Provenance and designer names carry gravitas when it comes to auctions, and both always seem to be in generous supply at Fontaines Auction Gallery. The companys Jan. 18 sale was no exception, with fine lamps by Tiffany taking the lead. Rare Pairpoint models came in a close second, taking six out of the top 10 places in prices realized. We had a very nice selection of Tiffany lamps that buyers really responded to, and the Pairpoint lamp collection from noted collectors Ed and Sheila Malakoff also sparked buyers interest, said John Fontaine, owner of Fontaines Auction Gallery. Many lots did better than expected, most selling over their estimates, which is more indicative of the overall strength and quality of the sale. Leading the parade of Tiffany lamps across the block was the sales top lot, a Tiffany Studios Peony Border floor lamp that retained its large leaded glass shade in a vibrant band of pink and red peonies. The 77-inch-tall lamp sold for $151,250. A Tiffany Studios dichroic geometric table lamp with green mottled glass panels that change to fiery amber when lit earned $26,620. The latter had a 20-inch leaded glass shade signed on the inside rim, topping a bronze twisted vine base, overall standing 27 inches tall. From the Malakoffs collection was a scarce Pairpoint Puffy Owl table lamp. The 21.5-inch-tall lamp handily bested its $25,000-$40,000 estimate to realize $78,650. This fine lamp is not only highly sought after for its detailed shade featuring a grey and white snow owl crouching on a branch, but its base, which Pairpoint custom made only for its owl shades, was one of the most unique Pairpoint created, said Fontaine. The owl lamp was but one of several fine Pairpoint lamps in the sale, like a rare Puffy Orange Tree table lamp that sold over its high estimate to make $33,880. The lamp was decorated with a 15-inch, reverse painted blown-out shade featuring butterflies, leaves, oranges and orange blossoms against a background of green leaves and branches. Another high point in the lighting category was a pair of six-arm bronze gasoliers attributed to Cornelius and Baker that went for $27,225, selling comfortably within estimate. The gasoliers have floral, filigree and draping designs, and the bottom has six busts of women reaching out and holding up doves, 48-by-40.5 inches. A Duffner & Kimberly No. 519 quatrefoil leaded lamp with an intricate leaded glass shade having deep amber hues and green scrolling foliate designs around the border, 23.5 inches tall, sold over high estimate at $18,150. While lamps and clocks are perennial favorites at Fontaines, other unique items did well. A lavishly decorated Armenian Bible with a silver repousse cover went over its $3,000-$5,000 estimate to bring $48,400. Featuring handpainted pages and bound in silver-beaded mesh, the Bible portrayed Jesus on the cover with a cross above a skull and crossbones, with Mary and Joseph standing on either side of him. Several fine paintings crossed the block, led by a signed Elliott Daingerfield (American, 1859-1932) oil-on-canvas, Across the Pond, that achieved $13,310, and a Leopold Carl Muller (German, 1834-92) oil-on-canvas depicting a colorful and vibrant city square that sold for $12,100. Also highlighting fine art offerings was a bronze sculpture by Auguste Moreau (French, 1834-1917) that earned $8,167. The sculpture depicted a semi-nude woman wearing draping garments on her lower half and seated on a rock formation platform having birds and flowers, 33.5 inches tall. Unexpected surprises when lots go well over estimate are always cause to rejoice, and this auction offered several, including a set of 12 intaglio cut amber glass goblets attracting 35 bids before finally selling for $6,655, well above the $600-$800 estimate; a pair of ornate leaded glass windows selling for more than double the high estimate, at $4,537; a Tiffany Studios Favrile glass decorated decanter, also going for more than twice its high estimate at $6,050, and a French Empire silk thread mantle clock that easily outperformed its $700-$900 estimate to bring $3,388. Rounding out the auction were an animated porcelain and bronze clock showing a detailed fenced-in farm scene for $16,335 and a Van Cleef & Arpels 18-carat gold and diamond ladys watch, having a mother-of-pearl dial and Swiss movement, which made $9,075. Fontaines Auction Gallery is located at 1485 W. Housatonic St. (Route 20), Pittsfield, Mass. For further information, call 413-448-8922, email info@fontainesauction.com, or visit www.fontainesauction.com.