Michael Ivankovich’s March 10-11 auction once again proved that despite a softer antiques and collectibles market, good merchandise will still bring top prices. One of Wallace Nutting’s rarest and most desirable hand painted photographs – “Elizabeth and Her Pets” – brought $6,325, making this the second-highest selling Wallace Nutting picture at auction to date.

Several factors contributed to the price achieved – subject matter, rarity and condition – according to Ivankovich. It featured a child and a rare St Bernard dog with her puppies. It was taken in California and had not been seen in nearly ten years. “The condition was excellent,” said Ivankovich, “and three very determined telephone bidders all contributed to this strong Wallace Nutting price.”

Other top selling Wallace Nutting pictures included “Mrs Maloney,” $3,300; “Pasture Dell,” $1,980; “A Peep Down the Street,” $1,760; and “Better Than Mowing,” $1,210.

Wallace Nutting furniture also fared well. The top-selling furniture lot included a set of four #301 Windsor brace back side chairs with New England turnings and assorted Nutting markings, $3,850. Other Nutting Furniture included a #432 writing arm Windsor chair in black paint, having two drawers, a candle slide and an early paper label, $2,750; #623 mahogany butterfly table with block branded signature, $2,090; #754 Chippendale tiger maple mirror with block brand, $990; and a #465 unmarked Chippendale wingback armchair, $880.

This set of four #301 Windsor brace back side chairs with New England turnings and assorted Nutting markings sold for $3,850.

Nutting-like pictures also generally did quite well, with thetop selling picture being a Charles R Higgins stagecoach scene, “AHurried Departure.” This picture brought $440 and may be an auctionrecord for a Charles Higgins hand painted photograph.

All prices include the ten percent buyer’s premium.

Michael Ivankovich’s next auction will be conducted on Friday, June 2, in Southbury, Conn. It will be conducted in conjunction with the 2006 Wallace Nutting Collectors Club Convention in Southbury, the home of Wallace Nutting from 1905 to 1912. Featured will be 550 lots of Wallace Nutting and Nutting-like hand painted pictures, books and memorabilia, as well as more than ten pieces of Wallace Nutting furniture. Featured lots include a #65 Wallace Nutting Goddard tall case clock, other Nutting furniture, Palestine prints and many other Nutting rarities.

For information, 215-345-6094 or www.michaelivankovich.com.