Described as a voracious collector, John Pierpoint (J.P.) Morgan spent the last decades of his life adding items to an already-impressive collection that included art, sculptures and significant pieces from around the world. The Morgan Library & Museum states that the man responsible for the creation of the Federal Reserve banking system spent the last two […]
Texan War Prize: Santa Anna’s Captured Battle Map
Antonio López de Santa Anna, the “Napoleon of the West,” was one of North America’s most infamous leaders. Although he first fought to defend the Spanish Empire he later became an important figure in the Mexican Rebellion. His actions in the revolution made him a leading figure in the new Mexican Republic. He was elected […]
The Introduction of the New York City Art Deco Traffic Light
In a day and age when driving your car has become almost second nature, it is hard to imagine a time when the automobile was just coming onto the transportation scene. There really were no rules and even less etiquette with regards to right of way. Imagine navigating block after block of bustling downtown activity […]
Bare Bones: Why We Love Skeletonized Watches
In an age where electronic and digitalized tools are the norm, mechanical Timepieces have a nostalgic flair that everyone loves for their perceptible movements. By this we mean that we can actually see, and hear these collectible items as they work, as opposed to the boring clock on our cell phones. While many watches cover […]
Numismatic History: Native Americans on US Coins
What Native Americans Have Been on US Coins? The historical tribes that make up Native American culture have often been given a place of honor on many of the US Mint’s most popular and enduring coin designs. From the Indian Cents and $3 Gold Pieces of the 1850s to the modern Gold Buffalo Bullion series […]
Whimsical Furniture Designer: Peter Shire
From ceramics to sculpture, drawings to furniture, the art and designs of Peter Shire never bow to convention. Buy, Value or Appraise Your Fine Art – Paintings, Drawings, Sculptures Bid or buy art for sale, value your item, or request a free appraisal to sell your collection. Whimsical and unexpected, his creations have delighted collectors […]
Martin Brothers Birds & Tiffany Studios Decorative Arts Highlight 20th Century Design Auction
The 20th Century Design auction November 18 at Heritage Auctions will showcase 11 pieces of highly collectible Martin Brothers stoneware, the third largest group ever offered in a single auction. Most recently, a collection of 23 Martinware pieces from the British ceramics maker realized $1,592,250 at Phillips. The motifs, at once grotesque and playful, are […]
David Webb Jewelry Featured in Holiday Signature Auction
Sometimes, more is more. Over-the-top in the very best way, David Webb does statement jewelry like no other. The company has been in continuous operation since 1948, when the 23-year-old self-taught jeweler first opened its headquarters just off Fifth Avenue in New York. The pieces are often either dripping with diamonds, enameled in bold, saturated […]