Antiques PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Antiques PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

R.J. Horner Suite Makes $10,450 at Hal Hunt Auction

A gorgeous antique mahogany winged griffin 2-piece parlor suite, crafted in the 1880s by R.J. Horner, soared to $10,450 at a multi-estate sale held Jan. 1 by Hal Hunt Auctions. It was the ninth New Year’s Day sale held by the firm, at Hal Hunt’s spacious gallery facility located at 5925 Highway 43 North in Northport, Ala.

“That suite could easily have brought $14,000 or $15,000, so someone got a great bargain,” said Hal Hunt of the Horner set. “The chair, in particular, is very rare.” Mr. Hunt added good deals abounded at the auction, in part because the economic climate is friendly to bargain hunters, but also because that’s just the way things go at his auctions.

“People come to my sales expecting to find great deals, and the New Year’s event is typically one of our largest and most exciting events of the year. This one was no exception. It was a great way to kick off the new year.” As for the economy, Mr. Hunt said one safe way to invest one’s money right now is to pour it into quality antiques.

“I’ve got clients who’ve lost 40-50 percent in the stock market,” he said, “and I can say with confidence that wouldn’t have happened if they’d invested that money in antiques and fine art. The market is still steady in the antique world. Not crazy, but consistent. You definitely won’t lose money in quality antiques like you will in stocks.”

About 300 people packed the showroom, where 425 lots changed hands. The sale was held entirely in-house – no phone, absentee or Internet bidding. Lots were consigned from several prominent local estates, as well as the second Georgia estate home of the late Mr. Sylvester Seager. “We had something for just about everybody,” Mr. Hunt said.

Hal Hunt Auctions’ next big sale will be held Saturday, Feb. 21. It promises to be huge, featuring a single-owner lifetime collection of quality American antiques. Hal Hunt Auctions is accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you can call them at (205) 333-2517, or e-mail them at [email protected].

For more information about Hal Hunt Auctions and its calendar of upcoming sales, log on at www.halhunt.com.