Fontaine’s Auction Gallery will shine a light on impressive fine and decorative arts from the 19th and 20th centuries at its auction on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. The sale includes 500 lots, consisting of works by Tiffany Studios, Duffner & Kimberly, Handel, Pairpoint, Gorham, Whiting, Tiffany & Co., Gustav Stickley, Daum Nancy, Émile Gallé, Rene Lalique, Royal Vienna, KPM, and R.J. Horner.
“Buyers come to us for certain things, and that list includes Tiffany lighting, art glass, leaded glass windows, clocks, American and European furniture, fine silver, and marble/bronze statuary, to name a few,” said John Fontaine, owner of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. We will have standouts in all the collecting categories we are renowned for, and then some.”
The auction will get started with an iconic example of art glass, a Tiffany Studios “Peacock Gooseneck” Favrile glass vase (est. $15,000-$25,000), which is said to be one of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s most original forms, inspired by the Persian rosewater sprinklers he esteemed. The Peacock versions of this vase were made with five types of glass, two of them being aventurine (glass flecked with gold particles).
Expected to be the big standout item in the auction is a striking leaded and acid-etched glass window by Tiffany Studios, “Gabriel Blowing His Horn,” (est. $70,000-$90,000), ca. 1916, that measures 51.5-by-49 inches (framed). The window proportions and glass craftsmanship are sublime, and the window has quite a visual presence that seems realistic while highlighting the supernatural essence of the angel portrayed.
Tiffany Studios lamps, of course, will be well received in this auction, and highlights include a “Nasturtium” floor lamp (est. $60,000-$80,000), ca. 1910, standing 68 inches tall and having a 22-inch diameter shade; a “Geranium” table lamp (est. $60,000-$80,000), ca. 1905, with an illuminated blown glass base; and a “Poppy” table lamp (est. $50,000-$75,000), ca. 1910.
Besides Tiffany, collectors are also drawn to other renowned makers’ lamps, such as a ca. 1915 Duffner & Kimberly “Wisteria” table lamp (est. $30,000-$40,000); an early 20th century Handel “Arab & Camel” table lamp (est. $8,000-$12,000); and a Pairpoint Murano “Orchid” table lamp (est. $6,000-$8,000).
A shining spot in the auction is the sterling silver category, with several beautiful and ornate sets and centerpieces, led by a Gorham Mfg. Co. “Maintenon” dinner service (est. $25,000-$35,000), 20th-century, including a footed cake, a well meat platter, a water pitcher, a covered tureen and more; an English centerpiece (est. $20,000-$30,000) that is embellished with repoussé motifs of scrollwork, flowers and foliate, each of the bowls with cartouches decorated with castles; and a Tiffany & Co. “Chrysanthemum” tea and coffee service, ca. 1891-1902 (est. $20,000-$30,000). Also on offer is a Whiting Mfg. Co. sterling silver and enamel punch bowl and ladle with grapevines (est. $8,000-$12,000), late 19th century.
The scions of American furniture will be well represented with offerings ranging from an R.J. Horner & Co. 12-piece “Atlas” mahogany dining set (est. $20,000-$30,000), ca. 1890, comprising a table, server, sideboard, china cabinet and eight chairs, to a Gustav Stickley/Harvey Ellis drop-front desk (est. $8,000-$12,000), ca. 1903, in oak with pewter, copper and fruitwood inlays.
Rounding out the auction will be a Regina style 35 changer music box (est. $20,000-$30,000), late 19th century, having filigree carving; an after Alexander Phimister Proctor (American, 1862-1950) patinated bronze sculpture (est. $15,000-$25,000) titled “Buckaroo,” 26 inches tall; and a Karl Griesbaum book-form automaton singing bird box with gilt sterling silver, enamel and gems (est. $12,000-$15,000).
Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is located at 1485 W. Housatonic St. (Route 20), Pittsfield, Mass.
For further information, visit www.FontainesAuction.com or call 413-448-8922.