. Hesse is planning another artifacts sale for October, and is still seeking consignments. For information, 607-988-2523 or www.hessegalleries.com .
