TM Volume 9 ™ Number 4 APRIL 2009

ANTIQUESNews, Trends, andRO AnalysisADS from the WorldHO of AntiquesW andINSIDER Collectibles

ON THE LOOKOUT Sew Classic... and Practical Sewing tables, sometimes called “women’s workbenches,” are a time-honored HONEST... ABE sets MARK n anonymous bidder at Christie’s paid and useful A$3.443 million for Abraham Lincoln’s handwritten 1864 election victory speech. The furniture form. price set an auction record for an American document. See p. 3 for photo and details. By Jane Viator or hundreds of years, in cultures At Sotheby’s in Amsterdam in October all over the world, sewing has been 2008, this birch, fruitwood, and mahogany Fan essential task. Traditionally, it marquetry sewing table fetched $6,210. was one of the first skills that little girls learned, far more important than clothing and household textiles occu- reading and writing—accomplishments pied countless hours of a woman’s time. that few females were expected or even Excellence in needlework was a source encouraged to master until compara- of pride and often of much-needed tively recent times. income. And who knows? We may yet Photo courtesy of Skinner

Making, re-fashioning, and repairing see a revival, because in today’s uncer- Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s tain economic climate, sewing could A QUIET COUNTRY LIFE again become a highly valued skill. aybe it’s today’s hectic pace that has so It was only in the mid-1700s that Mmany of us wishing for a simpler life, or sewing tables, also known as worktables, for a quiet country setting. And maybe it was became popular as a distinct furniture a longing for those qualities that pushed up form. Prior to that era, most furniture the bidding on Vermont Farm, a wonderful was multipurpose. Few houses were large painting by Luigi Lucioni (American, 1900– enough and few people were wealthy 1988). The 181/8 x 27 1/8-inch oil on canvas enough to have many pieces of furniture went into a Skinner sale with an estimate of designed for a specific, limited use. $15,000–$25,000 and sold for $94,800. Today, antique sewing tables that have survived the years make appeal- “OH BEAUTIFUL...” ing pieces and add a vintage touch to a veryone knows the song: “America the room. Whether used for their original EBeautiful.” In March, Heritage Galleries purpose or not, they’re versatile as well put Katharine Lee Bates’ handwritten lyrics to as convenient. the anthem on the block. The single sheet sold Cont’d. on p. 14 for a hefty $22,705 (see photo, p. 6). Jane Viator is a California-based writer and ON THE INSIDE Note the sewing table in this Fritz proprietor of Past Perfect, a decorative X On the Block: Pups, Presidents, and Gumballs 3 von Uhde painting from 1883. It’s arts consulting business. She wrote X Sports Memorabilia: Baseball’s Back 7 called Dutch Seamstresses (Sisters about Andrew Wyeth last month and X Pottery: Sweet Glazed Danish 8 in the Sewing Room), and it sold for the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art, & Antique $104,500 in a 2004 sale at Sotheby’s. X Buying & Selling: High-End Show Secrets 11 Show tables this month (p. 5).

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW INSIDER 1 Buying & SELLING Splendor in the Sunshine State Recession or not, the shows must go on... so we checked in on one of the best. Our intrepid senior contributing editor snooped around at a major Florida antiques show for trends and treasures. By Jane Viator outhern Florida is renowned for its sun, sand, and social scene— Sand for the eclectic Palm Beach Jewelry, Art, & Antique Show. The five-day event is huge, offering quality items in more than 200 booths stocked by dealers from around the world. The latest Palm Beach show closed on Feb. 17, putting the lid on its sixth annual event. As always, there was no shortage of spectacular pieces on dis- play. This show, though, had the chal- lenge of being scheduled amid a strug- gling U.S. economy.

MONEY MATTERS... The entrance to the show. ...In fact, money matters a lot. Right And yes, all those roses are real. now, there’s much less of it being spent Photo by J. Viator on art and antiques. The Palm Beach, Furthermore, in a business where but you got to see the best of the best, Fla., area has been especially hard hit, image matters a great deal, it’s impor- “up close and personal.” since it was ground zero to the recent tant to see and be seen in the right financial disaster involving longtime places by the right people. MAKING THE ROUNDS Wall Street investor Bernard Madoff. What are the economics of doing a As the name suggests, the Palm Beach (Madoff was charged in December prestigious show like this one in Palm Jewelry, Art, & Antique Show really is 2008 with carrying out possibly the Beach? One dealer was willing to share three events in one. The order in which biggest swindle ever perpetrated by one some hard figures. His cost for the five- the categories are listed accurately rep- man, according to reports. His invest- day event would be around $18,000, resents the mix in this event, as we dis- ment firm, he told authorities, “cheated including booth rent (his was average covered in perusing the offerings. investors of $50 billion,” according to size), travel, and hotel. By the fourth The jewelry was head-turning. The Wall Street Journal.) day, he’d sold three of his less expensive There was lots of it, the quality was Not surprisingly, dealers at the paintings, but he didn’t expect to cover superb; and the prices are generally in Palm Beach Jewelry, Art, & Antique his expenses before the show closed. line with the dazzle factor (although we Show acknowledged that It’s easy to see why did see some great pieces that wouldn’t business was slow. But most of the items break even a struggling bank). they added that high-end offered at such shows The show offered a premier opportu- events like this are about are in the four-figure nity to all kinds of estate jewelry: previ- much more than mak- range and up—way ously owned pieces ranging from 18th- ing big sales. Multiple up. This is the high century “paste” (early imitation-stone exhibitors approached end of a luxury trade. jewelry) to recent designer items from by Insider expressed a But for the price of great names like Tiffany, David Webb, similar philosophy: Big admission ($15 for a Yurman, Lalounis... the list goes on. shows are an opportu- one-day pass, $25 for nity to network, to meet a four-day pass), you Jane Viator is a California-based writer and new clients and old col- got not only a full- proprietor of Past Perfect, a deco- leagues, and to take the color hardbound cata- rative arts consulting business. She pulse of the market and log (see cover at left) wrote about Andrew Wyeth in last find out what’s hot and and access to an excel- month’s issue and about sewing what’s not. lent series of lectures, tables this month (see p. 1). ANTIQUES ROADSHOW INSIDER APRIL 2009 11 This group of marine- themed jewelry includes: cufflinks, $1,200 per pair; starfish earrings, $6,500; 1950s gold starfish,

$1,200; and Photos by J. Viator moonstone and black diamond star- fish, $4,200.

The priciest piece in the entire show was an 18-carat pink diamond from Australia’s to make a splash, so there’s always a issue, p. 1, for a tribute to Wyeth). The Argyll mine. Retail: $12 million, from “need” (relatively speaking, of course) work was priced at $625,000. Rosenberg Diamonds. for another bracelet or necklace or ring A nostalgic portrayal of a moonlit to wear to the next charity gala. Venetian lagoon by American impression- The art, from impressionist oil paint- Among the most eye-catching jew- ist Oliver Dennett Grover continued the ings to masterful drawings to soaring elry we spotted was at the Owl’s Roost theme of sea and sky. That one was tagged sculptures, represented a wide variety Antiques booth: a group of one-of-a- $32,500 at David Brooker Fine Art. of genres, media, and subjects. Judging kind contemporary pieces featuring sea There were paintings by Florida art- from the quantity of art glass, these creatures. Especially appealing were a set ists too. Art Link International offered sparkling light-catchers were particular of octopus cufflinks and a pair of starfish a spectacular sunset of palm trees at the favorites of both dealers and collectors. earrings, all mainly made of coral. They water’s edge entitled Winter Firesky. It was The show’s antiques were mainly were modestly priced, relatively speak- painted in 1980 by Harold Newton, one of decorative items of more recent vintage ing, at between $1,200 and $6,500 (see a group of African-American landscape than the 18th-century formal furniture photo caption above), making them all painters known as The Highwaymen that dominates most major antique the more fun because the person wear- because they sold their work mainly at shows. Palm Beach is a giant playground, ing them wouldn’t require a bodyguard. roadside galleries along Florida’s major and at the February event, playfulness The earrings came with a great story. tourist routes. This example was priced at was a major theme, from furniture As dealer Sandy Steinberg’s daughter $13,500; eight or 10 years ago, paintings incorporating pretty nudes to whimsical was placing them in the display case, she by The Highwaymen could be bought for Art Deco accent pieces. noticed that one of the diamonds in the $1,000 or less. Looking at a dazzling array of objects center was missing. Bad! A few moments spanning centuries and continents, we later, she found the missing stone, ANTIQUES: VARIATIONS... wondered if a recurring theme would embedded in the carpet of the booth. Mention “antiques” and most people become evident in all of the show’s Good! In fact, it was nearly miraculous; think of dignified furniture, fragile por- categories. Indeed it did. Palm Beach talk about a needle in a haystack.... celain, massive sterling silver. Plenty of is a premier seaside resort, so it wasn’t those types of pieces highlighted the surprising to see so many objects with THE FINEST IN FINE ART Palm Beach show, but the most memo- a marine emphasis: seascapes, nautical Paintings and art on display at the Palm rable items were unusual objects featured decorative items, jewelry, and ceramics Beach show included museum-qual- by dealers whose clients have a special that conjured up sea breezes. ity examples and well-known names, from a Matisse drawing ($285,000) to a BLING! FOR JEWELRY JUNKIES Grandma Moses winter scene ($385,000). Fittingly, jewelry is a major highlight of One large booth featured Russian art, the Palm Beach show. This is a town, mainly icons—an indication of what

Photo by J. Viator after all, noted for socialites who like major buyers (both of new Palm Beach real estate and traditional Czarist-era art) the Russian oligarchs have become. A standout painting that underlined the marine emphasis of the show was a large Andrew Wyeth watercolor of a Maine lighthouse (see our March 2009 Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Jewelry, Art, & Antique Show Left: This set of salon table and chairs by French Art Nouveau cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle had a price tag of $68,000 at Antique D’zynes. Right: Spencer Marks in Southampton, Mass., offered this large and rare French silver Ancièn Regime coffee pot by Jean-Ange Josèphe Loque. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 12 INSIDER APRIL 2009 A Dutch ™ dealer, Iris Antique Globes, displayed ANTIQUES ROADSHOWINSIDER this handsome Back Issues Now Available c. 1860 English Order your missing 2007 and 2008 issues by using the order form below. Newton DECEMBER 2008—Long and Winding Road: JANUARY 2008—Wood and antique furniture globe. Our second annual Antiques Roadshow “Tour • Rockwell at auction • Affordable art: fine-art Wrap” • Q&A: executive producer Marsha Bemko • prints • Glen Lukens pottery • Fountain pens Presidential autographs • Animal-related collectibles DECEMBER 2007—Coca-Cola collectibles • Photo courtesy of Iris Antique Globes NOVEMBER 2008—Collecting John Adams Behind the scenes at Antiques Roadshow • and Thomas Jefferson • Best in studio glass Exclusive tour coverage: San Antonio and Las Vegas liking for the offbeat and beautiful. • Hartford and Grand Rapids Antiques Roadshow events • Million-dollar Chippendale piece at auction NOVEMBER 2007—Antiques Roadshow Tour One such item was most certainly Wrap • Native American artifacts at auction the oldest at the show: a 6-foot-high OCTOBER 2008—Antiques Roadshow tour limestone fossil panel of pre-historic fish coverage from Chattanooga and Wichita • OCTOBER 2007—Vintage toy hunting • and plant life. The piece could be a col- Vintage guitar finds • End of Hummels Costume jewelry: an inspired collection • lage of undersea life found in the waters production • Old-fashioned kitchen collectibles Antiques Roadshow on tour: first reports from Louisville and Spokane off modern-day Palm Beach. All of the SEPTEMBER 2008—Furniture restoration: 50-million-year-old fossils are from a lessons learned • Collecting F. Scott Fitzgerald SEPTEMBER 2007—Frank Lloyd Wright • private quarry in Wyoming. A small and The Great Gatsby • On the Road: Exclusive Woolies: Folk Art favorites • eBay selling basics table with remarkably life-like fossil fish report from Antiques Roadshow in Dallas • Antiques Roadshow: Orlando and Baltimore seemed a bargain at $1,700. Very antique, AUGUST 2008—Antiques Roadshow tour AUGUST 2007—Thrill of the Chase: Treasure- very durable, and one of a kind. operner: Palm Springs • Trends: antique silver hunting advice • Pewter: Poor man’s silver • In keeping with the nautical theme, by Gletcher & Gardniner • Underrated woodblock Polia Pillin pottery • Vintage hand-held fans there were lots of globes and maps from artists • More appraiser prized possessions the days before GPS systems. One dealer JULY 2007—Top antiquing tips • Market JULY 2008—Beatles memorabilia • Modern Report: silver • Collecting Newcomb College displayed a pair of small mid-19th cen- furniture at auction • Comic book craze • pottery • Thomas Day furniture tury tabletop globes, celestial and ter- Special Report: First steps in selling your antiques • restrial, for $25,000. A large standing Appraiser prized possessions JUNE 2007—Pearls: queen of gems • library globe with elaborate paw feet Furniture dos and don’ts • Preserving paper JUNE 2008—Market report: Edwardian furni- collectibles • Charles Eaton • Barbie dolls and a compass mounted in the base was ture • Antique decoys at auction • Babe Ruth offered in another booth for $100,000. autographs • Hand-painted miniature portraits • MAY 2007—The best in undervalued pottery • How to sell your pottery • $675,000 license plate Collecting marbles • Dog art at auction • Antique golf clubs • Biedermeier furniture • Andy Warhol MAY 2008—Steuben glass • Presidents’ autographs at auction • Daguerreotypes • APRIL 2007—Appraisers reveal their prized Jade jewelry • Antique Bleuette dolls possessions (Part 2) • Folk Art at auction • Presidential pins and buttons • California pottery APRIL 2008—10 tips for eBay sellers • New generation of antiques collectors • Market MARCH 2007—Appraisers reveal their prized report: Asian art • Antique candleholders possessions (Part 1) • Auction trends • American Beauty: antique furniture from Newport, R.I. MARCH 2008—Vintage gas pumps • Mr. This set of five Carlton lobster service Peanut collectibles • Early American Pattern FEBRUARY 2007—Collectible lunch boxes luncheon plates had a price tag of $195. Glass • Great Road pottery • Rogers groups • Modern furniture at auction • Betty Crocker “kitchenalia” • Folk Art: hooked rugs • Outer space FEBRUARY 2008—Vintage handbags • Walking through a football-sized Curating your collection • Collecting George JANUARY 2007—Exclusive appraiser exhibit space can work up a powerful Washington • Arts & Crafts metalwork • Collecting survey: Antiques Roadshow tour favorites • appetite. Perhaps that’s why we were Kewpies Rock’n’Roll artifacts on the block • Art glass especially struck by three sets of table- ware from Circa of Newburyport, Mass. Please send the back issues checked above to: Why so appetizing? Because each set featured bright red, edible-looking NAME (please print): lobsters. One was Royal Bayreuth from ADDRESS: around 1900; another was mid-20th- century English Carlton ware; and the CITY/STATE/ZIP: third was 1930s–40s Brad Keeler pot- tery from California. Each is colorful Back issues @ $5.00 each $ Please mail this form to: Antiques Roadshow Insider and fun, and their prices were modest Postage & Handling $ 2.50 enough that there’d be enough money P.O. Box 420473 Total amount enclosed $ Palm Coast, FL 32142-0473 left to buy a real lobster to put on the plates.  Antiques Roadshow is a trademark of the BBC. Produced under license from BBC Worldwide. Produced by PBS for WGBH Boston. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW APRIL 2009 INSIDER 13