Monday, July 29, 2013

THIS WEEKS CATCH

We had some truly remarkable consignments come through the door this week.  My favorite, just for the beauty and quality has to be the two sets of Norwegian Enamel (Vitrious Glass) over silver spoons.  These are simply works of art, ten demitasse and ten large spoons, demonstrate the splendor of simple objects at the beginning f the 20th Century and the level craftsmanship we cannot touch Today.


Sharing the stage and in the same genre, a beautiful Tiffany and Co., silver basket weave plate came through the door.  This was accompanied by three small portraits on Ivory and some early Chinese export.   I am getting excited as our September Antiques sale is coming together, this stage in the process is my favorite, hunting high and low for the right stuff!


Militaria seems to be popping up everywhere lately.  I had a wonderful house call in New Hampshire, with a collection of World War One weapons secured to the walls and ceiling, untouched for over fifty years.  I love finding these pieces "in situ" and absolutely original.  This collection will be an interesting addition for September and should add up to 40 plus lots! I am working on a local collection as well.

The hunt will continue this week with house calls from Cape Cod to Maine.  If you see me cruising New England's back roads, you will know it is me by the ear to ear smile, I just love what I do.  I can't wait to see you at America's Hometown Auction,  September  10th 6:00 PM.

Friday, July 19, 2013

AUCTION NIGHT JULY 16th

I would like to thank everyone who attended our Summer sale Tuesday evening, as well as our hard working staff, who made it a true success.  I would also like to thank the staff and management of Plymouth Memorial Hall, a simply exceptional venue in the heart of America's Hometown!  

The crowd was buzzing, the air conditioning ice cold and the auction red hot.  The Bartending service of New England was pouring well needed drinks and Chef Steve Coe served up some truly amazing culinary creations.  As I took to my pulpit, I saw smiles and heard laughter, the energy was truly positive.  I just love what I do!

In three and one half hours we sold 286 lots of Antiques, Art and Furniture.  Watches Jewelry, Silver and Paintings proved to be our strongest categories, with fierce competition and active bidding.  The collection of Pub signs also was a favorite.  A beautiful vintage Geneve Universal watch climbed to $2,000 and eclipsed my expectations as did the early wood carved Madonna at $800.  I love these diverse sales, there is something for everyone.

Silver and gold appear to be on the mend with prices creeping higher.  We have some high quality English Sterling Flatware in our September sale and some fine jewelry.  I am taking in some period furniture next week and a 60's Rolex watch.  Looking forward to our art and Antiques sale, September 10th at 6:00 PM.  Thank you again for supporting J. James Auctioneers & Appraisers, America's Hometown Auction.  I hope to see you in September!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

J. James Auctioneers and Appraisers AUCTION 7-16-2013

The Heat is on!  July in New England, 6 days of 90+ , I would complain, but then I could not whine about the frigid darkness that is February.  We have such extremes in New England, in temperature, weather, topography and culture.  The breadth of almost 400 years of history (additionally 15,000 years of Native American pre-contact), gives us fortunate Antique nuts very fertile ground for discovery! A Cape Cod house call this week illustrates this wonderfully.

It looked the part in every way, classic Federal proportions, double chimney, glazed foyer, and brick painted white.  Inside a treasure trove of fine American and English Period Queen Anne and Chippendale Furniture!  The most remarkable looking glass I have ever beheld greeted me at the entrance, beautiful lines, primitive glass, crafted first quarter of the 18th Century.  Next I beheld a period Rhode Island occasional table and a C. 1750 tiger maple candle stand.  Chests of drawers, untouched with original brass pulls, a blanket chest with the most exquisite dovetailing I have seen.
The floors were adorned with 19th Century Persian rugs, a simply beautiful Antique Roomsized Caucasian stood out.  A dream come true!

It is truly remarkable when a collection of this quality comes to light.  True period 18th Century furniture doesn't just turn up every day. I crawl around hundreds of damp basements and stifling attics in search of a stick of it.  What a great house call, the treasure hunt continues!

Oh, I almost forgot, Join us for an exciting evening on July 16th, 6:00 PM at Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA for our Summer Auction.  We are offering 300 estate fresh lots of Art and Antiques, with Beer Wine and Chef prepared fare.  Join us for a memorable evening, I can't wait to see you there!