Finding Hidden History in Viking Jewelry

Collectors look for estate jewelry, those vintage treasures that have often been handed down from one generation of a family to another. But for jewelry truly steeped in history and heartiness, one need look no further than this collection of Viking, Byzantine and medieval jewelry.

This collection consists of 72 lots of jewelry – warriors’ rings, sorcerers’ amulets, Byzantine pilgrims’ crosses and French ladies’ pendants – all professionally refurbished and ready for modern wear.

Many of the items hold symbolic meaning in their shapes, often embodying the great strength of Viking warriors who bore them. A fine example is a Viking warrior’s heart ring, circa 850-100 AD. For Vikings, the heart stood for bravery, fortitude, loyalty, integrity, all attributes of the warrior.

Viking warrior’s heart ring, A.D. 850-1000, gilt bronze, size 9 3/4. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

This next warrior’s ring is in the classic coil form decorated with hand detailed chevrons. It is from the 10th or 11th century.

Fine ancient Viking warrior’s gilt bronze ring, 10th-11th century, classic coil form. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

Small pendants in the shape of a duck’s foot have been found in the graves of Vikings believed to have been sorcerers. One such silvered bronze amulet is offered in the sale.

Viking sorcerer’s amulet, 9th-10th century, silvered bronze, just under 1in high, shaped as a duck’s foot. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

A Viking bracelet of gilt bronze in this collection has an acorn form terminals and an intricately modeled medial crest. It dates to the 10th century.

Rare ancient Viking bracelet, 10th century, gilt bronze, 2 1/4 inches inside width. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

Also from the 10th century is a women’s gilt bronze bracelet in a broad oval C form with centralized X flanked by twin medial ridges.

Viking women’s bracelet, gilt bronze, 10th century, just under 2 5/8 inches inside width. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

A striking Medieval gilt bronze ring that features a stone set in a raised bezel dates to the 13th-15th century.

Medieval gilt bronze ring with central clear stone on raised bezel, 13th-15th century, size 8 1/4. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

View the full catalog of jewelry and step into a treasure trove of unique pieces.

Twirling in the Wind: Folk Art Whirligigs

“A little wooden warrior who, armed with a sword in each hand, was most valiantly fighting the wind on the pinnacle of the barn,” wrote American author Washington Irving in his famous short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, published in 1820. The writer was describing perfectly the workings of a simple whirligig, sometimes called a wind toy.

In the construction of the figure Irving describes, a shaft runs through the shoulders. When the wind blows, the arms carved in the form of broad paddles spin like propellers.

Folk art, polychrome painted, tin, metal and wood whirligig. Features cyclist that races on high wheel around track. 33″ D., 20″ H. Good condition. Comes with base. Provenance: Richard Roy Estate. Sold to a LiveAuctioneers bidder for $1,800 on April 16, 2016.

When mounted on a free-moving shaft, a whirligig can serve as a weather vane, but most often the whirligig is mounted on a post and serves no other purpose than to amuse those who view it. Having at least one part that spins or whirls, a whirligig is a decorative whimsy that holds great appeal with today’s collectors of Americana.

Flying mallard whirligig by upstate New York maker, early 20th century, 29 inches long, carved and painted wood. From the Linda and Gene Kangas Collection, it sold for more than $1,500 at a Slotin folk art auction in November 2015.

Mentioned in Colonial American times, the wind-driven whirligig probably originated with the immigrant population. “Traditionally, the first American examples were models of Hessian solders and were supposedly made by Pennsylvania settlers of German origin in mockery of the German mercenaries employed by the British during the Revolutionary War,” writes William C. Ketchum Jr., in The New and Revised Catalog of American Antiques (1980: Rutledge Books Inc.).

Ketchum acknowledges there is little support for the Hessian-soldiers story. However, folk artists did take delight in spoofing military officers and lawmen. “Their serious expressions and upright poses are undermined by arms that flail uncontrollably in the wind,” writes Beatrix T. Rumford and Carolyn J. Weekley in the book Treasures of American Folk Art: From the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center (1989: Little Brown & Co.).

Pennsylvania carved and painted pine whirligig, circa 1860-1870, in the form of a policeman, original polychrome decorated surface, 22 inches high. It sold for more than $18,000 at Pook & Pook Inc., in 2012.

Because whirligigs were invariably made of wood – usually pine – and placed outdoors, few early examples have survived the elements of harsh weather over time.

As compared to later productions, whirligigs made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have more moving parts and exhibit more complex movements, e.g., a rooster pecking at an ear of corn, a man sawing a log, or a woman washing clothes.

Whirligig in painted tin and wood depicting a washerwoman bending over her tub, 28 inches long by 21 inches high. It sold for more than $600 at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries on Feb. 11, 2017.

Most whirligigs currently available to collectors date to the 20th century and are considered folk art. Unlike antique weather vanes, which can sell for many thousands of dollars, whirligigs are affordable to the great majority of American buyers.

Found at country auctions, barn sales, and online, whirligigs can sometimes be picked up for bargain prices. However, be aware that whirligigs are easily copied. There are fakes in circulation that are being passed off as old to unsuspecting buyers. If the paint appears to be fresh and there is little sign of weathering, it is possible the object is fairly new. Bottom line: buy from a knowledgable trustworthy source.

Find folk art and whirligig treasures in Jasper52’s weekly Americana sales.

6 Prints That Range From Classical To Modern

Dozens of lithographs and prints on paper – from antique to modern – by world-class artists are featured in this week’s uniquely curated auction. Below are 6 standout prints that demonstrate the range and variety of this sale.

Pablo Picasso, ‘Toros y Toreros,’ 1961, original lithograph, artist signed, 14.5in x 11.5in. Estimate: $400-$600. Jasper52 image

Leading this colorful collection are several works by Pablo Picasso, including an original signed lithograph titled Toros y Toreros (Bulls and Bullfighters) done in 1961 and a signed lithograph from his portfolio Le Goût du Bonheur (The Taste of Happiness).

Pablo Picasso, lithograph from the portfolio ‘Le Goût du Bonheur’ (The Taste of Happiness), 1970, lithograph on Arches wove paper artist signed, 10in x 13in. Estimate: $400-$600. Jasper52 image

 

American pop art icon Roy Lichtenstein is represented in the auction by an offset lithograph of the right panel of his famous diptych Wham!

Roy Lichtenstein, offset lithograph of the right panel of diptych painting “Whaam! 1984, from an edition of 3,000, 24 5/8in x 28 3/4in. Estimate: $1,200-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Having the highest estimate in the auction is a Jim Dine etching titled Magenta and Rose Robes Diptych from 1979. The large, pencil-signed work carries a $6,000-$8,000 estimate.

Jim Dine, ‘Magenta and Rose Robes Diptych,’ 1979, etching, pencil signed and numbered 2 of 19. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

 

Of a more traditional nature is David Roberts’ St. Jean D’Acre Views of Egypt and Nubia, which dates from 1842-1849.

David Roberts, ‘St. Jean D’Acre Views of Egypt and Nubia,’ 1842-49. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

On a classical note are 1790s hand-colored engraving by British diplomat and archaeologist Sir William. Hamilton, which will be sold as separate lots.

Sir William Hamilton, hand-colored engraving, 1791-95. Estimate: $200-$300. Jasper52 image

 

View the full catalog and register to bid for this auction here.

Swatch: Watches That Add ‘Pop’ To Fashion

Back in the 1980s, at a time when “pop” was king, timepieces got in on the act, as well. For some watchmakers, the opportunity to innovate couldn’t have come at a better time.

Near the end of the 1970s, there was a switch in the approach to watchmaking, with Asian-based companies bringing forth mass-produced models, wrote Stephanie Potter. Because of this sea change in watch manufacturing, there was a steep decline in the export of Swiss watches, leaving tens of thousands of people unemployed.

Shown here is a selection of Swatch prototype watches from the extensive Dunkel collection that commanded $6 million at auction in April 2015. Image courtesy of www.watchpaper.com

From the ashes of this challenging time for Swiss watchmakers rose a company designed to retain business lost to manufacturers of less-expensive watches – some of decidedly inferior quality. The company Société Suisse de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie found its way into the public eye as the Swatch Group, Potter explained. The company adhered to the goal of creating quality timepieces, using an automated production process, and pricing them affordably. The company’s recipe for success included teaming up with popular artists to create watches with unique and modern “pop art” designs, and employing effective marketing techniques, Potter said. Artists Keith Haring, Alfred Hofkunst, and Akira Kurosawa; director Spike Lee, and musician Moby, are among the creative minds who lent their vision to Swatch watch creations.

One of the thousands of Swatch watches and items from the Schmid and Mueller collection, which sold through Sotheby’s for $1.33 million. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Swatch in the Spotlight

It’s been 34 years since the first Swatch collection came to market, with the first model being Swatch’s GB101. Paul Dunkel owned what was possibly the ultimate Swatch watch collection. It contained 5,800 Swatch & Art models and sold for $6 million during an April 2015 auction at Sotheby’s. Then in November of 2015 – again at Sotheby’s – there was an auction of almost 1,000 original watches and 380 prototypes and original design sheets and related art and memorabilia. The 4,000-piece collection belonged to Swatch designers Marlyse Schmid and Bernard Mueller, and sold as a single lot for $1.33 million.

The instantly recognizable art style of artist and philanthropist Keith Haring graced the face of a Swatch watch in the mid-1980s. This model and original drawing were among the items that sold as a single lot for $1.33 million at Sotheby’s in November of 2015. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s.

The appeal of Swatch timepieces continues to resonate with people of various walks of life. Those seeking to enjoy the nostalgia and camaraderie associated with Swatch watches look to the popular Swatch Club, which includes regular gatherings, a new Club Swatch watch each year, and four different membership options.

Another example of Swatch’s continued popularity is its presence on the wrists of some world leaders, as reported in 2014 by Anne VanderMey for Fortune. The CEO and chair of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankfein; former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former President of France Francois Hollande all own and sport Swatch watches from time to time.

Original drawings and illustrations accompanied vintage Swatch watches in the Schmid and Mueller collection. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.

The popularity of these watches, then and now, is a sign of evolution, in engineering, affordability and fashion, says Ariel Adams, founder and editor of aBlogtoWatch. He commented on the cultural impact of Swatch and similar watches.

“What made these watches important is that they signaled the age of watches as fashion statements versus purely as functional items for much of society,” Adams said. “It isn’t that artists didn’t have fun with watches before, but it is the notion that mainstream timepiece consumption habits changed … people purchase multiple lower-cost fashion watches to go with their mood or look, as opposed to getting a single watch to wear all the time.”

Explorations in Folk Art and Americana

Handcrafted tramp art boxes, carved animal figures, and primitive paintings are a few of the folk art treasures found in this week’s curated Americana auction. These artisan objects – more than 100 choice lots – vary from outsider art, ceramics, and more formal Americana.

In keeping with the Memorial Day holiday is a patriotic painting from the turn of the 20th century. The composition includes U.S. flags, cannons, cannonballs and an American eagle. The farmed oil on canvas painting has a $900-$1,200 estimate.

Patriotic painting, oil on canvas of a traditional battle presentation, 27in x 21in including frame. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

Considerable carving skills were needed to fashion the large folk art horse in the auction. The black beauty stands 23 inches tall and measures 24 inches nose to tail. Leather ears and horsehair mane and tail complement the steed, which is estimated at $1,800-$2,000.

Folk art carved wood horse in old paint, 23in high x 24in long, 1920s–1930s. Estimate: $1,800-$2,000. Jasper52 image

 

Workers at sewer tile factories, primarily in Ohio in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sometimes made figurines and vases, which are now considered folk art. A nice example in this week’s collection is a seated dog, which imitates the form of a Staffordshire pottery spaniel. In natural red-brown clay, the dog should fetch between $900-$1,200.

Sewer tile dog, Ohio origin, 1920s, 11 1/2in high. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

A “Old Salt” cast-iron doorstop made by the Eastern Specialty Manufacturing Co. (Boston 1893-1930) weighs in with a $700-$900 estimate.

‘Old Salt’ cast-iron doorstop 14 1/2in tall, Eastern Specialty Mfg. Co., Boston. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image

 

Tramp art is a form of folk art that is usually made from chip-carved wooden cigar boxes. Examples range from small boxes and picture frames to much larger items, such as the 16-inch high piece feature here. The object consists of a covered box atop a drawer. A carving of a man’s head serves as the handle on the lid. This impressive work is estimated at $1,000-$1,200.

Tramp art box with carved head finial, circa 1900, 16in x 8in x 8.5in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

Sideshows, the tantalizing added attractions that were once an integral part of a circus, have all but disappeared across America. This colorful form of entertainment is recalled in banners and signs that have become collectible. One such piece is a sign by 20th-century show painter Jim Hand. One of his signed works titled “Strange People” is expected to attract a $700-$900 winning bid.

Sideshow carnival signed by ‘Jim Hand,’ 32in x 32in. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image

 

Peruse the full catalog of creative Americana items here.

Art Prints Worthy of Custom Framing

You know a simple print or poster is truly magnificent when it’s worthy of a custom frame. It deserves to be showcased and highlighted. And after viewing this week’s collection of modern art prints created by world-class artists, you’ll want to call your local frame shop. Let’s take a look at 6 of the highlights in this collection

Topping the list of items having the highest estimates is an unsigned drawing of Andy Warhol’s Dollar Sign on paper. The reverse is stamped “The Estate of Andy Warhol” and bears the stamp of the Warhol Foundation. This original drawing is expected to top $25,000.

‘Dollar Sign’ by Andy Warhol, 1981, unsigned drawing, paper size is 23.5in x 31.5in inches, stamped on the back ‘The Estate of Andy Warhol.’ Estimate: $25,025-$27,550. Jasper52 image

 

Also by Warhol, are two unsigned serigraphs, variations of his Electric Chair, published by Sunday B. Morning, a Belgian publisher. The prints are estimated at $2,525-$2,775 each.

‘Electric Chair – Sunday B Morning’ by Andy Warhol, 1971, unsigned serigraph, image size: 37 x 50 inches. Estimate: $2,525-$2,775. Jasper52 image

 

A signed Alexander Calder offset lithograph titled Flight from Tyrrany was published in 1975 for Amnesty International’s series titled Artists for Amnesty. Calder was one of 15 artists commissioned to create art for the project. From an edition of 100, the print is signed and numbered in pencil, and carries a $2,525-$2,775 estimate.

‘Flight from Tyranny: For Amnesty International’ by Alexander Calder, 1975, signed offset lithograph, image size of 29.75in x 23in. Estimate: $2,525-$2,775. Jasper52 image

 

In near mint condition is a copy of the exhibition book for the 1982 Keith Haring exhibition at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in New York. Published in 1982 and printed by Fleetwood Press, the spiral-bound exhibition book is signed by the artist. The book contains a foreword by Tony Shafrazi and texts by Robert Pincus-Witten, Jeffrey Deitch, and David Shapiro.

Keith Haring–Tony Shafrazi Gallery exhibition book, 1982 signed by the artist, paper size is 9in x 9.75in, limited edition of 2,000. Estimate: $1,525-$1,675. Jasper52 image

 

Also by Haring is an unsigned lithograph, an authorized reproduction of the artist’s poster for the 1986 “Crackdown on Crack” concert in New York City. Famed concert promoter and producer Bill Graham organized the concert to raise funds to combat the crack cocaine epidemic in New York. The limited edition print was approved by the Keith Haring Foundation.

‘Crack Down!’ by Keith Haring, 1986, unsigned lithograph, paper size is 22in x 17in, from an edition of 2,000, a reproduction of a poster Haring designed for the 1986 Crackdown on Crack concert in New York City. Estimate: $425-$475. Jasper52 image

 

An unsigned lithograph of Robert Rauschenberg’s Re-entry (Diptych) is from a portfolio of 10 pieces titled Mirrors of the Mind, published by Multiples Inc. and Castelli Graphics in 1975. In mint condition, the print has a $2,225-$2,450 estimate.

‘Re-entry (Diptych)’ by Robert Rauschenberg, 1975, unsigned lithograph, paper size is 15in x 11.25in, from an edition size of 100, numbered in pencil. Estimate: $2,225-$2,450

 

View more from this curated collection of 20th Century Modern Art Prints and find your favorites.

Children’s Books to Prime Your Summer Reading List

School’s out for the summer, and it’s time to stock up on vacation reading for the kids. This weekend, we’re presenting an auction of collectible children’s classics. Here are 6 highlights that are sure to tug those nostalgic heart strings and bring your children joy.

Food for thought is a first edition of the Peanuts Lunch Bag Cook Book, which has been signed by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. Published in 1970, the book is in near fine condition in a dust jacket graded very good. It is estimated at $160-$200.

‘Peanuts Lunch Bag Cook Book,’ first edition, 1970, signed by Charles Schulz. Estimate: $160-$200. Jasper52 image

 

Children can have fun learning the alphabet the old-fashioned way by absorbing the words and illustrations of The Teddy Bear ABC, which was published by H.M. Caldwell.

‘The Teddy Bear ABC,’ by Laura Rinkle Johnson, illustrated by Margaret Landers Sanford, published by H.M. Caldwell, Boston. Estimate: $325-$390. Jasper52 image

 

The Book of Fairy Tales illustrated by Henry M. Brock carries a $375-$450 estimate. Brock was a British illustrator and landscape painter of the late 19th and early 20th century. Most of Brock’s illustrations were for classic Victorian and Edwardian fiction.

‘Book of Fairy Tales,’ illustrated by Henry M. Brock, published by Frederick Warne, London & New York. Estimate: $375-$450. Jasper52 image

 

Pike County Ballads is an 1871 book by John Hay. The collection of post-Civil War poems is one of the first works to introduce vernacular styles of writing. Originally published in 1871, a second edition was published in 1890 and this third edition in 1912 by the Houghton Mifflin Co., which contains 35 illustrations by American artist N.C. Wyeth.

‘Pike County Ballads,’ by John Hay and illustrated by N.C. Wyeth, published by Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Estimate: $170-$200. Jasper52 image

 

Another classic book of verse is The Bells and Other Poems by Edgar Allan Poe with illustrations by Edmund Dulac. Laid into the book is a portrait of Dulac at work in his studio.

‘Bells and Other Poems’ by Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by Edmund Dulac, published by Hodder and Stoughton, London. Estimate: $2,000-$2,400. Jasper52 image

 

Finally, there’s a well-read copy of Robert Lewis Stevenson’s classic A Child’s Garden of Verses, published by R.H. Russell of New York.

‘Child’s Garden of Verses’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, published by R.H. Russell, New York. Estimate: $1,100-$1,320. Jasper52 image

 

There’s a treasure in this collection for you. Take a look at the full catalog and find a new addition for you bookshelf.

Natural History Books: Exploring Nature From Your Armchair

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Vincent Van Gogh

One does not need to venture far to experience the wonders of nature. They’re as close as a single step outdoors, a glance out a window, or, the nearest bookshelf.

For centuries, natural history books have provided views and explanations of various elements of nature. These books combine remarkable illustrations with thorough details of complex scientific organisms within ornithology, horticulture, botany, and etymology, among other disciplines.

To gain an expert perspective about natural history books and the current collecting market we turned to Bruce MacMakin, Senior Vice President at PBA Galleries in San Francisco.

“A Picture Book of Beasts, British and Foreign: Or, An Introduction to Natural History,” William Darton, 1822, London. Sold for $4,300 in February 2015 through PBA Galleries. PBA Galleries image.

How is the market today for collecting natural history books? How does it compare with the market a few years ago?

The market for collectible natural history books is much the same as the market for books in general. That is to say, that while prices have basically recovered from the recession that began in the fall of 2008, the long-term effects of the Internet on the marketing and availability of books and the information contained in them has had a continued and profound influence on the values of old books. What was once scarce and hard to find in the thousands of bookstores scattered across the country and around the globe, is now available at the click of a mouse. This has depressed the value of more-common books.

At the same time, the ease with which rare books can be searched for and acquired has broadened the collecting base, and made the geographic location of collectors no longer a barrier to participation. A collector or scholar in the middle of Iowa can acquire books as easily as one in New York City. This growth in the number of collectors, coupled with the lack of intrigue in acquiring the more-common works, has driven up the prices of the more rare and significant material, as buyers vie for the few gems at the top.

“A History of the Birds of New Zealand,” Sir Walter Lawry Buller, circa 1887, London. Limited issue, one of 1,000 sets. (Est. $5,000-$7,000 in a June 3, 2017 auction). Image by Arader Galleries.

Is there a genre of natural history book that is most sought after, or is the appeal equal among various topics (botany, ornithology, marine biology, travels of naturalists, etc.)?

Every collector has reasons for collecting what they do, and for every topic there are star items that bring premium prices. This can be based on the importance of a work, its scarcity, condition or beauty. Many natural history books have striking illustrations, including hand-colored engraved plates, color printed mezzotints that were seminal in the development of printing techniques, or simple line cuts that still presented important records of the subjects. But overall, botanical works seem to have held value and interest to a greater degree than others.

 

Are natural history books more available than in years past? What do you think may be contributing to this?

There are, in general, more books available for ready purchase than ever before, due to the global marketplace provided by the Internet, so this is true of natural history books, as well. But it still takes effort to locate the works of highest quality and importance, and in today’s transparent world, where a significant book is less likely to sneak onto a shelf in a bookstore with its true value unrevealed, one will likely have to pay a healthy price.

“Voyage to the South-Sea and Along the Coasts of Chili and Peru in the Years 1712, 1713, 1714, Particularly Describing the Genius and Constitution of the Inhabitants, as well as Indians and Spaniards: Their Customs and Manners, their Natural History, Mines, Commodities, Traffick with Europe &c.,” by Amedee Francois Frezier, Jonah Bowyer, 1717, London. Sold for $1,230 in April 2016 through PBA Galleries. PBA Galleries image.

In addition to condition, what factors weigh in to the value of natural history books?

One should start with the importance of a book in establishing our knowledge of how the natural world works. A prime example would be the works of Charles Darwin – in particular, On the Origin of Species, the appearance of which in 1859 sent shock waves through not only the scientific community, but through society in general. It is an example of a book whose value continues to grow, and premium copies regularly set price records.

Another reason for natural history books to have value is the illustrations. Beginning with simple woodcuts in the 15th century, illustrations kept pace with, and in many cases engendered, advances in printing, engraving and coloring. Not only are the subjects of the illustrations important, whether botanical, ornithological, or geologic, but the techniques used are very significant as well.

“The English Moths and Butterflies,” Benjamin Wilkes, Georg Dionysius, Ehret and Jacob van Huysum, 19th century, London. (Est. $12,000-$16,000 in a June 3, 2017 auction). Image by Arader Galleries.

What are two essential tips you would offer someone interested in collecting natural history books?

As with any collecting field, concentrate on what interests you. That will make it a pleasant task to acquire the knowledge necessary to form a meaningful collection. Do not collect for value, but for significance (value will follow). And when faced with the choice of purchasing a lesser copy at a bargain price, or a premium copy at a high price, choose the premium copy. Then when you look at the book on your shelf, you will be proud of the acquisition, whereas the lesser book would cause you to regret the money spent. And from a practical point of view, in today’s market, the premium book will become more valuable, while the cheap book will only become cheaper.

Bruce MacMakin is senior vice president of PBA Galleries in San Francisco. The son of a printer, MacMakin began his career in the book-auction trade at California Book Auction Galleries in 1978, fresh out of college. It was an unplanned diversion that has lasted 38 years and counting. In 1992, he became a founding member of Pacific Book Auction Galleries, now PBA Galleries. His areas of expertise range from early incunabula and rare manuscripts to hyper-modern fiction and The Wizard of Oz.

6 Handmade Persian Rugs With Serious Detail

Hand-knotted rugs and carpets have been used as floor coverings since the Bronze Age (between 4000 and 3000 B.C.). Through the ages, civilization has developed nothing that can compare to the beauty, warmth and comfort that handmade rugs add to a home. And lucky for you, this week’s rug auction features handmade rugs ranging from antique to modern.

Leading this 116-lot offering is a large Persian Tabriz, circa 1890, with an overall leaf design on a red background. This stunning 9×16 foot antique rug, fresh from an estate, is expected to sell for $10,500-$14,000.

Tabriz rug, rare leaf design, wool, 9 feet x 16 feet, circa 1890. Estimate: $10,500-$14,000. Jasper52 image

 

An exquisite, but without quite the age, is a fine Persian Isfahan Serafian carpet woven between 1960 and 1990. This intricate masterpiece, which features Kurk wool pile on a silk foundation, would have taken two skilled weavers two or three years to complete. It is in superb condition and measures approximately 7×10 feet.

Isfahan Serafian carpet, Kurk wool pile on a very fine silk foundation, 7 feet x 10 feet, 1960-1990. Estimate: $6,900-$9,200. Jasper52 image

 

Anyone searching for a long gallery-size rug needn’t look farther than the 19th-century Persian Ferahan rug. This rug, which exhibits a fine classic design in terra-cotta red, measures approximately 8×23 feet.

Ferahan area rug, 19th century, 7 feet 8 inches x 23 feet. Estimate: $7,350-$9,800. Jasper52 image

 

Rugs from Nain, a desert city in central Iran, are among the finest hand-knotted examples produced in modern times. It would take many months or even several years for a master weaver to complete a single Nain rug, depending on the fineness of knots and size. The knots in Nain rug contain some 250-500 knots or more per square inch. Two such rugs are featured in this collection. These rugs are woven with the Persian symmetrical knot and are constructed of wool and silk mixture pile woven on cotton foundation. Nain neighbors Isfahan, and for this reason the designs follow the famous Isfahan, influenced by Shah Abbas design. They usually include skillfully drawn flowers, foliage and vines.

Most often woven in blue and beige and shades of brown, Nain rugs are seldom found in red. This gorgeous example, approximately 9×13 feet, has a $15,225-$20,300 estimate.

Genuine handmade Nain area rug, made in Iran, 8 feet 9 inches x 12 feet 8 inches. Estimate: $15,225-$20,300. Jasper52 image

 

A blue Nain rug exhibiting a classic design measures approximately 11×14 feet. These two Nain rugs were not machine-made, and in fact they were hand-knotted in Iran.

Genuine handmade Nain area rug, made in Iran, 10 feet 7 inches x 14 feet. Estimate: $20,355-$27,140. Jasper52 image

 

Moving on to Europe, this auction also features a fabulous needlepoint rug made in 1920. Featuring a scene of a lady and a shepherd and his flock, the work is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

European needlepoint rug, 12 feet x 7 feet 6 inches, 1920. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Jasper52 image

View the full Fine and Antiques Rug auction and discover your next unique find.

Dip into a Seasoned Collector’s Toy Box

There are few collector categories that can rival the global appeal of antique and vintage toys. Ask any toy enthusiast and they’ll tell you the “toy bug” plays no favorites. No matter where you grew up or what your age may be, you’re sure to recall with fondness your own favorite childhood toys, and that’s often what leads to an exploration and appreciation of toys of an even earlier era. Many in the know say the smart way to start a collection is via the auction route. Nothing can beat buying from a collection that has already been upgraded and refined, like the one offered in this week’s Vintage Toy sale.

A gem of a collection, the 79-lot assemblage features early European tin wind-ups, including automotive; comic character toys, Japanese vehicles with colorful original boxes, banks, clowns, and German toys by Lehmann, Gunthermann, and other manufacturers.

There are some surprising rarities in the sale, like this 1901 Fernand Martin “Le Pianiste” (Piano Player). When wound up, the cloth-dressed musician appears to play the piano, his hands moving across the keys as he sways back and forth. The market for French-made Martin toys has never been stronger. This particular toy is expected to make $3,250-$4,000.

Vintage Fernand Martin French Mechanical Automaton, Estimate: $3,250-$4,000. Jasper52 image

 

Any serious European toy enthusiast would want at least a couple of Gunthermann toys in their collection. This auction offers several possibilities. A hand-painted 1910 Man Playing Cello has been professionally restored and is cataloged with a $1,000-$1,500 estimate.

Vintage Restored 1910 Guentherman Musical Cello Player, estimate: $1,100-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Other Gunthermann productions include a Little Boy Twirling Two Celluloid Balls, estimate $650-$800, and a Galloping Horse with Rider, $400-$500.

Vintage Wind-up Gunthermann Little Boy Twirling 2 Balls, Estimate $650-$800. Jasper52 image

 

When it comes to antique and vintage German cars, demand is always greater than the available supply. Lot 32, a handsome Lehmann ivory with red, lithographed tin LUXUS limousine with driver is in perfect working order and complete condition, even retaining its original battery-operated headlight bulbs. This 13-inch beauty is not often seen in the marketplace. The example offered here is estimated at $7,150-$8,800.

Prewar Germany Wind-up LEHMANN EPL 785 ‘Luxus’ Limo, Estimate: $7,150-$8,800. Jasper52 image

 

Lot 30, a vintage Fischer tinplate wind-up 4-door sedan finished in green and black is expected to make $500-$600.

Vintage FISCHER Tinplate Windup 4-Door Sedan Car, Estimate: $500-$600. Jasper52 image

 

Boxed construction toys include a 1950s Tru-Mix cement mixer truck, a postwar (ATC) Japanese tin Ford F-800 dump truck; a Momoya tin friction dump truck, and several tractors by desirable Japanese manufacturers.

Vintage ASAHI (ATC) Japan Tin Ford F-800 Dump Truck, Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

A treasure of the early comic character era, Lot 35 is a 1932 Chein production of wood and tin depicting Ignatz Mouse, the precursor to Mickey Mouse. The playful rodent retains its original King Features Syndicate Chein & Co decal and original leather ears. A bright, colorful charmer, the toy is entered with a $2,860-$3,520 estimate.

It has been well documented that Ernst Paul Lehmann, creator of the ingenious tin toys bearing his name, took his inspiration from things he saw in his own German village or during his travels. The latter seems to have been the case in his design known as Dare Devil, Lot 26. The toy depicts a man seated in a cart pulled by a zebra, something Lehmann is said to have witnessed while visiting Africa. The lithographed tin Dare Devil in this sale is in excellent, all-original condition and carries an $850-$1,040 estimate.

Vintage Lehmann (Germany) Tin Lithographed Windup EPL 752 Dare Devil Man on Zebra Carriage Cart, Estimate: $850-$1,040. Jasper52 image

Click to view the fully illustrated auction catalog for this weekend’s Vintage Toys Auction.