New Ownership and Strong Victorian Sales for Farmer

The high lot of Will Farmer’s sale was this elaborately carved parlor table by John Henry Belter. The mid-19th-century table is in the Victorian Rococo Revival style and features what appears to be its original turtle-form marble top. The base is heavily carved and pierced laminated rosewood. The skirt features a bold grape and vine pattern; the cabriole legs are decorated with flowers and grapes at the knees; and the scrolled stretcher features a large carved basket of peonies, roses, and carnations. The Belter table sold to the phone for $29,900 (est. $8000/12,000).

This three-piece parlor set was consigned by the same individual who consigned the Belter table. These chairs are by Charles Baudouine and display the elaborate Victorian Rococo Revival style. They are constructed of laminated and carved rosewood in the “Bird” pattern. Consisting of one arm and two side chairs, the set sold to the phone for $16,100 (est. $3000/6000).

This little French carriage clock was not marked with a specific maker’s identification, but it generated considerable interest. The 6½" x 5" x 5" clock, circa 1900, is housed in a gilt brass case with beveled glass panels. The dial displays Roman numeral hour marks and Arabic minute indicators. The strike is a double gong. The lot included the clock’s original leather case. A telephone bidder won the clock for $3162.50 (est. $300/400).

This Georg Jensen sterling silver tea service might have been a contender for the high lot of the day had it not been for a catalog note indicating that only U.S. bidding would be accepted. It seems that although the consignor was able to provide clear documentation as to the age of the service, the shipping company was concerned that since the set has ivory handles it could be caught in customs. At least one international bidder was left unable to compete.

The set is in the Cosmos pattern and consists of five pieces: a kettle with burner and swinging stand, a teapot, a creamer, a covered sugar, and a tray. The pieces are ovoid, with hammered surfaces and reeded bases. The set is marked with a “JR” touchmark for Johan Rohde, as well as the Georg Jensen hallmark. This tea set sold to a telephone bidder for $21,850 (est. $9000/12,000).

This distinctive desk clock is by Swiss clockmaker LeCoultre. The clock features a clear Lucite pyramid with a brass tip and is mounted on a dark blue faux lapis base. It is marked with a small “8” on its face, indicating that it has an eight-day running time. The clock is 4¼" high x 7½" square. The clock did not come with its case. It sold to the phone for $1265 (est. $600/800).

This little traveling automaton alarm clock with case caused quite a stir. The clock stands only 5¾" in overall height and is marked on its face with “8 Days/ Swiss.” The base is marked “430 Depose.” Both the clock face and the base are decorated with blue guilloche enamel, overpainted with some small floral designs. The automaton mechanism features a bird that emerges from a decorated hinged disk in the center of the top. The clock itself is supported by two gilt reeded columns. The automaton appears to be in working order. The clock and columns are not secured to the base, and the case of leather over wood shows significant wear and cracking. Still, the little clock attracted several determined bidders, ultimately selling to the phone for $11,500 (est. $1400/1800).

These fire screens likely date from the late 19th century and are cataloged as being in the Beaux Arts style. They stand 49" high overall, and the circular screens are 18" in diameter. The screens feature bright crewel embroidery, one with a parrot and the other with a flower cluster. The frames are heavily carved. There is some fading to the images, and there is separation to the glue joints of the frames. An Internet bidder won these two fire screens for $1380 (est. $200/300).

This set of six dining side chairs, circa 1790, is attributed to John Shaw (1745-1829) of Annapolis, Maryland. The chairs are mahogany and in the Hepplewhite style, with tapered legs and an H-stretcher. The back splat is finely carved. The seats are upholstered in a modern lemon-color fabric. The set is in overall good condition, with one chair having a break in the back splat. Active bidding for the chairs pushed the final price to $18,400 (est. $6000/8000), and they sold to one of several telephone bidders.

The Classical design breakfast table is likely English. The table features a rectangular top, with corner-cut drop leaves and a single molded drawer. The paw feet rest on what appear to be original casters and feature gilt carved acanthus leaves at the knees. The medial pedestal features four turned supports, with a central reeded basket-like element. The table sold to a telephone bidder for $4312.50 (est. $300/400).

This high-post bed is attributed to Thomas Day. The bed is constructed of walnut and poplar, with walnut veneers. The posts are square, transitioning to octagonal, and topped with four-element turnings. The headboard is a drop-in, featuring a carved crest above three arch-top panels. The bedposts measure 78" in height. The piece is in overall good condition, with portions of the headboard displaying joint separation. A telephone bidder won this Thomas Day bed for $1725 (est. $600/1000).