MT. CRAWFORD, VA.- Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates’ first auction of the 2016 season offered important collections of 18th to 20th century American and European glass in two unreserved sessions. The wide and varied selection drew 4,175 registered bidders from 43 different countries, the 1172 total lots grossed $400,000.00. All prices include the buyer’s premium.

Session one on January 29 featured over 400 pieces of 18th and 19th century European and American glass from the collection of the late J. Anthony “Tony” Stout of Washington, DC. Mr. Stout was a well-respected collector, scholar and author who had a special interest in 18th century drinking vessels. His collection featured a strong selection of English wine glasses highlighted by a pair of mid 18th century air-twist stem examples [Lot 28] finely engraved with "SUCCESS TO THE / HARWICH / CAP IOS ROWLEY" backed with differing ornamental foliate fields, one featuring a cherub, the other with two birds and a bee, standing 6 ¼” high. The pair were in outstanding undamaged condition and sold for a strong $10,925 to an in-house bidder representing a dealer from the United Kingdom. Top among the English opaque-twist stems was a 7 1/8” high trumpet-bowl wine raised on a white and blue corkscrew stem [Lot 83], circa 1770, that sold to a US private collector on the phone for $4,600.

The offered selection of Russian glass drew significant interest and generated numerous hotly contested bidding battles led by an 18th century half-post blown and engraved Imperial Glass shtof, or case bottle [Lot 189], featuring an Imperial Eagle within a wreath on one side and the cipher for Empress Catherine II within a wreath on the other, possibly a product of the Potemkin Glass Factory. The 11 ½” high bottle sold for $8,625 to a Florida private collector bidding from the floor. Other Russian lots included two mid 18th century blown and engraved pokals, each featuring a depiction of Catherine I [Lots 22 and 24], that sold for $8,400 and $7,200 to a Russian bidder through LiveAuctioneers, and a deep amethyst beaker decorated with a portrait en grisaille of Emperor Nicholas I [Lot 6], attributed to the Imperial Glass Factory, St. Petersburg, Russia, circa 1840, that realized $5,750.

A small group of 19th century American glass also received strong interest. The most notable lot being a stunning brilliant peacock blue free-blown trumpet vase with matching witch-ball cover [Lot 326] standing 13” high overall, possibly from the New England Glass Co. This rare vase was acquired by a New York private collector for $3,900 through LiveAuctioneers.

The second session on Saturday, January 30 featured over 800 lots of 19th century glass including several prominent private collections and material deaccessioned from the Strong Museum of Rochester, NY.

An outstanding assortment of Victorian glass in a wide range of colors and forms crossed the block and drew considerable interest. Leading the way was a rubina verde Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. No. 319/Polka Dot pitcher and pair of tumblers [Lot 1671] in an unlisted tall tankard form, possibly for serving champagne. Standing 10 5/8” and 5 5/8” high and dating to circa 1884, the set was purchased by a West Coast private collector on the phone for $1,725. The opalescent glass category included many desirable water pitchers including a circa 1903 green opalescent Northwood Daffodil 12” high tankard [Lot 1439] that sold for $1,560 on LiveAuctioneers.

After the auction company president Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “Tony Stout’s collection contained many rare, highly desirable objects, and the excitement and prices it generated was a testament to his discerning eye. It was very gratifying to see so many pieces repatriated to their country of origin.” He added, “Prices for Victorian opalescent glass and EAPG were above what the same pieces were selling for last year. And the number of bidders also increased. I think collectors are beginning to take advantage of some very attractive prices in these categories. There are some great buying opportunities in today’s market.”

The next 18th & 19th century glass auction at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates will be held May 16, 2016, and features a wide variety of American and European blown and pressed wares as well as early lighting.