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

Alderfer Fine and Decorative Arts Auction Results

Alderfer Auction and Appraisal of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, is pleased to announce the success of their most recent Fine and Decorative Arts auction held on June 11, 12, & 13. The three-day auction was full of highlights in various areas. From paintings to porcelain and from furniture to fine jewelry, the highest level of merchandise was offered. Through this auction, bidders from around the world added fine examples of art, furniture, silver, ephemera and more to their collections.

Highlighting the three day auction was the sale of a 25-inch by 30-inch Delaware River scene by George Stengel. The painting, which depicted an autumn landscape with a view across the Delaware River, sold for $60,375, breaking the world auction record for a work by the artist. Stengel, known for his textile designs as well as his paintings, produced numerous scenes depicting New Hope, the Delaware River, and various local areas. Paintings by the artist rarely come on the market. This work was sold to a phone bidder after strong competition by floor and several other phone bidders.

A floral painting titled Hollyhock Silhouette by Mary Elizabeth Price, sold for $31,625. Price, known for her floral paintings with gold and silver leaf, is one of the most prominent female artists associated with the New Hope School of Art. The 19-1/2-inch by 15-inch composition was a strong example of her signature style.

George Sotter’s 8-inch by 10-inch cloud scene, which was complemented by a frame by New Hope, Pennsylvania, frame maker Raymond Vanselous realized $14,950. This was one of three paintings by the artist in the auction – all of which displayed a range of subject matter.

In addition to works by Pennsylvania Impressionists, several New Hope Modernists were represented in the sale. Lloyd Ney, one of the leaders of the modern movement in New Hope, helped to transform the town into an artistic center. Five works by Ney were for sale including Pewter Composition, a 30-inch by 30-inch non-objective work, which brought $8,050. Works by the Cooperative Arts Project group known as Ramstonev were offered as well. Ramstonev, which consisted of Modernists Charles Ramsey, Charles Evans and Louis Stone, produced single compositions that the three artists worked on at the same time and with consensus. A mixed medium composition by the group sold for $2,587.

The second day of the auction started strongly with an archive related to United States military officer Persifor F. Smith. Smith was a colonel during the Mexican War and was a Philadelphia native. Alderfer’s was pleased to present Smith’s personal diary from the Seminole Wars in 1836, which included various maps and detailed notes. Heavy floor, phone, and Internet bidding helped to bring the final auction price to $25,300. A grouping of letters written to Smith was also offered and realized $2,300.

A lecture handwritten by artist Rembrandt Peale brought $5,750. The lecture titled “The Fine Arts” was written circa 1830’s and mentioned living artists of the time as well as classical artists. This piece was a great example of a historical item connected to one of the greatest artistic families in Philadelphia as well as in American history.

A Schofield Baltimore Rose repousse water pitcher, dating from the early 1900’s, sold for $3,737. The beautifully decorated pitcher was in excellent condition and was a highlight of the silver portion of the sale.

In the china, porcelain and crystal portion of the auction, a 15-1/2-inch Delft china wall plaque was offered. The blue and white plaque depicted a scene with a horse-drawn carriage and was topped with a bas relief mask head form at the top. The piece sold for $2,587. Several pieces of Capo di Monte, Staffordshire, Royal Doulton and Lalique were also sold.

A grouping of Russian items was featured during the second day of the auction. Russian enamel serving pieces and flatware were offered as well as Russian silver and icons. A silver and enamel cushion form purse sold for $1,265. The 2-1/8-inch by 3-1/8-inch purse was decorated with blue, gold, green and red enamel and was one of many pieces that received much interest from around the county in addition to overseas.

Alderfer’s offered several bronzes during the auction. A beautiful bronze of a nymph female figure pouring water by Steiner sold for $8,050. The piece stood 34 inches tall and was an impressive example of the sculpture that is often found at Alderfer’s catalog auctions.

Several pieces of furniture received strong attention throughout the auction. The 94-inch tall case clock by Christian Bixler of Easton, Pennsylvania, sold for $14,950. The 8-day clock was marked with a three digit number which indicated that the clock was made circa 1800-1805. A pair of monumental majolica urns with bright cobalt blue ground and yellow rope designs sold for $25,875. The pair featured fantastical mask forms and floral decorations. A contemporary Schimmel baby grand piano sold for $10,925. The signed piece was in excellent condition and received much attention as several people serenaded previewers prior to the sale.

Oriental carpets drew a strong crowd. Various styles and sizes were offered. The 15-foot by 11-foot 3-inches serapi sold for $18,400 and the smaller 9-foot 1-inch by 13-foot serapi realized $13,225.

Several pieces of jewelry were highlighted at the auction. An 18K yellow gold men’s Cartier watch sold for $4,312. The watch was one of the most popular items in the auction as it was one of the top viewed items on eBay. It was also of high interest to previewers who came to inspect it on display at the auction center. An ivory and gemstone pin garnered $3,162. The pin features the form of a gentleman who was bejeweled from head to toe with colorful gems. The auction also featured various diamond wedding and engagement rings. There was a style and cut for every taste. A1 carat diamond ring with a 14K yellow gold band realized $2,300.

This auction is one of four Fine and Decorative Arts Auctions held at Alderfer’s every year. The next catalog auction will be held on September 10, 11, & 12, 2008, and will feature a 100-plus clock collection as well as figurines from The Dorothy Doughty American Bird Collection in addition to jewelry, ephemera, decorative accessories, furniture, and fine art offered
at every catalog auction.

Alderfer Auction is located at 501 Fairgrounds Road in Hatfield. For more information please contact H. Brent Souder at (215) 393-3003 or e-mail to: [email protected].