James D. Julia’s December 1–2 auction of fine glass and lamps boasted strong prices in every category including numerous surprises. The two-day cataloged sale was filled with treasures for both the beginning and advanced collector.
Until the announcement by Julia’s a few months ago of the discovery of an extraordinary Pairpoint Puffy Owl lamp, there had been only five examples known to exist. This auction featured the sixth known example and the first to ever be offered at public auction. The lamp was authenticated and the piece, a heavy cast design of an owl perched on a branch with the glass shade in the form of a crouching owl, saw tremendous activity, finally selling for $86,250.
Receiving significant attention was a fresh-to-the-market single-owner collection of more than 400 mini lamps. The greatest surprise centered on a brown pottery figural mini lamp that depicted a portly pig munching a carrot; it finally closed well beyond its $400/600 estimate at $14,950.
A rare Stevens & Williams mini lamp in cranberry, cut to amber, lit things up by selling for $5,175. An exceptional museum quality covered malfrey pot in the Ghostly Woods pattern, depicting a host of mystical figures, sold for $40,250. A “Jeweled Tree” covered vase, decorated with woodland creatures saw active bidding to $9,775.
A Tiffany Crocus table lamp with beautiful yellow crocus flowers against a background shading from green to cream sold for $34,500. A Moorish chandelier featuring heavily rippled white glass accented by bronze swirling Moorish designs flourished at $43,125.
Tiffany glass included an iridescent blue vase decorated with purple highlights and gold hooked feather design going to $9,200. An outstanding Tel el Amarna vase in rare bright yellow shone at $8,050. A monumental Tiffany Studios flower-form vase with green pulled feather decoration on an opal background also went to $8,050.
Steuben offerings centered on an Aurene vase decorated with red, white and gold Aurene in a drag-loop and feather decoration. It went to $40,250. An iridescent gold, green and white Aurene flower form vase finished up at $17,250.
A generous offering of Webb English cameo included a magnificent plate with light blue cameo floral design showing flowers in different stages of growth. Set against a medium blue translucent background, this rare item sold for $6,037. French cameo glass included works by Daum, Galle, Desire Christian, Burgun & Schverer, Le Verre Francais, Schneider and others.
A spectacular Daum vase featuring enameled seagulls situated against a setting sun sold for $27,600, screaming past its $12,5/15,000 estimate. A Daum Nancy cameo and enameled spring scene vase sold for $20,700, a twosome of Daum prairie vases showed summer in all its splendor selling for $28,750 and $10,350 for the smaller vase. A beautiful Daum rain scene ewer showing barren trees bending in the driving cold autumn rain sold for $20,125.
The selection of Galle was highlighted in part by a mold blown purple on yellow hyacinth vase with green cameo leaves that went to $14,950. A rare Galle brown and yellow Persian rider vase with ornate flourishes throughout sold for $17,250.
Other glass included a fabulous Schneider marquetry vase. This extremely rare vase with inlaid flowers and stems against a mottled polychrome background sold for $27,025. Also a favorite among collectors, an early R. Lalique Milan vase in rich amber with molded allover branch decoration sold for $11,500. A wonderful and rare Lalique gold enamel scent bottle with its original decorated leatherette box was apparently a must-have. Bidders ignored the $5/8,000 estimate, driving the final price to $16,100.
An extremely rare Martin Bros figural tobacco jar from the Nineteenth Century of a grotesque bird filled the strange and unusual category selling for $34,500.
The sale was rounded out by a selection of estate jewelry with several highlights worthy of mention. A 14K white gold, diamond and amethyst dragonfly brooch buzzed past its $750–$1,000 estimate to sell for $3,910. An all diamond and white gold dragonfly sold for $2,530 while a ruby and sapphire brooch sold for $2,990.
All prices given include the buyer’s premium.
For more details or to consign items to upcoming auctions, 207-453-7125, www.juliaauctions.com or James D. Julia, Inc., PO Box 830, Fairfield ME 04937.
