MT. CRAWFORD, VA, March 7, 2022 —- The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates March 2-5, 2022 Winter Americana Auction was a much-anticipated event and produced strong prices – along with a few surprises – in multiple categories. The four-day format consisted of over 2.400 lots of diverse material that generated robust levels of participation for the auction house, a clear indication of vigor in numerous segments of the marketplace. Bidding was intense throughout each day with over 3,000 registered bidders participating in house, on the phones, and online. It was the strongest Winter Americana Auction for the firm to date.
Session I on Wednesday, March 2nd featured Shenandoah Valley and other American folk pottery; country accessories, including boxes and baskets; textiles, including hooked rugs and quilts; a collection of Odd Fellows and other lodge-related articles; a fine library of antiques and fine art reference volumes; antiquarian books, including fine bindings; the McClinton estate railroad collection including over 1,300 timetables, china, library of books, &c.; other ephemera of all types; 19th century photographic images; plus more.. The 616-lot offering on Wednesday sparked strong presale interest and produced strong results overall. Top lot from Session One was a group of Pettigrew Family (Botetourt Co., Virginia) archival material. The large miscellaneous grouping of manuscripts and other documents sparked heavy bidding on the floor and garnered $7,290 (Lot 378 – all prices include 21.5% buyer’s premium, which is discounted to 19% for buyers who pay with cash or check). Other noteworthy results from the Wednesday session included a fine 17-volume autographed set of the writings of Harriet Beecher Stowe at $6,075 (Lot 305); a limited edition set of the writings of Thomas Jefferson at $3,645 (Lot 321); and a group of early photographic images, including daguerreotypes, at $1,701 (Lot 279).
Session II on Thursday, March 3rd featured the Eleanor V. Lakin important collection of folk art dolls and accoutrement, including many of the pieces illustrated in her book, Folk Art For Children: Handmade in America 1760-1940. Highlights included American folk art dolls of all types, 19th century doll houses; doll-house
furnishings, including 17th & 18th century English silver, barns and other structures, dioramas, carved folk art animals and other toys, doll furniture, French and German dolls; plus more. Session II also featured a grouping of ceramics, silver, and jewelry from various consignors. The 552 lots offered on Thursday generated significant presale interest and produced strong prices overall. Top lot from Thursday, an important American folk art paint-decorated cloth doll by noted maker, Izannah Walker (Rhode Island, 1817-1888). The iconic doll, which included provenance in the form of a late 19th-century ink-inscribed exhibition label, drew significant presale interest and garnered $14,580 (Lot 1025) from an online bidder. Other noteworthy results from the Thursday session included a fine Staffordshire transferware “Medallion Portrait Series” ceramic vegetable dish at $10,327 (Lot 1335); an early Pennsylvania folk art cloth doll with Philadelphia ownership history at $3,280 (Lot 1027); and a 19th-century American, possibly New England, folk art painted “Fashion Lady” cloth doll at $3,159 (Lot 1039).
Session III on Friday, March 4th featured rare Coca-Cola and other advertising and country store material; a collection of blown and pressed glass apothecary jars and show globes; early bottles and flasks; a large collection of vintage Steiff animals; antique and vintage toys and banks; a selection of cast-iron figural doorstops; holiday collectibles; Black Americana; early iron and hearth equipment; primitive lighting and lanterns; plus more. The 619-lot offering was well-received and produced strong results with numerous categories demonstrating signs of sustained energy. Friday’s top lot at $17,010 (Lot 2015), was a very rare Baird “Chicago-Era” Coca-Cola advertising store clock that attracted the eye of several collectors and ultimately hammered to a determined online bidder against the floor. Other noteworthy results from the Friday session included a pair of early Steiff teddy bears at $6,682 (Lot 2301); a rare American long distance telephone case in cherry at $5,163 (Lot 2098A); and an original Coca-Cola advertising ceramic counter-top fountain syrup dispenser at $5,163 (Lot 2024).
Session IV on Saturday, March 5th featured country and formal furniture, including painted examples and Southern pieces; select Victorian furniture; folk art; Civil War and other historical material; American flags and political textiles; a collection of presidential and political ceramics and related ephemera; early firearms, edge weapons and related material; plus more. The 617-lot grouping was well-received and produced strong results with numerous categories demonstrating signs of renewed energy. Saturday’s top lot at $17,010 (Lot 3162), was a hand-sewn silk Civil War-era 11-star Confederate Bible / Parade flag that drew interest from several collectors and ultimately hammered to a determined phone bidder. Other noteworthy results from the Saturday session included another fine Civil War-era hand-sewn silk Confederate Bible flag at $12,150 (Lot 3160); and an unusual pair of figural cast-iron goose andirons at $10,935 (Lot 3505).
After the sale, company president and principal auctioneer Jeffrey S. Evans commented, “This sale generated robust interest across the board, from doll collectors to buyers of political memorabilia. The overall excitement and strong sales results reflect the freshness and quality of the merchandise offered.” Evans added, “We have an outstanding June Premier Americana Auction lined up, which will feature several important collections, 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 jeffreysevans.com, email info@jeffreysevans.com, or call 540.434.3939.