Press

July 6 2020

June Specialty Auction Realizes $390,113 with 96% of Lots Sold

With its exquisitely rendered lotus flower and foliage motifs and incised Qianlong reign mark, Lot 2, a Very Fine Chinese Cloisonné and Gilt Vase captured the top lot of the June Specialty Auction, realizing a total of $98,400. A highlight in a remarkable and historic collection of Asian art, the vase delighted bidders across the globe and drove bidding to impressive heights. “That is the way you want to start an auction,” commented President Andrew Brunk.

The 196-lot specialty auction showcased a selection of thoughtfully collected Asian Art, Jewelry, and Silver. With a 96% sell through rate, the sale surpassed its presale estimate and posted a final sale total of $390,113. While buyers from the U.S. largely drove the bidding for the June sale, collectors registered bids from across the globe, representing nine countries on four continents.

Lot 123, Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock, Cushion-pine at Aoyama, secured the second highest price of the sale, finishing at a final total of $20,910. Other highlights included Lot 51, Two Chinese Yixing Tea Pots, which achieved $11,520; Lot 10, a Chinese Famille Verte and Two Wine Cups, which sold for $9,600; and Lot 8, a Fine Pair of Chinese Silk and Hardwood Table Screens, which quadrupled its presale estimate, realizing a final total of $8,610. Lot 57, Nguyen Tri Minh’s oil on Masonite, Lotus Rose, nearly quadrupled its presale estimate and achieved a final total of $8,960.

With 100% sell through rates, the offerings from the Jewelry and Silver departments again delivered excellent results. Lot 159, a pair of Platinum, Gold and Diamond Earclips, claimed the top lot of the Jewelry category, tripling its presale estimate and realizing a final total of $9,600. Lot 157, a pair of Platinum, 18kt. and Diamond Earclips by David Webb, well exceeded its presale estimate, achieving a final total of $8,610. Highlights from the Silver category included Lot 40, a selection of late 19th century Asian Silver Salts and Miniature Figures, which tripled its presale estimate, selling for a final total of $832; and Lot 27, an Asian Openwork Silver Bowl with Glass Liner, which surpassed its estimate and realized a final total of $738.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “we’ve shown that the specialty auction is a great way to bring consignors and collectors together, targeting their interests and setting up clear and favorable outcomes for them both. We are looking forward to offering more of these tailored solutions in the future.”

Brunk Auctions looks forward to building on its success this year for both collectors and consignors and welcomes potential consignments for Premier and Emporium auctions at its locations in Asheville and Richmond. Visit us online at https://www.brunkauctions.com.

May 21 2020

Fine Art and Jewelry Delight at Brunk Auctions’ Spring Asheville Premier Auction

Brunk Auctions Press

With a record number of collectors on the phones and live streaming the auction online, Brunk Auctions greatly exceeded expectations for its Spring sale, surpassing its presale total estimate and posting a final sale total of $2,138,215.75. While buyers from the U.S. largely drove the bidding for the May sale, collectors registered bids from across the globe, representing 21 countries on three continents.

Fine Art claimed the best results in the May auction, posting an impressive 95% sell through rate and accounting for over a third of the total weekend sales. Lot 1128, Ernst Barlach’s patinated bronze sculpture, Der Verschwender II (The Spendthrift), captured the top lot of the sale, selling for nearly eight times the presale estimate for a final total of $59,040. Lot 1008, a luminous high alpine landscape painting by Ivan Fedorovich Choultsé achieved a final total of $56,580. Lot 1210, Tangier, by Harry Humphrey Moore finished at a final total of $36,900. Other Fine Art highlights included Lot 1271, Albert Earnest (Beanie) Backus’ oil on canvas board, Back from Nassau, which achieved $19,680; Lot 1161, Herman Fuechsel’s oil on canvas, The Foundry at Cold Spring, NY, which sold for $16,640; and Lot 1043, Benjamin Cañas’ oil on panel, Icaro, which finished at a final total of $36,900.

With a 98% sell through rate, offerings from the Jewelry department performed well and indicated a strong and continuing demand for fine jewelry. Notably, Lot 880, a stunning Platinum 24.0 ct. Diamond Rivière Necklace claimed the top lot of the Jewelry category, realizing a final total of $23,370. Other Jewelry highlights included Lot 810, an 18kt. 2.62ct. Diamond Ring which sold for $15,990 and Lot 858, a Rare Patek Philippe 18kt. Pocket Watch which commanded $15,990. Highlights from a delightful collection of vintage Hermès jewelry included Lot 837, a Vintage Hermès Paris 18kt Brooch in a pine cone design, which sold for $2,432 and Lot 839, a pair of Vintage Hermès Paris 18kt Earclips in a similarly pleasing pine cone design, which realized a total of $2,460.

Both the American Furniture and the Continental Furniture departments demonstrated solid returns with 97% sell through rates. American Furniture highlights included Lot 1225, a Fine American Federal Tiger Maple Tall Case Clock, which finished at a final total of $19,680; and Lot 1366, a late 18th century Pennsylvania Chippendale Walnut Chest on Frame, which achieved $12,600. Lot 1183, a Fine American William and Mary Tavern Table and Lot 1189, a Fine American Queen Anne Red Painted Tea Table generated considerable interest among collectors, driving bids up to well over double the presale estimates for final totals of $8,610 each.

With 98% and 96% sell through rates respectively, the Fine Silver and the Coins and Currency departments continued to shine. Silver highlights included Lot 1325, a W. H. Calhoun Nashville Coin Silver Coffee Pot, which achieved a total of $5,227.50 and Lot 1319, a 19th century Georgia Coin Silver Dipper, which realized a total of $3,997.50. Coins and Currency highlights included Lot 940, a 1914 China Silver Dollar, well exceeded its presale estimate and achieved a final total of $12,800; Lot 959, a 1911 China Silver Dollar tripled its presale estimate, realizing a final total of $11,520; and Lot 937, a 1932 China Silver Dollar, Birds Over Junk which also surpassed its presale estimate and sold for a final total of $8,960.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “We are grateful to our bidders and our consignors, and also that the market is so strong in these unusual circumstances. Our second fully virtual auction has proven again that our patrons and our staff are resilient and dedicated, and that quality offerings continue to bring excellent results.”

April 1 2020

March Sale Realizes $1,476,998 with 91% of lots sold

Brunk Auctions Press

First came the Brunk Auctions catalog, full of choice offerings. Then came the county order to “Stay at Home; Stay Safe,” so the doors to the gallery were closed to the public. That did not stand in the way of what would be considered a resoundingly successful auction, even in the best of times. Private video conference previews were held, countless additional high-resolution photos were emailed, and then the Brunk Auctions staff was sent home with laptops and lists of clients. Phone bidders were represented by staff who all called into a group meeting. Three digital platforms saw record use. AND the Wi-Fi held up.

“Lead up to an auction is always busy and tense but this brings it to a new level,” said Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions. “In the end, it was a tremendously successful auction with a clutch group of serious collectors emerging to compete for some rare items.”

With a record number of collectors on the phones (707 phone bids) and live streaming the auction online, Brunk Auctions surpassed its presale total estimate, posting a final sale total of $1,476,998. While buyers from the U.S. largely drove the bidding, collectors registered bids from across the globe.

American Furniture and Decorative Arts claimed the best results in the weekend sale and posted a 96% sell-through rate. Lot 1093, a Rare Lemuel Curtis Federal Girandole Clock captured the top lot of the sale, tripling its presale estimate and finishing at a final total of $51,660. Lot 1138, an Important American Chippendale Desk and Bookcase drew significant attention from buyers across the U.S. with bidding finishing at a final total of $46,740. Other American Furniture highlights included Lot 1071, a Rare and Important Southern Queen Anne Dressing Table which achieved $36,900, and Lot 1061, a Very Rare North Carolina Federal Miniature Chest which sold for a final total of $36,900.

Fine Art delivered strong returns with notable results that included Lot 1143, Hermann Herzog’s Afternoon in the Everglades, which quadrupled its presale estimate, selling for a final total of $41,820; Lot 1149, William Michael Harnett’s Still Life with Jug, Bread, and Newspaper, which achieved $39,360; and two Maud Gatewood works, Lot 979, Straw Field Spring and Lot 980, Sandbars, which realized final totals of $36,900 each. Other standouts included Lot 811, Roelof Koets the Elder’s A Breakfast Still Life, which sold for a final total of $18,450; and Lot 1146, T. Worthington Whittredge’s Near Bernardsville, New Jersey, which finished at a final total of $15,990.

The Fine Silver department posted a 100% sell through rate while the Jewelry department demonstrated solid returns with a 97% sell-through rate.

Brunk Auctions is still accepting potential consignments and has Premier and Emporium auctions scheduled at its locations in Asheville and Richmond. Pickups and delivery will be scheduled as soon as safety and best practices deem it a good idea. Because of the uncertainty of both state restrictions and supply chain variables, the May Premier Auction that was scheduled for Richmond, VA has been relocated to Asheville, NC. Our digital catalog is scheduled to go live by mid-April, and we will resume our print catalog as soon as possible.

February 13 2020

Brunk Auctions Sets New Records with Sales of a Monumental “Dave” Edgefield Stoneware Jar and a Pio Fedi Marble Sculpture

Brunk Auctions Press

Asheville, North Carolina, February 12, 2020— With its green and brown alkaline glaze, thick turned rim and large lug handles at its shoulders, a Monumental “Dave” Edgefield Stoneware Jar sold for an impressive $184,500 total at Brunk Auctions’ February sale. Lot 1210 captured the top lot of the sale and set a new auction record for a signed and dated “Dave” Edgefield Stoneware jar.

This signed 1857 Edgefield stoneware jar by Dave the Potter (Dave Drake) is an extraordinary example of Southern Pottery; its quality, historical significance, and great overall condition generated significant excitement on the floor and phones, driving the bidding on the “Dave” Jar to nearly quadruple the $40,000-$60,000 presale estimate. It was sold to an American museum.

With strong results for Southern Pottery, Fine Art, Jewelry, and Silver and an auction total of $1,766,999.25 with a 94% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions begins the New Year with solid Emporium and Premier sales. Fine examples of Southern Pottery, American and European Fine and Decorative Art, Jewelry, Silver, Coins and Currency claimed the best results in the weekend sale.

Lot 910, the signed Carrara marble sculpture, Cleopatra morente, by noted Italian artist Pio Fedi, set a new global record, finishing at a final total of $147,600 and securing the second highest total of the sale.

Other Fine Art highlights included Lot 1333, Bob Thompson’s Riders on Horseback, which sold for $46,740; Lot 1224, Alfred Heber Hutty’s Charleston Corner, which achieved $27,060; and Lot 1211, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith’s watercolor, Seascape with Sailboats, which realized $19,200. Other standouts included Lot 952, A Pair: Pointers Flushing Pheasants, which sold for a final total of $19,680; and Lot 1324, Edouard Léon Cortès’, Place de Clichy, Paris, which finished at a final total of $15,120.

The American Furniture and Decorative Arts department posted a 92% sell through rate with notable results that include Lot 1323, a Tiffany Studios Bronze Dragonfly Table Lamp, which achieved $35,840; Lot 1207, a Joshua Lockwood Mahogany Tall Case Clock, which realized a total of $29,520; and Lot 1329, a Wilhelm Hunt Diederich Art Deco Music Stand, which sold for a final price of $22,140.

The Jewelry department posted a 100% sell through rate while the Coins and Currency department and the Silver department demonstrated solid returns with 97% and 96% sell through rates respectively.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “We’re happy to start off 2020 with strong results from our first premier and emporium auctions of the year. I think these results show a continuing demand for quality across categories and the outstanding sell through rates speak to a widening customer base. We look forward to another strong performance in March.”

Brunk Auctions looks forward to following up on a successful start to 2020 for both collectors and consignors and invites potential consignments for Premier and Emporium auctions at its locations in Asheville and Richmond.

January 23 2020

Of Outlaws, Orchids, and the Occaneechi: Brunk Auctions Rings in the New Year with a Successful Rare Book Sale

Brunk Auctions Press

Asheville, North Carolina—Brunk Auctions kicked off the New Year with strong results from its Rare Books sale on January 15th. With an impressive 97% sell through rate and a $63,593 sale total, the auction was, indeed, a best-seller.

The top lot of the sale was Lot 11, Lawson’s History of Carolina, 1714 and 1860, two volumes by John Lawson, Gentleman Surveyor General of North Carolina, sold for a final total of $11,070. With a folding engraved black and white map and bound in stamped leather with raised bands and morocco spine labels, Lawson’s survey of the land, native plants, animals, and Indian inhabitants drew enthusiastic bidding from collectors across the Southeast.

Lot 52, an 18th century work by Captain Charles Johnson, [Pirates] A General History of the Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen, Murderers, Street-Robbers, &c. captured the second highest price for the January sale with a $6,150 final total.

Lot 35, an extraordinary compendium, Reichenbachia: Orchids Illustrated and Described, by F. Sander, 1888-1892, achieved a final total of $6,765. The four volume treatise on the flowering orchid plant featured 192 exceptionally fine chromolithographed plates, enchanting bidders and selling well over its presale estimate.

Lot 38, A Voyage to the South Sea, in his Majesty’s Ship, The Endeavor, by William Bligh, 1792, one of the most important books of travel and exploration, captured the imagination of bidders in the January sale and secured a final total of $3,198.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “we were happy to start off a new decade with terrific results from our Rare Books sale. The simultaneous online and live sale in our Asheville gallery proved to be a successful way to sell this remarkable collection.”

With a 97% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions posted very strong results and looks forward to following up on its success for both collectors and consignors, inviting potential consignments at all our locations for Emporium and Premier auctions throughout the new year.

December 12 2019

A Festive Finish: December Sale Realizes $2,439,042 with 90% of lots sold

Brunk Auctions Press

Asheville, North Carolina, 7 December, 2019–With its inlaid surfaces, fitted interior, and mellow color, an important North Carolina Walnut cellarette (lot 1579) captured the attention of the southern furniture collecting community. Bidding came from all quarters – with excitement and energy. Numerous phones, as well as live and internet bidders, pushed the hammer price well beyond the estimate. The final price of $196,800 makes it a record for a southern cellarette and the second highest priced example of North Carolina Furniture ever sold.

Attributed to Micajah Wilkes, this late 18th century-early 19th century Roanoke River Valley cellarette is an extraordinary example of Southern craftsmanship. It’s quality, historical significance, very fine condition, and newness to market created an environment of intense competition – one by one the phones went silent until the successful bidder stood alone. The sale of this important Southern cellarette demonstrates Brunk Auctions’ continuing tradition of delivering exceptional results for this iconic form and many other examples of fine Southern furniture.

With strong results for American Furniture, Fine Art, Coins and Currency, Jewelry, and Photography and an auction total of $2,439,042 with a 90% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions’ has finished an excellent year on a high note..

Lot 1734, the patinated bronze sculpture, Buffalo-Monarch of the Plains, by noted American Renaissance sculptor, Henry Merwin Shrady, secured the second highest total of the sale, finishing at a final price of $184,500. Other American Fine Art highlights included Lot 1684, John Koch’s The Visitors, which sold for $61, 500, Lot 1721, John Frederick Kensett’s work, Niagara Falls, which achieved $44,280, and Lot 1368, Claude Howell’s oil on canvas, Sorting the Catch, which realized $34,440.

The Silver and Coins and Currency departments both posted 97% sell through rates–the highest across the categories of sale. Notable Coins and Currency results include Lot 1273, Twelve Rolls of High Grade Peace Dollars which realized $7,995 and Lot 1271, Five American Gold Eagles which finished at a final total of $7,995. Lot 1224, a Spanish Colonial Silver Lion Pomander claimed the top lot of the silver category, achieving $7,040.

A Platinum 5.58ct. Diamond Ring, Lot 1092, held the top lot of the Jewelry category, achieving a final total of $31,980. The Jewelry department continues to post strong sell through rates with 95% of lots sold in the December sale.

Neil Leifer’s Muhammed Ali Vs. Cleveland Williams, Houston, Texas, 1966, vintage chromogenic print claimed the top lot of the Photography category, realizing $24,600. Eadweard Muybridge’s Cottonwood Bend, Yosemite, a mammoth albumen print, achieved a final total of $10,880 –well over its $5,000-$7,000 estimate. Overall, 87% of lots sold in the Photography category.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “it was a solid December sale, with several “A+” offerings. The high sell through rates and prices realized demonstrate the continuing demand across categories and reinforces our reputation for bringing the best to market.”

With a 90% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions posted good results and looks forward to following up on its success for both collectors and consignors, inviting potential consignments at all our locations for Emporium and Premier auctions in 2020. Visit us in Asheville, Nashville, and Richmond, or online at https://www.brunkauctions.com

UPCOMING AUCTIONS & EVENTS

February 6th-8th/Asheville, North Carolina Emporium & Premier Auctions
March 26th-28th /Asheville, North Carolina Emporium & Premier Auctions
May 16th /Richmond, Virginia Premier Auction
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FOR MORE NEWS FROM BRUNK:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brunkauctions/

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World Class Consignments and Exceptional Results– Founded in 1983

Results are listed in USD and include buyer’s premium

Complete results from sale available at BrunkAuctions.com

For media, photography and other public relations inquiries please contact Marketing team:

marketing@brunkauctions.com / BrunkAuctions.com / 828-254-6846

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has grown from a small regional auction house to a national auction service with significant international clientele.

Founded by Robert Brunk in 1983, Brunk Auctions became well known for its integrity and professionalism. As an anthropologist, writer, professional woodworker, and now valued consultant, Bob possesses a remarkable combination of skills that continues to illuminate catalog entries and inform auction-goers. Since joining his father in 2005, Andrew Brunk has brought further expertise to the company. His experience as the head of the American Furniture Department at one of the world’s largest auction houses has allowed Brunk Auctions to align itself with the best in the business. Brunk Auctions employs a full-time staff of 22 with experience gained in New York and Boston auction houses, galleries, and museums.

Featured Estates

The Kapnek Bluethenthal Collection

Estate of Mr. and Mrs. David Astor Dowdy, Jr

Private Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Estate of The Honorable Thomas Alexander Lohm, Maryland

Private New England Collection

The I. Noël Hume Collection of Artifacts and Antiquities

Private Collection, Nashville, Tennessee

A Private New York Collection

Private Collection, Blowing Rock, North Carolina

A Private Virginia Collection

Coleman Collection, Matthews, North Carolina

Private Collection, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Private Collection, New York/New Jersey/ North Carolina

Private Collection, Florida

Collection of John Ehle and Rosemary Harris, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Private Collection, Louisville, Kentucky

Private Collection, Jacksonville, Florida

Estate of Col. Robert and Mrs. Linda Newton, Marshall, Virginia

Private Collection, Memphis, Tennessee

Estate of Gail W. Dane, Delray Beach, Florida

Estate of Girard Chambers, Jr., Hampton, Virginia

Private Collection, Miami, Florida

Private Collection, Atlanta, Georgia

Private Collection, North Carolina

Private Florida Collection

Property From A Southern Institution

Property From an Important Virginia Living Estate

Riddle Collection

Private Collection, Saluda, North Carolina

November 13 2019

Inaugural Richmond, Virginia Sale Achieves $1,847,631 with 94% of Lots Sold

Brunk Auctions Press

Richmond, Virginia, 9 November 2019–It seemed entirely fitting that the top lot at Brunk Auctions’ inaugural Richmond sale was a very rare Southern Chippendale walnut cellarette. With its scalloped skirts, cabriole legs, and Spanish feet, this late 18th century Piedmont, North Carolina bottle case greatly appealed to buyers and inspired lively bidding before capturing a final total of $46,740. In nearly tripling its presale estimate of $12,000-$18,000, the sale of this iconic form continued Brunk Auctions’ tradition of presenting fine American and Southern Furniture and firmly established the auction house in the newest of its locations across the Southeast.

It was near standing room only at the lovely Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden venue with enthusiastic bidding across many categories. With strong results for Coins and Currency, Fine Art, Jewelry, and American Furniture and an auction total of $1,847,631 with a 94% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions’ début was everything they’d hoped for. The only thing missing from the Richmond auction—and the cellarette—was a bottle of celebratory bubbly.

Fine examples of Coins and Currency, American Furniture, Fine Art, and Jewelry claimed the best results across a variety of categories of sale. The Coins and Currency department posted a 100% sell through rate and the highest department total for the sale. Notable results included the 1799 and 1803 U.S. Ten Dollar Gold Coins which sold for $28,160 and a Group of Eight Draped Bust Silver Dollars, which more than doubled its presale estimate of $10,000-$12,000, selling for a total of $27,060. Thirteen Twentieth Century Gold Double Eagle Coins generated enthusiasm among bidders on the floor, phones, and internet and finished at a $23,370 total.

A 5.87ct. Round Brilliant Loose Diamond held the top lot of the Jewelry category, achieving a $29,520 final total. An 18kt 4.28ct Oval Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring realized $25,600 and a Platinum and Diamond Ring sold for $20,910.

European Fine Art highlights included The Day’s Bag, by John Sargent Noble, which achieved $46,740 and Cry of the Wild Boar, by Charles Olivier de Penne, which realized $38,400. Bridging American and European Fine Art was In the Slips, Two Black and White Greyhounds, by Maud Earl, which achieved $29,520, as well as a fine example of Mauritz Frederick Hendrick De Haas’ work, Gloucester Harbor, which finished at a $19,680 final total.

Andrew Brunk, President of Brunk Auctions, remarked that “we were happy to have received such a warm welcome in Richmond and were very pleased with a solid sale with good results across numerous categories. We look forward to connecting more with new faces and old friends as we continue to bring the best to Richmond.”

With a 94% sell through rate, Brunk Auctions posted strong results and looks forward to following up on its success for both collectors and consignors, inviting potential consignments at all our locations for Emporium and Premier auctions in 2020. Visit us in Asheville, Nashville, and Richmond, or online at https://www.brunkauctions.com

UPCOMING AUCTIONS & EVENTS:

December 5th-7th/Asheville, North Carolina Emporium & Premier Auctions

February 7th-8th/Asheville, North Carolina Emporium & Premier Auctions

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FOR MORE NEWS FROM BRUNK:

Featured Stories/Press: https://brunkauctions.com/about-us/featured-stories/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brunkauctions/

Instagram: https://brunkauctions.com/about-us/featured-stories/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brunk-auctions

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brunkauctions?lang=en

World Class Consignments and Exceptional Results– Founded in 1983

Results are listed in USD and include buyer’s premium

Complete results from sale available at BrunkAuctions.com

For media, photography and other public relations inquiries please contact Marketing team:

marketing@brunkauctions.com / BrunkAuctions.com / 828-254-6846

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has grown from a small regional auction house to a national auction service with significant international clientele.

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS & ESTATES NOW SOLD:

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Proceeds to Benefit the Acquisitions Fund

The I. Noël Hume Collection of Artifacts and Antiquities

Estate of Col. Robert and Mrs. Linda Newton, Marshall, Virginia

Property From an Important Virginia Living Estate

The Estate of Thomas W. Wood of Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia

Estate of Girard Chambers, Jr., Hampton, Virginia

Private Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Estate of Gail W. Dane, Delray Beach, Florida

Private Collection, South Carolina

Historic Bremo Plantation, Bremo, Virginia

Private Collection, Maryland

Private Florida Collection

Private New England Collection

Private Collection, Tennessee

August 13 2019

Inaugural Richmond, Virginia Premier Auction – November 9th, 2019

Brunk Auctions Press

Asheville, North Carolina– Brunk Auctions, the Southeast’s premier auction house, announces the expansion of operations into Virginia. Since in 1983, Brunk Auctions has been a privately owned regional auction house serving a national and international clientele. With a presence in Asheville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, and now Richmond, Virginia, Brunk Auctions will provide its bespoke auction services to clients throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Benjamin Marshall (British, 1768-1835), Sir Charles Bunbury’s Bay Filly with Jockey Up on Newmarket Heath, 1798, Estimate: $50,000 – $70,000. One of the highlights in our November 9, 2019 Inaugural Richmond Auction

The Richmond location will host biannual auctions featuring fine art, jewelry, modern design, and traditional antiques and will open its doors as well for previews, appraisal events, and connoisseurship lectures. The inaugural auction in the ‘River City’ will be held at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden at 9am on November 9th, 2019. Brunk Auctions welcomes all to preview the sale on November 8th, 2019 from 11am-7pm in Richmond and Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 from 5pm-7pm in Asheville.

Photo Courtesy: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Bolstered by considerable growth in recent years, Brunk Auctions’ decision to expand operations was a logical step in its business growth strategy and a natural extension of its existing services. “We have a long history of representing Virginia collectors, estates, and museums and many of our clients are located within close reach of Richmond. The Richmond venue will allow us to better serve our existing Virginia clients and connect with new ones.” remarked Brunk Auctions President, Andrew Brunk.

Brunk Auctions has achieved record-setting sales in categories such as Asian Art, Fine Art, Jewelry, Silver, and Maps. Recent highlights include the sale of a very rare Bishop James Madison Map of Virginia (1749-1812), which sold for US $252,000, and an important Cartier Platinum and Diamond Bracelet which sold for US $204,000. Brunk Auctions is delighted now to invite consignments in these and all categories of art and objects for upcoming sale seasons.

May 30 2019

Three-Day Spring Sale Achieved $3.29 Million with 94% Lots Sold

Brunk Auctions Press

Post-Auction Press Release and Prices Realized – May 16-18, 2019 AUCTION

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Consigned from an important Southern Collection, WILLIAM AIKEN WALKER’S Man Holding Possum SOLD FOR $52,500

ANTONIO NICOLO GASPARO JACOBSEN’S Paddlewheel Steamship, St. Johns, SOLD FOR $24,000, offered on behalf of an Important South Carolina Estate. The estate was 98% sold and totaled $515,550

A COLLECTION OF JAPANESE SCROLLS OFFERED ON BEHALF OF THE WEATHERSPOON MUSEUM OF ART SOLD FOR $18,420

OBJECTS FROM HISTORIC BREMO PLANTATION, Fluvanna County, Virginia, generated spirited bidding with 15 HORSE BREEDING BROADSIDES and SOLD FOR a total of $34,400

FINE JEWELRY AND WATCHES ACHIEVED HIGHEST POST-AUCTION CATEGORY TOTAL AT $437,580, and included special offerings from the Estate of Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch

SILVER INGOT FROM THE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ATOCHA SHIPWRECK, CA.1621, 85 troy pounds, finished at $43,200

A LIFELONG COLLECTION OF LALIQUE (OVER 160 ITEMS) SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $154,380, offered from the Collection of Dr. Phillip George, Memphis, Tennessee

FLOOR BIDDERS FOLLOWED BY PHONE BIDDERS accounted for the largest bidding action

BRUNK AUCTIONS CHARITABLE INITIATIVE FOR THE JULY SALE RAISED $3,500 to support the Asheville Area Arts Council Veterans Program

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Asheville, North Carolina, 31 May 2019 — A wide variety of fine jewelry from the Estate of Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch surpassed its estimate of $120,700 – $178,650, selling at an impressive $225,350. Featured was an 18kt. Gold and Gemstone Necklace which sold for $19,200 –toppling its $3,000-$5,000 estimate.

A rare Virginia Chippendale Walnut Dressing Table, ca. 1760-1780, was among the fine selection of American furnishings offered. It finished as the top lot in the American Furniture category, garnering an impressive $55,200. A rare 1795 Federal Inlaid Mahogany Architect’s Table from New York drew significant attention, selling at $15,600.

We’re still enamored of keeping time as the Federal Aaron Willard Tall Case Clock, ca.1800-1810, encouraged lively bidding, finishing at $31,200. The Massachusetts signed “Aaron Willard/Boston,” tall case clock descended through the Reid and Settle families of Reidsville, North Carolina.

Collectors responded enthusiastically to the offerings from the historic Bremo Plantation of Fluvanna County, Virginia. The illustrated Bremo Horse Broadsides realized a collective $34,400, while the Robert E. Lee memorabilia sold for $14,400. Other successful highlights from the plantation included the 19th Century Federal Reserve Proof Notes which sold for $15,600, and a set of 14 Gothic Revival Mahogany Dining Chairs which finished at $14,400.

Seven Charleston Renaissance works by artists Alfred Hutty, Elizabeth O’Neill Verner and Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, together realized $103,500.

Additional successful sale highlights included a Chinese, Six Panel Porcelain Table Top Screen which well-exceeded its $800- $1200 estimate, selling at $32,500. The strong and enthusiastic bidding for this Brunk auction closed with the sale of a Monumental Boehm Golden Eagle which exceeded its $800 – 1200 estimate, selling at $12,500.

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS NOW SOLD:

Property from a Southern Institution – Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Gabriels – An Important Southern Collection – Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Fleischer – Property from an Important Private South Carolina Estate – By Descent in the family of Governor Manning, South Carolina – Private Collection, Highlands, North Carolina – Collection of Clint Paul and Lois B. Herring, Post, Texas – Private Collection, Williamsburg, Virginia – Collection of Marion and Theodore Gore, Williamsburg, Virginia – Private Southern Collection – Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Proceeds to Benefit the Acquisitions Fund – Estate of Alice Carter Middendorf – Private Collection, Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Private Collection, Charlotte, Vermont – Estate of Dr. Phillip George, Memphis, Tennessee – Private Collection, Wilmington, North Carolina – From the Collection of Salem Academy and College,

Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Historic Bremo Plantation, Bremo, Virginia – Private Collection, Cary, North Carolina – Private Collection, Nashville, Tennessee – Private New England Collection – Property from a Southern Institution – Property from the Estate of Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch – Willard R. Sparks Estate, Memphis, Tennessee – Private Collection, Fearrington, North Carolina – Collection of James B. MacNeill, North Carolina

UPCOMING AUCTIONS & EVENTS:

June 6 / Online Photography Auction

July 17 / Connoisseur’s Circle Preview

July 19-20 / Emporium & Premier Auction

September 12-13-14 / Emporium & Premier Auction

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World Class Consignments and Exceptional Results– Founded in 1983

Results are listed in USD and include buyer’s premium

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For media, photography and other public relations inquiries please contact Marketing team:

marketing@brunkauctions.com / BrunkAuctions.com / 828-254-6846

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has grown from a small regional auction house to a national auction service with significant international clientele.

Founded by Robert Brunk in 1983, Brunk Auctions became well known for its integrity and professionalism. Bob brought to bear his experience as an anthropologist, writer, and professional woodworker, an unmistakable combination of skills that continues to illuminate catalog entries and inform auction-goers. He is now a valued consultant. Andrew Brunk joined his father in 2005. His curatorial experience has brought additional depth and expertise to the company. His experience as the head of the American Furniture Department at one of the world’s largest auction houses has allowed Brunk Auctions to align itself with the best in the business. Brunk Auctions employs a full-time staff of 22 with experience in New York and Boston auction houses, galleries, and museums.

May 15 2019

Fab Four Specials from May 16-18, 2019 Auction, Featuring Tennessee Estates

Brunk Auctions Press

Fab Four Specials from May 16-18, 2019 Auction, Featuring Tennessee Estates

Introducing Brunk Auctions’ preliminary summer sale featuring institutional deaccessions, private collections and estates from longtime collectors in Tennessee and the greater Southeast

May 12, 2019

Asheville, North Carolina— Join Brunk Auctions for our early summer sale May 16-18, 2019 Premier & Emporium Auction, with over 1700 lots with some distinctly unusual offerings, featured below. This spring contains an immense R.Lalique art glass collection, a large lifelong collection of horse-sporting-hunting fine art, bronzes, and porcelain, and a dazzling display of diamond jewelry.

1) Large Silver Ingot from Atocha Shipwreck

Nuestra Señora de Atocha left South America bound for Spain with 265 people aboard, along with tons of silver, gold and other precious metals and gemstones. On September 6, 1622 the Atocha sank in a hurricane near the Florida Keys leaving only five survivors. During the rescue, the wreck was marked with hopes of later salvaging the priceless cargo. However, another hurricane came through and relocated the wreckage of the ship and all its bounty. The Spanish government spent nearly 60 years trying to locate the site before finally giving up and the ill-fated Atocha lay undiscovered for another 360 years until it was found by treasure hunter Mel Fisher in 1985. The cargo of the Atocha included one thousand silver ingots that had been mined in upper Peru (now Bolivia). The lot being sold is one of the ingots that went down with the Spanish galleon Atocha nearly 400 years ago.

1621, ingot was recovered from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, top impressed with several marks including silvermaster’s mark, Jacove de Vreder, manifest number 691, assayer’s bite mark and fineness mark for 2380/2400, tax seal marks, monogram for owner/shipper J. Delgado, underside with Treasure Salvors, Inc. inventory mark “A445/85”, 85 troy pounds, 7.20 troy ounces (approximately 70.5 pounds), 3-1/2 x 14 x 5 in.; lot accompanied by certificate of authenticity

Provenance: Property from an Important Tennessee Living Estate

Lot 1289 / Estimate $28,000 – $36,000 / Click here to view

2.) 1973 Jaguar XKE V-12 Convertible

odometer reads 15,557, four speed manual transmission, cream exterior, black interior, later top, after market Pioneer radio, ID# UD1523232, appears to be original interior

Provenance: Estate of Danny Wiginton, Huntsville, Alabama

Lot 1073 / Estimate $30,000-$50,000 / Click here to view

3.) Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959)

In 1956, the Blake Society for Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey commissioned Jacob Epstein to create a portrait of the English poet and artist, William Blake (1757-1827). He worked from as many portraits and sketches as he could find. He was also able to procure photographs of the life masks in England’s National Portrait Gallery to create the portrait. When the bronze bicentenary bust was unveiled in Westminster Abbey 24 November 1957, not many of the Blake society attended. It is thought they may not have approved of the rather menacing image, but such was the power of the sculptor to forge strongly emotional sculptures.

In Evelyn Silber’s book, The Sculpture of Epstein, the publisher notes, “Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), though born in New York, was the most important British sculptor of the early twentieth century. Henry Moore is one among many who have acknowledged the positive role he played in their careers. Yet few artists have roused such passionate controversy over their work or suffered so many vociferous attacks from public and critics alike: charges ranged from obscenity and barbarism to belated romanticism. As Moore neatly put it, ‘He took the brickbats . . . and as far as sculpture in this century is concerned, he took them first.’ Epstein was a modern pioneer of direct carving and one of the first to collect and appreciate the function and form of primitive sculpture. However, as the author demonstrates in her introduction to Epstein’s artistic career, critical hostility and the lack of public commissions made carving and collecting increasingly private obsessions, while his income and fame rested on portraiture. At a period when his traditional, humanistic approach was being superseded by new philosophies and new material, Epstein came to be regarded as one of the few sculptors capable of creating a portrait which was far more than a mere likeness.”

Monument to William Blake (S. 498), 1956, edition of 3 including the plaster, signed on back of proper right shoulder “Epstein”, patinated bronze, 21-1/2 in.

Provenance: Ex-collection Mr. Edward P. Schinman; Private North Carolina Collection; From the Collection of Salem Academy and College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Lot 1210 / Estimate $10,000 – $15,000 / Click here to view

4.) Imperial Kesi Slit Tapestry Dragon Robe

Although uniform in perhaps function, robes like this Imperial Kesi Tapestry Dragon Robe revealed rank of the man or woman who wore it, discerned by color, symbols, and animals contained, and were highly individualized. Dress for first-level consort or imperial government (not ritual or ceremonial functions), imperial robes of this kind are not only rare to find (because of their importance and formal use) but also unusual when tapestry woven with metal wrapping (kesi), not to mention each is one of a kind. The generous stylistic dedication to five-clawed dragons (long) playing with pearls suggests this was assigned to a male family member. With a hare stirring the elixir of life on one shoulder (moon), and a two-legged cockerel on the other (sun) these are two (amongst twelve) common prominent symbols of authority. Worn for circumstances celebrating the power and authority of Qing government, the symbols seen here align with the occasion: frontal and side-facing dragons surrounded by flying bats carrying wan emblems amongst shòu characters for longevity. To the hem of the robe, lishui, or standing water, dense stripes with fish amidst wave forms beneath their flying counterparts “establish orderly and astronomical balance” amongst elements. Most likely dated to late 19th century due to the purple hue found in the lishui border, imagery of mountains, constellations, and sacrificial cups can also be discovered amongst the clouds. Dragon robes are demonstrative of complex social structures and personal values made visible in a multi-faceted and highly technological fashion over centuries.

late Qing dynasty, imperial yellow silk tapestry woven in gold thread with 12 dragons, clouds, bats and other symbols over lishui border, brocaded silk lining, 52 in. length; lot accompanied with copy of 1980 receipt from Vallin Galleries, Wilton, Connecticut, reads “Twelve Symbol Imperial Consort’s Robe, late 19th century” and indicates a price of $2500

Provenance: Vallin Galleries, Wilton, Connecticut; Private Collection, North Carolina

Lot 820 / Estimate $6,000 – $9,000 / Click here to view

Please view upcoming highlights across other categories:

Art Nouveau 14kt. Gold and Ceylon Sapphire Ring

Iconic and remarkable in beauty, Ceylon sapphires are treasured by many notables, including Princess Diana, whose engagement ring was set with one. Center cushion cut blue sapphire estimated weight 10.0cts., AGL report 1099813, Ceylon origin

Provenance: Private Collection, Asheville, NC

Lot 1398 / Estimate $8,000 – $12,000 /Click here to view

Fine American Chippendale Walnut Dressing Table

Lancaster/Chester County, Pennsylvania, circa 1770, highly figured walnut, dovetailed drawers, poplar and white cedar secondary, finely carved shell drawer, scalloped skirt and knees, 29-3/4 x 34-3/4 x 19-3/4 in.

Provenance: Miss Adaline Sinnickson; Pook & Pook, September 20, 2003, lot 255; Property from an Important South Carolina Estate

Lot 1629 / Estimate $25,000 – $35,000 / Click here to view

Lalique Serpent Amber Glass Vase

introduced 1924, model number 896, molded “R.LALIQUE”, 9-3/4 in.

Provenance: Dr. Phillip George Estate, Memphis, Tennessee

Lot 1124 / Estimate $15,000 – $20,000 / Click here to view

Alice Ravenel Huger Smith (Charleston, South Carolina, 1876-1958)

Moonrise over the Marsh, signed lower right “Alice R H Smith”, watercolor on paper, 22 x 13 in.; framed, 30 x 20-1/2 in.

Provenance: From the family; By descent to Sarah Harleston Huger of Richmond Plantation; By descent to Nancy Brocklehurs; By descent to the present owner

Lot 1728 / Estimate $15,000 – $20,000 / Click here to view

Please see lots 1729, 1730, 1731 for more Alice Ravenel Huger Smith

Rare George Hendel Coin Silver Tea Service

Carlisle, Pennsylvania, c. 1800, urn forms with bead borders, bird head spout, wooden handles, “W” monograms on body and base of coffee pot, marks for George Hendel (working 1802-1840), 79.43 oz. T., 14 in. coffee pot with matching teapot and creamer and lidded urn

Provenance: Pook & Pook, Inc., Downingtown Pennsylvania, April 24, 2009, lot 163; Property from an Important South Carolina Estate

Hollowware by George Handel is extremely rare. There is only one other tea service known and it is located in the collection of the Cumberland County Historical Society.

Lot 1659 / Estimate $30,000 – $50,000 / Click here to view

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Featured Estates:

Property from a Southern Institution

Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Gabriels

An Important Southern Collection

Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Fleischer

Property from an Important Private South Carolina Estate

By Descent in the family of Governor Manning, South Carolina

Private Collection, Highlands, North Carolina

Collection of Clint Paul and Lois B. Herring, Post, Texas

Private Collection, Williamsburg, Virginia

Collection of Marion and Theodore Gore, Williamsburg, Virginia

Private Southern Collection

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Proceeds to Benefit the Acquisitions Fund

Estate of Alice Carter Middendorf

Private Collection, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Private Collection, Charlotte, Vermont

Estate of Dr. Phillip George, Memphis, Tennessee

Private Collection, Wilmington, North Carolina

From the Collection of Salem Academy and College,

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Historic Bremo Plantation, Bremo, Virginia

Private Collection, Cary, North Carolina

Private Collection, Nashville, Tennessee

Private New England Collection

Property from a Southern Institution

Property from the Estate of Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch

Willard R. Sparks Estate, Memphis, Tennessee

Private Collection, Fearrington, North Carolina

Collection of James B. MacNeill, North Carolina

World Class Consignments and Exceptional Results– Founded in 1983

For more information visit BrunkAuctions.com

Please join us live in the showroom, or online.

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Data adapted from John Vollmer of Christie’s Asian Department and Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912 edited by Daisy Yiyou Wang and Jan Stuart (2018). Thank you.