Perhaps you have heard of the expression, “keeping your powder dry.” While it was important to keep your matches dry in the 1800s, match safes, also known as vesta cases (things often worn on chains and kept in vests or pockets), were indispensable accessories from the
mid-19th century to the early 20th century.
I thought we would share some cool things from last week’s Hess Fine Art auction. Instead of boasting about the rare Patek that brought $40,000
or the rare mid-century print that brought $50,000, we thought it might be more interesting to share
some less valuable but still cool items of interest.
We will be featuring an unpretentious painting by Willie Earl Robinson in our worldwide auction
next month. We purchased it for $600. We’ve estimated it at a modest $700 to $1,000.
Jewelry depicting people of color has long been collectible. In the 19th century, Americans of color were
depicted in postcards, toys and other controversial in a disrespectful way.
Jewelry depicting “Moors” was often
done in a more dignified manner.
We have written a lot about the importance of provenance (proof or history of a piece) when evaluating or selling fine antiques. This month, a Beverly Hills jeweler reached out to us to sell a necklace that had been sitting in his safe for many years. It is an exquisite Edwardian-era sapphire necklace of exceptional quality;
they hope our wide audience will find a buyer for it.
During the early 1900s, a young boy, George Grant Blaisdell, had a strong dislike for school. He dropped out in fifth grade and was sent to military school by his father, where he only lasted for two years.
Evaluation of gold coins can be a slippery slope, as indicated by a coin we sold last month for a customer, and a coin we recently took in for
an upcoming sale.
The Masons and many offshoots have been in the U.S. for over 300 years. The amount of good they do in society and the community is
immeasurable. Once called a secret society, almost every man of means had to be involved in his local Masonic chapter. Masonic collectibles, like many collectibles, are a little soft price-wise these days, but still occasionally things walk in
that are extraordinary.
• Tampa Bay’s leader since 1985 • We buy entire households or that one expensive piece of art. We are
Here are some highlights of last month’s auction. Results were varied with a few disappointments and many wins. 1. The
