Chicago – Leslie Hindman
A 2ft (60cm) wide Meissen figure group, one of a late 19th century pair on the theme of the sea after monumental models by Johann Joachim Kändler, carries an estimate of $20,000-25,000 at Leslie Hindman in Chicago on January 23.
This example, the property of an Oak Brook, Illinois estate, depicts the triumph of the sea goddess Amphitrite modelled to surrounded by tritons, nereids, dolphins, turtles, shells and coral.
The other, with a similar base, shows Neptune and Thetis in a chariot led by hippocampi.
Florida – Whitley’s
‘A Spook’ by Royal Doulton, estimated at $900-1500 at Whitley’s of Dania Beach, Florida.
This version of A Spook (HN625) by Royal Doulton is pitched at $900-1500 at Whitley’s of Dania Beach, Florida, on January 19.
Harry Tittensor’s menacing creature – right out of the Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920) film – was produced in limited numbers from 1924-36 with this example, decorated in yellow and amber, stamped and dated with the first year of issue.
New York – Roland Antiques
‘Buste de jeune femme blonde – Etude pour le Jugement de Paris’ by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, estimated at $150,000-250,000 at Roland Antiques in New York.
An oil on canvas study of a nude by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) titled Buste de jeune femme blonde – Etude pour le Jugement de Paris carries hopes of $150,000-250,000 at Roland Antiques in New York on February 9.
The painting, measuring 11 x 9in (27 x 22cm) in its giltwood frame, was in the collection of Jules Strauss until its sale in Paris sale in 1932. This work will be included in the Pierre-Auguste Renoir catalogue raisonné by Guy- Patrice Dauberville and comes with a letter of inclusion from the Wildenstein Plattner Institute dated December 11, 2018.
New Jersey – Rago Arts
Martin Brothers stoneware face plaque, estimated at $1500- 2000 at Rago Arts in Lambertville, New Jersey.
Formerly in the Harriman Judd collection, a small Martin Brothers stoneware face plaque in carved wood surround is estimated at $1500- 2000 at Rago Arts in Lambertville, New Jersey, on January 19.
Incised Martin Bros London, Southall 7-1910, it measures 6in (15cm) high.
Massachusetts – John McInnis
One of the oldest items for sale as part of the English and Continental Sale at John McInnis of Amesbury, Massachusetts, on January 26, is an Indian Vizagapatam box.
This work from the 1600s measures 3¼x 5½ x 2¾in (8 x 14 x 7cm) and is lac-engraved with Hindu lettering, repeating geometric bands and comb-work. Its gambrel-form lid is attached with an offset copper butt hinge that opens to a silk embroidered corduroy lining. It is estimated at $2000-3000.
New Jersey – Bertoia Auctions
Ichida ‘Answer Game Machine’ robot, estimated at $500-1000 at Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, New Jersey.
The Ichida ‘Answer Game Machine’ robot does not walk or talk like other Japanese tinplate toys from the 1960s.
However, it does perform a remarkable series of calculations: adding and subtracting three-figure numbers via a series of mechanical gears.
This battery-tested example comes in its original 14in (35cm) high card box. At toy specialist Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, New Jersey, on January 25 it has an estimate of $500-1000.
