MT. CRAWFORD, VA, March 6, 2023 —- TheJeffrey S. Evans & Associates March 2-4, 2023 Winter Americana Auction was a much-anticipated event and produced strong prices – along with a few surprises – in multiple categories. The three-day format consisted of nearly 1,600 lots of diverse material that generated robust levels of participation for the firm, a clear indication of vigor in numerous segments of the marketplace. Bidding was intense throughout each day with nearly 2,000 bidders participating in house, on the phones,and online.
Session I on Thursday, March 2nd featured a wide range of toys, dolls, and advertising, including signs; a large collection of sports and celebrity autographs and photographic images; coins and currency; books; country accessories; early iron and lighting; and more. The 519-lot offering on Thursday sparked strong presale interest and produced strong results overall. Top lot from Thursday was a large group of vintage and contemporary sports autographs and ephemera, which, after heated bidding online, garnered $6,600 (Lot 229 – all prices include 20% buyer’s premium). Other noteworthy results from the Thursday session included a Buddy L Junior Line pressed-steel toy dump truck at $4,200 (Lot 53); a large group of vintage and contemporary celebrity autographs and ephemera at $5,400 (Lot 221); and a rare John F. Betz & Son, Philadelphia, PA pre-prohibition paper advertising sign / poster at $1,920 (Lot 46).
Session II on Friday, March 3rd featured a selection of American folk pottery, including regional stoneware and earthenware; Native American material; textiles, including quilts, coverlets, and samplers; other ceramics of all types, including American and European art pottery; jewelry; and more. The 539 lots offered on Friday generated significant presale interest and produced strong prices overall. Top lot from Friday, the biggest surprise for the weekend, was a group of antique and vintage hatpins. The seemingly unassuming assemblage drew a strong presale interest and ultimately garnered $3,900 (Lot 1358) from an online bidder. Other noteworthy results from the Friday session included a fine Western Pennsylvania six-gallon stoneware jar at $2,040 (Lot 1029); a Native American, probably Navajo, silver squash blossom necklace at $1,800 (Lot 1309); and a rare Cincinnati Victor Co. Luminaire funeral parlor fan at $1,560 (Lot 1450).
Session III on Saturday, March 4th featured a large selection of folk art, from carvings to portraits; furniture of all types, including painted examples; baskets; historical material, including rare photographs and documents; and more. The 530-lot eclectic mix was well-received and produced strong results with numerous categories demonstrating signs of sustained energy. Saturday’s top lot at $8,400 (Lot 2189), was a fine Maryland or Virginia Chippendale painted yellow pine corner cupboard that attracted the eye of several collectors and ultimately hammered to a determined phone bidder. Other noteworthy results from the Saturday session included an outstanding Frank Finney (Capeville, VA b. 1947) carved and painted figure of a Basset Hound at $6,600 (Lot 2038); a Shenandoah Valley of Virginia painted yellow pine jelly cupboard at $5,100 (Lot 2184); and group of antique and vintage pocketknives at $3,900 (Lot 2247).
After the sale, company president and principal auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale generated robust interest across the board, from autograph collectors to stoneware aficionados. The overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and quality of the merchandise offered.” Evans added, “We have an outstanding June Americana Auction lined up, which will feature some exciting folk art, so be on the lookout for additional details soon!”
The firm is currently accepting consignments for upcoming auctions. For complete auction results, a schedule of upcoming sales, or more information, visit www.jeffreysevans.com, email info@jeffreysevans.com, or call 540.434.3939.