DENVER, CO.- Leslie Hindman Auctioneers opened its fourth regional office and auction room with the sale of the Anne S. and Robert E. Clay Collection of Native American Art to a packed room in Denver on Sunday, March 11, 2012. The Clays began buying Native American Art in the 1960s in Santa Fe and quickly emerged as enthusiastic collectors with a devotion to the modern masters of Pueblo Pottery, Navajo Weavings and Southwestern Jewelry. Over 340 lots were included in the collection offered for sale to a standing room-only crowd with nearly 400 registered bidders participating in person, online and on the telephone.

Competitive bidding on a San Ildefonso Pueblo Plate by Tony Da resulted in a strong price for the work by the famed Hopi artist and spiritual leader. After bidding on several phone lines and online in addition to activity in the saleroom, the lot was ultimately purchased for the Olson-Brandelle North American Indian Art Collection at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois for $29,280. Other highlights from the pottery offered was a Santa Clara Olla Storage Jar by Margaret Tafoya which sold for $14,640 against a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-10,000.

Other examples from the auction included a Navajo weaving Sandpainting by Ruby Manuelito which brought $7,960. Highlights among the jewelry offered include a San Felipe Kachina Figure Bolo Tie, by Richard Chavez, 14 K gold with turquoise, coral and lapis inlay which brought $7,930, a Hopi 18K gold lady’s Sand Cast ring by Charles Loloma which sold for $7,320 and a gentleman’s sterling silver ring by Lee Yazzie which brought $6,100.

“We believe the auction of this collection was the perfect way to open our doors to the West and Southwest. We made connections with good friends and collectors both old and new,” said Leslie Hindman, President and CEO. “We were exceedingly pleased and we look forward to many more successful sales in Denver.”