A truly exceptional and rare grouping of 17 silk trade banners, from the Maine Mechanics Charitable Association, was one instance of a spectacular find included in a sale of many choice lots conducted by James D. Julia Auctions. The firm conducted this End of Summer sale in August at its Fairfield, Maine, gallery, presenting one of their finest offerings of art, folk art, furniture, and quality antiques to date. The weeklong auction event featured selections from private and prominent collections and estates, from across the United States. There were many “stars” in the sale, but the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the parade banners was very special.
These unique handpainted silk trade banners were made to illustrate the various trade groups represented in the Maine association. (The Association still exists. See side bar for more information.) Each year a special parade would take place, and members (blacksmiths, shipbuilders, printers, masons, butchers, etc.) would carry these banners - representing their trade.
After an active tête-à-tête, the grouping realized $125,350 (just inside its $125,000 to $225,000 aggregate estimate) in the Julia sale. The price was exciting news, but the buyer and the circumstances of purchase were even more newsworthy. The winning bidder was Richard D'Abate, Executive Director of the Maine Historical Society. D’Abate represented a consortium of many Maine historical institutions. By consolidating their resources, and developing a plan to share the rights to display them, they were able to keep these historic artifacts in Maine for all to enjoy.
Following the auction, Julia’s commented on the unique acquisition, saying, “This method of purchase, being the first of its kind to our knowledge, shows Maine as an innovator in its quest to retain significant cultural and artistic State treasures!”
For more outstanding results from the auction, visit the James D. Julia Auction website: www.jamesdjulia.com.