More on Americana Week

I just took a look at the final results of the Americana Week auctions as posted by Sotheby's and Christie's. Sotheby's results are broken down into the two day Important American Sale and the single owner Lamond sale. Similar to what I posted a few days ago, but here are some highlights and official figures from the auction hosues.

According to the Sotheby's press release the Important Americana sale contained 338 lots, and 193, selling only 57% of the offered lots. The total sales amount was approximately $6.18 million. The highest item in the sale was the Captain Edward Allen Chippendale Mahogany Bombe Chest on Chest, possibly Salem to C L Prickett Antiques for $1.76 million (est $800,000.00 - $1,200,000.00). There was a fair drop off to the next highest items, being a Silver Tiffany bowl at $302,500, followed by piece of furniture, a bombe chest of drawers, also purchased by Prickett at $302,500.00 ($300,000 - $600,000 estimate).

The Lamond sale totaled $1.534 million, had 111 lots, and sold 106. 95.5 % of the lots sold, which is very high rate. Top lot was a high chest that sold for $482,500 to a private collector and carried a $200,000 - $1 million estimate (that's a wide range - see image) the next highest items was a set of six Queen Anne PA side chairs, for $98,500.00

The Christies release is a combination report of its Important American Furniture and Folk Art, Important Silver, Chinese Export and Hodroff Collection part III. The Christie's release states 568 lots were offered, 391 sold for a total of $6.3 million. Christie's sold 68% of lots offered during its Americana sale. Top lot, was previously mentioned, being the Charles Peale Polk of George Washington at $663,500. The top piece of furniture was a NY carved Chippendale card table which was sold to Leigh Keno for $278,500.00.

In my post the other day, I compared to last years sales, so no need to rehash that. I hope to have some idea of how the Winter Antique Show is progressing shortly. The comments on the auctions, both from a quality of merchandise, quantity of property and value perspective have been rather mild and unenthusiastic to say the least. Although the high buy through rate at the Lamond sale gives some encouragement.