Heading up the sale as the top single item was a rare and important medical book titled Corporis Fabrica Librorum Epitome by Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), which was published in 1543 by Oporinus. It brought $27,000 from a gentleman who had traveled from downstate to attend the sale.
EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. — The historic Emmons Farm (Woodchuck Knoll) of Oneonta, N.Y. was for the first time being offered by Edward Schillaci and John Shultis of Two Feathers Antiques & Auction Services on October 21 at the Old Masonic Lodge. This sale provided an opportunity to acquire many antiques, art and collectibles and comprised approximately 296 lots.
More than 518 bidders were registered from around the world to participate in this sale, with items being presented for the first time after being stored in the residence or attic for generations.
Categories identified by the auction house included art, textiles, silver, ceramics, carpets, ephemera, accessories/collectibles and more.
The roots of Emmons Farms go deep into local history, as well as the family’s history in the United States. The oldest documented land purchase in this area by a family member dates to 1799. Carleton Emmons and his wife, Maria Fairchild Emmons, were descended from early settlers in the Cooperstown/Oneonta area. Maria’s grandfather, Abijah Fairchild, moved to Cooperstown immediately after the Revolutionary War, when the settlement was described as a wilderness with Fenimore Cooper and one or two other families being the only residents. Both Abijah and Maria’s father, William, purchased considerable land, first along Oaks Creek and then into the Oneonta area (then still part of Unadilla).
The antique exotic wood bowl was bid to $1,900.
It is important to note, that many years ago a family member decided to look in the attic where three letters were found, signed by George Washington to a family member (these were sold) — it shows the quality of items and treasures that were being offered to history buffs, antiques collectors and dealers.
To highlight Session 2, many items from this estate are only briefly mentioned as there is so much here that was tucked away throughout the house and attic over many decades.
Heading up the sale as the top single item was a rare and important medical book titled Corporis Fabrica Librorum Epitome by Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), which was published in 1543 by Oporinus. It brought $27,000 from a gentleman who had traveled from downstate to attend the sale.
This antique signed Chinese jade vase from the Qing dynasty — which was believed to have been made for the Qianlong emperor (1711-1799) — sold for $13,000.
There were a few lots of jade. Bidding from around the world for an antique signed Chinese jade vase from the Qing dynasty — which was believed to have been made for the Qianlong emperor (1711-1799) — resulted in its sale for $13,000. The emperor, known by his temple name Emperor Gaozong of Qing, personal name Hongli, was the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China proper.
Regarding some of the art, the same gentleman who purchased the Vesalius book purchased very early sketches of human skeletons found in a Sixteenth Century book by Vesalius, which brought $2,400. These were beautiful and nicely done. There were several lots of Meiji period Japanese woodblock prints, which all together with different bidders winning, realized a total of $7,700. A Seventeenth Century Renaissance oil on panel religious painting realized $1,800, and a large Arts and Crafts framed print, “Creation,” also earned $1,800.
An antique undated needlework and watercolor on silk memorial picture that had proudly hung in the dining room went out at $2,600.
An antique undated needlework and watercolor on silk memorial picture, which depicted a female mourner standing next to a tomb with an urn at top beneath a willow tree and having two graves in the background church yard with a church at the top of a hill at upper left was presented for bids. The needlework appeared to be in its original frame with a black reverse painted surround and gold pinstripe on its cover glass. Going out at $2,600, it had proudly had a place of honor in the dining room, with many other treasures.
Hidden in the attic and stored nicely were holiday decorations — both Halloween and Christmas. Prewar German Santa Claus candy containers, 10¾ and 9 inches tall, all totaled brought $4,600, and an antique exotic wood bowl was bid to $1,900.
Prewar German Santa Claus candy containers, 10¾ and 9 inches tall, found in the attic all totaled brought $4,600.
Textiles did well also. A woman purchased one of the coverlets, an antique blue and white example dated 1830 and with the name Ruth Bradley at corners, measuring approximately 88 by 79¾ inches. She paid $225 and said she plans to keep it awhile after asking for further history on this family piece, with plans to eventually donate it to the National Museum of Coverlets.
Prices given include the buyer’s premium as stated by the auction house. The firm’s next sales include an untouched estate from Delhi, N.Y., that was loaded, passed down and kept until now. The firm will also be hosting a sale of three separate collectors’ collections that involve militaria, including Revolutionary rifles and powder horns, Samurai and Civil War swords, etc.
For information, 518-766-3865 or 518-463-8542.
