The anticipation was palpable as the original C.M. Russell bronze was brought up to bid in Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc’s June 29 antiques and estate auction. This exceptional sculpture hailed from the estate of diplomat J. Fife Symington, and had been personally viewed by Russell expert Dr Rick Stewart of the Amon Carter Museum. The 1911 Russell bronze, “Bronc Twister,” is 18 by 13 inches with a rich, original patina and dynamic subject matter; it sold for $805,000, far exceeding its $300/500,000 preauction estimate.
The auction also featured Western art and antiques hailing from the estate of Margaret and Thomas McMahon. He was an executive vice president of Chase Manhattan Bank and had collected a variety of fine bronzes, Native American pottery, artwork and jewelry. A collection of quality fairy lamps, folk carvings, tiger maple furniture also came from the couple’s New Jersey estate.
An early Frederic Remington bronze, “Bronco Buster,” rode in at an impressive $92,000 and a Henry Shrady bison bronze brought $86,250. An original Edward Borein watercolor, “The Stagecoach,” had a Kennedy Galleries label verso, and sold for $21,850. Two signed Tony Da Native American pottery pieces realized a stunning $24,150.
Fine jewelry, including an exceptional cufflink collection, played an important role in this well-rounded auction. Most notably, an eight-carat, emerald-cut, F-color diamond ring from a prominent Baltimore estate fetched a dazzling $184,000.
Marble statuary, artwork, antiques and collectibles rounded out this sale, providing something for everyone’s collecting interest and budget. There were more than 250 people in attendance or participating by absentee, phone and Internet bid.
All prices given include the buyer’s premium.
Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc. is at 1919 Greenspring Drive. For more information, 410-252-5035 or www.opferauction.com .
