CLEVELAND, OH.- The Spring season has brought an abundance of estates to auction. Gray's May 11 auction is no exception. The auction opens with two lots from George Snyder, a painter who is known for his masterful and dynamic geometric abstracts. Lot 2 is one of his colorful ‘tube’ paintings which combine the sculptural with the elegance of a painting on canvas. George was acknowledged as an innovator in the use of acrylics in Nicholas Roukes fine publication “Acrylics Bold and New” 1990, Watson-Guptill publications.

One of the auction’s most delightful highlights is Lot 88 a fine taxidermy Peacock. It is a stunning example of the artistry involved in taxidermy. A collection of Western artifacts is included in the auction and feature several large bronzes ‘after’ Frederick Remington, Marshall Mitchell & Charles Russell. Lots also include lot 81 a vibrant Navajo woven rug and lot 74 a Navajo sterling silver belt buckle.

All wonderful estates auctions include unique and unusual treasures. As W.B. Yeats writes “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” Discoveries at Gray’s include lot 138, a Junghans Elephant Swinger Clock, named for its swing style movement and pendulum. The original antique Junghans Clocks company began in 1861 when Erhard Junghan and his brother-in-law, Jakob Zeller-Tobler set up their Black Forest business in the town of Schramberg. From humble beginnings the company grew to become one of the largest in Germany. This wonderful antique clock is unusual in that it is in working order.

Claude Victor Boeltz, the European surrealist master artist was born in Paris, France in 1937. The Parisian designer invented 'exploded bronze'. Lot 144, a gorgeous candelabra is one of the artist's gold-plated "exploded-bronze" pieces, made famous in the early 1970s, and carried by such luxury retailers as Fred Joaillier and Cartier, Paris.

Lot 169 is an early 20th century gilt bronze and brass seven light hanging chandelier, with glorious Steuben gold aurene shades, together with a pair of single light wall sconces.

Lot 188 is a 19th century American federal gilt carved Pier mirror with reverse painted Eglomise panel in very good condition.

True to form the auction features decorative objects including a collection of interesting Chinese textiles and ceramics, English and Continental porcelain, dinner services and glassware, Japanese furniture and decorative lots including Meiji, Taisho and early Showa pieces. Furniture lots feature American tiger maple and American walnut tables, desks and dressers. The auction closes with a fine selection of estate jewelry and watches including lot 268, a very pretty and eye-catching 14kt. white gold, diamond and sapphire flower-form ring.