MT. CRAWFORD, VA, October 19, 2026 —- The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates October 14-16 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction included a wide range of antique and vintage items, from 18th-century Chinese Export porcelain and early devotional art to Mid-Century Modern furniture and contemporary paintings. Overall, the sale produced robust prices in multiple categories, along with a few surprises. The three-day format consisted of just over 1,700 lots of high-quality material and generated very strong levels of participation for the firm, a solid indication of continued vigor in the diverse decorative arts marketplace. With a busy gallery on each day, competition was intense throughout each session with nearly 3,000 registered bidders participating online, by phone, in-house, and through absentee.
Day One on Wednesday featured property from the collections of Sandra Jyzk, Norfolk, MA; and Lynne Goldacker, San Diego, CA; the estates of Alfred and Doris Aitken, Alexandria, VA; and James and Ellen Conley, Charlottesville, VA; plus deaccessioned material from Preservation Virginia and the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA. The sale featured a selection of American and European art glass, including a collection of Steuben; a fine selection of open salts from the Sandra Jzyk collection, including many rare examples illustrated in her compendium by makers such as Webb and Daum Nancy; antique, vintage, and contemporary paperweights and studio glass by makers such as Paul Stankard and Rick Ayotte; and a fine group of English and Continental ceramics. Top lot for the day was a fine Daum Nancy cameo art glass open salt with unusual winter scene featuring ravens, which sparked strong pre-sale interest. Ultimately, it was a bidder online who prevailed, pushing the final price to $2,318 (Lot 257 – all prices include a 22% buyer’s premium). Other highlights from Day One included an extensive dinner set of English Ridgway porcelain at $1,952 (Lot 434); a large Japanese Nippon porcelain hand-painted vase at $1,830 (Lot 480); and a Paul Stankard lampwork art glass paperweight at $1,586 (Lot 167).
Day Two on Thursday featured property from the estates of Alfred and Doris Aitken, Alexandria, VA; James and Ellen Conley, Charlottesville, VA; Dennis Trischler, Woodbridge, VA; Thomas Cabe, Verona, VA; Malcolm Bradley, Richmond, VA; plus deaccessioned material from Preservation Virginia and the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA. The sale featured a large group of Asian material, including carvings, snuff bottles, woodblock prints, scroll paintings, and ceramics of all types; a selection of American, British, and Continental silver, including examples of Gorham Martele and Georg Jensen; perfumes and lady’s accessories; and a large assortment of fine jewelry and watches. Top lot of the day was an Austro-Hungarian silver six-piece tea and coffee service with original tray. The fine set of sculptural design captivated viewers, including an online bidder, who pushed the final price to $12,200 (Lot 1383). Other noteworthy results from Day Two included a vintage Audemars Piquet Classique 18K yellow gold unisex wristwatch at $5,185 (Lot 1498); an Indian 14K yellow gold and ruby amulet with design featuring Krishma at $4,880 (lot 1505); and a fine Chinese Export Famille Rose punch bowl at $2,684 (lot 1050).
Day Three on Saturday featured property from the collection of Peggy and the late Scott Ballin, Staunton, VA; the estates of Alfred and Doris Aitken, Alexandria, VA; James and Ellen Conley, Charlottesville, VA; Dennis Trischler, Woodbridge, VA; Thomas Cabe, Verona, VA; and Malcolm Bradley, Richmond, VA; plus deaccessioned material from Preservation Virginia and the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA. The sale featured a selection of art and studio pottery, including Newcomb; maps and manuscripts; furniture from Georgian to Mid-Century Modern, highlighted by an outstanding group of George Nakashima pieces, most retaining original design sketches and related correspondence with the artist; decorative accessories, including pens and table lamps; Oriental rugs and carpets; devotional art, including liturgical furnishings; ethnic art, including pottery and carved masks; and a very large selection of fine art, including paintings, prints, and statuary, highlighted by two outstanding Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) original posters and an excellent selection of works by Charles William Smith (Virginia, 1893-1987). Top lot of the day was a very fine George Nakashima (1905-1990) special order walnut triple sliding door cabinet, which had been commissioned by Alfred and Doris Aitken in 1966 and retained its original paperwork. The remarkable piece captivated everyone in its orbit, but it was a private collector online who pushed the final price to $28,060 (Lot 2137). Other noteworthy results from Day Three included a rare Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) Monaco, Monte Carlo original poster at $15,860 (lot 2290); a Charles William Smith (1893-1897) abstract block print in colors at $5,795 (lot 2168); and a French gilt and enameled silver communion chalice at $5,185 (lot 2436).
After the auction, company president and principal auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale demonstrated continued growth for us in the decorative arts marketplace, particularly with regard to modern pieces. The caliber of the merchandise offered across multiple categories was very appealing to a broad swath of collectors, and the overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and high quality of the merchandise offered.” Evans added, “Looking forward, we have strong auctions lined up for 2027 and are looking forward to an exciting Premier Americana auction coming up in December of this year.”
The firm is currently accepting consignments for upcoming auctions. For additional auction results, a schedule of upcoming sales, or more information, visit www.jeffreysevans.com, email info@jeffreysevans.com, or call 540.434.3939.