MT. CRAWFORD, Va. – Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates’ first auction of 2016 offered important collections of 18th to 20th century American and European glass in two unreserved sessions. The wide and varied selection drew 4,175 registered bidders from 43 different countries, the 1,172 total lots grossed $400,000. All prices include the buyer’s premium.
Session one on Jan. 29 featured over 400 pieces of 18th and 19th century European and American glass from the collection of the late J. Anthony “Tony” Stout of Washington, D.C. Stout was a well-respected collector, scholar and author who had a special interest in 18th century drinking vessels. His collection featured a strong selection of English wine glasses highlighted by a pair of mid-18th century air-twist stem examples finely engraved with “SUCCESS TO THE / HARWICH / CAP IOS ROWLEY” backed with differing ornamental foliate fields, one featuring a cherub, the other with two birds and a bee, standing 6 1/4 inches high. The pair was in outstanding undamaged condition and sold for $10,925 to an in-house bidder representing a dealer from the United Kingdom.
Top among the English opaque-twist stems was a 7 1/8-inch-high high trumpet-bowl wine raised on a white and blue corkscrew stem [Lot 83], circa 1770, that sold to a U.S. collector for $4,600.
A selection of Russian glass drew significant interest and generated hotly contested bidding battles led by an 18th century half-post blown and engraved Imperial Glass shtof, or case bottle [Lot 189], featuring an Imperial Eagle within a wreath on one side and the cipher for Empress Catherine II within a wreath on the other, possibly a product of the Potemkin Glass Factory. The 11 1/2-inch bottle sold for $8,625 to a Florida collector.
A small group of 19th century American glass also received strong interest. The most notable lot being a stunning brilliant peacock blue free-blown trumpet vase with matching witch-ball cover [below, Lot 326] standing 13 inches high overall, possibly from the New England Glass Co. This rare vase was acquired by a New York private collector for $3,900 through LiveAuctioneers.
The second session on Saturday, Jan. 30, featured over 800 lots of 19th century glass including several prominent private collections and material deaccessioned from the Strong Museum of Rochester, N.Y.
An outstanding assortment of Victorian glass in a wide range of colors and forms crossed the block and drew considerable interest. Leading the way was a rubina verde Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. No. 319/Polka Dot pitcher and pair of tumblers [below, Lot 1671] in an unlisted tall tankard form. Standing 10 5/8 inches and 5 5/8 inches high and dating to circa 1884, the set was purchased by a West Coast collector for $1,725.
After the auction company president Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “Tony Stout’s collection contained many rare, highly desirable objects, and the excitement and prices it generated was a testament to his discerning eye. It was very gratifying to see so many pieces repatriated to their country of origin.” He added, “Prices for Victorian opalescent glass and EAPG were above what the same pieces were selling for last year. And the number of bidders also increased. I think collectors are beginning to take advantage of some very attractive prices in these categories. There are some great buying opportunities in today’s market.”
For more information email info@jeffreysevans.com or call 540-434-3939.
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