Overall Market Exhibits Strength At JSE & Associates Three-Day Summer Americana Auction

Variety Ranging From Early Baseball Cards To Dolls, Pottery, Historical Ephemera

September 25, 2020

The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Aug. 27, 28, and 29 Summer Americana Auction produced strong prices, along with a few surprises, in multiple categories. The three-day format consisted of 1,720 lots of diverse material that generated robust levels of participation for the firm, a clear indication of vigor in numerous segments of the marketplace. Bidding was intense throughout each day, with over 5,000 registered bidders participating in house, on the phones, and online.
Session one featured a wide selection of antiquarian books, including many rare first editions, coins including over 30 gold Krugerrands and Maple Leafs, rare baseball cards, Native American and other jewelry, coin silver, a collection of figural napkin rings and other Victorian silverplate, Staffordshire transferware, and other ceramics. The 511-lot offering sparked significant pre-sale interest, with bidders traveling from around the country to attend the auction. The top lot was a first American edition of Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” which garnered $15,210. Prices include 17-percent buyer’s premium. The fresh to the market example was in an unrestored state. Other noteworthy results included a 1941 Play Ball Gum baseball card set selling for $7,605 and a group of 1937 baseball cards and photos, which went for $4,387.
Session two featured a wide selection of country store and advertising, including Breweriana, toys and dolls, a collection of vintage candy containers, and a large collection of glass and china children’s dishes. The top item among the 562 lots was a rare 18th-century English carved and painted wooden doll, which sold for $5,557. A Willimantic general store advertising counter-top spool cabinet in excellent condition brought $2,223, an American general store counter-top pie safe with stenciled ends sold for $1,702, and an antique Columbia Brewing Co., St Louis, Mo., advertising sign realized $1,702.
Session three consisted of the estate collection of Ann Vail, Waynesboro, Va.; a wide selection of country furniture and accessories; folk art; Shenandoah Valley and other folk pottery; Civil War, Native American, and other historical material; and a variety of textiles. The 647-lot eclectic mix was well-received, with some categories demonstrating signs of renewed energy. The top lot at $4,387 was a fine set of six D. R. Dimes Windsor-style dining chairs. Other noteworthy results included a 19th-century American School folk art landscape painting at $3,276, a folk art painted wooden “SEEDS” trade sign at $2,925, and a Nantucket lightship basket with fine original surface, selling for $2,574.
After the sale, company president and auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale generated robust interest across the board, from baseball card collectors to antique doll aficionados. The overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and quality of the merchandise offered.” Evans added, “We have several fine collections in house for our November Americana Auction, so the fall sale should be another great event.”
For complete auction results, a schedule of upcoming sales, or further information, call 540-434-3939 or visit www.jeffreysevans.com.

 

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