Known as Keno Auctions, the firm will conduct its first sale in May 2010 at a venue yet to be decided although it is likely to be in upstate New York or Connecticut.
Mr Keno, the twin of Leslie Keno who is head of American decorative arts at Sotheby’s, began his career in the auction business with Doyle and then Christie’s. He entered the trade in 1986.
Highlights from the forthcoming auction (that already includes property from three New England estates) will be shown by Mr Keno on the second floor of his gallery at 127 East 69th Street during the 56th staging of the Winter Show in January.
Mr Keno said he will continue as a dealer but can now give clients a number of options when hoping to sell.
“We will have no estimates, no reserves,” he said. “We will sell anything made anywhere worth $100 and up. We want to be a full-service auction house.”
