This auction, like several of our past auctions, is a compilation of material from life-long antique collectors and dealers. One difference this time is that the antiques were accompanied by the auction catalogues with prices realized in the auction. It is amazing to see the prices paid at the Marjorie Larman collection for example.
One staple in our recent country auctions has been early lighting. We have several whale oil lamps, in brass, pewter, tin, and glass by Boston and Sandwich. There are even a few make-do lamps that show both the ingenuity of past owners and their desire to recycle and maintain useful articles not just dispose of them because they had a flaw. There are also grease lamps and kerosene lighting. The same collector also had a passion for collecting early hand-made forged iron and cast iron pieces especially fireplace utensils. One of the challenging things in an auction is coming up with a valid description of an article. One lot which is labelled a pricket is something we have not seen before or heard of either. Check out Lot 30 and if you know what it is please notify us. We are always eager to learn.
There is lots of folk art in this auction. One of the more unique pieces is the parachutist. There was obviously a story which inspired the artist to create a folk art parachutist. The story is lost so you can make up your own version – no strings attached!! It would be interesting to see into the minds of Peter Rafuse or Art Gallant whose carved folk art birds and a porcupine are in this auction.
As far as carvings go we have several decoys from Lake Erie, Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Many of the carvers are not identified which is of course very helpful for the advanced collector. But we have identified birds by Bill Simmons, Spud Norman, Tom Martindale, and F. H. Hurlbertt. Carving doesn’t stop there. We have a number of Inuit listed artists who carved soapstone animals. There is an impressive stone carved bear by Six Nations artist Ben Henry.
Pottery plays a large part in this auction. There are quarter gallon stoneware from Guelph, Welding and Belding from Brantford, some merchant crocks from unusual places like Renfrew. There are a number of examples of redware especially from Western Ontario. Some pieces came from the Don Pero collection. There are transfer ware and sponge ware and spatter ware pieces. Many of these pieces have been in private collections for decades.
For Western Ontario collectors there are many pieces of Mennonite or Amish textiles including quilts and coverlets. Added to that are dolls, stuffed rabbits, dogs, horses that graced many a child’s room. One highlight worth featuring is the very scarce named child’s sled belonging to Harry Kalbfleisch.
Several listed Canadian artists appear in the auction. Inuit artist Lucy Qinnuayuak screen print of two birds, Sampson Matthews prints of A.Y. Jackson and W. J. Phillips, and Kathleen Graham are but a few.
Our auctions wouldn’t be complete without antique furniture. There is a two colour pine armoire with carved diamond panels, a large painted pine dry sink, and a number of Windsor chairs. For those who look for the unique check out Lot 240 a transitional rocker with a previously unseen combination of elements.
Finally please check out the textile collection with Hudson Bay blankets, Mennonite quilts, antique catalon runners and area rugs, as well as the very special coverlets belonging to Mary Jane Beckett from Welland County.
As always, we recommend previewing the auction. Call Barry at 519-803-3945 to schedule a time. You won’t be disappointed!
