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 […]
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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 […]
World’s Earliest Known 10 Commandments Up for Auction
A marble slab inscribed with the 10 Commandments, most likely used at the entrance of a synagogue destroyed by Romans or Crusaders, is being offered Nov. 16 at Heritage Auctions’ Biblical Archaeology & Related Objects Auction. It is the world’s earliest-known complete stone inscription of the biblical principles given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The […]
Shaving Mugs: American Folk Art
In our June 26th Fine and Decorative Arts Signature Internet Session, we feature the American shaving mug collection of John Sturner. In the late Victorian era (1880-1910), most men owned a shaving mug that they kept at home or at a barbershop. Barbershops at the time were social spaces, where for only the cost of […]
Eastern Influence on American Aesthetic Movement Silver
In our upcoming April 12 Silver and Objects of Vertu Signature Auction, we feature a strong selection of American Aesthetic Movement objects, including many prized mixed-metal lots embellished with copper and gold elements. These pieces illustrate the wide range of influences on Western decorative arts in the late 19th century and the desire to integrate […]
Malachite: The Mirror of the Soul
Naturally, Malachite immediately caught my eye because of its beautiful green color, which so happens to be my favorite color. Growing up my brother and I were the outdoorsy children. We would always love going outside and have little scavenger hunts for rocks and shells. We always loved finding neat stones with bright and different […]
A Charity Auction to Remember
My parents raised me to view the time that I have and the money I make as part of a bigger picture. It is not all about me. We always participated in philanthropic events, volunteering time and resources to causes that we feel truly seek to better lives. There is very little in the world […]
Gold Fever: Cataloger Picks
When I was a child, one of my favorite action movies was the James Bond classic Goldfinger. The movie’s plot centers on the corrupt businessman Auric Goldfinger and his plan to steal the gold from the bullion depository at Fort Knox. However, the villain’s obsession with precious metal is ended when his plan is foiled […]
