Stefek’s second anniversary spring auction on March 25 was a spirited sale, according to the firm, with bidders registered from 23 different countries vying for more than 400 lots. Among the evening’s highlights were a scarce American soda fountain syrup dispenser marked “Jim Dandy Orangeade” and a rare Harry Bertoia bowl.
A total of 230 registered online bidders participated in the sale. There were 100 registered bidders in the gallery and six employees assisting with phones.
The soda fountain syrup dispenser was an early Twentieth Century example standing 10¾ inches high. It was marked “Jim Dandy, Trademark Registered, Orangeade Delicious and Refreshing” and the bottom was stamped “9” with other illegible marks. The desirable piece of Americana quickly dispensed with its conservative auction estimate of $800․1,000 and sold for $32,760.
A midcentury hammered brass footed bowl by American designer sculptor Harry Bertoia (1915‱978) realized $11,500, nearly triple its high presale estimate. With a diameter of 97/8 inches, the hammered brass footed bowl exhibited a conical form on round foot. Under the foot was a singed “HB” and it was marked “CA.” The bowl was a gift to the consignor by the artist. Bertoia, born in Italy, moved to Detroit and studied at the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts (now College for Creative Studies) and received a scholarship to study at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Sculptural art of an entirely different sort also struck a responsive chord with bidders. A carved marble sculpture by Cesare Lapini (Italian, 1848‱893) titled “Bagno Farzato” and depicting a woman and reluctant child at bath time handily exceeded its estimate of $6/8,000, selling for $14,375. The 23½-inch-tall sculpture was titled on front, signed, located “Firenze” and dated 1882 on the back.
By an unknown artist, a Continental Twentieth Century bust of a young man, bronze on marble base, fetched $1,265. Also Continental, an Eighteenth Century neoclassical oil on canvas painting of a maiden draped in white and rose robes and surrounded by cupids, 48 by 49 inches, unsigned and dated 1787, went out at $3,068.
Additional sale highlights included a Platner designed, Knoll upholstered and nickel plated wire lounge chair and ottoman at $3,276; a painted metal and electronic Detroit Tigers scoreboard from Tiger Stadium for $4,960; and a Second Empire gilt bronze and champleve enamel clock garniture, early Twentieth Century, for $1,652.
A German violin in case, early Twentieth Century, possibly made by Schweitzer, garnered $1,404, while a Venetian glass footed bowl, mid-Twentieth Century, did $472.
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For information, www.stefeksltd.com or 313-881-1800.
