John Moran Auctioneers’ Traditional Collector auction brought strong prices for fresh-to-market finds
• Furnishings were among the hottest lots of the day
• Exceptionally crafted décor were highly prized by collectors
• Fine art collectors fought for plenty of tempting options
MONROVIA, CA – John Moran Auctioneer’s September 23rd Traditional Collector realized high prices for quality décor, furnishings, and art from Continental Europe and beyond. Collectors fought throughout the sale to add the fresh-to-market offerings to their collection, showing the market for fine craftsmanship is as robust as ever. Moran’s next Traditional Collector auction in December is already filling up with choice property from local estates, consignments are invited.
Furniture from throughout Europe were among the hottest lots of the sale. The status of top lot went to a fine pair of Louis XV-style pedestals. Their delicate veneers and finely-cast bronze mounts stole the hearts of bidders, one of whom took home the prize for a staggering $81,250. A beautifully executed Louis XV-style bureau plat with sumptuous marble top will make a statement in any office and realized $4,687. A finely enameled two-drawer commode with Chinoiserie scenes and beautiful gilt-bronze mounts sparked a bidding war when it hit the block, selling for $8,125. A wonderfully inlaid Spanish spice box was one of the hottest pieces in the sale, going home with one buyer for $2,500.
Superb décor and instruments from around the world made a splash at the auction. A gorgeous pair of cloisonné enameled foo dogs didn’t scare off willing buyers, a determined online bidder took home the pair for $22,500. A fabulous Steuben trout with gold fly charmed the audience when it hit the block, selling for $1,125. A set of luxurious “English King” flatware from Tiffany & Co. brought a princely sum of $12,500. A consignment of violins and bows from the collection of the beloved musicians Eleonore and Alice Schoenfeld were some of the most highly anticipated lots of the sale. A beautifully made School of Giovanni (Joannes) Battista Guadagnini violin was the top seller of the selection, realizing $11,250 after a protracted bidding war. Three FN Voirin violin bows soared above their high estimate to bring $9,375.
“A consignment of violins and bows from the collection of the beloved musicians Eleonore and Alice Schoenfeld were some of the most highly anticipated lots of the sale.”
Lovers of fine art found plenty of tempting options in the sale. A finely painted scene from Heywood Hardy, Going to the Meet, realized $11,875. Italian painter Guiseppe Galli featured in the sale with a marvelously rendered genre painting of two men with a woman which brought $5,000. A lovingly realized portrait of a man reading a paper by British artist Edwin Harris will make a great addition to the buyer’s collection, realizing $5000. For those of us who can’t travel back east, Johan Berthelsen’s moody view of the George Washington Bridge at night puts us right in the heart of the city. The painting started a bidding war when it hit the block, with an avid phone bidder winning the prize for $6,875.
Moran’s fall auction season will continue when Art of the American West hits the block on September 27th. October will hold the ever-popular 20th Century Art + Design auction as well as Studio Fine Art and Studio Decorative Art auctions. November will see the highly-anticipated California & American Fine Art auction as well as California Living. Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, Luxury, Couture, & Accessories auction is as well as Traditional Collector are slated to warm up December. Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously, as such, all previews for the auction will be by appointment only and the sales will be held online without a live audience.
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: jm.dev.hookson1.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through our website; bidding is also supported by telephone or absentee.
Consignment inquiries are always welcome.