1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III, not running, sold for $14,160. Michaan’s Auctions image.
The department experienced a lengthy succession of lots that exceeded expectations with jade collections surprising at auction. Five lots containing carved jade objects sold from anywhere from over three to seven times projected high values, with lot 302 most sharply exceeding its high estimate of $500. Consisting of a pair of jade gourd carvings, which exhibited beautiful craftsmanship, the lot sold to an Internet buyer for $3,835.
Asian art specialist Harry Huang acknowledged that quality jade carvings remain “very much in demand,” but even he was surprised at their performance. Another noteworthy jade lot was found in 306. The two scholar’s implements sold for over five times their projected high value of $700 for a handsome $4,130.
The March estate auction saw a 100 percent sell-through from offerings of stamps and coins. The top performing lot in the department was also the one to most significantly surpass a high estimate in the sale. A collection of Chinese stamps sold as lot 226 amazingly went for over 14 times their projected high value of $400. A battle for the lot ensued between a single phone and Internet bidder, causing the sales price to continue to climb. The Internet bidder was victorious, walking away with the lot for a final selling price of $5,900.
The sale opened with eight lots of cars, which all sold. A pair of Austin Healeys struck a cord with bidders willing to go the distance to secure the collectible automobiles. Both cars managed to sell for more than nine times their high estimates, which were quite conservative due to their nonrunning condition. But, bidders undoubtedly noticed their potential and were willing to up the ante to own the classic sports cars. A 1965 model left its high estimate of $1,500 far behind as an Internet bidder snapped it up at $14,160 (lot 005). A 1959 model also performed exceptionally well, selling for $11,800 with a high estimate of $1,200 (lot 003).
Rugs and carpets enjoyed an approximate 78 percent sell-through with a Lavar Karman carpet seen as a top performer (lot 292, $800-1,200), which sold for $3,245. Rounding out the offerings was an antique iron floor safe (lot 044) estimated at $400-600, which sold for $2,360, and a modernist Reed & Barton coffee and tea service set (lot 269, estimate $800-1,200), which sold for $3,245.
For general information please call Michaan’s Auctions at 510-740-0220 ext. 0 or email info@michaans.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III, not running, sold for $14,160. Michaan’s Auctions image. Two jade scholar’s implements. Price realized: $4,130. Michaan’s Auctions image. Collection of Chinese stamps in a Scott’s album. Price realized: $5,900. Michaan’s Auctions image. Collection of two amber, carnelian and enamel silver bracelets. Price realized: $1,298. Michaan’s Auctions image. Frank Wilson Judd (American 1864-1940), ‘Adobe House at Night,’ oil on canvas. Price realized: $1,652. Michaan’s Auctions image. Modernist Reed & Barton five-piece coffee and tea service with tray. Price realized: $3,245. Michaan’s Auctions image.
