PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Freeman’s October 17 sale of Silver, Objets de Vertu & Russian Works of Art and British & European Furniture and Decorative Arts yielded a number of extraordinary prices, and a top ten list of breadth and interest.
Freeman’s offering of “The Lintern Archive” and “The Storojev Legacy” underscored a strong market for Romanov-related materials.
Featuring photos of the Russian Imperial Family, “The Lintern Archive” achieved over double its high estimate, selling for $106,250. “The Storojev Legacy” realized $46,875 and showcased a group of Russian liturgical and personal objects belonging to Father Ivan Vladimirovich Storojev, one of the last to see the Romanov family alive.
Other Russian works performed well including a silver cockerel by Alexander Sokolov ($33,800) and an enamel box by Feodor Ruckert ($35,000).
Top honors in the American Silver section went to an extensive silver-gilt service in the “Richelieu” pattern by Tiffany & Company. The service sold for $22,750 against an estimate of $10,000-15,000. In addition, the sale boasted 95 percent sell-through of works by Danish silversmith Georg Jensen. The top lot of this grouping was a rare hardstone mounted bonbonniere which sold for $15,000 against an estimate of $5,000-7,000.
Later the same day, Freeman’s held the British & European Furniture and Decorative Arts sale. A highlight of the afternoon was a pair of impressive Napoleon III Sevres style urns soaring above their estimate to fetch $68,750 against an estimate of $3,000-5,000.
Additionally, a fine Italian tin glazed earthenware charger by Ulisse Cantagalli sold for well above its estimate for $21,250, indicating a high interest in ceramics. A Louis XVI clock with case by Ormond and works by Tavernier also caught the eye of collectors, selling for $10,000.
Lastly, luxurious taste prevailed with a pair of Louis XIV Style Bibliotheques fetching $9,375 against an estimate of $4,000-6,000 and the cover lot, a George I giltwood mirror, sold for $10,000.
SVP and Division Head of Furniture, Silver & Decorative Arts, Nicholas B.A. Nicholson, has established Freeman’s as an authority in British & European Decorative Arts and Furniture as well as Russian Works of Art, Silver and Objets de Vertu. As such, Freeman’s is currently reviewing exceptional pieces for its upcoming spring sales.
