The top lot of the auction was this Steinway Model D Centennial Concert Grand piano that topped its high estimate, going out at $169,400.
A Tiffany Studios standout, this 24-inch inverted hanging lamp kicked off the sale to bring $66,550.
An 8-foot library window with fiery orange and green panels, griffins, cornucopias and a knight’s helmet over a shield, 103 by 76 inches, earned $66,550.
Elegant objects commanded attention at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery March 23 where a Steinway grand piano along with antiques and furniture from such well known makers as Tiffany Studios and R.J. Horner took center stage.
The auction was originally scheduled for March 9 and about a dozen lots crossed the block that day, including the first lot, a 24-inch Tiffany Studios inverted hanging lamp that realized $66,550, before the phone and Internet connection with Spectrum failed, forcing Fontaine’s to stop the sale and continue it to another day, which it did March 23. When the auction started up again, it was all smooth sailing however and many of the auction’s top lots performed within or above their estimates.
Tiffany lighting continues to be popular with buyers and Fontaine’s has a knack for ferreting out good examples, time and again. In this sale, a stunner was the Tiffany bronze and art glass chandelier going for $54,450, which had a long reeded stem over a spherical cluster and six arms branching out to support the 21½-inch Gothic style ring below, overall 53 inches tall, as well as the aforementioned lot No. 1. Tiffany Studios hanging lamp at $66,550 and a Nautilus desk lamp doubling the estimate at $16,335. Several other Tiffany items found new homes, including a 14-inch leaded Tulip shade at $21,175. Bringing the same price of $16,940 were a 18-inch Tiffany Studios Swirling Oak Leaf table lamp and a Tiffany Favrile Peacock art glass lamp base.
Clocks are a specialty here and a headliner was an R.J. Horner mahogany rattail grandfather clock that made $45,375, despite condition issues. The 118-inch tall clock has a 12-inch silvered dial signed “Joseph Jennens, Skinner Street, Clerkenwell, London,” nine tubes striking Westminster and Whittington chimes and comes in a carved R.J. Horner mahogany case with a large pierced and carved winged maiden crest and figural winged griffin corbels.
Along with the clock, ornate furniture and heavily carved pieces performed well in this auction, including a rosewood parlor cabinet attributed to Pottier & Stymus that sold within estimate at $39,325, featuring a long beveled center mirror with overhanging bonnet top and flanked by two crystal cabinets, 101 by 67 inches; and a pair of Renaissance Revival walnut breakfronts that bested its high estimate to earn $25,410. The rare pair of matched Victorian bookcases was notable for its size and style, featuring a marble top work shelf and classic breakfront styling, carved pulls and crests, gilt incising and ebonized trim. The pair measured 120 by 66 ¼ by 21 inches.
All prices reported include a 21 percent buyer’s premium.
Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is located at 1485 West Housatonic Street (Route 20), Pittsfield, Mass. For more information, visit www.FontainesAuction.com or call 413-448-8922.