(Flat Rock, N.C.) – A pair of scarce Confederate Civil War buttons soared to $8,000, and an image of Georgia Confederate Sgt. Nathaniel Gardner hammered for $7,000 at a three-day Antiques, Coins and Art Auction held May 1-3 by Richard D. Hatch & Associates.
They were the top two lots in a sale that featured over 2,000 items in a wide array of categories. The auction grossed about $500,000.
“This was a sale that truly had something for just about everybody,” remarked Richard D. Hatch. “We had some wonderful consignments, with a very large selection and range of antiques.” Mr. Hatch said about 275 people attended the event, at his spacious showroom in Flat Rock, N.C. Also, 1,600 bidders participated online, via LiveAuctioneers.com. Phone and absentee bids were also active.
Additional highlights from the sale follow. Prices quoted do not include a buyer’s premium of 10% (for in-house and absentee bidders) or 15% (for phone and online bidders).
Civil War memorabilia commanded high prices. The buttons had paddles wagging owing to their scarcity, while the image of Sgt. Gardner, a pioneer Atlanta man who owned a tract of land in the city’s “Five Points” area and served as Sergeant of Cobb’s Legion Cavalry in Georgia, was appreciated for what it was: a piece of Southern history. Mr. Gardner was depicted in uniform and with his sword.
An impressive Confederate Civil War flag, showing the iconic “Stars and Bars” against a bright red backdrop and once hung in the window of an authentic Southern plantation (and measuring about 11-1/2 inches square) rose to $1,600; a genuine Civil War canteen, used by a Confederate soldier in Georgia and made of tin, brought $550; and a group of actual Confederate currency went for $325.
Numismatists had a field day at the first session, held May 1, where nearly 500 lots of rare and collectible coins crossed the block. Hundreds of Morgan silver dollars were sold, some individually and some in groups. A very nice complete set changed hands for $7,000, tying it for the sale’s second top lot. Two better singles included an 1899-CC, extra fine ($750); and an 1894-S, uncirculated ($600).
A lifetime collection of complete sets of coins was offered, with a set of Barber quarters (1892-1913) bringing $3,250; and a set of Barber half dollars (1892-1915) achieving $1,700. Gold coins did well, buoyed by the recent surge in commodity prices. U.S. gold coins went for between $750 and $1,300 each. Also, a huge collection of worldwide stamps, in 30 large and full albums, hit $1,600.
The second session, on May 2, started off with fine examples of carnival glass, highlighted by a “Grape & Cable” 7-piece water set that reached $450. A nice Nailsea banquet lamp with matching shade and chimney commanded $3,000; a Tiffany floor lamp lit up the room for $6,000; a Handel floor lamp made $2,500; and 50+ pieces of Loetz and Austria went for prices ranging from $40-$3,750 each.
The sale also featured a rather spectacular collection of Royal Doulton figurines, including many scarcer examples. Highlights included “The Moor,” which changed hands for $1,600; a rare character McCallum mug in white that brought $2,500; and a “Mephistopheles” figure that coasted to $475. Royal Doulton has been a favorite among collectors throughout its illustrious 200-year history.
Furniture was plentiful and reasonable, with happy bidders taking home some great pieces at even better prices. Chests and dressers sold for as little as $100, although earlier pieces fetched stronger amounts. A George III chest-on-chest wowed the crowd before gaveling for $2,300; a period American cherry chest climbed to $1,900; and six Chippendale-style chairs brought a reasonable $800.
Fans of silver weren’t disappointed. Tops in the category were a Tiffany tea set ($700); a set of Rosenthal flatware service for eight in the “Romance” pattern ($2,300); a set of Gorham “King Edward” service for 12 ($600); and a 115-piece set of Gorham “Etruscan” service for 12 ($1,600). As for antique rugs, an early silk Turkish rug sailed away for $800, and a 9′ x 12′ Mashad rug made $850.
The jewelry case was loaded, too, with lots of sparkling estate pieces. Leaders included a ruby and diamond ring, appraised at over $18,000, that slipped on a new finger for just $4,500; an 18kt gold and pearl necklace, signed Tiffany, that was a steal at $2,100; and a stunning platinum, emerald and diamond ring, appropriately appraised at $10,000. An ecstatic bidder scored the prize for $2,300.
A wide variety of artwork – typical at most Richard D. Hatch auctions – was also offered. The top seller was an original oil on canvas painting by the American landscape artist Edward Gay (New York, 1837-1928) that topped out at $1,800. Also, an original sketching by the iconic Surrealist Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989) hammered for just $325, very reasonable considering Dali’s cache.
Fine china and porcelains – also staples at Richard D. Hatch sales – was very much in evidence at this event, too. Top lots included a pair of black mark Irish Belleek centerpieces that went for $1,600; and a Clews historical platter that attained $2,500. Richard D. Hatch & Associates’ next big sale will be Friday, June 20, in the firm’s showroom, located at 913 Upward Road in Flat Rock, N.C.
Richard D. Hatch & Associates is celebrating 28 years of business in Flat Rock, located in the western part of the state, off I-26 near Hendersonville. The firm is accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (828) 696-3440, or e-mail them at [email protected].
Their web address is www.richardhatchauctions.com