On an
unseasonably warm New Year's Day a snowy Manhattan scene by
artist Birge Harrison stole the show. Hammering for $120,000
and realizing $141,000, the painting was the highest selling lot
20th Annual New Year's Day Auction. Over 700 bidders registered
for the auction and the auction floor was packed right through
the end of the marathon sale, which ended at 12:06am on January
2nd. A trio of auctioneers worked in tandem to sell over 125
lots per hour, and when the dust settled the 1500 lots that hit
the block had combined for more than $2.25 Million in sales.
Art brought
strong prices, with a group of Arthur Szyks exceeded their
estimates and selling for a combined total of $90,850. Modern
paintings by artists Rafael Canogar and Carla Accardi
brought $86,250 and $28,750 respectively, and an Arthur Garfield
Dove sold for $97,750.00. A Constantine Korovin oil on board
sold for $57,500.00.
The real
bidding frenzy started late in the evening when a large group of
designer handbags, shoes and accessories hit the block. Leading
the way was a Vintage Hermes steamer truck which realized
$14,950 and a black crocodile Hermes Kelly bag which realized
$10,637.00 the designer goods combined to realize over $175,000.
Despite the
high prices there were still bargains to be had, one ecstatic
Darien local purchased a gold bracelet set with diamonds,
rubies, sapphires and stylized coral strawberries for $7,475,
and another local private literally walked out of the auction
house wearing a Christian Dior golden sable coat she had
purchased for $5,175. There we a record number of private
bidders in attendance, and many more participating via telephone
and eBay liveauctions. Carpets also did well, with a fine 19th
Century Kirman realizing $16,100, and a Persian Carpet selling
for $14,375.
A fully
illustrated catalog along with prices realized can be found
online at
www.stamfordauction.com.
