A collection of Americana compiled over 40 years by “two passionate individuals,” George Barimo and Ben Schechter, crossed the auction block at Stair Galleries on March 27 with good results noted throughout the sale. Items ranged from smalls that included a collection of pewter, stoneware and mocha to case pieces that ran the gamut from a Chippendale highboy to a variety of paint decorated cupboards.
More than 550 lots were offered in this single-owner sale, representing a mere portion of the collection whose liquidation was precipitated by the purchase of a home from a different period. “Their decision to sell this unique collection was prompted by the purchase of a Nineteenth Century architectural gem, a Federal period house standing along the Hudson River,” stated auction house principal Colin Stair in the sale’s catalog.
“The collectors have spent most of their professional lives in the theater and entertainment industries, but it is their talent for creating elegant and tasteful interiors that is showcased,” said Stair of the items featured in the auction. The auctioneer commented that the converted barn in which they lived was filled to the brim with antiques that were tastefully displayed. “The objects not only fill a space, but complement each other and contribute to the overall scheme, giving each room in the house a distinct character and ambiance.”
“George and Ben thoughtfully selected each object to represent their vision of American design,” stated Stair, who added that their home had been featured in numerous publications including House Beautiful, Country Living and Colonial Homes .
As has become standard procedure at Stair Galleries, gallery talks are customary on mornings during the sale’s preview. Colin Stair, Rebecca Hoffman, Walter Ritchie and Rupert Fennell conduct the popular chats with clients, both novice and seasoned collectors alike, and not only present an overview of the sale but also discuss items of interest to those in the crowd.
Stair commented that he was pleased overall with the results of the auction and said the consignors were also happy. “Overall, the prices were very strong for the nicer things,” said the auctioneer, “If it is good, people are willing to pay good money for it.”
The sale began with a collection of pewter with the first lot consisting of 12 English and American plates selling between estimates at $402. A couple lots later, an assortment of pewter candlesticks, consisting of four pair, shot past the $150/250 estimates to sell at $805.
A nice portrait of a gentleman by Ammi Phillips that the consignors had purchased many years ago at a Cal Smith auction dispersing the Lewis Rockwell estate sold well. Serious interest came from Internet, telephone, absentee and several people in the gallery as the lot crossed the block. With the typical elongated fingers that Ammi Phillips is known for, the gentleman was depicted seated on a red covered chair and holding a bright red covered book in his hand. Bidding on the lot was brisk, with it hammering down at $9,775.
A portrait of a gentleman with wispy hair and mischievous eyes was another lot to do well. Depicted with a quill in hand and at his desk, the gentleman was rumored to be local author Washington Irving, whose best read book reveals the secrets of the local Catskill Mountain region. Bidding was also heated on this lot, with it selling at $5,750.
A folky watercolor on paper depicting a basket overflowing with strawberries attracted a great deal of attention prior to the sale and again as it crossed the block. Handily exceeding estimates, the lot went out at $2,300. Also bringing $2,300 was a miniature watercolor depicting a woman.
An interesting oil on canvas depicting a Jack Russell terrier that has cornered a cat behind some stuff in a barn was included in the mix, along with it was a mirror image of the painting published by Nathaniel Currier. The rare duo attracted a great deal of attention presale yet became one of the sleepers of the auction as it hammered down at only $632.
Furniture included a Connecticut Chippendale highboy in a nice pleasing finish that sold for $6,325, while a Pennsylvania Chippendale dower chest in original paint and dated 1798 hammered at $4,312.
A red stained Hudson River Valley kas on ebonized bun feet was a handsome lot, although it had a replaced cornice. The replacement kept the price in check, with the lot going out at a reasonable $4,140.
A low cupboard in wonderful blue paint sold well at $4,025, while a taller pantry cupboard in striking blue brought $2,415. A large and robust cow weathervane with directionals did well selling at $9,775, and a set of brightly painted circus panels was another lot to attract attention, with the pair selling for $3,737. A life-size primitive carving of a man went out at $2,530, a pair of New York City gas lamps with blown shades brought $1,840, and a large burl bowl sold for $1,725.
One surprise of the sale came from the selection of decoys that had been collected. Sold in groups ranging from a pair to as many as nine per lot, one lot containing three Canada geese took off. The decoys started with a pair of geese that sold for $86, a black duck brought $115, seven various duck decoys $517, and then came the lot of three carved geese. Internet, telephone and gallery bids came hot and heavy, with the $400/800 presale estimates quickly falling by the wayside. In the end, a buyer claimed the lot at $13,800, and, according to the auctioneer, took his one decoy and left the other two to be sold during a future auction.
There were certainly some bargains to be had at the sale, with a small blue and brown painted blanket chest with cutout base selling at $287, a handsome banister back armchair went out at $201, a nice painted candlestand at $143, a William and Mary gate leg table at $402, and a Queen Anne maple side chair, $115.
Prices include the 15 percent buyer’s premium.
The next auction at Stair will be an Americana sale on May 8 and 9. For information, 518-751-1000 or www.stairgalleries.com .
