CHICAGO, IL.- Freeman’s today announced outstanding end-of-year results for 2025, reporting $119 million in combined sales and robust demand across categories. The firm achieved sell-through rates of 89% by volume and 109% by value, reflecting a 6.6% year-over-year increase from 2024 and underscoring the strength of Freeman’s unified platform.

The year marked a transformational period for the firm, defined by strong financial performance, historic auctions, and strategic growth across key collecting categories. 2025 also represented a defining milestone with the unification of Freeman’s, Hindman, and Cowan’s under the single Freeman’s name—strengthening the firm’s mission to bring art, history, and design to life through exceptional expertise and service.

2025 affirmed our strength and the confidence our clients place in Freeman’s,” said Alyssa D. Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer. “As we move into 2026, we are focused on building upon this momentum—expanding our reach, deepening relationships with collectors and institutions, and presenting outstanding offerings that reflect the breadth and depth of our expertise.”


GRAFF, AN IMPORTANT OVAL DIAMOND RING | Sold for $368,800



George Nakashima (American, 1905–1990) Exceptional Minguren I coffee table, 1982 | Sold for $89,400

Market Resiliency and Category Leadership Fuel Broad-Based Growth

Freeman’s demonstrated remarkable market resiliency, with significant growth across multiple collecting categories. The firm’s Luxury departments, including Jewelry, Watches, and Handbags & Couture, delivered an exceptional seven-figure year-over-year increase, building on record success achieved in 2024. Across four Important Jewelry auctions, the Estates of Phyllis Pressman, Carol Hardin Davis, Mary L. Bundy, and Dayle Haddon each achieved 100% sell-through rates, reinforcing sustained demand at the highest levels of the market. Following the reintroduction of its Early 20th Century Design auctions, Design at Freeman’s recorded a 96% increase in sales year over year, alongside a 49% increase in lots sold. Additionally, Antiquities & Ancient Art reached a new departmental high for Freeman’s with $5 million in hammer sales, while both Books & Manuscripts ($12.6 million) and Luxury ($18 million) also posted departmental records for the firm, all figures reported at hammer.


A pair of stained leather gloves carried by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination, 14 April 1865. | Sold for $1,512,500

Historic Auctions and World-Record Results

2025 was also a year of historic milestones. Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln achieved the highest total for a single auction in company history. Highlights included the establishment of a world auction record for a historic Lincoln artifact, with the stained leather gloves carried by Lincoln to Ford’s Theatre on the night of his assassination realizing $1,512,500. Momentum continued with Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection, which attracted 41% new buyers, underscoring Freeman’s ability to engage new audiences through culturally significant collections. The year concluded with Camp Rosemary: The Estate of Posy Krehbiel, which doubled its pre-sale estimate and achieved a 100% sold white-glove auction, providing a strong capstone to an extraordinary year.


Fritz Scholder (Luiseño, 1937-2005) Four Indian Riders, 1967 | Sold for $476,750

Across fine art categories, Freeman’s continued to establish and lead markets. In May, Fritz Scholder’s monumental Four Indian Riders achieved the artist’s second-highest auction result, reinforcing Freeman’s stewardship of Scholder’s two highest records and five of his top ten prices. Strength in American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionism was further demonstrated by Morgan Colt’s The Canal Boat (c. 1915–25), which realized $216,400, setting a world auction record for the artist.

Trusts, Estates & Private Clients remained a cornerstone of the firm’s success. In 2025, Freeman’s handled 131 trusts and estates, reflecting sustained confidence from fiduciaries, attorneys, and private clients nationwide. To support growing demand, the firm expanded its national presence with new Trusts, Estates & Private Clients representatives in Boston, Scottsdale, Denver, and New York, further enhancing its ability to deliver comprehensive estate services.


Washington, George. Autograph Letter, signed | Estimate: $250,000 - 350,000

Freeman’s Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026

Looking ahead, Freeman’s is poised for an extraordinary 2026 as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. The year will feature a series of landmark auctions across Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago, beginning with Americana Week in New York.

Highlights include the Printed and Manuscript Americana auction featuring a rare letter signed by George Washington penning his philosophy for the presidency. Spring offerings will also include Women’s Work, a cross-disciplinary celebration of women artists, alongside a newly dedicated sale spotlighting Vietnamese modernists Lê Phổ and Vũ Cao Đàm, building on Freeman’s established leadership in the category.

For more information about upcoming auctions and events, visit freemansauction.com.

To view the end-of-year recap, click here