Fairfield, Maine, November 21 & 22, 2008. – James D. Julia’s Fall Lamp & Glass Auction with its plethora of rare lamps, exquisite glass and choice mini lamps saw a good deal of activity and realized many strong prices in every one of the categories they offered. Dudley Browne, head of Julia’s glass & lamp division said, “With the current volatility of the stock market, investment in quality tangible assets such as rare glass and lamps is becoming increasingly enticing. The collectibles market is still definitely vibrant!”

The two-day sale totaling approximately 800 lots featured a stunning array of glass and lighting treasures assembled from important collections and estates from across North America. Included was a marvelous selection of Tiffany glass, lamps and desk accessories, fine art glass, French Cameo, and Victorian glass to name a few. The total low estimate of all items sold was $1,357,600, which sold for approximately $1.7 Million (nearly 20% over low estimate). The many highlights included the company’s largest offering of lamps to date. Numbering over 150 examples, the grand selection of Tiffany included a fabulous 18” tulip border table lamp with seldom seen red tulips with broad stems and leaves and two lines of rippled amber geometric panels. Fresh from a Massachusetts home, it sold for 109,250 against a presale estimate of $70,000-100,000. A Tiffany Studios Chinese Tyler table lamp consisting of a geometric pattern over a half moon band, all in dichroic glass that would change color when lit sold for $41,400, mid-way through its $35,000-45,000 estimate. A Tiffany lemon leaf table lamp with a band of swirling leaves brought $17,250, exceeding its estimate of $12,500-15,000. The large selection of Tiffany leaded lamps also included a Pomegranate table lamp with a shade done in a background of green geometric panels highlighted by a band of fiery yellow pomegranates, all resting on a bronze Grecian urn base. This exceptional lamp brought $16,100 while a Tiffany acorn table lamp with excellent patina sold for $17,250, each within their $15,000-20,000 estimates.

Other rarities included an outrageous Tiffany Studios lily and prism chandelier suspended from a Moorish pierced bronze dome finished with an iridescent stalactite shade. Expected to sell for $30,000-35,000, it changed hands for $32,775. And a rare Tiffany counterbalance desk lamp with a lovely blue damascene shade suspended from a naturalistic bronze base and completed by a turtleback counterweight sold for $32,775 against expectations of $30,000-35,000. A most unusual and exceedingly rare lamp, formerly of the Howard Booher, Sr. collection, known as the Tiffany Fireball, was a good trade. One of only two known to exist it consisted of a globular shade ablaze with red, orange, and yellow flames licking the sides of a variegated green and amber body. When all was said and done, this stunning piece sold for $48,875.

While the auctions continue to outperform Wall Street, there are still numerous buying opportunities with some great items going unsold. Julia’s posts a comprehensive list of its sales immediately after the auction soliciting client offers. Some great opportunities include a rare Tiffany Studios Nasturtium table lamp (est. $160,000-180,000), a fine Tiffany Studios curtain border floor lamp (est. $110,000-120-000), and a desirable Daum Nancy Spring Scene cameo vase (est. $8,000-12,000). Check their list of items available at www.jamesdjulia.com.

The selection continued with an array of Duffner & Kimberly leaded lamps including a beautiful peony lamp with bold red flowers below a sunny yellow background. This exquisite piece sold for $57,500 within its $50,000-75,000 estimate. A lively variation of a Duffner & Kimberly thistle leaded lamp with an intricate design of pointed leaves and vines forming the irregular border rim beneath a geometric pattern of mottled amber and green pendants brought $10,350 against a pre-auction estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Other lighting included a plethora of Pairpoint puffy examples, particularly an apple tree. This multi-colored example featured rich green leaves, pink blossoms, and green and red apples, further highlighted by a cluster of bumblebees and butterflies. Expected to sell for $25,000-35,000, it finished up at $32,200. This was joined by a closed top azalea puffy example that carried an estimate of $14,000-18,000 and sold for $17,250.

Other highlights included a Wilkinson table lamp with a border of realistic daffodils below a swirling geometric pattern of amber panels saw much action, selling for $11,500 against expectations of $7,000-10,000. A jeweled art deco table lamp with a sweeping array of prisms reminiscent of a waterfall cascading over a slender silver base sold for $6,900 (est. $3,000-4,000). And a brilliant Gorham leaded table lamp consisting of red poppies and variegated green leaves on a striated blue background sold for $47,150.

A selection of Handel included a variety of reverse decorated lamps such as a wonderful blue Chinese pheasant table lamp with outstanding depth and detail that sold for $27,600 exceeding its estimate of $15,000-20,000. A flock of Handel jungle bird lamps was highlighted by an example depicting two macaws resting among tropical foliage that sold for $15,812, surpassing expectations of $10,000-15,000. And an example showing two birds in flight over a black background sold for $12,650 against an estimate of $10,000-15,000. Other Handel included a Teroma chandelier with a globular body decorated with a gold iridescent interior featuring various birds among twisting trees. This piece sold for $10,925, exceeding its estimate of $5,000-7,000.

In addition to the lighting was an expansive selection of art glass including works by Tiffany, Steuben, Lalique, and others. Quezal included an exceptional bulbous vase with flaring rim and decorated with a gold pulled feather design that brought $8,050, just above its estimate of $7,000-8,000. A beautiful Quezal silver overlay vase with King Tut design with gold iridescence sold for $3,680, exceeding expectations of $1,500-2,500. The ever popular and forever elegant, Tiffany was represented by a gorgeous 16” Tiffany pastel candlestick with a pink foot and candle cup supporting a green stem that fades to blue. Believed to be the finest example the firm has seen in their 40+ years in the business, the candlestick surpassed its $2,500-3,500 estimate to sell for $6,612. Tiffany shades included a scarce reactive glass example with green and orange flame design over a smoky gray body that brought $4,025 over its $2,500-3,500 estimate. And a beautiful bell-shaped shade with translucent green pulled feather decoration more than doubled its $1,000-1,500 estimate to sell for $2,530. Tiffany was further represented by a leaded window depicting a fruit bowl flanked by two twisted columns draped in grapevines. Estimated for $15,000-20,000, it found a buyer at $16,100.

An assortment of Lalique was highlighted in part by a wonderful Gros Scarabees vase in clear glass with large scarab beetles covering the outside that reached the upper end of its $6,000-7,000 estimate to sell for $6,900. And a magnificent Archers vase with blue patination featuring an army of men aiming their bows and arrows toward the sky hit its target estimate of 5,000-6,000 to sell for $5,175.

And a select grouping of Steuben included a pair of Moss Agate torchieres in green, red, brown, and amber over twisted brass stands that sold for $12,650 against expectations of $5,000-7,000. Adding to the breadth of the sale was an ample offering of French Cameo glass by the most sought after names in the genre, but none fared as well as those by Daum Nancy. A magnificent and monumental 26” Daum swan vase with white birches and graceful swans around the outside is perhaps one of the largest of its type available. It flew past its $10,000-15,000 estimate to sell for $18,400. An exceptional Daum cameo egg shaped vase in an autumn motif with browning leaves and vines on a yellow background, enhanced with applied glass snails was another popular item. It sold within its $10,000-20,000 estimate for $10,925. A trio of Daum winter scene vases included a banjo vase with barren trees on a snowy ground beneath a flame orange sky that sold for $10,350 versus an $8,000-12,000 estimate. An acid etched and enameled Daum cameo vase decorated with red berries and green leaves on a mottled green and brown background sold for $8,050, above expectations of $6,000-8,000. And a Daum padded and wheel carved footed vase with orange poppies on a striated blue to green martele background sold for $9,200 against a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Other examples of French cameo included a highly detailed Galle Rio de Janeiro vase with a tropical scene in rich russet tones that sold for $9,200 against an $8,000-10,000 estimate. Other Galle included a most interesting Verrerie Parlant vase depicting a brown bird amongst a chilly winter background. Expected to sell for $10,000-15,000, it sold for $10,925.

A fine offering of rare Victorian glassware added to the selection including a magnificent Royal Flemish covered jar with delicate handles and enameled images of winged cherubs in a battle between a griffin on the front and back. Seldom seen, this piece finished at $11,500 against a $10,000-15,000 estimate. And a plated Amberina salt shaker that shaded from a rich fuchsia to a golden amber brought $4,025, surpassing a $3,000-4,000 estimate.

Helping to round out the sale was a selection of jewelry and Italian enameled compacts from the Geraldine Gaba Estate of Scottsdale, Arizona. The large offering of compacts included several multi-piece lots and included a vast number of Italian enameled examples, every one of which exceeded their $500-700 estimates to fetch prices three and four times these amounts. Mrs. Gaba’s massive estate included an equally massive emerald ring weighing nearly 12 carats, which sold for $10,350 within its $10,000-12,000 estimate.

And a collection of fine mini lamps from a Mississippi estate was highlighted in part by a red and white Webb cameo example with floral decoration across its base and chimney. It sold for $8,050 versus an estimate of $4,000-6,000. Also included was a marvelous and exceedingly rare rainbow cut glass example that surpassed its $3,500-5,500 estimate to bring $9,775. Just in time for the holidays, a figural mini lamp in the form of Santa Claus brought $4,312 against an estimate of $2,500-4,500. And a superb glossy melon ribbed rainbow mini lamp, one of the finest examples available, sold for $4,600 within expectations of $4,000-6,000.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a fabulous antiques and fine art auction taking place February 5, 6, and 7 at Julia’s facilities in Fairfield, Maine that will feature over $2 Million worth of goods, an important firearms and military memorabilia auction in March, and a toy & doll auction in June. Julia’s next glass and lamp auction will also take place in June. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine. November 20, 2008 - For over 40 years the firm of James D. Julia has been known for handling some of the finest quality collections with highly regarded finesse and tremendous success. Julia’s is also known for producing some of the best catalogs in the industry with quality photos and expert descriptions that go above and beyond enabling buyers to bid with greater confidence. Furthermore, Julia’s offers one of the most comprehensive marketing programs around and their results speak for themselves. The sale’s final gross was over $950,000, which yielded approximately 50% over the low estimate of items sold of approximately $637,000. In a time where many are shying away from an uncertain stock market, there is a greater interest in investing in tangible assets like quality antiques. As a result, the auction market is thriving while at the same time offering some marvelous opportunities for astute collectors who favor quality and condition.

Julia’s recent sale was highlighted in part by the Geraldine Gaba Estate of Scottsdale, Arizona. The late Mrs. Gaba’s superb collection of dollhouses and exquisite miniatures was one of the finest collections of its type to hit the market in many years. There had been a buzz about the estate among the collecting fraternity since the announcement of the auction. As a result, there was considerable anticipation about their offering that helped to make it such a special event. Mrs. Gaba’s Estate is to be sold over three separate auctions at Julia’s (her collections of fine Victorian furniture, artwork, and Historical Staffordshire are to be sold in February). This portion of the Gaba Estate alone grossed $316,250 against a pre-auction estimate of approximately $170,000, the proceeds of which are earmarked for charitable distribution to the American Cancer Society, the University of Arizona Medical School, and the Phoenix Zoo. Included were over 30 houses and room settings including Gottschalk, Hacker, homemade examples, as well as hundreds upon hundreds of top shelf miniature furniture pieces and accessories to fill these dwellings. Bidding was ferocious in house and through phone, absentee, and Internet bids.

Collectors were also delighted with over 60 individual and multi-piece lots consisting of the finest quality miniature accessories one could hope to find. These 19th Century Waltershausen furniture pieces offered in multi-piece lots included one lot consisting of a stunning sideboard with bone finials and incredibly delicate finish work, miniature desk, china cabinet, and other items that finished up at $3,737 against an estimate of $1,500-1,800. Another set including a Victorian sofa with red crushed velvet upholstery, charming parlor chairs, and ormolu brought $3,105 against expectations of $1,500-1,800. And a Gothic parlor set in blue velvet and a marble top table and other items beat out the same estimate to sell for $3,565.

Complete signed contemporary artisan parlor sets by Renee Isabelle with highly refined construction and floral decoration were also available and met with great enthusiasm. Isabelle’s incredibly detailed pieces are considered some of the finest available today. With intricate craftsmanship and artistry one wouldn’t expect, examples included a ten piece lot with two armoires, tables, demilune cabinet, and other items that changed hands at $3,737 (est. $1,000-1,500) and a seven piece lot including a marvelous lacquered Japanese design secretary, demilune sideboard, armoire, etc. that sold for $2,300 (est. $800-1,200).

Accessories to complement any advanced collector’s setting included many antique ormolu rarities such as a wonderful squirrel cage (sold $3,162), a revolving photo stand (sold $3,737) and a lot of six chandeliers (sold $3,565), each nearly tripling their respective estimates. Also up for bid were a few lots of rare silk dollhouse rugs from India and Eastern Europe that exhibit unbelievable detail and craftsmanship. Bidding was ferocious, with one of the lots hitting $2,530 versus expectations of $500-1,000. And to people the houses were various dollhouse dolls. Of particular interest was a selection of rare bisque European soldiers with their original accoutrements. A lot of two such soldiers with a miniature gilt fireplace brought $3,565 against an estimate of $1,200-1,500 while two separate los of four dolls apiece each sold for $3,450 against estimates of $1,500-1,800 and $1,000-1,500.

In the miniature real estate category were highly sought after examples including a gorgeous Mansard roof Dutch dollhouse with stone foundation and classic styling. This stunning abode sold for $8,625 against a $5,000-7,500 estimate. A fancy Hacker dollhouse with grand architectural features and a working elevator brought above its $3,500-5,000 estimate to sell for $6,900. And an exceedingly detailed “Mystery” house, so referred to as it is unknown who made these large houses with their textured facades, numerous rooms, and true to life features, was a good buy at $5,750, within expectations of $5,000-7,500.

This collection was joined by many fine dolls, rare toys, a wide variety of slot machines and other coin-op, quality advertising items including selections from the Phillip H. Morse Collection (vice chairman and co-owner of the Boston Red Sox), salesman samples, and much more.

A selection of dolls included a collection of five rare all-original Steiff dolls from a mammoth set featuring a horse drawn carriage included a black footman, coachman, stable worker, and riders. Having descended through the family of the original purchasers, this marked their first offering at public auction. Alas, the horse and carriage no longer exist after an unsuccessful attempt by the original owner to ride it down a hill. The dolls, though sold individually, will remain together having gone to a European collector bidding by telephone who bid a total of $24,150, ignoring estimates totaling $7,500-13,500. This instance proves once again that fresh to the market quality goods offered through a well-publicized auction is a recipe for success.

Other dolls included fine French and German characters. A very popular 15” BSW “Wendy” with blue glass eyes, captivating expression, and even her original box saw active bidding and ultimately stopped at $17,250 versus a $14,000-18,000 estimate. A favorite of this writer was an 18” Armand Marseille 231 known as “Fany”, the largest version this company produced. This delightful character with pouty features and nice modeling sold at the upper end of its $7,500-9,500 estimate for $9,200. A 12” Kestner 206 character with fully jointed composition body and a hint of a precocious smile melted a few hearts. Though small in size, the doll still did well, hitting $8,625 against an estimate of $7,500-9,500.

Desirable French dolls included a wonderful 14” Circle Dot Bru with a hint of a tongue, original kid body, and lots of charm that brought $11,500. Fashions included a marvelous 24” fully articulated wood bodied Jumeau fashion doll decked out in a gorgeous bridal gown and veil that sold for $6,900 within her $5,000-10,000 estimate.

A selection of rare toys included a version of Schoenhut milk wagon from the St. Clair Dairy Company (most likely from Illinois) that to date was the only one known. It set a new World Auction Record selling for $10,925, more than doubling its $4,500-6,500 estimate. An early clockwork Ives alligator with jointed body that would roll along in a lifelike fashion sold for $4,140 against a $1,500-2,500 estimate. And an Ives miniature railroad set with portions of its original box went to an internet bidder for $3,162 against a $1,750-2,200 estimate. A charming Austrian automaton of a rabbit in a head of cabbage who pokes his head in and out from the inside brought a strong $2,875 versus an estimate of $1,250-1,750.

Other groupings included a Western U.S. single owner collection of approximately 70 Lehmann tin windup toys, many of which retained their original boxes. These often quirky and always amusing German toys included several seldom seen examples as well as tried and true favorites, setting what is to believed to be several new World Auction Records. The showstopper was a popular Lehmann Autobus in wonderful condition with its original box that hit six times its $2,000-3,000 estimate to sell for a record $14,400. A scarce Lehmann Anxious Bride made for the French market with its original box labeled “La Fiancée Inquiete” was in outstanding condition. The cost for this rare opportunity was $7,200 over presale expectations of $2,000-3,000. A fanciful Lehmann Duo with its original box depicting a rooster pulling a two-wheeled egg cart with a little bunny enjoying the ride carried an estimate of $1,500-2,000 and sold for a record $6,325. A marvelous navy blue Lehmann Lila with its original box, perhaps one of the finest condition examples available also set a new record when it hit $7,200, surpassing its $3,500-5,500 estimate. A scarce Zulu friction toy in excellent condition of an ostrich pulling a two-wheeled cart surpassed expectations of $1,400-1,800 to sell for a record price of $5,750. And a scarce Lehmann Mensa three-wheeled windup delivery truck with its original box brought an astounding $7,800 versus a $1,250-2,200 estimate.

Coin-op included over 30 tabletop slots such as two rare Mills Baseball slot machines. One in fair original condition sold for $7,475 against a $4,000-6,000 estimate and a nicely restored example with the scarce embossed front surpassed its $5,500-7,500 estimate to land at $9,200. A nicely restored “Electricity is Life” shock machine standing over six feet with a fine oak case housing a dazzling papier-mâché dial and mechanism that emits up to a 55 volt shock to the brave soul willing to play the game. Having been on display in a doctor’s office in California for the last 30 years, it went to a bidder in attendance that paid $17,250 (est. $15,000-20,000). A rare Caille “A.C. Multi-Bell” slot machine with silver Art Deco styling and advanced mechanics (for the day) sold for $6,325, mid-way through its $5,500-7,500 estimate. A trio of figural slot machines with surrounds by Dick DeLong whose wood carvings serve as great working displays included a Mills War Eagle inside the chest of a fully decked Indian chief. It sold for $3,220, exceeding its estimate of $1,500-2,500. And a lot of three trade stimulators in as-is condition included a Mills Puritan Bell, Five Jacks, and a Dan-Dee fortune machine exceeded expectations of $1,250-1,750 to bring $2,415.

Music machines included a Regina 15” auto-changer in a phenomenal mahogany case featuring spiral columns, an intricate leaded glass front door, and a clock at the top. It descended through the family of the present consignor and sold for $35,075 against an estimate of $30,000-35,000. And of the exceedingly rare was an outstanding and elaborate coin-op Regina auto-changer music machine that would automatically change discs when one is completed. Believed to be one of only two known coin-op examples, it featured a bow front, barley twist side columns, and brass filigree castings housing a double comb mechanism. Estimated for $23,000-25,000, it went to a bidder in attendance for $25,875. And a marvelously restored Wurlitzer 1080 Colonial model jukebox sold for $10,350 against a $9,000-10,000 estimate.

The sale was rounded out by a medley of antique advertising and salesman samples. Included was a scarce early die-cut flange sign for Michelin tires that featured the popular mascot emblazoned on both sides. Ignoring its $800-1,200 estimate, it sold for $4,887. Soda advertising included a seldom seen version of the Coca-Cola leaded shade with the leaf border that sold for $6,900 versus an estimate of $5,000-6,000. A small collection of wooden Coca-Cola Kay displays included a lot of five (of a series of six) Kay Displays entitled “Work Refreshed” that focused on the various facets of the American workforce. Including Agriculture, Education, Communication, Industry, and Science, the set sold for $4,312 against an estimate of $2,000-3,000. A beautifully restored Coke Vendo 81 vending machine sold for $2,645 against a presale estimate of $1,000-1,500. And a WWII cardboard Coke festoon honoring U.S. naval ships finished up at $4,025, well exceeding expectations of $800-1,000.

Miscellaneous items included a number of salesman samples such as an outstanding wood and brass horse drawn snow plow on runners with its original wooden carrying case. It was a great trade at $7,475 just short of its estimate of $7,500-8,500. And a two-wheeled horse drawn cultivator sold just above its $1,500-2,500 estimate for $2,530.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a fabulous antiques and fine art auction taking place February 5, 6, and 7 at Julia’s facilities in Fairfield, Maine. It will feature a vast array of over $2 Million, an important firearms and military memorabilia auction in March, and a glass and lamp auction in June followed by Julia’s next toy & doll auction also in June. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@juliaauctions.com.

Fairfield, Maine - On Monday, October 6th and Tuesday, October 7th the U.S. Stock Market plunged nearly 10% and the world economy flirted with catastrophe but in Fairfield, Maine an assemblage of rare antique guns brought extraordinary results, despite the economy. A Colt Walker pistol, made for use in the Mexican War and considered to be the finest example in existence, sold for a spectacular $920,000. This was the most expensive single firearm ever sold at auction in the world. The total sale gross was nearly $12 million (including post auction sales) against the low estimate of approximately $10 million. The sale was unquestionably a tremendous testament to the demand, confidence and resilience for collectors of antique firearms.

Antique Colts were offered the second day and there were a number of exciting examples sold. An extraordinary cased, fluted Colt Model 1860 Army in near mint condition, considered to be the finest example in the world, was estimated at $350,000-$450,000 and went out for a final price of just a little over $454,000. An exceedingly rare cased pair of presentation Colt 1851 Navy revolvers, estimated at $180,000-$225,000 brought $230,000 and an extraordinary cased Gustav Young-engraved Colt 1851 Navy, estimated at $90,000-$125,000 sold for $138,000. An outstanding and rare cased early Colt baby dragoon, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold for $63,250. A fine martially-marked cased Colt 51 Navy, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 brought an astounding $57,500 and an exquisite Eugene Young-engraved gold and nickel Colt Model 1877 sheriff’s model DA lightning revolver was estimated at $50,000-$75,000 and sold for $51,750. A very rare and desirable hand-colored litho of Colt’s Manufacturing Plant, estimated at $12,500-$17,500 sold for $14,950.

The Julia auction actually began on the on Monday, October 6th, and was preceded by a three-day auction conducted by The Poulin Auction Company (Julia’s sister and her husband). Their modern facilities are located literally 50 yards from Julia’s outstanding facilities. The Poulin auction included more quality items from the late Bruce Stern’s military collection; overall the three-day sale for Poulin’s carried an estimate of just under a million dollars and realized $1.3 million. The James D. Julia auction actually began on Monday, October 6th, immediately following the Poulin auction and started out with a fine selection of rare Class III weapons. Julia’s last auction, which featured the Bruce Stern Collection, had one of the finest and largest offerings of Class III weapons that had been offered at auction for many, many years. The offering brought spectacular prices with a total sale of around $1.5 million. This sale also included a number of desirable items, all of which did extremely well. Julia’s consultant for machine guns, Jeff Zimba, pointed out that in his opinion Class III machine guns are a better investment than lake-front property. In the early 60s, by federal law, a machine gun in this country was required to be registered. From that point on only those machine guns that were registered at that time are now legal to own. Of the approximately quarter of a million machine guns registered back in the 1960s, far less now survive and there is no opportunity to increase the numbers available on the market and so as the numbers decrease, through loss or fire, etc., the demand continues to bolster the prices. A Hotchkiss portable machine gun Model MK1, estimated at $9,000-$11,000 sold for $36,800. A St. Etienne M1907machine gun on tripod, estimated at $12,000-$14,000 went out at $26,450. A Benet-Mercie machine rifle, Model 1909 estimated at $12,000-$14,000 realized $23,000 and the ever-popular Colt Model 1921AC machine gun, popular with both gangsters and policemen alike, carried a $25,000-$35,000 presale estimate, it was originally the property of the Pennsylvania State Police and finally sold for $31,625. Another Colt, Model 1928 Navy Over Stamp sub-machine gun in case, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 sold for $29,900.

Monday’s sale also included an extraordinary offering of German Lugers and related military weapons of the Twentieth Century from the esteemed collection of Doug Smith. Doug’s collection, for condition and rarity, is one of the finest collections in the world and the selection of rare guns included a Model 1893 DWM Borchardt semi-automatic pistol with matching shoulder stock estimated at $30,000-$45,000, it sold for $32,200. A spectacular DWN 1902 Luger carbine with leather retailer’s case, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 sold for $28,750. A spectacular DWM 1906 Navy Luger 2nd issue with holster rig, estimated at $15,000-$20,000, sold for $18,400 and a very rare Mauser Stoeger American eagle artillery Luger with holster rig, estimated at $22,500-$27,500 went out at $23,575. An extraordinarily rare Walther Model “AP” prototype semi-automatic pistol estimated at $35,000-$45,000 sold for $35,075.

Despite the tremendous results of the auction both Monday and Tuesday, not everything “blew through the roof”. Although a number of the Smith guns sold, some did not meet their reserve and failed to sell. Other military items from various other collections, including an ultra rare Remington Model 1918 Mark I Pederson device, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 went out at a resounding $48,300! An extremely rare Springfield Model 1922 heavy barrel international match rifle, estimated at $25,000-$30,000 finally sold for $23,000. Also, an extremely rare Model 1897 No. 5 Bergman semi-automatic pistol with shoulder stock, estimated at $12,500-$17,500 sold for $23,575.

Monday afternoon Julia’s offered an extraordinary collection of high-grade sporting rifles and side-by-side shotguns. Within the last few years, Julia’s has consistently offered some of the finest selections of quality shotguns in the world and this sale was probably one of their finest offerings; in all, the sporting rifles and shotguns realized between $3.5-$4 million dollars. An extraordinary, elaborate and rare Miller & Val. Greiss underlever single shot big bore rifle resulted in a tremendous amount of interest. It was an extraordinary work of art with magnificent engraving, exquisite gold inlay, and incredible relief carvings on many areas of the wood. This 10-bore gun carried an estimate of $35,000-$75,000 and eventually, after heavy bidding, went out at $86,250. A spectacular R. G. Owen Springfield action custom rifle, engraved by Rudolph Kornbrath was estimated at $20,000-$30,000 and finally realized $40,250. A massive antique John Dickson & Son percussion 8-bore dangerous game rifle was estimated at $25,000-$35,000 and finally realized $63,250. Fine shotguns saw considerable competition; a superb 20-bore James Woodward best quality O/U cased was estimated at $125,000-$150,000 and sold for $138,000. A 20-gage James Purdey best side lock ejector gun with two sets of barrels was estimated at $50,000-$60,000 and went out at $66,000. An extremely rare matched pair of Fabbri best quality side-by-side pigeon guns with extraordinary engraving carried a pre-sale estimate of $160,000-$200,000 and went out at $184,000. The very next lot, an art engraved Fabbri O/U pinless sidelock 12 gauge realized $97,750. A spectacular Luciano Bosis “Queen” S/S 20-gage shotgun realized $63,250. A scarce and desirable Parker “000” frame DHE-grade 410-gauge S/S, estimated at $40,000-$50,000 sold for $41,400. An outstanding A.H. Fox DE Grade S/S 16 gauge, estimated at $20,000-$25,000 realized well over the high estimate at $39,100. A Winchester Model 21 Grand American 20 gauge with case estimated at $40,000-$50,000 sold for $42,550 but the rare Model 21 Pigeon-grade, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 went out at $48,875. A Churchill & McKenzie custom exhibition Browning superposed 20 gauge, estimated at $10,000-$20,000 sold for $20,700.

Tuesday began with a selection of Marlin rifles, many of which came from the collection of the late Leland Clapp. Included in this extensive offering of Marlins was a recently discovered deep relief engraved gold-plated presentation grade deluxe Marlin M89 engraved “World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893”. This exquisite work of art realized $40,250. A superb offering of Winchesters included what is believed to be an early prototype or pre-production Henry rifle. Winchester originally purchased The Volcanic Arms Company, which produced a lever action firearm and after acquiring the firm hired B. Tyler Henry a firearms engineer to redesign the volcanic into a more formidable weapon. The result of his efforts was the famous Henry rifle. This prototype, with no serial number, carried both volcanic attributes as well as Henry rifle attributes and was certainly an experimental model in the transition of Henry’s design from the volcanic to the eventual Henry rifle. This rare gun, estimated at $50,000-$70,000 sold for $69,000. An extraordinary Henry marked Winchester M66 lever action rifle (the next improvement over the Henry rifle) was an outstanding example; the condition was extraordinary and it carried a $50,000-$75,000 estimate and finally sold at $69,000. The earliest know Winchester M73 lever action rifle, SN 13 in 44/40 caliber sold for $149,500. Another 73 Winchester 44/40 in outstanding condition was estimated at $14,000-$18,000 and sold for $25,300. A beautiful Winchester 86 deluxe engraved cal. 45/90 with Swiss butt plate sold for $40,250.

Julia’s auctions over the years have become renowned for their offering of high-quality and rare Civil War items. This sale included a select grouping of Civil War objects. One outstanding offering was a magnificent and historic cased, inscribed Tiffany & Company presentation sword complete with accessories to Brigadier General George Frederick Granger of the 9th Maine Infantry. Estimated at $125,000-$150,000, it sold for $143,750. A rare eight-star Confederate 1st National flag, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold dead center of the estimate at $25,875. A rare Confederate battle shirt, de-acquisitioned from a New England museum, was estimated at $6,000-$8,000 and went out at $14,950.

At Julia’s last sale, a rare collection of slave badges were offered and received an incredible amount of interest which resulted in another rare collection of slave tags consigned for this auction. This collection sold for $126,500. A group of Civil War carbines including a Burnside 1st Model breech–loading carbine that was estimated at $6,000-$10,000 saw a great deal of action and finally sold for $14,090.

One category that saw a considerable amount of interest was a small collection of California gold nuggets. In perilous times, people always turned to gold and this was certainly no exception. A very rare California gold nugget weighing almost 7 ounces sold for $10,925. A selection of Kentucky rifles and pistols included a signed Moll flintlock pistol, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 which brought just over $14,000. A relief-carved North Carolina Kentucky signed “Isaac J. Thompson”, estimated at $8,000-$10,000 sold for $20,100 and an Abraham Schweitzer Kentucky rifle, estimated at $12,000-$15,000 realized $20,700. A 2nd model Virginia flint pistol, estimated at $6,000-$8,000 realized $10,350. A pre-Brown Bess musket, circa 1725 marked on barrel, “Pocock C. 3 No 17” carried a presale estimate of $7,000-$10,000 and sold for $14,375.

Another fine collection included in this auction was that of the late Dr. Frank Miller of Long Island, New York. Dr. Miller was a brilliant and accomplished surgeon specializing in urology. He collected much of his lifetime with a focus on quality and condition. Among the vast offering from his collection was a very rare deluxe cased Royalty grade Devisme percussion half-stock sporting rifle with accessories. Estimated at $15,000-$25,000, it brought $18,400. Also and unusual and rare Austrian breech-loading flintlock 18th century gun which broke at the breech and had a special insert for re-loading, carried a presale estimate of $4,000-$6,000 and finally realized $9,800.

Total low estimate of all items sold was $9.7 million and sold for approximately $12 million. In all 2 items realized above $400,000, 10 objects realized above $100,000, 31 sold above $50,000, 124 sold for over $20,000, and 294 sold over $10,000. The average sale value of approximately $11,500 is the highest average ever achieved by an auction house for firearms. In recent years Julia’s has consistently put forth the highest grossing firearms auctions in the world; their last sale, at $12.7 was the largest grossing firearms auction ever in history and this auction, at $11.7 million is their second highest grossing sale. A previous sale in 2007 realized $11.2 million. James D. Julia, Auctioneers is located in Fairfield, Maine. Their next firearms auction is scheduled for March 2009 and already includes some outstanding items and is sure to be another spectacular event. For more details go to www.jamesdjulia.com or contact them at (207) 453-7125.

James D. Julia’s spectacular antiques & fine art auction at the Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine has long been the pinnacle of the summer auction season. With each passing year, the Fairfield, Maine auction firm amazes and delights auction goers with an even greater offering of fine antiques than the previous year, consistently exceeding the last in quality and quantity. This time the three-day extravaganza featured over 1,700 lots with a total gross of over $5 million, making it their biggest summer antiques auction to date. Bidders in attendance were treated to the breathtaking display in the posh ballroom and adjoining halls of Maine’s most luxurious resort and it was a sight to be held.

From the very first lot of the three-day extravaganza, it was obvious that this was to be no ordinary auction. The sale featured nearly 750 pieces of fine artwork, high style Victorian contents of a Gulf Coast mansion, early American furniture, folk art, weathervanes, pottery, and fine antiques of every kind from some of the finest estates and collections to hit the auction block in many years. Included were the contents of the Richard Paine Estate of Seal Cove, Maine, whose auto museum was a world renowned attraction. His tremendous collection of folk art included a variety of rare weathervanes highlighted by one in the form of a full-bodied standing mule. Circa late 19th Century, this possibly unique form was a must have for two phone bidders who refused to let it go without a fight. Only one could be victorious in the end, and that is the one who was willing to pay $117,300 with no deference to its $20,000-30,000 estimate. From other collections the variety of vanes included a full-body copper example in the form of a leaping stag that sold for $25,300 against a $5,000-8,000 estimate. And a copper racehorse and jockey won by several lengths, hitting $30,475 versus expectations of $7,000-9,000.

The splendid selection of folk art was underscored by a truly extraordinary carved wood figure of the Goddess of Liberty, which ended up being the top seller of the day. This rare and important, life-size polychrome carving shows the American icon draped in a red and gold trimmed robe standing on a plinth. The figure was originally discovered by Ms. Helena Penrose, an acknowledged authority and dealer on American folk art carvings and colleague of Abby Aldridge Rockefeller. Ms. Penrose sold the figure to a very wealthy, avid antique collector in the mid-20th Century, informing him that this figure originally resided in Tammany Hall in New York City during the late teens. The workmanship and provenance of this most impressive folk art masterpiece added to its desirability. Never having been offered at public auction, it sold for $143,750 against a presale estimate of $100,000-200,000.

Other folk art in the auction from the Richard Paine Estate also fared well such as an American carved and decorated eagle plaque by C.H. Badger. Exquisitely rendered in the manner of John Bellamy, the small 17” gilded spread eagle perched atop crossed draping flags sold for a robust $60,375, more than twelve times its $5,000-7,000 estimate. Paine’s tastes in folk art extended into numerous nautical artifacts such as the actual sternboards from various ships. One from the “Percy Cann”, a circa 1900 steamship that was wrecked in December 1905 off Nova Scotia, featured a carved spread eagle over elaborate scrollwork. Salvaged from the wreckage it brought $36,800 versus a $20,000-30,000 estimate. Carrying the same estimate, a similar sternboard from an unidentified vessel featured an eagle in attack position, gripping a cluster of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other below a carved sunburst. It sold for $31,625.

The auction consisted of many other nautical items including numerous ship portraits as well as an exceedingly rare American Pilot chart book published by William Norman in 1803. Detailing the eastern coast of North America from Nova Scotia to Maryland and also included a chart for the West Indies, this was a must for early seafarers braving the new and unfamiliar territory. This example more than doubled its expectations of $40,000-60,000 to finish up at $97,750.

For another breed of book collector was a collection of nine signed books from the personal library of President John Adams. Consisting of the works of Moliere, each volume was signed and dated by President Adams as well as annotated with his various philosophical thoughts. The books were purchased in the 1930s by the consignor’s family from Annie F. H. Boyd (a descendant of John Adams) and this sale marked their first public offering. The set drew $57,500 against an estimate of $20,000-40,000.

From the Paine Estate, ship portraits included one for the “Hannah McLoon” by Maine artist James Babbidge. Shown in full sail cutting through Rockland Harbor, it cut through its $2,000-3,000 estimate to finish up at $22,425. A large oil on canvas portrait by S.F.M. Badger of the schooner “Mary Curtis” brought $21,850 over its estimate of $12,000-15,000. An unsigned portrait of an American ship under a nicely rendered break in an otherwise stormy sky sold for $18,975 (est. $4,000-6,000). And an unprecedented offering of 18 Percy Sanborn paintings included landscapes, various domestic animal portraits, and of course ship portraits, for which the Belfast, Maine artist is most renowned. His portrait of the three-mast ship “Ivanhoe” sold within its $15,000-20,000 presale estimate for $16,100.

Strong results were seen in other folk art and there were a few surprises such as two grotesque carved pine tables that were recently discovered in an Ohio farmhouse. Each featured fanciful carvings of theatrical masks, animals, and elaborate scrollwork. Both with weathered original surfaces, they quadrupled their respective estimates to finish up at $26,450 and $25,300. And an exceptional American hooked rug celebrating the Centennial decorated with a central starburst amid an octagonal kaleidoscope of colors made many bidders reflect on the work that went into making it. It exceeded expectations of $3,000-4,000 to sell for $20,700.

Session III was comprised of an entire day of fine art. The auction boasted Julia’s finest array of artwork to date. Of the over 650 works in this session, bidders seemed to favor European and Russian artists, though quality American art also fared well. From the Woolworth Collection, famed department store magnates of the early 20th Century, a landscape scene by Belgian artist Eugene Verboeckhoven depicted a shepherd leading his sheep back home through verdant pastures before the approaching storm hits. Exquisitely rendered, it hung prominently in the Woolworth’s Monmouth, Maine residence and sold for $95,450 against an estimate of $80,000-120,000. Not to be outdone was Irish artist Paul Henry’s “Evening in Connemara”, an oil on panel depiction of a calm mountainside lake beside a cluster of thatched roofed houses. Fresh to the market, having descended through the family of the original purchaser, it sold for $97,750 within expectations of $75,000-125,000. An oil and gouache on paper scene by Maurice Utrillo that featured several pedestrians walking the back dirt streets of Paris was seen at numerous prestigious expositions before being consigned to Julia’s. Here it brought $85,100, more than tripling its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Russian works included a chilling winter scene by Ivan Fedorovich Choultse of a small river winding through snow covered trees against a sun drenched mountainous backdrop. His stunningly realistic paintings are always well received and this work sold for $54,625, beating out a $30,000-50,000 estimate.

American artists included Martha Walter’s beach scene of Coney Island showing several vacationers relaxing on the shore and in the water with a pavilion in the background. This oil on board scene brought $45,425 against a $25,000-40,000 estimate. An idyllic rural setting landscape scene by George Inness featured several cows drinking in shallow water while a man in a small rowboat takes in the fading sunset. With a complete pedigree from artist to the most recent consignor, it sold for $39,100 nearing the midrange of its presale estimate of $35,000/50,000. Philip Little’s oil on canvas forest scene of two women out for a sunlit stroll, estimated for $8,000-12,000, finished up at $23,000. Johann Berthelsen’s oil on canvas scene of New York City’s Fifth Avenue in the midst of a torrential snowstorm featured several pedestrians and vehicles fighting to escape the elements. This piece went within estimate for $21,850 to a Texas collector in attendance who rarely gets to enjoy a Northeast winter. An ink on paper sketch by renowned artist Winslow Homer of an old timer heading off for some fishing sold for $21,275 versus an estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Eastern regional favorites included Rockport-Gloucester artists Charles and Emile Gruppe who have long been staples in Julia’s auctions. The younger Gruppe’s “Drying the Sails” depicts the quintessential New England waterfront scene with numerous fishing and sailing boats at port. This piece sold for $23,000 against a $20,000-25,000 estimate. The grouping of Gruppes also included Charles’ oil on canvas board scene of fishing boats in Gloucester Harbor that exceeded its $8,000-12,000 estimate to bring $12,650. And an unsigned chilling winter scene of lobstermen pulling traps off Monhegan Island ignored its $1,000-1,500 estimate to bring $12,075. The sale’s offering of furniture boasted a tremendous variety of genres ranging from the simple elegance of early American to the high style Victorian era. The latter category included a monumental museum quality Rococo rosewood étagère attributed to Belter (circa 1860) that featured a finely carved crest with a cherub holding a floral garland over two columns fraught with intricately carved birds, flowers, vines, and leaves. This all original piece sold well in spite of a soft Victorian market for $109,250 within its estimate of $100,000-150,000. Nothing is “standard” about a Wooton “Standard Grade” walnut secretary that featured a three-quarter gallery with burl panels and spool finials. The gorgeous case with elegant carvings and brass hardware opens to reveal a fold-down writing surface and an interior filled with scores of cubbies and compartments. Consigned from an expansive private Gulf Coast collection, it brought $16,100 against a $15,000-20,000 estimate.

The Victorian and decorative market has experienced a significant downturn in recent years and considering the expansive offering of quality items in this auction there were some fabulous opportunities. A monumental carved Renaissance Revival screen attributed to Thomas Brooks (est. $6,000-9,000) sold for $1,940. A Belter Rosalie pattern rosewood slipper chair (est. $2,500-4,000) sold for $920. A monumental R.J. Horner carved mahogany parlor suite (est. $15,000-25,000) and a carved Rococo rosewood marble top center table attributed to J.H. Belter (est. $25,000-40,000) each received no starting bids. With the stock market in its current state, the Victorian market seems to currently be an outstanding investment option.

The second session however, exhibited much more strength; included was a large quantity of early American and European furniture. A rare pilgrim century Massachusetts carved oak chest attributed to the Savell Shop in Braintree came fresh from a Bucksport, Maine home with a $6,000-9,000 estimate and sold for $33,925. A southern Federal inlaid mahogany sideboard, circa 1810, featured a bowfront central section that incorporates string-inlaid panels above the conforming case within a satinwood inlaid panel. All raised on four string-inlaid legs with banded cuffs, it originated in South Carolina, but spent many years in the aforementioned Bucksport, Maine home. It sold for $19,550 at the upper end of its $15,000-20,000 estimate. And an outstanding Queen Anne curly maple New England highboy exhibiting bold graining, a dovetailed case, molded cornice, center fan carving, and a plethora of drawers brought $12,650 over an $8,000-12,000 estimate.

In addition to the furniture, bidders were delighted with a marvelous array of accessories including clocks, jewelry, Oriental rugs, jade, ivory, and much more. In the clock category, surprises included a fine Queen Anne burl walnut long case clock with 32-day works by Daniel Quare of London. Circa 1710, this elaborate piece with fretwork on the bonnet and gold filigree around the dial, it sold for an astounding $80,500 against an $8,000-12,000 estimate. No one could have predicted that an Aaron Willard presentation banjo clock decorated with flowers, an eagle, and a harbor scene would do as well as it did. In a seemingly unending bidding battle, it finally struck $48,300, far exceeding expectations of $2,500-4,000. And a circa mid-18th Century George III bracket clock from the Richard Paine Estate with silk lined fish-scale fretwork on the sides and a brass scrollwork face by John Fladgate was estimated for $2,500-3,500; it sold for $17,825.

A selection of Oriental rugs in the sale included an exceptional Lavar Kirman example. Dating from around the late 19th Century, it depicted a large tree of life within an arabesque arch set off by various flowers and vines. An outstanding example by one of the most sought after makers, it sold for $21,275 against a $10,000-14,000 estimate. From the same time period, a fine Heriz carpet from North Persia featuring a pale salmon medallion within an eight lobed blue medallion sold for $17,250 versus a $10,000-15,000 estimate.

Other accessories included selections from the Woolworth collection, which proved to be quite popular. Their taste for quality and the rare and unusual meant pay dirt at Julia’s sale. Woolworth’s collection of English silver included a heavy cast silver dinner bell decorated with draping swags that surpassed its $300-500 estimate to sell for $12,650. A lot of two 18th Century wood handle silver serving spoons brought $9,200 against an $800-1,200 estimate and a pair of William IV trophy loving cups engraved “Won at Duncannon Races” sold for $8,625 over an estimate of $800-1,200.

Their collection of Nineteenth Century Chinese jade included an outstanding two-handled covered bowl with reticulated cover depicting birds, plants, and figures that surpassed expectations of $4,000-6,000 to finish up at $13,800. An exquisite pair of jade candle holders in the form of fanciful birds flew to $10,350 over their $4,000-6,000 estimate. And a pair of carved garniture vases with flared rims and scrolling leaf tip decoration sold for $9,775 against a $6,500-8,500 presale estimate.

From another collection various Japanese ivory carvings consisted of a fabulous rendition of mother and child by Hobun with exceptional facial features. The figure of the proud mother holding her baby aloft was quite captivating and sold for $31,625, surpassing expectations of $5,000-8,000. And a Ming Period carved figure of General Kwan Yu seated holding a scroll sold for $6,900 against a $1,500-2,500 estimate.

Going back several centuries was an offering of ancient artifacts from the Dr. & Mrs. Winfield Gibbs collection dating to approximately the 3rd Century A.D. and before. A cast bronze bust of Jupiter (est. $1,500-2,000) sold for $4,715 and a Roman bronze bust of Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet (est. $1,200-1,600) brought $4,025. Predating even these rare finds were several Campanian amphora vases such as an example from approximately the 4th Century B.C. depicting a satyr and a female figure. This piece sold for $8,625 over an estimate of $300-500. And a two-handled black figure example from the late 15th Century B.C. sold for $4,945 against a $400-700 estimate.

Also worthy of note were numerous miscellaneous items including an important pewter flagon with four beakers by Samuel Danforth dating to the late 1700s. Formerly of the Paine Estate, it found a buyer at $22,425 versus a $6,000-8,000 estimate. Paine’s eye for the rare and unusual also included Dedham pottery. An extremely scarce rabbit pattern plate further enhanced by green foliage decoration set a new world record when it sold for $8,050, ignoring a $500-700 estimate. Personal adornment accessories included an assortment of jewelry such as a platinum lady’s ring centered with a mammoth 2.51ct diamond, further enhanced by a filigree mounting encrusted with 48 full cut diamonds. It sold for $13,800 within an estimate of $12,000-16,000. Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place October 6 & 7 that will offer between $14-20 Million in rare antique firearms including what is considered the finest martial Colt Walker in existence and is estimated for $500,000-1,000,000. Julia’s toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will follow in November, and their next antiques & fine art auction is scheduled for February 2009. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, June 19 & 20, 2008 - The auction firm of James D. Julia, Inc. did it again. Experiencing tremendous growth and consistently strong auctions over the last several years, their recent glass and lamp auction set a new high for the division. Department head Dudley Browne reported a final gross of over $3 million against pre-auction projections of items sold of $2.2 million, approximately 33% over estimate, making it the firm’s highest grossing and most successful glass and lamp sale to date. In fact, this was one of the largest auctions of rare glass and lamps conducted by any firm in North America. In light of what many are considering to be a soft market it is all the more impressive. But Browne attributes it to a simple formula, “Quality goods with quality promotion gives you quality results. True, low to mid-range antiques are down, but the upper level is what collectors are looking for and is still performing well.”

Collectors from all over the world competed for this choice offering of rare glass and lamps with an obvious enthusiasm and confidence in rare tangible assets. With over 1,200 lots, it was a dazzling selection of Tiffany glass, French Cameo, superb lamps, art glass, and accessories for the discriminating collector. The centerpiece to the auction was a phenomenal Tiffany Studios lily leaded window. Unquestionably the finest example Julia’s has had the pleasure to offer, it was comprised of three separate layers of glass creating depth and realism one would not expect from a leaded window. It pictured a magnificent flower-draped pillar and large lilies in the foreground framing a background scene of a mountain, lake, and waterfall. Seeing much competition it sold for $172,500, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of $85,000/100,000.

The auction also boasted one of the largest selections of lamps to hit the market in recent memory. Included was over 100 examples by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint, Duffner & Kimberly, Loetz, and others. There is always heavy competition for these exquisite pieces, particularly those by Tiffany, making for a fun and exciting auction. Among the selection, a stellar stand-out was a fabulous Tiffany red poppy table lamp. Depicting numerous poppies in various stages of bloom against a variegated green background of leaves and geometric panels, it sold for $120,750 within its $110,000/130,000 estimate. A gorgeous Tiffany lamp with seven overlapping down turned dragonflies in various shades of green with red jeweled cabochon eyes flew to $115,000 against an estimate of $100,000/125,000. Other examples included a daffodil leaded lamp with dense green, amber, and white decoration atop an equally impressive Gentian base with openwork stem and petal design. Considered by the studio itself to be one of their prime creations (and marked accordingly) it exceeded expectations of $40,000/50,000 to land at 51,750. A beautiful Tiffany Studios woodbine table lamp with rich red, green, and tan flowers over a marvelous green honeycomb background reached $40,250 above its $30,000/40,000 estimate while a poinsettia example with dichroic glass brought 43,125 against a $35,000/45,000 estimate. And a Tiffany pomegranate table lamp sold above expectations of $12,000/15,000 for $20,700.

In addition to Tiffany, the mass of lighting included a rare Duffner & Kimberly Viking table lamp. So named because of the bronze bands separating the six panels terminate in griffins’ heads, which are reminiscent of figureheads traditionally found on Viking’s ships. The intricate leaded panels comprised of interlocking geometric designs in dramatic colors below layers of green scales made for one of Duffner & Kimberly’s most famous lamps. It sailed to $80,500 against expectations of $60,000/80,000. Another gorgeous example by this company was a leaded thistle table lamp with a broad bell shaped shade in a variety of blues, greens, and purples finished with an irregular border. It sold for $23,000 versus a $15,000/20,000 estimate.

Numerous examples of Handel added to the selection including a marvelous wisteria leaded table lamp. Its massive shade in blues and greens caught the eye of several bidders but went to the victor who ignored the $12,000/15,000 estimate to shell out $27,600. Even more impressive was a Galle cameo lamp beautifully carved with Oriental poppy design over a camphor colored background that sold for $31,050 against a $15,000/25,000 estimate. Other Galle included a reverse painted floral and butterfly table lamp known simply as “6688”. What makes this piece outstanding is the fact that the multihued floral decoration goes nearly to the top of the lobed shade where typically there is only a band of blossoms comprising the lower half. The shade, accented by a few delicate butterflies, made for a stunning lamp. It sold for $15,525, just above its $12,000/15,000 estimate. Also worth noting was a duo of Handel obverse painted hanging lamps decorated with birds and foliage formerly of the renowned Dr. Irving Paul Collection. Each more than quadrupled the low end of its $2,000/3,000 estimate to finish up at $9,200 and $8,625 respectively. Twenty years ago Dr. Paul, a dentist in Bangor, Maine, had amassed what was considered by many to be one of the finest collections of Handel lamps in North America. At that time, he decided to dispose of his collection and subsequently sold many of his rare lamps through various consignments with the Julia Auction Company. Eventually the lamps and their success resulted in the formation of a special glass & lamp division at Julia’s auction company. This recent consignment from Dr. Paul represents the very last of all of his Handel holdings. Dr. Paul, who long ago retired, has recently sold his large, lovely home in Bangor and moved into much smaller quarters and no longer collects.

The auction also offered numerous Pairpoint puffy lamps including a wonderful apple tree lamp with a multitude of minutely detailed blossoms, leaves, and fruit. This exceptional lamp changed hands at $40,825 somewhat better than its $35,000/40,000 estimate. And a gorgeous multicolor puffy rose lamp finished up within its $17,000/20,000 to bring $19,550.

Other highlights to the sale included fine Tiffany glass, beautiful art glass and vases, French Cameo, and of course a selection of the ever popular Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre for which Julia’s has in several recent auctions achieved some phenomenal prices. This auction was no exception. Topping the list was an exceedingly rare plaque in the Torches pattern showing a white staircase illuminated by flaming torches leading to an onion dome palace in the background. Further detailed with serpents, birds, and her trademark fanciful creatures, this phenomenal item, actually signed by the artist (a rarity in itself) bested its $35,000/40,000 estimate to finish up at $40,250. An exceptional covered malfrey pot decorated in the Candlemas pattern shows six panels portraying illuminated candles with human heads in profile, separated by vertical bands fraught with black fairies. The domed lid featured a golden spider among a midnight background surrounded by a variety of flowers. This piece brought $32,775 within an estimate of $30,000/40,000. And two Fairyland bowls, one a Daventry bowl featured male figures, foliage decoration, and gold detailing and the other, a lustre lily tray in the Fairy Gondola pattern was covered with fairies, trees, and of course floating gondolas. They sold for $24,150 and $19,550 respectively with the former well exceeding its $10,000/15,000 estimate.

Fine Tiffany glass included an unbelievable Tiffany Studios mosaic centerpiece comprised of a 24” cast bronze base in the form of overlapping leaves spreading from the center, inset with gold favrile mosaic diamonds, and finished with a tall gold iridescent ribbed center vase and six gold favrile salts. Elegance and style at its finest, it sold within its pre-auction estimate of $50,000/70,000 at $57,500. Other Tiffany glass included delicate Jack in the Pulpit vases such as a wonderful elephant ear vase in deep blue iridescence with gold and purple highlights atop a bulbous foot. It sold for $24,150, trampling its $15,000/20,000 estimate. An important Tiffany Studios inkwell in the form of a pond lily decorated with swimming fish. Highly sought after, this piece brought $10,925 against a $10,000/15,000 estimate.

The variety of Tiffany went beyond the realm of glass to include a magnificent Flemish style grandfather clock with intricately carved oak case and silvered dial face. It was a great trade, going within its $20,000/40,000 estimate for $25,875. Other fine Tiffany included an unbelievable selection of bronze desk accessories in a variety of patterns such as Art Deco, Byzantine, 9th Century, Pine Needle, and more. Highlights included a Tiffany Furnaces Art Deco desk lamp with blue enamel decoration on a gold patinated base complete with a blue and green iridescent damascene shade that finished up at $14,375 (est. $12,000/15,000). And a Tiffany Furnaces bronze clock with red enamel decoration saw active bidding, hitting $7,475 within an estimate of $7,000/9,000. And something you’re not going to see everyday, a collection of architectural and design photographs that were possibly used as design and sales tools by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his employees. The collection of over 130 photographs, formerly belonging to the late Bob Ogorek brought a solid $4,140 against expectations of $1,000/1,500.

The auction continued with a vast array of rare French cameo glass that included works by several of the world’s most recognized and sought after names. Early Lalique, distinguished by the signature “R. Lalique” indicating these were done during Renee’s lifetime included an outstanding R. Lalique acanthus vase with branch and leaf decoration that brought $16,100 within expectations of $15,000/18,000.

The offering of French Cameo also featured some exceptional pieces by Daum, Galle, and Burgun & Schverer. A magnificent acid etched vase with cameo flowers and applied silver rim and foot saw much activity and finished up at $9,775 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate. An outstanding diminutive Daum vase with white cameo decoration of tranquil swans sold above its $7,500/10,000 estimate to bring $10,637. And a gorgeous acid etched and enameled with a flock of cranes in various stages of flight in tremendous detail brought midway between its $20,000/25,000 estimate to sell for $23,000.

Galle was represented by a magnificent wheel-carved vase featuring a flying grasshopper among purple and pink flowers. Its delicately carved lip accented by an engraved French inscription about crocus covered mountains along with its color and quality were certainly appealing. Worth every bit of its $8,000/12,000 estimate and then some, it finished up at $23,575. Other Galle included an outstanding iris vase in purple and blue on a creamy background that brought $8,912 against an estimate of $3,000/5,000. It was joined by a magnificent Galle mold blown vase featuring red grape clusters, vines, and leaves over a subtle amber background which sold within its $14,000/16,000 estimate for $15,812. And a mold blown vase decorated with hanging fuchsia blossoms over a rich yellow background (est. $13,000/15,000) brought $16,675.

Works by G. Argy Rousseau also performed well. Examples included an outstanding cream colored pate de verre vase featuring a wide decorative band of flowers and stylized waves. Beautifully rendered, it came to the block with an estimate of $20,000/25,000 and sold for $23,000. One of the sleepers of the sale, a pate de verre covered box found favor with its feather and floral decoration. It changed hands for $10,925 against a $5,000/6,000 estimate.

Highlights from the English Cameo department included a pair of Webb scent bottles with white cameo hydrangeas and roses over a ruby red background which brought $7,762 over expectations of $2,500/3,500. And an exceptional Webb cameo scent bottle with intricate flower and leaf decoration estimated for $3,000/4,000 brought $4,600.

Choice art glass included extraordinary and rare Steuben vases such as a rare red aurene vase with leaf and vine decoration and a gold iridescent interior. It sold within its $20,000/30,000 estimate for $21,850. A gorgeous Steuben elongated vase with ruffled rim, decorated in a peacock feather design in gold and green exceeded expectations of $10,000/15,000 to bring $16,387. One of the largest Steuben Moss Agate vases James D. Julia has had the pleasure of auctioning was a beautiful shoulder vase with flared lip awash in swirling colors of amber, brown, and green. This stunning example changed hands at $17,825, far exceeding its presale estimate of $8,000/12,000.

Quezal lovers were delighted with a number of exquisite shades and vases. Of the highlights, a squat Quezal vase with gold hooked feathers among a lightly iridized green background sold for $7,475 versus a $4,000/6,000 estimate while a footed example with green, gold, and purple hooked feathers among a stunning blue, green, and gold iridescent background sold for $6,612, over its $4,000/6,000 estimate.

The sale was rounded out by several miscellaneous pieces and over 200 lots of mini lamps and fairy lamps from a Connecticut estate including a rare rainbow satin fairy lamp with the Diamond Quilted pattern. It saw much competition, nearing the upper end of its $3,000/5,000 estimate to sell for $4,025. Another rainbow satin example, a mini lamp with ruffled rim and applied crystal highlights sold for $2,817 against a $2,500/3,500 estimate. A rare and desirable wee red nailsea fairy lamp in the swirled diamond pattern went to $2,530, more than eight times its $300/500 estimate while a translucent red mini lamp with enamel decoration brought $2,530 versus a $1,400/1,800 estimate. And a very scarce mini lamp with ribbed translucent amber and cranberry components brought $3,737 over expectations of $1,000/1,500.

A signed KPM plaque depicting a captivating seminude woman reading a book brought $4,600 against an estimate of $2,000/3,000. And a Wave Crest glove box with enameled decorations of chrysanthemums over blue satin base changed hands at $3,220 over its $400/600 estimate.

Also up for bid was an estate collection of antique paperweights (including Sandwich, Clichy, and others). Highlights of particularly strong examples included a millefiori example with closed concentric canes in a full range of color. It reached $2,587 over its $300/500 estimate. And a St. Louis paperweight with upright bouquet and faceted sides went out at $2,185 against a $400/600 estimate.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous end of summer antiques & fine art extravaganza in August at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Always the highlight of the summer auction season it will feature approximately $5 Million in spectacular merchandise. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in October. Julia’s toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will take place in Fall 2008. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine. June 28, 2008 - Anyone lamenting a soft economy these days surely hasn’t attended a Julia auction. Over the last forty years, James D. Julia Auctioneers has consistently been a leader in the auction world, handling some of the finest merchandise available. With a trend for many to pull their money from the stock market, much of their money is going toward tangible assets. As a result, the auction market is booming and Julia’s is at the forefront. Though the low and mid-range levels aren’t as strong as they once were, the upper end remains robust and is still regarded as a solid investment. And the results of Julia’s recent toy & doll auction should evaporate any concerns to the contrary, hitting over $1.1 million against a pre-auction estimate of items sold of approximately $850,000.

This time around, Julia’s offered a plethora of antique American and European tin, cast iron, and pressed steel toys as well as rare and desirable dolls, trains, scarcely seen advertising, salesman samples, and perhaps one of the largest offerings of coin-operated machinery and slots the company has handled in some time. Of this group, a fabulous Rockola World Series baseball game featuring the 1937 All Stars presented a rare opportunity. This very intricate game with great action that rivals modern technology is considered one of the finest in existence. Julia’s bidders knocked it out of the park, bidding up to $44,400 against a $35,000/40,000 estimate.

Rare coin-op proved to be a popular choice throughout the day with a variety of upright and tabletop slots, fortune machines, arcade games, and trade stimulators such as a rare and desirable Lukat the Lucky Cat. This charming full bodied figure of a reclining feline in green with gold highlights was an early lottery game in which one would pull the cat’s tail and a ticket would pop out of its mouth. If various predetermined numbers matched those found on the attached marquee, the bearer would receive free cigars. An ecstatic collector flew in from France with the sole purpose of purchasing the piece. He was not disappointed, ending up as the proud owner after a bidding battle brought it to $22,425 over its $15,000/20,000 estimate.

Other gambling pieces featured a number of dice games such as a Bally Reliance with quality restoration and great form that sold for $16,100 against a $12,500/15,000 estimate. An exceedingly rare J.J. Oaks & Son combination dice popper and cigar cutter featured an elaborate hexagonal brass base decorated with fancy floral patterns. With crossover appeal to gambling collectors as well as tobacco aficionados, it went out at $7,590 versus a $6,000/8,000 estimate. And a rare Fey dice machine trade stimulator with aluminum case sold for $9,660 against an estimate of $5,500/7,500.

For those who prefer the more ostentatious, upright slot machines included a nice selection, many of which went to a very active phone bidder. Highlights included a fabulous Caille New Century upright slot machine with music. Featuring a center roulette dial with pierced brass dial in a gorgeously carved walnut case with two side columns, intricate nickel cabriole legs, and beautiful nickel castings, it also featured a cylinder music box to add to the entertainment. This outstanding piece went out midway through its $35,000/45,000 estimate to sell for $40,250. Tabletop slot machines included a Watling Rol-a-top with its seldom found original shipping crate that sold for $7,475 over its $4,500/5,500 estimate.

Other items for the game room included a fabulous Caille Uncle Sam strength tester. Depicting the patriotic icon with arm outstretched, he challenges passersby to test their grip by shaking his hand. Interestingly enough, a Canadian buyer won out, buying it for $25,875 against a $22,500/32,500 estimate. An English horserace game entitled “Grand National” pitted one swift steed against another in a race for the finish line. Exceeding expectations of $1,500/2,500 it found the winner’s circle where it sold for $6,612. Though not a coin-operated item, a fabulous horserace gaming wheel by Evans certainly complements one’s collection. With nickel plated frame, mirrored glass inserts, and original odds counter, it sold for $9,000 surpassing its $4,500/6,500 estimate. And who could predict that a 1960s Jenko Grandma fortune teller machine would surpass its $1,000/2,000 estimate to sell for $4,312?

For those with a taste for the macabre, an English working model depicting an interior scene of a funeral parlor was a popular choice. Upon inserting one’s coin, the somber faced undertaker tends to business, and suddenly receives the shock of his life when the cadaver he thought was at rest is actually not dead at all! This wild item made a killing at $23,000, far exceeding a presale estimate of $8,000/12,000.

Coin-operated music also fared well. A Seeburg K nickelodeon with piano and xylophone within an oak case sold for $13,800 (est. $10,000/12,500) and a scarce coin-operated Stella upright 26” disc playing music box brought $16,100 against a $10,000/15,000 estimate.

The auction continued with a stellar selection of toys, dolls, and advertising items that found eager buyers from around the globe. European toys in the sale included a scarce German Moko motorcycle with its seldom seen original box. In near mint condition, it went out at $18,975, more than quadrupling its estimate of $4,000/6,000. A fine quality Marklin 1 gauge locomotive and tender with its original wooden box and accessories was a good buy at $8,912, just inside its $8,000/12,000 estimate.

Tin toys included a number of Lehmanns in great condition. A classic Man Da Rin depicting the emperor in his sedan chair being carted about by two coolies sold for $2,415 against a $1,250/1,750 estimate. A Lehmann Paddy and Pig in exceptional condition brought $1,955 versus its $1,000/1,500 estimate. A scarce tin windup motorcycle and sidecar by Paya featuring a black rider blowing a horn looked remarkably similar to the gent in Lehmann’s Tut Tut. It finished up at $4,715 against an estimate of $2,400/2,800. Other European tin windups included a near mint 10” Bing water tower boat that brought $2,160 against a $400/600 estimate. And a Hessmobile friction car in similar condition exceeded expectations of $800/1,200 to sell for $1,840.

Other toys included an outstanding Mickey Mouse cowboy doll by Knickerbocker. Difficult to improve upon the condition of this one, it sold for an impressive $4,887 against a $1,500/2,500 estimate. A 7-piece Buddy L yard train set in good original condition surpassed its estimate of $1,750/2,200 to sell for $4,715. Cast iron toys included an Arcade International panel truck in very fine all original condition that sold for $5,462 versus a $3,000/4,000 estimate. And an ever-popular, fresh-to-the-market Stevens Darktown Battery bank that combines baseball collectibles with black memorabilia sold for $9,200 against expectations of $4,500/6,500.

Japanese tin windups from the 1960s with their original boxes have become quite popular, and as always, condition is very important. Highlights included a futuristic King Jet friction racer that brought $2,160 (est. $1,200/1,800).

Toys of a slightly more primitive nature were also offered, reminding us of a simpler time. A large lot of German composition and carved wood zoo animals with virtual miniature acres of habitats and cages saw very active bidding, finishing up at $6,612 against expectations of $1,000/1,500. A 20th Century German circus wagon with its own herd of animals ignored its estimate of $250/350 to sell for $3,162. Other European delights included various teddy bears by Steiff including an exceptional 20” “Cone” bear, so named for its cone-shaped nose that sold for $4,800 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate. These joined a collection of Schoenhut Circus animals as well as a rare large sized Schoenhut horse known as “Wunderblitz”. This jointed beast was the largest the company ever produced and interest was intense, bringing a final price of $10,925.

A splendid selection of dolls was also offered including fine French fashions, googlies, and French and German bisques such as a charming cabinet size 11” Depose Jumeau E4J with deep blue paperweight eyes and a ball jointed composition body (est. $4,000/5,000) that sold for $9,775. A 17” first series Portrait Jumeau with spiral blue paperweight eyes, mauve eye shadowing, and her original 8-ball joined body sold within her $10,000/15,000 estimate for $12,650. And an all-original Bru fashion doll including her original fully articulated wooden body and delicate cotton gauze dress brought the midpoint of her $7,000/9,000 estimate, selling for $8,050.

Outstanding German characters included a rare 17” Armand Marseilles “Fany” with blue glass eyes and a realistic pouty expression. She came to the block with a $7,000/9,000 estimate and changed hands at $10,925. A rare Armand Marseilles 345 character child with intaglio cut eyes and the most captivating expression sold above her $2,500/3,500 estimate for $6,612. A rare pair of Heubach bicyclist figurines with exceptional detail rolled in with a $3,000/5,000 estimate and sold for $3,450. One may consider a wailing baby doll to be unsightly, but there’s something about a 12” OIC “Screamer” that appealed to many collectors. With wide open mouth and half closed eyes, this pitiful infant brought $1,840 against an $800/1,200 estimate.

Helping to round out the sale was a wide variety of choice antique advertising items. Topping the list was a fabulous pair of papier-mâché full-bodied crouching tigers with their original cage crates. Most likely store displays for Learbury Clothiers of Syracuse, New York, the pair roared past their $4,000/6,000 estimate to finish up at $17,250.

Soda related items have long been a popular subject matter among collectors. Included were some wonderful Coca-Cola signs, calendars, and trays. Collectors were able to overlook condition for rarity with a 1902 paper sign depicting a Victorian woman wearing a plumed hat while enjoying a 5 cent glass of America’s favorite beverage. One of only a few known to exist, it went out at $9,200 versus expectations of $9,000/11,000. A 9” 1903 serving tray featuring early opera star Hilda Clark surrounded by a swath of chrysanthemums sold for $3,565 over its $2,000/3,000 estimate. Other soda advertising included an exceedingly rare paper poster for Dr. Pepper. The company showed that their beverage can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, even a lion on the African savannah. The king of beasts promoting the “King of Beverages” brought $6,000 against a $6,000/8,000 estimate. While most really spectacular things tend to see lots of action and bring strong prices, not everything is always a winner. One significant surprise was the extraordinary Dr. Pepper paper sign with a beautiful Victorian lady. This near mint colorful graphic depicting a brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty with large straw bonnet sipping a glass of Dr. Pepper estimated at $12,500/15,500 surprisingly failed to find a home and went unsold.

Other advertising highlights included an extremely scarce 1896 calendar for Daisy air rifles. Depicting two lads in a skiff testing their marksmanship on some passing birds, this bright stone lithographed illustration went out at $8,050 against a $7,000/9,000 estimate. A rare Humphrey’s veterinary cabinet with oak case and molded painted composition horse head front panel sold within its $6,500/7,500 estimate for $7,187. And a wonderful Western Union Edison stock ticker with its original dome, coming from the family of a former employee of Western Union, sold for $9,200 against expectations of $6,000/8,000.

Salesman samples were created by companies throughout the 19th and 20th centuries who wished to show prospective clients their product line without the hassle of carting around a full-sized example. The creation of these samples allowed the individuals to show the features of their merchandise in every detail, sparing their backs in the process. In recent years Julia’s has been extremely successful selling salesman samples. This sale offered a varied selection of these pieces including some agricultural and construction machines. In particular, horse drawn road graders included two examples by Adams, featuring intricate gear mechanisms that smoothly adjust the height, angle, and pitch of the blade on the fly. One example even retained its original carrying case. They sold for $16,800 and $16,675 within their respective $15,000/17,000 estimates. Other heavy equipment included two different sickle bar mowers. An example by the famed Adriance company, predominantly constructed of brass and steel retaining its original wood crate sold for $8,050 against an estimate of $4,000/8,000 while Walter Woods’ version in brass and wood brought $9,775 against an estimate of $4,000/6,000.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous end of summer antiques & fine art extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Always the highlight of the summer auction season it will feature over $5 million in spectacular merchandise. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in October. Julia’s next toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will take place in November. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more. information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, May 10, 2008. - The auction firm of James D. Julia recently held their spring antiques and fine art auction, receiving high marks on many of the first-rate objects. In recent months there has been concern about the impact of the economy and rising fuel prices on the collectibles market. This auction clearly reaffirms that while the middle market may show some softness, the upper end of the market continues to be extraordinarily strong and vibrant. The one-day auction consisted of over 350 works of art, and 350 pieces of early furniture, nautical pieces, and all sorts of regional Americana, hitting a final tally of just over $1.1 Million.

A session devoted to a sturdy offering of American and European paintings was highlighted by a spectacular oil on canvas by Daniel Ridgeway Knight depicting a beautiful young maiden in her rose garden. An interesting point is that the maiden is the very subject of a different work entitled “At the Well” by Knight that Julia’s sold in 2005. Fresh from a New England home, this work changed hands at $172,500 against expectations of $75,000/125,000.

Renowned painter of hunting and sporting scenes Edmund Osthaus was represented by an outstanding oil on canvas of dogs retrieving a game bird among an autumn landscape. In untouched original condition it came to the block with a $20,000/40,000 estimate and fetched a solid $51,750. Known for an entirely different genre, Norman Rockwell, whose sketch for “The Pharmacist” depicting a balding druggist carefully measuring became the cover illustration for the Saturday Evening Post in 1939. It hit $12,650 against an estimate of $10,000/15,000.

A wide variety of schools known for portrayals of coastal life were popular among buyers. William Glackens whose works are no stranger to Julia’s included a colorful pastel scene showing several figures enjoying the summertime shoreline. It neared mid-estimate, selling for $17,250. And a large oil on canvas work attributed to William Moore Davis depicting men in a fishing boat on a choppy sea reeled in $9,775 against a $9,000/12,000 estimate. There were even a few bargains to be had for the perceptive and quick of paddle. Works included those of the Hudson River and Rockport-Gloucester schools such as contemporary Rockport-Gloucester artist Thomas Nicholas. His large oil on canvas wharf scene entitled “Gloucester Afternoon” captured the essence of coastal New England. It was a great trade for one astute bidder at $20,700 on a $25,000/35,000 estimate. The French’s take on coastal illustrations came with Theodore Rousseau’s oil on canvas scene of two sailboats navigating along a rocky beach. It sold at the upper end of its $20,000/30,000 estimate for $28,750.

Back on land, masterful mountainous scenes saw active bidding. An outstanding landscape by Hermann Herzog showing the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn peaks and a valley farm in the foreground exceeded expectations of $10,000/15,000 to sell for $21,850. And a panoramic landscape of the Adirondacks by Henry Boese brought $11,500, above its $8,000/10,000 presale estimate.

Other American artists included great works by Guy Wiggins whose snowy cityscapes show a little slice of New York City. Assorted pedestrians and various vehicles make it through another chilling storm, making us happy our most recent seemingly endless winter is finally behind us. One such scene entitled “Central Park” sold for $22,425 within its estimate of $20,000/30,000. And a pair of still life’s of fruit and flowers attributed to Severin Roesen sold for $12,650 and 12,075, each within their $10,000/15,000 estimates.

Also worthy of mention is a tall oil on canvas nude by Belgian artist Emile Baes showing the subject pictured back to, peering out a window that overlooks lush greenery, which sold for $6,612 against a $4,500/6,500 estimate. And one of the sleepers in the sale was a mountainside village scene attributed to French artist Andrew Lhote that surpassed expectations of $1,000/2,000 to finish up at $4,887.

The auction opened with a fabulous array of folk art, Oriental porcelain and rugs, a mix of American and English furniture, and accessories galore. It was the rare and unusual that seemed to receive the most attention. A fantastic continental Rococo revival carved corner étagère imbued with carved dragons and a bird of paradise supported by a winged female creature with goat legs more than tripled its expectations of $4,500/5,000 to sell for $16,100.

Other unique finds included an arts & crafts style American carved oak figural wall clock by the Michigan Chair Company depicting three minstrels. Having descended through the family of Old Mr. Boston distillery, it found a new home when it sold above its $1,500/2,500 estimate for $3,680. A fine life-size marble statue from the late 19th Century of a robed female with flowing garments so realistically carved, one would swear they were actual fabric. From a fine home in Belfast, Maine, it went out at $5,750 versus expectations of $3,000/5,000.

Other items of interest included a framed collection of 45 American military uniform buttons including early New England infantry and cavalry buttons as well as rare voluntary militia buttons. This outstanding grouping sold for $9,200, ignoring is $2,000/3,000 estimate. Synonymous with wealth and sophistication, a fine Louis Vuitton travel trunk with its trademark brown and gold pattern decoration sold for $4,600 within expectations of $2,000/6,000. A violin from 1630 and marked by the maker sold for $8,337, several octaves above its $1,000/2,000 estimate. And a blue decorated salt glazed 3-gallon stoneware jug (est. $800/1,200) saw much competition, finally selling for $3,450.

For underneath it all, Julia’s offered a sizeable selection of Oriental rugs. A 19th Century serape carpet from northwest Persia with a blue black indigo medallion among pale turquoise lotus blossoms and stylized leaves sold for $8,050 against a $1,500/3,000 estimate. Its mate, a Heriz Oriental carpet with ivory spandrels, vinery, and latticework border surpassed expectations of $1,000/2,000 to bring $4,600. An unbelievable Mahajaran Sarouk palace carpet, circa 1910, with rich wine red field filled with intricate vinery and floral decoration throughout its massive 25 feet length was the bargain of the day. It went out at $22,425 against a $30,000/40,000 estimate.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their toy, doll, and coin-op auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction each taking place in June. Their next antiques & fine art auction is their annual extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine August 26-28. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in October, offering approximately $10 Million in rare antique firearms including an important recent discovery of a historical Colt martial Walker pistol, the finest known to exist. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Once again James D. Julia Auctioneers of Fairfield Maine established a new benchmark for the highest grossing firearms auction in history! This new record of $12.7 million attained with only 1,270 lots exceeds their October 2007 record of $11.235 million, which exceeded their previous world record of $9.2 million.

A huge crowd was in attendance at the Julia Spring Firearms auction Monday March 10th and Tuesday March 11th. Some had flown in on their own private jets to attend this fabulous extravaganza of firearms. And judging from the prices it appeared that no one was disappointed with what was offered.

The two-day sale, conducted on March 10th & 11th included a number of notable collections and an extraordinary diversity of rarity and quality, beginning with the collection of the late Bruce Stern of Connecticut. Mr. Stern was a passionate, lifelong collector of 20th Century military and was also a strong advocate of 2nd Amendment rights and a staunch supporter of the NRA. His military auction started off with 100 of his Class III weapons. Billed as the largest offering of Class III weapons offered anywhere in recent years, the Stern Collection was Julia’s initiation in the marketing of collectible Class III weapons. This collection, well known throughout North America, included a number of great rarities and resulted in tremendous interest from all over North America and fierce bidding throughout the collection. A Rheinmetall Germany FG42, Second Model machine gun was not only a choice example but also one of only a few currently known in this country. It carried a presale estimate of $50,000-$90,000 but saw tremendous bidding competition and ended up at $149,500. There were a great number of rarities within the Class III, many of them bringing far above their estimate. A rare and outstanding Johnson Model 1944 light machine gun, carrying a presale estimate of $10,000-$15,000 flew to $74,750. A British Sten MKI sub machine gun, estimated at $7,000-$9,000 brought $32,000. A U.S. Browning machine gun, cal .50M2HB, manufactured by Colt and estimated at $29,000-$39,000 sold for a final price of $51,750.

In addition to Class III weapons, the Stern collection included a number of other military firearms including a rare Borschardt Patent Model 1893 semi-automatic pistol. This outstanding cased example is a representative of one of the first successful semi-automatic pistols made. It carried a presale estimate of $30,000-$40,000 but went out at $51,750. A rare Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety, USN, estimated at $9,000-$13,000, sold for $21,850.

Extremely rare prototypes included a pre-WWII experimental semi-auto Japanese military rifle, SN 8 and cal. 6.5 carrying a presale estimate of $7,500-$12,500; it went out for a final bid price of $23,000. An extensive collection of sniper rifles, most from WWII included a Mauser 98K Shot Rail Sniper Rifle with sling and bayonet, estimated at $5,000-$7,500 and sold for a final bid price of $24,150. Late in the Second World War, the Germans, with most of their factories destroyed, had little capability of producing firearms and one of their last efforts was a crudely made semi automatic rifle known as the VG5 C. This example estimated at $12,000-$15,000 went out for a final price of $31,050. An unusual Swiss Mondragon Model 1908 Military Issue Semi-Auto Rifle, estimated at $2,500-$4,000 sold for $27,600. During the early part of the twentieth century, a man named Pedersen invented a device that could be mounted on a normal bolt-action rifle converting it to a semi-automatic rifle that came to be known as the Pedersen Device. An ultra rare US Model 1918 Mark 1 Pedersen Device from the Stern Collection, together with a few boxes of cartridges was estimated at $20,000-$30,000 but sold for $60,250.

The afternoon session consisted of an extraordinary array of high grade shotguns and one of the finest assemblages of American shotguns the Julia firm has offered to date. The very first lot was an extraordinary rare L.C. Smith grade 16 ga shotgun. Only two of these exquisite shotguns were ever made, this being the finest example in existence. It carried a presale estimate of $225,000-$275,000 and went out at $235,750. Also extremely rare was an L.C. Smith deluxe grade gold inlaid 20 ga., estimated at $125,000-$175,000; it sold for $138,000. A rare and high grade L.C. Smith hammer drilling carried a presale estimate of $8,000-$12,000 and sold for $28,750. An outstanding A.H. Fox CE grade 2 bbl set estimated at $20,000-$25,000 brought $31,625. A group of rare Ithaca’s included the very scarce Ithaca NID 7E grade side by side estimated at $27,500-$37,500 that sold for $28,750. An extraordinary factory custom Winston Churchill engraved Jerry Fisher stock Winchester model 21 shotgun 2 bbl set estimated at $30,000-$50,000 brought $74,750. An extremely beautiful and rare royal grade Thomas Bland & Sons rifle estimated at $40,000-$60,000 went out at $69,000. A fabulous engraved Bertuzzi side by side 12 ga estimated at $25,000-$35,000 sold for $40,000. And a lovely LeBeau Courally pigeon gun 12 ga was estimated at $15,000-$30,000 and finally sold for $40,000. A number of Brownings included a spectacular custom Churchill/Fisher cased Browning superposed shotgun estimated at $10,000-$20,000, which brought $ 21,850.

The second day began with an outstanding collection of single shot rifles, many of which came from the collection of the late Ron Kiser. A cased Daniel Frasier side lever single shot dropping block 303 rifle with original scope estimated at $7,000-$10,000 brought $17,250. An extremely rare and beautiful one of a kind engraved Harry Pope Fugger engraved Ballard single shot target rifle was estimated at $10,000-15,000 and went out at $21,275. An extremely rare Sharps extra heavy model 1874 target rifle estimated at $20,000-$30,000 realized $25,300.

Once again Julia’s had rounded up a spectacular array of Winchesters. Out in front was the extraordinary rare and important Ulrich deep relief engraved deluxe Winchester model 66 lever action from the Hank Vogel collection. It’s believed the gun was displayed at the Philadelphia exhibition of 1876 and has been illustrated in various books. Carrying a presale estimate of $275,000-$375,000, it sold for a final bid price of $322,000. A rare Hoggson engraved model 1860 Henry lever action rifle also from the Vogel collection estimated at $75,000-$100,000 brought $97,750. A rare and beautiful restored Winchester 1873, one of one thousand estimated at $40,000-$70,000 sold for $66,125. A recently discovered beautiful rare factory gold and nickel engraved Winchester 1866 deluxe lever action rifle estimated at $40,000-$70,000 brought $63,250. Many of the Winchesters were in a spectacular original condition such as the Winchester 1886 Musket with brilliant case hardening and finish estimated at $28,000-$30,000 brought a strong $45,000. A wonderful little factory engraved Winchester model 1890 deluxe pump with scope estimated at $5,000-$10,000 went out at $37,950.

Another recent discovery was as extremely rare engraved presentation Colt model 1855 full stock sporting revolving rifle in 44 cal. The workmen of Col. Colt’s Armory in Hartford, CT had presented this fabulous gun decorated by the renowned engraver Nimschke.” The gun carried a presale estimate of $30,000-$60,000 but shot through to double the high estimate at $126,500. The second day also included an extraordinary assortment of Colts. The ultra rare and spectacular presentation Glahn engraved gold plated Single Action Army revolver carried a presale estimate of $150,000-$200,000 went to a collector at $155,250. From the same collection an exceedingly rare Eugene Young factory engraved gold and nickel Frontier Six shooter estimated at $150,000-$300,000 brought $172,500. The third lot from this same private collection was an extraordinary, rare and desirable pair of engraved and inscribed silver plated Colt Single Action Army revolvers. In spectacular condition with little or no previous use they went out at $195,500. A fine Cuno Helfrecht engraved Colt Single Action Revolver, because of its age and the fine engraving, it had been cataloged with a presale estimate of $12,500-$25,000. However, before the auction Julia’s lead consultant, J.R. LaRue, discovered that the gun had actually been used in the famous Johnson County cattle range wars in Wyoming in the late 1800s. The checklist of guns turned in by the various gunslingers that took part in this famous western altercation showed this very Serial No. 102242 as being one of the guns turned in, and thus shot to over double its high estimate to $63,250. An extraordinary nearly new martially marked Colt Calvary Single Action Army revolver estimated at $ 75,000-$100,000 went out at $97,750. Even great holsters were bringing fabulous prices an extraordinarily rare F.A. Meanea double loop single action Colt holster estimated at $12,000-$17,000 was the subject of a fierce bidding battle and finally selling at $24,150. A magnificent case Gustav Young engraved presentation Colt model 1851 navy revolver was a beautiful presentation weapon, complete, cased, and with all the accessories. It was estimated at $100,000-$175,000, and sold for $105,000. Another exciting lot was an outstanding cased Colt revolver with accessories at one time the property of E.O. Perrin (compliments of Col. Colt). Perrin lived an exciting life and during the Civil War was dispatched to New Mexico where he served with the famous Kit Carson arranging for supplies for the Union Army. This revolver together with a group of ephemera including a photo of Perrin with the famous Kit Carson was estimated at $30,000-$45,000 and went out at $69,000. A spectacular condition Colt model 1851 Navy Revolver estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold for $43,125. Coming from a direct descendant of a famous Mexican War and Civil War hero was a historic period State of New Jersey case presentation sword with battle honors and presidential commissions including Abraham Lincoln signed documents to a hero of Monterey and a brave Union Officer killed in action: Nathanial Beakes Rossell 5th Reg. U.S. Infantry. This exquisite sword estimated at $ 30,000-$45,000 saw a tremendous amount of competition and ended up at $66,125. A very important historical Civil War lot including a cased Civil War sword, numerous commissions including Abraham Lincoln signed documents and much more all from the property of famous Turner Maine Civil War Brigadier General Ruffis Ingalls. Ingalls was quarter master of the Army of the Potomac and one of the most famous quarter masters in the mid-19th century. This fabulous historic lot associated with a famous Maine ancestor brought $40,250.

Included in a select offering of Civil War items was a wonderful New Hampshire captured Confederate Flag that went out at $95,000. An exceedingly rare captured Confederate drum with period notation on the skin head was estimated at $10,000-$15,000 and went out at $20,700. During the early 19th century slave owners in Charleston and formerly Charleston Neck could rent out their slaves for a daily wage. But each slave offered in this manner had to be fitted with a copper slave tag purchased from the town fathers identifying the slave’s specialty, such as carpenter, house servant, etc. Slave tags are much reproduced, but this lot, a spectacular offering, was all genuine. 10 of the 13 had been dug up by a single well-known excavator and the collection was one of the largest groupings of slave tags ever offered in one lot. It carried a presale estimate of $85,000-$95,000 and sold for $184,000. A small collection of scrimshawed powder horns from the David Galliher collection featured a spectacular Revolutionary War Map Horn estimated at $ 3,500-$5,500 and sold for $6,900. A grouping of Indian related items included a rare Plains Indian ghost dance. The beautiful Catlin bowl inlaid with lead or pewter featured the Ghost Dance Thunderbird, and sold for just under $11,000. An exceedingly rare and outstanding Peter White relief carved Kentucky rifle estimated at $50,000-$75,000 went out at $63,250. Also featured in the sale was a fabulous offering of Philadelphia guns from the collection of Ron Gabel. Mr. Gabel renowned as one of the foremost Kentucky rifle experts today had collected the Philadelphia guns for much of his lifetime and is currently in the process of writing a definitive book on Philadelphia guns and their makers. This offering from the Gabel collection featured many rare Philadelphia makers. A supreme cased John Krider double bbl shotgun estimated at $8,000-$12,000 went out at $18,400, and a beautiful cased set of American percussion dueling pistols by Robertson estimated at $25,000-$50,000 went out at $42,550. Also from the well known Robert Sadler collection was a pair of exceptional matched Kunz (Kuntz) Kentucky pistols estimated at $50,000-$100,000. They brought a little over the midrange at $80,500. Kentucky pistols are exceedingly beautiful and rare, but matched pairs are extraordinarily rare. A model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol also from the Sadler collection went out at $16,000. The only known 1822 dated model 1816 Harpers Ferry model flint lock Musket included its pattern tools. This rare example complete with tools sold for $36,800. A fine U.S. Model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol, according to documentation, at one time belonged to Lewis Benedict Eader. Documentation indicated that Eader acted as an escort to General Lafayette during the General’s visit to Frederick, MD in 1825. The pistol carried a presale estimate of $25,000-$35,000 and went out for $43,125.

The sale concluded with a small interesting grouping of Patent models relating to firearms. One such Patent model included was a rare wood and brass Patent Model by Colonel Laidley, which sold for $1,265. The Julia auction not only broke a record for the largest grossing firearms auction ever held in the world but the 1,270 lots, which realized $12,700.000 averaged out to $10,000 per lot, the highest per sale average of any firearms auction EVER. Preceding the Julia firearms auction, Monday and Tuesday was the Poulin auction sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The sale of approximately 1,500+ lots included over a thousand items from the famous Bruce Stern collection-representing phase I. Their auction house located only 50 yards from the Julia Auction house was flush with activity over the three day period and ended up at $1.5 million, thus the combined total of the Julia auction and the Poulin auction in Fairfield Maine for that short duration of time resulted in $14.2 million worth of firearms sale, and extraordinary achievement. More details on this auction can be had by contacting James D. Julia or visiting their web site at www.juliaauctions.com. Julia’s next auction is a fine art antiques auction scheduled to take place in May at their Fairfield facility. Julia’s next firearms auction will take place in October 2008 and will be preceded by the Poulin auction company’s second phase of the famous Bruce Stern collection of Military items. Details regarding James D. Julia auctions can be obtained by contacting them by phone at 207-453-7125, or by fax (207) 453-2502 and via the internet. Details about the Poulin auction company and their sales, contact them at (207) 453-2114 or online at www.poulinantiques.com.

Fairfield, Maine, January 31-February 2, 2008. - Who says all the good finds are gone, or you just can’t find it locally? These people have obviously never been to a Julia auction. Over the last forty years James D. Julia, Inc. has continued to be a tremendous force in the auction industry, continually offering an impressive diversity of rare antiques and hidden treasures. And when the quality goods come out, so do the bidders. Perhaps in anticipation of President Bush’s economic stimulus plan, Julia’s most recent antiques and fine art auction was their largest winter sale to date, grossing nearly $2.9 million. Assembled from various collections and estates from across North America, it featured the Estate of Jane Stradley of Kemblesville, Pennsylvania and Princess Anne, Maryland and selections from the Heldenbrand Estate of South Portland, Maine.

One of the most noteworthy nautical finds to come out of Maine (or anywhere for that matter) in many years was an exceedingly rare American pilot chart book from 1794. The book is one of the first editions produced detailing the Eastern Seaboard from the West Indies to Newfoundland. Single charts from this edition surface on occasion, but an entire chart book is nearly impossible to find. Discovered recently in a coastal Maine home, it created a buzz in the collecting community. It quickly became apparent that its $50,000/100,000 estimate was going to be trampled. Then came the seemingly unending bidding war between an attendee and several phone bidders. The unassuming gent in the audience quietly but deliberately advanced the bids to a final selling price of $408,250 amid thunderous applause.

Sometimes it just takes the proper promotion and elegant presentation for which Julia’s is renowned to send something through the roof. Case in point was an English Chippendale painted and carved chest of drawers. Circa 1760, it featured hand painted flowers on a faux tortoiseshell background with relief carved base and gilt pierced scrollwork feet. The consignor, who was in attendance at the sale, had had it in his shop for nearly half a year without it getting a second look. Offered with an $8,000/15,000 estimate at Julia’s it caught the eye of several American and European collectors, ultimately going to a phone bidder willing to pay $155,250.

This second of three sessions was a fabulous array of folk art, Mid-Atlantic and Early American furniture, Oriental rugs, marine paintings, nautical pieces, and accessories galore. Of the fine furniture, an exceptional Delaware River Valley Queen Anne cherry bonnet top highboy was a beauty. Circa 1770, it featured a molded cornice, three urn-spire finials, and central fan-carved drawer. In beautiful condition, it sold for $28,750 against expectations of $15,000/25,000. Other highboys included a Massachusetts Queen Anne inlaid burled walnut two-part example of the same vintage. It featured a secret drawer above the upper case, cross-banded drawers with matched figured walnut panels, and bandy cabriole legs. This gorgeous piece was a great buy at $12,650 versus a $10,000/16,000 estimate. A professionally and faithfully restored American Chippendale curly maple slant lid desk brought $4,485 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate.

An unusual Continental beech table from the late 18th Century that doubled as a chair with a flip of the top was a surprise. It finished up at more than eight times its $1,500 low estimate to bring $12,075. Of a nautical flavor was a China trade inlaid camphor ship’s desk from a Calais, Maine Estate. Circa 1840, this lovely example of the period, likely made in Canton or Hong Kong, was expected to sell for $3,000/5,000 and changed hands at $5,750. The following day, arts and craft furniture included a pair of signed Gustave Stickley oak Morris chairs. On a mission to reach $4,000/6,000, they fetched a phenomenal $20,700.

As with every auction, there were even a few bargains to be had for the astute bidder, just to keep things interesting. A fine Pennsylvania Chippendale pine corner cupboard circa 1840 was a thrilling find for one bidder who was able to get it for a mere $1,725, well below its $4,000/6,000 estimate. And a Pennsylvania Queen Anne figured walnut chest on frame was a good buy at $4,025 (est. $5,000/8,000). There was even a handful of items that failed to find a buyer such as a magnificent American bronze figural sundial by Edward Berge. Depicting a young boy kneeling to kiss a little doll, it exhibits delightful detail, realism, and a marvelous verdigris patina. Originally acquired in the early 1920s by a family in Massachusetts, it remained with them until its recent consignment to Julia’s.

The first session was devoted to of one of the finer offerings of American and European paintings to hit the market in some time, meeting with great enthusiasm. A fine oil on board Venetian scene by Jane Peterson showing a gondolier leisurely paddling through the famed canals was very well received. This fine piece ignored its $15,000/25,000 to sell for $66,125. A large oil on canvas nighttime scene by fellow American artist Mauritz Frederik De Haas depicted various boats docked for the night while several fishermen bring in the evening’s catch under the moonlit sky. This outstanding piece more than tripled its $10,000/15,000 estimate bringing $34,500. Robert Gwathmey’s “Autumn Bouquet”, a still life of dried fall flowers in a silver water pitcher, was once housed in the famed Robert Lang collection. It saw active bidding to the level of $18,400, within its $15,000/25,000 estimate.

Other highlights included a marvelous oil on canvas street scene by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Depicting various provincial women in a European flower market in the town square, this piece created by the man whose name is synonymous with “quality” far surpassed expectations of $6,000/8,000 to settle in at $39,100. A stunningly realistic scene by Harry Culmer of a rock lined brook winding through the dappled sunlight of a dense forest grabbed one’s attention and wouldn’t let go. Therefore it was no surprise when it hit $23,000 against a $5,000/10,000 estimate. And an outstanding oil on canvas landscape showing four figures crossing a tree-lined river in a small boat at sunset sold for $21,850, well exceeding its estimate of $5,000/10,000.

European art also fared well, specifically an oil on mahogany panel scene by 19th Century Dutch artist Wouter Verschuur. Depicting three stout workhorses being led through a stream, pulling a cart laden with quarry rocks, it sold for $46,000 against a $20,000/30,000 estimate. A candidate for careful restoration was an unsigned old master portrait on wood panel. Perhaps depicting the Virgin Mary being crowned by an angel with a laurel wreath exceeded expectations of $1,000/2,000 to bring a heavenly $12,650.

Various American schools were represented including Hudson River, Rockport-Gloucester, and others. Major draws at Julia’s art auctions have long been works by fellow New Englanders, particularly those of the Rockport-Gloucester school. Artists like Anthony Thieme and Emile Gruppe consistently realize strong prices. From the latter was an oil on canvas scene entitled “Covered Bridge in Vermont”, a winter village scene of a river winding through a field and under a covered bridge. Expected to sell for $16,000/20,000, it changed hands at $23,000. His oil on canvas entitled “The Clamer” showing two men and a small motorboat landing on a beach brought $14,950 against an estimate of $12,000/16,000. And a three-quarter view portrait of the schooner Henry Ford in full sale by Gruppe sold for $17,250, above expectations of $12,000/16,000. Anthony Thieme’s “Motif #1” showing Rockport harbor in the foggy morning hours sold at the upper end of its $20,000/30,000 estimate for $28,750 while his oil on masonite scene of St. Augustine, Florida brought $13,225 (est. $6,000/8,000).

Works of Maine scenes by Cape Anne artists included a large harbor scene by William Lester Stevens showing a fishing shack, several boats, and lobster traps. Representing one of this artist’s finest works, it sold for $19,550, surpassing its estimate of $8,000/12,000. Also included was Thomas Nicholas whose outstanding “Harbor at Port Clyde, ME” depicted two men working on a red skiff among various lobster traps, outbuildings, and other seaside elements. Commissioned by Robert Slack, it fell within its $8,000/12,000 estimate to bring $10,350. From the Heldenbrand Estate, Maine artist Thomas Nadeau’s oil on board illustration of a weathered barn was the original work for a Downeast magazine cover from 1974. Combining provenance with the global yet quintessentially Maine publication, it sold for $8,337 versus a pre-auction estimate of $3,000/4,000.

The selection of modern art continued with great diversity and included some important finds. From a private Portland, Maine home came a limited edition print by Pop Art icon Andy Warhol of the Mobil Gas Pegasus. It sold for $29,900 within its $22,500/32,500 estimate.

Charming folk art once again proved to be popular. Highlights included an outstanding oversize copper eagle weathervane from the Dr. Ladd Heldenbrand Estate. The full bodied weathervane, depicting a graceful and very detailed spread-winged eagle perched on a large ball, was a prized possession of Dr. Ladd Heldenbrand who rescued it from the raising of the Morrill House in Portland, Maine. Being the largest weathervane of its type Julia’s has had the pleasure to offer, it sold for $23,575, exceeding its estimate of $10,000/20,000. Other noteworthy folk art pieces included an important and rare Captain Hosea C. Wyman Civil War Baltimore Album quilt. Decorated with fourteen border square panels and a large central panel having a five-pointed star along with various military and naval images, it was a good buy at $13,800, selling within its $10,000/20,000 estimate. Made by the Captain’s wife in 1863 and handed down through the family to the present consignor it remained in outstanding condition with strong brilliant color. A delightful pair of folk art portraits of two Rhode Island children that descended through the family came to the block with a $600/800 estimate and ultimately brought $4,887. And a pastel and crayon bust portrait by David Miller of a Sioux brave from around the mid-20th Century was apparently a must have for the bidder willing to pay $2,300 against expectations of $100/200.

To complete one’s lavish décor, Julia’s offered one of the best selections of Oriental rugs the firm has handled in many years. Of the various Persians, room size and scatters, tribal and Caucasians, the group was highlighted by an exceptional Lavar Kirman room size Persian carpet with dense polychrome floral and cypress tree decoration in a pleasing muted palette. Circa 1900 and in very fine condition, it sold at the upper end of its $12,000/15,000 estimate for $14,375. And a fine Sarouk prayer rug from the same period showing a large central floral spray flanked by vertical columns and a floral border. It brought $5,175 versus a $2,000/4,000 estimate.

Miscellaneous items included an exceedingly rare and important Yale Wonder Clock. Combining elements of coin-op arcade, gambling, trade stimulators, with a disc playing music box, it is one of precious few in existence. Coming from a private Maryland collection, having spent the last 30 years there, it was fresh to the market and sold for $86,250 within an estimate of $75,000/125,000. Other miscellaneous items included a marvelous Currier & Ives lithograph depicting the great fire of Chicago in 1871. Filled with breathtaking imagery and vibrant colors, it made ashes of its $2,000/4,000 estimate, ultimately selling for $18,400. Hard to believe it was originally purchased in 1914 for $25! A 1958 Jaguar Mark I sedan from a Rhode Island estate with only 8,200 original miles was a great find and perhaps even a better buy. This beauty sold for $13,225 within a $12,000/16,000 estimate. And speaking of finds, a wonderful Black Forest figural carved bear smoking stand from the late 19th Century was purchased in a local thrift shop for a mere $80 and managed to realize $2,070, giving hope to all those out there hoping for that great find.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their important March firearms & military memorabilia auction, which will feature a vast array of rare antique firearms and will include collection of 20th Century military weapons from the late Bruce Stern, superb Colts, outstanding Winchesters, and a collection of rare Philadelphia guns from the Ron Gabel and Robert Sadler collections. Julia’s next antiques & fine arts auction will be in May. Also on deck is a fine lamp & glass sale, and a toy, doll, & antique advertising auction in June. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@jamesdjulia.com.