MT. CRAWFORD, VA, March 3, 2021 —- The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates February 25-27, 2021 Winter Americana Auction was a much-anticipated event and produced strong prices – along with quite a few surprises – in multiple categories. The three-day format consisted of 1,923 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 over 5,000 registered bidders participating in house, on the phones, and online.
Session I on Thursday featured a wide range of ceramics, including rare R. S. Prussia and a large selection of Staffordshire figures and transferware; jewelry, including Bakelite examples; antique and vintage costumes; art pottery; silver; and coins. The 642-lot offering on Thursday sparked strong presale interest and produced strong results overall. Top lot from Thursday was a group of three Staffordshire transfer-printed platters with polychrome floral decoration, which garnered $2,925 (Lot 133 – all prices include 17% buyer’s premium). Other noteworthy results from the Thursday session included a Japanese Meiji Satsuma ceramic bowl, which retained its likely original carved rosewood stand and camphorwood presentation box, at $2,457 (Lot 372); a Roseville early Velmoss art pottery umbrella stand at $2,106 (Lot 6); and an English Mintons pink enameled porcelain reticulated plate at $1,638 (Lot 266).
Session II on Friday featured a wide selection of rare advertising and country store material, including signs; railroad collectibles and early transportation photographs; antique and vintage toys; a large collection of antique and vintage sports cards; holiday collectibles, including several rare Belsnickel / Santa candy containers; a wide selection of antiquarian books and ephemera; collections of bleeders, pie crimpers, and nutmeg graters; a large selection of bottles, including fruit jars and Shenandoah Valley examples; and textiles, including samplers and quilts. The 642 lots offered on Friday generated significant presale interest and produced very strong prices overall. Top lot from Friday, and also for the weekend, was a fine 1961-1962 Fleer basketball card partial set. The iconic set, which includes a number of Hall of Famers in the early stages of their respective careers, drew a tremendous amount of presale interest and garnered $8,775 (Lot 1358) from an online bidder against several private collectors on the phone and on the gallery floor. Other noteworthy results from the Friday session included a 1909-1911 T206 American Tobacco Company white border baseball card collection at $6,435 (Lot 1305); a rare antique German figural Belsnickel and sailing ship candy container at $5,265 (Lot 1163); and a German figural tin wind-up toy at $3,159 (Lot 1190).
Session III on Saturday, featuring the estate collection of Alan Shirkey, Harrisonburg, Virginia, consisted of a wide selection of country furniture and accessories; folk art of all types; Shenandoah Valley and other folk pottery; Civil War and other historical material; and a variety of other collectibles. The 639-lot eclectic mix was well-received and produced strong results with numerous categories demonstrating signs of renewed energy. Saturday’s top lot at $8,190 (Lot 2127), was a fine New York State-attributed paint-decorated beech diminutive dome top box that attracted the eye of several collectors and was purchased, after heated bidding, by a determined online bidder. Other noteworthy results from the Saturday session included a Confederate Civil War half-plate ambrotype at $5,850 (Lot 2243); a rare 1862 Civil War Confederate Imprint map of Virginia at $4,680 (Lot 2242); and fine country bucket bench cupboard in original red paint at $3,159 (Lot 2407).
After the sale, company president and principal auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale generated robust interest across the board, from baseball card collectors to advertising aficionados. The overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and quality of the merchandise offered.” Evans added, “We have several fine collections in house for 2021, so be on the lookout for an exciting year at JSE & Associates!”
The firm is currently accepting consignments for upcoming auctions. For complete auction results, a schedule of upcoming sales, or more information, visit jeffreysevans.com, email info@jeffreysevans.com, or call 540.434.3939.
Photo Captions
Photo 1: 1961-1962 Fleer basketball card partial set, Lot 1358, $8,775.
Photo 2: Rare antique Belsnickel and sailing ship candy container, Lot 1163, $5,265.
Photo 3: Fine New York State-attributed paint-decorated box, Lot 2127, $8,190.