Moran’s Traditional Collector Sale is full of fresh-to-market favorites

Moran’s Traditional Collector Sale is full of fresh-to-market favorites

MONROVIA, CA – Moran’s Traditional Collector Sale will take place on Wednesday, April 28th at 12 pm, and the 313 lots offered will not disappoint. A unique treasure awaits every taste, from continental porcelain and glass to a sizeable collection of bronzes. There will also be a splendid selection of Persian rugs and French Aubusson carpets ready to make an impact on any room. A Traditional sale would be incomplete without silver, and as such, we have included an assortment of quality French, English, and American Silver heading to the block. Continental furnishings that include pieces by Frances Linke and several French clocks will round out this impressive sale.

In keeping with the spirit of tradition, its ladies first with a painting by artist Maria Verelst (1680-1744). She was a Dutch artist born in Vienna but relocated to London at the age of three. Her father, Dutch painter Harman Verelst, was a portrait and still-life painter who taught and mentored her in the art form from a young age. Maria was also gifted in the language arts, and she used her linguistic skills to become a language teacher. The oil painting on offer, The Pet Spaniel (young girl with Squirrel Spaniel) has bold colors and dramatic lighting with delicate figures. It has a pre-auction estimate of $3,000-$5,000.

In keeping with the dog theme is the Meissen Bologner Hund porcelain dog. It was generated from German sculptor Johann Joachim Kändler (1706-1775), who worked as a modeler for Meissen for over 40 years. This porcelain Bolognese Terrier with light brown and white fur is beautifully rendered. The Meissen factory was established in 1710, but it continues to set the bar for European ceramics even today. The Bologner Hund is going to the block with a $4,000-$6,000 estimate.

Next up is a real treat for any collector, especially those who love astronomy and admire 1950s Technology. The 1958 Carroll Refracting Telescope was designed by George A Carroll, chief instrument engineer of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Carroll was one of the fifteen founding members of Stony Ridge Observatory, located in the heart of the breathtaking Angeles National Forest. He was the designer and principal builder of the 30-inch telescope (0.76-m Cassegrain/Newtonian reflector) explicitly made for Stony Ridge Observatory. It was the largest telescope he had ever built and was responsible for discovering an asteroid in March of 2004 by Stony Ridge, which they in turn named after him (144633 Georgecarroll).

The Carroll Refracting Telescope was entrusted to Moran directly from the Carroll family. We are excited to give collectors this once in a blue moon opportunity to be linked to Carroll’s legacy and the ability to gaze into the heavens with intimate accuracy. The telescope is heading to the block with a $10,000-$15,000 pre-auction estimate.

Another precision instrument to bring attention to is the picturesque blue and white Sèvres-style French figural mantel clock adorned with gilt-bronze elements. The Grecian figure, possibly Lachesis, is holding a spindle and thread and sitting on top of a fountain. Lachesis was one of Zeus’ three daughters, and her role was to determine the length of life, which she measured with the spindle and thread. This mantel clock is a quality example in good condition that has truly stood the test of time. The pre-auction estimate is $3,000-$5,000.

Pure decadence comes to mind with the Maison Odiot French sterling silver serving dish being presented for this sale. It would be hard to resist any entrée contained in this oblong serving dish accessed only by taking hold of an exquisite lobster knob. Silversmith Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot established La Maison Odiot in 1690, but the name was made famous by his grandson, born in 1763 and responsible for several commissions ordered by Napolean’s court. This fourth-quarter 19th Century piece fit for a king is heading to the block with an estimate of $3,000-$5,000.

When it comes to furniture, François Linke (1855-1946) was a prominent cabinetmaker and an ébéniste, French for artists who worked primarily with the black/brown ebony wood. The two tones gave added dimension and emphasized the superb craftsmanship of each piece. The François Linke marquetry flip-top game table will undoubtedly bring out the competitive nature of any connoisseur. This excellent example of form following function and fun is estimated at $5,000-$7,000.

Concluding our highlights is French contemporary painter André Vignoles born in 1920 and lived for almost 100 years (1920-2017). Consequently, he witnessed (and participated) in the most significant fluctuation of painting styles that art history has ever known. Still life, landscape, and nature were constant themes within his work, but the painting style varies from Fauvist, to Impressionist and even Primitive. The oil painting Vallee de L’Eure leans more towards his Fauvist sensibilities. It stands tall at 51 inches high and 38.5 inches wide, and while viewing it closely, the forest starts to abstract, causing lines to be blurred between foliage, branches, and brushstrokes. One lucky bidder will have both the forest and the trees with this painting that has a pre-auction estimate of $3,000-$5,000.

Upcoming Auctions

Springtime at Moran’s has something for everyone. California Living will take place on April 6th, and the longtime favorite, California & American Fine Art, will happen a few weeks later on April 27th. May auctions will be in full bloom with California and American Fine Art on May 4th, Fine Jewelry & Timepieces on May 12th, and Art of the American West on May 25th. Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously; as such, sales will continue to be held online and without a live audience. However, each item is available for preview through appointment. Moran’s auction preview floor is spaced over 10,000 square feet and allows clients to preview objects with-in established social distancing guidelines, so you can feel confident when making your appointment to preview property. 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.

Consignments are always welcome:
Email us at info@johnmoran.com today!