Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales (LLAES), Ltd. opened the 2012 auction year with a landmark $2.4 Million auction, anchored by a collection of photography by Alfred Stieglitz (Am, 1864-1946), who was husband to famed artist Georgia O’Keeffe. The complete auction results for the Two-Day Spring Estate Catalogued Auction can be found on-line. This sale follows three consecutive $1 Million sales the company conducted during 2011, in June, September, and December, respectively.
The auction gallery was pleased to host nearly 300 floor bidders who attended the Two-Day Spring Estate Catalogued auction, held March 16 & 17, 2012. Bidders unable to attend the sale left over 1900 absentee and phone bids. In addition, over 1200 bidders watched and participated in the auction on-line, from more than 50 countries around the world.
LLAES, Ltd. continues to acquire and offer top-level consignments from the Southeast region, with owner Leland Little saying, “Our current state-of-the-art auction facility, combined with the investment of this team, continues to reward both sellers and buyers.”
The showstopper of the sale was the Rhoades collection of Alfred Stieglitz photographs, which included the top-lot of the auction, “View from Studio,” (pictured at right) which sold for $519,200. “Studio 291,” also from the Rhoades’ collection, sold for $200,600.
The remainder of the 866 lot catalogued auction saw strength and consistency from start to finish (all prices include the 18% buyers premium).
Fine Arts offerings were diverse and of top quality, including a portrait of General Jackson, by Thomas Sully (PA, 1783-1872), which, driven by strong phone and on-line bidding, achieved $73,750. A striking floral still life by Sebastian Wegmayr (1776-1857) brought $16,520.
Jewelry lots demonstrated strength, led by a round brilliant cut unmounted diamond that sold for $13,570. A Michalis designed Gold and Ruby Lariat sold for $12,980, and an Art Deco Diamond & Sapphire Ring by J.E. Caldwell achieved $9,145. Strong on-line bidding drove the price of an 18KT Vintage Gentleman’s Watch by Patek Philippe to $5,900.
Other lots of interest include an Antique Chinese Handscroll that attracted international bidders and soared to $212,400, a modern Bakalowits and Sohne “Miracle” Chandelier that sold for $7,375, and a Meissen Porcelain Figural Clock and Stand that achieved $18,880.
Offerings from the Lamont Estate were strong, featuring the Michalis designed Gold and Ruby Lariat and Antique Chinese Handscroll mentioned above, and an etching by James A. M. Whistler (1834-1903) entitled “The Wine Glass,” that sold for $6,490.
Sculpture was highlighted by two bronzes; one by Harriet Frishmuth (NY, 1880-1980) which achieved $21,240, the other by Aase Texmon Rygh (Norwegian, b. 1925) that sold for $8,555.
Fine silver was led by an Important Baltic Parcel Gilt Silver Monteith, which soared to $56,640, and a Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Water Pitcher that sold for $2,360.
The Fine Wine session, which was held Friday, March 16th at 6:00 P.M., was energized by four bottles of 1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild that climbed to $4,248.
Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. and Iron Horse Auction Company will hold the Historic Chinqua Penn Plantation Estate Auction at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC, April 25th and 26th, 2012. LLAES, Ltd. will also hold their Two-Day Summer Estate Catalogued Auction at their auction gallery in Historic Hillsborough, NC, on June 15th and 16th, 2012.
LLAES, Ltd. is always seeking quality consignments, whether it be an entire estate or a significant item. If you would like to discuss selling please call the gallery at 919-644-1243 or email at info@llauctions.com.
