by Mike Fredericks, Department Head
This past year proved to be extraordinary for James D. Julia’s Rare Lamps and Glass division with a record-setting $6.2 Million in sales. Much of that success was the result of consignments of private collections and estates that were conservatively estimated with reasonable or no reserve. Nothing creates more excitement on the auction floor than an enthusiastic audience full of anticipation for potential great deals. Likewise, those same conservative estimates and reserves consistently generate incredible results for our consignors, consistently surpassing expectations. Here are just a few of the 2016 highlights:
The Collection of Mrs. Nancy and the late Dr. Brian Bojesen was offered in June 2016, featuring 68 items including French cameo glass, Tiffany pottery and enamel work, and fine examples of antique lighting from Handel and Pairpoint. The family allowed us to determine the estimates that we felt would generate the most enthusiasm and allowed Julia’s to advertise and offer the collection UNRESERVED. With a conservative low estimate of $147,000 on auction day, the collection totaled over $252,000 with a 99% sell-through.
Also in the June 2016 auction, a Private Texas collection was offered featuring 121 lots of quality jewelry, French cameo glass and fine sterling silver. Conservatively estimated at a $210,000 low estimate, advertised and offered UNRESERVED, the collection brought a strong $375,000. (The final session of this UNRESERVED collection is being sold in our upcoming June 2017 auction and includes many fine Tiffany Studios lamps).
Our November 2016 auction featured an incredible assortment of fresh Tiffany Studios and Handel lighting from a private collector. Although the collection was offered with reserves, the seller allowed us to determine the estimates that we felt would generate the highest amount of bidding activity, and we did not disappoint. With a reasonable low estimate of $554,000 on auction day, the group brought over $1,476,000, breaking several records for highest prices sold by our division in the process.
It has been an exciting year for us, and the results for our consignors has been phenomenal. The momentum we are carrying forward into 2017, combined with the positive outlook for the economic climate sets the stage for our next successful year.