Mark Twain and Red Baron Antiques have something in common: reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated. In the case of Red Baron’s – the Atlanta-based auction house known for its thrice-annual themed extravaganzas – falsely reported rumors of its closing proved to be premature. A ‘Grand Finale’ sale was held late last year, after the firm’s owner was forced to take a break from the circus due to health concerns.
But that was then, and this is now. Robert Brown is back in the pink and so, evidently, is Red Baron’s. This coming weekend, the firm will hold a “Back By Popular Demand – This Is the Big One” auction (March 28-29, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days). Over 2,000 fresh-to-the-market lots in a broad array of categories will cross the block, to the delight of devotees thrilled at the return of the Red Baron.
Highlights of the sale promise to include the following:
• Remarkable architectural antiques and stately home furnishings from around the world.
• Original oil paintings dating as far back as the 15th century.
• Fine collectibles, palatial garden statuary, fountains, gates and more.
“My health has returned and there is a place in the market for a leader and a risk-taker, especially in this economy,” Mr. Brown remarked. “Someone has to say go forward and keep going, and that someone might as well be me. The sky isn’t falling. The antiques business and the auction business are both old and strong. You just can’t quit. The worst thing a person can do right now is retreat or give up.”
The event will be held at Red Baron’s 80,000-square-foot showroom facility, located at 6450 Roswell Road in Atlanta. A preview party will be held on Friday, Mar. 27, from 7-10 p.m. A sumptuous catered dinner – typical for a Red Baron’s auction – will be held on Saturday night, Marc. 28, after the day’s session concludes. Then they’ll get up and do it all over again the following morning, at 9 a.m.
Rare and vintage automobiles are a trademark at just about every Red Baron’s auction that’s ever been held, and this one will be no exception. A few anticipated top earners include a classic 1957 Chevy Bel-Air convertible, fully restored and ready for the road; a 1950 Packard 23rd Series convertible; a 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom; a 2000 Lamborghini MOMO Edition (#9 of 12 made); and other collectible cars.
An expected star of the fine art category is an original oil painting by Dutch-born American artist Anthony Thieme (1888-1954), titled Rockport Fish Boats. The work was pictured in the authoritative book on Mr. Thieme, by the Rockport Art Association in Rockport, Mass., where the artist lived (he also maintained residences in Florida and California). Mr. Thieme was best known for his coastal landscapes.
Of historical significance is an extremely rare, signed Tiffany & Co. sterling silver presentation sword, with the blade inlaid in gold (circa 1890). The inscription reads, “In a contest for this sword readers of the Boston Daily Globe, for the most popular Comrade of the Respected Commander of GAR, ‘Grand Army of the Republic.” A bonus: the sword is studded with diamonds and precious stones.
Also featured will be spectacular windows by Tiffany Studios and the renowned John LaFarge; monumental bars by Brunswick and other American manufacturers, plus numerous pub bars for home entertainment; grand pianos by Bechstein and Collard & Collard; and more. A crowd of around 350-500 people is anticipated. There will be no Internet bidding, but phone and absentee bids will be accepted.
Red Baron Antiques is one of the oldest, largest and best-known antiques sources in the Southeastern United States. The firm is celebrating over 35 years of providing its customers with world-class service and one-of-a-kind inventory, displayed at its landmark gallery facility, which is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9-4. It is closed Sundays.
Red Baron also owns Southern Seasons Magazine, a high-society lifestyle publication dedicated to promoting arts, culture, entertainment, style and class in the Southeastern United States. Additional information may be found at www.southernseasons.net.
Red Baron Antiques is widely recognized as the premier auction house in the Southeast. The firm is always in the hunt for quality items for future sales. If you have an item, estate or collection to be considered, you may call them directly, at (404) 252-3770. The e-mail address is [email protected].
To learn more about Red Baron Antiques and the March 28-29 sale, log on to www.rbantiques.com