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Fairfield, Maine, August 25-27, 2010. ~ For over two decades in their illustrious 40+ year history, James D. Julia, Inc. has marked the end of summer with the biggest and best antique & fine art auctions the state of Maine has ever seen. Renowned for assembling vibrant, quality sales in a variety of categories, James D. Julia Auctioneers once again presented one of their finest offerings of art, folk art, furniture, and quality antiques to date. This weeklong auction event featured selections from private and prominent collections and estates from across the United States. Auctions remain the best method of marketing collections of quality goods. There is still most certainly a vibrant market for fresh-to-the-market quality antiques that are conservatively estimated as this auction proved. A truly exceptional and rare grouping of 17 silk trade banners from the Maine Mechanics Charitable Association was one instance of a spectacular find. These special hand painted silk trade banners were made to illustrate the various trade groups represented in the Maine association. The association, which was linked with similar groups in other States, was perhaps the oldest union established in North America. These guilds originated in the late 18th Century in Massachusetts with Paul Revere as the first president. Each year a special parade would take place and members (blacksmiths, shipbuilders, printers, masons, butchers, etc.) would carry these banners representing their trade. Decorated with fabulous folk art depictions of their trade on one side and a clever printed statement about the trade on the reverse, they were true glances into American history. After an active tête-à-tête, the grouping realized $125,350 (just inside its $125,000-225,000 aggregate estimate). The price was exciting news but the buyer and the circumstances of purchase were even more newsworthy. The winning bidder was Richard D’Abate, Executive Director of the Maine Historical Society. D’Abate represented a consortium of many Maine historical institutions. Maine historical institutions are of course experiencing the same financial restrictions that most historical institutions are experiencing across the country. However, to their great credit, over the past years they have become known for their tremendous innovation and creativity. This purchase exemplified the extent of their innovation. D’Abate, together with some of the other institution heads, recognized the significance and importance of these magnificent trade banners, and for weeks prior to the auction hashed out an unprecedented approach to their acquisition. There is strength in numbers and the institutions as a group realized that if they worked together, consolidating their resources, they would have the best opportunity of acquiring and retaining the banners. Their plan included an eventual program that would share the rights to display them amongst the various institutions that participated. Their success met with great adulation among the crowd when it was announced that they had won the banners. It is suspected this may not be the last time this innovative idea is utilized and that institutions in other states may follow suit in the future to compete in this new economy. Day One of this sale kicked off with approximately 700 works of art including American, European, and Russian artists in a variety of genres. Of particular interest to art collectors the world over was a selection of works from a Boston estate in the manner of the Old Masters. Included was an interior scene showing Caesar visiting the tomb of Alexander. It exceeded expectations of $5,000-8,000 to sell for $39,100. Also hitting the $39,100 mark and likewise well surpassing its estimate was a large oil on canvas scene entitled “Family of Darius Before Alexander” depicting a Roman centurion receiving a family who appears to be showing great appreciation for him. A three-quarter portrait of St. John the Baptist after Guercino with classical styling decapitated its $4,000-6,000 estimate to bring $33,350. And a lot of two monumental religious portraits representing important 16th Century Roman figures, St. Filippo Neri and Pope Pius V, were likely 18th Century renderings after Andrea Sacchi. The pair ascended beyond a $5,000-8,000 estimate to finish up at $12,075. Other European works included a large trophy scene by Dutch artist Jan Weenix the Younger that shows a young well dressed hunter after a successful day in the forest standing in front of his haul. It sold for $41,400 against an estimate of $35,000-50,000. Sir Henry Raeburn’s “Portrait of Major Robert McGregor” shows the British officer dressed in red waist coat with black lapels and a sword scabbard attached to his belt. It brought $38,525 above expectations of $20,000-25,000. Austrian artist Paul Joanovitch’s portrayal of a Middle Eastern man smoking a pipe outside a stucco building sold for $40,250, just within its $40,000-60,000 estimate. One of the surprises of the day was a pen & ink view of Venice by Giacomo Guardi that resulted in a bidding battle that ended at over ten times its $1,200-1,500 estimate, finally stopping at $14,375. Another surprise was Irish artist James O’Connor’s landscape of a lone fisherman walking away from a small creek. Expected to sell for $1,000-2,000, it found a buyer at $10,062. Also enjoying popularity these days and seeing strong prices are those from and/or depicting California and other regions of Western United States. Contemporary artist Gerald Jones’ “City Lights”, depicting a night time winter scene of a Wild West downtown was strikingly rendered. It headed off into the sunset for $46,000 within its $40,000-50,000 estimate. From a Maine estate was a panoramic Texas landscape by Porfirio Salinas in which the viewer looks across low hills and valleys to a distant horizon. It neared the upper end of its $25,000-35,000 estimate to fetch $32,200. And even further west was Sydney Laurence’s “Mount McKinley from My Camp in Peter’s Hills, Alaska”, which portrayed a river valley leading to North America’s highest peak in the distance. A stunning panorama, it exceeded expectations of $15,000-25,000 to sell for $28,750. Back on the East Coast, a selection of New Englanders included a recent discovery in a Central Maine home of Hayley Lever’s vibrant Massachusetts harbor scene entitled “Sailing at Marblehead”. Depicting a number of colorful sailboats navigating the choppy waters, it more than quadrupled its $8,000-12,000 estimate to sell for $37,950. One of eight works by Thomas Nicholas was his portrayal of a New England sugar shack amongst tall maple trees. A delightful work in an eye catching autumn palette, it changed hands at $9,775 against an $8,000-12,000 estimate. Fellow New England artists, those of the Rockport-Gloucester School included a fresh-to-the-market selection that had never before seen the public marketplace. Anthony Thieme’s oil on board scene of Rockport Harbor and Bearskin Neck, which served as studios for several known artists, was purchased directly from the artist and has been in the same family ever since. It quickly surpassed its $7,000-10,000 estimate to bring $14,375. His “New Castle, Delaware, 1938”, a large oil on canvas tree lined street scene with a church resting behind a stucco wall, was an unusual subject matter and a departure from his usual harbor scenes. From the same collection, it sold within its estimate of 15,000-25,000 for $18,400. The auction continued with over 60 works by Maine artists from antique to contemporary. Highpoints included Frederick Waugh’s “Sunlit Surf” showing early morning waves crashing on to a coastal ledge. It saw active bidding to $12,075 versus expectations of $7,000-10,000. William Hart’s coastal scene of Mt. Desert dated 1864 shows the ascending sun casting light across a steep cliff and incoming waves. It brought $12,650, within its $12,000-15,000 estimate. And Jack Gray’s coastal fishing scene of two men in a green hulled boat hauling three dories behind them, originally a gift from the artist to the family of the consignor, sold for $9,775 against a $9,000-12,000 estimate. Other highlights in the American art category was William Louis Sonntag’s panoramic landscape with the Adirondacks in the distance, which sold for $18,975 versus an $8,000-12,000 estimate. Gifford Beal’s carnival scene of a man leading a show horse through a crowded early 20th Century midway brought $13,225, more than doubling its $5,000-7,000 estimate. Thomas Dewing’s ethereal portrait of a young woman in a sheer green dress brought within expectations of $10,000-20,000 for $16,100. The offering likewise consisted of a half dozen sketches by Charles Gibson that descended through the artist's family and were new to the market. His “Gibson Girls” became the epitome of beauty in the early 20th Century, and for obvious reasons. An ink and black wash sketch depicting an attractive young woman seated at a desk writing a letter while her dog looks on sold above its $2,000-4,000 estimate for $8,050. A selection of sporting and wildlife works by some of the most prominent names in the genre included the renowned Lynn Bogue Hunt. His masterful oil on canvas scene of a flock of ducks coming in for a landing in a grassy marsh brought $9,200 against an estimate of $4,000-7,000. His gouache and watercolor scene of a pair of ruffled grouse among a leaf covered outcropping is considered one of the best works the artist ever created. It was a good buy at $8,050. In today’s economy, not everything sells at auctions, and such was the case here. One of the greatest disappointments of the day was perhaps the lack of sale of an outstanding N.C. Wyeth work. Wyeth was one of the greatest illustrators of all time, and this painting originally used in a Collier’s magazine article was indeed a striking example of his work. The image featured a handsome Canadian mounted policeman dressed in full traditional regalia including his vibrant red coat. The painting had never before been offered for public sale and was consigned directly from a family who owned it since the early 20th Century. It carried a conservative estimate of $175,000-275,000. Also included was selection of original hand colored engravings by James Audubon, the undisputed emperor of the aviary whose study, cataloging, and descriptions, and images of the feathered friends became the standard the world over. Another good buy was an outstanding large folio print of the male and female great horned owl perched on a tree branch. It sold for $11,500 versus a $13,000-19,000 estimate. Other folk art included a marvelous trotting horse weathervane by A.E. Jewell Co. at the latter part of the 19th Century. In untouched original condition, it sold for $12,075 against a $7,000-10,000 estimate. An unusual folk art watercolor portrait of a child holding a key and flower while a cat pounces on a mouse brought $6,037 above expectations of $1,500-2,500. The auction continued with a selection of nautical and seafaring related antiques. Among them, ship portraits included a portrait of the “H.H. Boody” (also consigned by the Maine Charitable Mechanics Association). This outstanding oil on canvas, though unsigned was unquestionably by British artist Duncan McFarlane, a renowned and respected ship portraitist. Fascinating and certainly unusual is the fact the artist gives three views of the same ship in one flowing seascape, the central broadside view flanked by views both of it coming toward the viewer and heading away, all set against a background scene of Liverpool Harbor. This outstanding painting ignored a presale estimate of $15,000-25,000 to settle at $39,100. A portrait of the “Golden Rule” attributed to American artist William Gay Yorke shows the black hulled ship in full sail navigating right to left through a well defined choppy green sea. It, too, carried a $15,000-25,000 estimate, but sold for $21,850. A marvelous collection of nine carousel animals from a Pennsylvania home included an important Dentzel flop-eared rabbit with highly ornate carvings and great animated features that brought $17,250. Other highlights included a Dentzel jumper horse with elaborately carved mane and trappings that sold within its $8,000-12,000 estimate for $11,500. And a polychrome carved leaping lion by Friedrich Heyn sold above its $2,000-4,000 estimate for $6,037. A nice assemblage of furniture, clocks, and accessories helped add to the diversity of the sale. Heading the list was a rare Federal inlaid mahogany Aaron Willard shelf clock featuring a rectangular bonnet with three brass finials, figured mahogany panel, and contrasting string inlays. Expected to bring $5,000-10,000, it finished up at $13,800. An exceptional New England federal grain painted and decorated tall case clock featuring an arched concave molded cornice bonnet beneath three spire finials, alternating with pierced fretwork, it was boldly decorated overall with its original blue, ochre and mustard sponge decoration. It brought $12,650 against an estimate of $12,000-16,000. Local Augusta, Maine clockmaker Benjamin Swan Federal was represented by two birch tall case clocks including a last minute addition, a marvelous inlaid example with an arched bonnet surmounted by fretwork and two brass ball finials above an arched glazed door centering a birdseye inlaid panel. The other was a Swan Federal mahogany and birch version; each sold for $9,200. And a massive Renaissance Revival oak tall case clock with J.C. Jennens & Son movement and exquisite hand carved caryatids, leaves, and masks was an exceptional example. Chiming in with a $3,000-6,000 estimate, it found a buyer at $7,475. Furniture and accessories included a highly carved pair of French Renaissance Revival oak bookcase cabinets similar in style and level of carving to the aforementioned tall case clock. Estimated to bring $3,000-5,000, the pair brought $12,075. Earlier American furniture included a State of Maine grain and paint decorated blanket chest from the mid-19th Century. It sold for $6,900 against expectations of $2,000-4,000. An early pine two-door cupboard in its original robin’s egg blue paint had great presence and marvelous patina. It brought $4,600 within a $3,000-5,000 estimate. On the smaller side was a Pennsylvania Chippendale figured maple spice chest. Its understated elegance only added to its charm. Bidders agreed, taking it to $10,925, surpassing its $6,000-9,000 estimate. Other accessories and decorative items included a monumental Craddock & Reid silver serving tray. A wide scalloped edge with masks representing each of the four seasons frames delicate allover “C” scroll engraving. The piece sold for $10,925 within expectations of $10,000-12,000. A large KPM porcelain plaque depicting a well-to-do young woman descending a staircase sold within its $8,000-12,000 estimate for $10,925. And no one predicted that a set of six signed woodblock prints from the early part of the 1900s would perform the way they did. Depicting rather mundane activities like men moving a rock, the set brought $15,525 despite a $400-600 estimate. The sale was rounded out by an interesting selection of miscellaneous items worthy of mention. A local collection of photos from renowned slice-of-impoverished-life photographer Margaret Bourke-White saw much active bidding. Predominantly from the 1930s, the collection included the original photograph of a woman and her four children that appeared on the cover of her book “You Have Seen Their Faces”. Estimated for $10,000-15,000, it brought a solid $13,800. Also up for bid were several of what are believed to be unpublished photos that were taken in the same session as those that appear in her book, but for one reason or another were not included. Her ability to capture despair and hope in the same photo is remarkable, evoking emotion in the viewer. Her image of a young man resting against a wall did just that, ultimately selling for $10,925 against a $2,000-3,000 estimate. Her shot of a bearded older man gazing off into the distance showed a lifetime of experience as well as some pain, and sold for $4,715 against a $2,000-4,000 estimate. A remarkable bronze fountain figure by Bessie Vonnoh entitled “Water Lilies” depicting a nude forest nymph with arms extended, with one hand clutching a flower blossom. Standing atop a naturalistic rock plinth, it will make a great centerpiece for someone’s lawn fountain. It sold for $23,000. An offering of classical six-string guitars included a rosewood and mother of pearl example by Ignacio Fleta & Sons, considered to be one of the finest makers of classical and flamenco guitars in the world. Consigned from the family of the founders of Pepperidge Farm with a $5,000-10,000 estimate, it found a new owner at $28,750. A 1951 Indian Blackhawk Chief motorcycle (est. $12,000-16,000) sold for $12,075. Also included were various Native American artifacts, a collection of estate gold coins, a large estate collection of buttons, lots of early marbles, and other objects d’art that also performed well. Completing the auction was a selection of items from the Lee Marvin Estate. Up for bid were several awards, scripts, costumes, original movie posters, and personal items from the late Oscar winning Hollywood tough guy. Highlights included a lot of three presentation coffee mugs given by John Wayne to Lee Marvin as souvenirs from movies they worked on together. All personalized with the inscription “Lee from Duke”, one can imagine these rare pieces of Hollywood memorabilia do not come up for sale too often. As a result, this was a $7,475 opportunity over a $1,500-3,000 estimate. Marvin’s Best Actor Golden Globe for 1965’s “Cat Ballou” was a good buy at $3,450, while his International Berlin Film Festival award for the same film brought above its $600-1,000 estimate for $2,587. A pair of cufflinks Marvin used in the movie “Gorky Park” sold for $1,150 (est. $300-500). It is standard policy at Julia’s, immediately after the sale to post a list of any item that failed to sell, allowing prospective post-auction buyers to make offers on no-sales. This and other details of the sale can be accessed via their website: www.jamesdjulia.com. Julia's upcoming auctions include their phenomenal firearms and military memorabilia auction that will be held in October. Their next toy & doll auction as well as their rare lamp & glass auction will follow in November. Julia’s next antiques & fine art auction will take place in February 2011. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information or to place offers on unsold items, 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.

To view more Selected Highlights from this auction please click here

	An exceptional New England federal grain painted and decorated tall case clock boldly decorated overall with its original blue, ochre and mustard sponge decoration brought $12,650 against an estimate of $12,000-16,000
	Among the selection of nautical and seafaring related antiques, a portrait of the “H.H. Boody”, though unsigned was unquestionably by British artist Duncan McFarlane, a renowned and respected ship portraitist. Fascinating and certainly unusual is the fact the artist gives three views of the same ship in one flowing seascape, the central broadside view flanked by views both of it coming toward the viewer and heading away. This outstanding painting ignored a presale estimate of $15,000-25,000 to settle at $39,100
	Folk art included a truly exceptional and rare grouping of 17 hand painted silk trade banners from the Maine Mechanics Charitable Association. These parade banners were made to illustrate the various trade groups represented in the Maine association. After an active tête-à-tête, the grouping realized $125,350 (just inside its $125,000-225,000 aggregate estimate).
	A local collection of photos from renowned slice-of-impoverished-life photographer Margaret Bourke-White saw much active bidding. The collection included the original photograph of a woman and her four children that appeared on the cover of her book “You Have Seen Their Faces”. Estimated for $10,000-15,000, it brought a solid $13,800
	A selection of California art included contemporary artist Gerald Jones’ “City Lights”, depicting a night time winter scene of a Wild West downtown. Strikingly rendered, it headed off into the sunset for $46,000 within its $40,000-50,000 estimate
	A selection of New Englanders included a recent discovery in a Central Maine home of Hayley Lever’s vibrant Massachusetts harbor scene entitled “Sailing at Marblehead”. Depicting a number of colorful sailboats navigating the choppy waters, it more than quadrupled its $8,000-12,000 estimate to sell for $37,950
	From a Maine estate was a panoramic Texas landscape by Porfirio Salinas in which the viewer looks across low hills and valleys to a distant horizon. It neared the upper end of its $25,000-35,000 estimate to fetch $32,200
	An offering of classical six-string guitars included a rosewood and mother of pearl example by Ignacio Fleta & Sons, considered to be one of the finest makers of classical and flamenco guitars in the world. Consigned from the family of the founders of Pepperidge Farm with a $5,000-10,000 estimate, it found a new owner at $28,750
	Of particular interest to art collectors the world over was a selection of works from a Boston estate in the manner of the Old Masters. Included was an interior scene showing Caesar visiting the tomb of Alexander. It exceeded expectations of $5,000-8,000 to sell for $39,100
	Also hitting the $39,100 mark and likewise well surpassing its estimate was a large oil on canvas scene entitled “Family of Darius Before Alexander” depicting a Roman centurion receiving a family who appears to be showing great appreciation for him.
	Folk art included a marvelous trotting horse weathervane by A.E. Jewell Co. at the latter part of the 19th Century. In untouched original condition, it sold for $12,075 against a $7,000-10,000 estimate
	Highlights from the Lee Marvin estate included a lot of three presentation coffee mugs given by John Wayne to Marvin as souvenirs from movies they worked on together. All personalized with the inscription “Lee from Duke”, one can imagine these rare pieces of Hollywood memorabilia do not come up for sale too often. As a result, this was a $7,475 opportunity over a $1,500-3,000 estimate
	Sydney Laurence’s “Mount McKinley from My Camp in Peter’s Hills, Alaska” portrayed a river valley leading to North America’s highest peak in the distance. A stunning panorama, it exceeded expectations of $15,000-25,000 to sell for $28,750
	The Bourke-White photos also included what are believed to be unpublished photos that were taken in the same session as those that appear in her book, but for one reason or another were not included. Her ability to capture despair and hope in the same photo is remarkable, evoking emotion in the viewer. Her image of a young man resting against a wall did just that, ultimately selling for $10,925 against a $2,000-3,000 estimate
	A rare Federal inlaid mahogany Aaron Willard shelf clock featuring a rectangular bonnet with three brass finials, figured mahogany panel, and contrasting string inlays. Expected to bring $5,000-10,000, it finished up at $13,800

Fairfield, Maine, February 4-5, 2010. For over 40 years, the auction firm of James D. Julia, Inc. has presented an astonishing number of collections, estates, and individual items to an eager antique buying public. The most exciting lots, however, have been those with historical significance and certainly the recent extraordinary cache of historical items from the Decatur/Armsden family offered at the Julia February 5th sale was, in Julia’s own words, “the most incredible lot of goods [he’d] ever handled”. The Decatur-Armsden Collection was a historical trove that had descended through a number of important historical families, the most notable of which included Colonel Tobias Lear, General George Washington’s Aide de Camp and one of his personal best friends and the historical Commodore Stephen Decatur. Over the years Julia’s had previously done business with one of the other branches of the Decatur-Lear family and thus familiar with their historic connections. It was therefore with great enthusiasm that he traveled to Kittery Point earlier this year to examine the estate of Alice and Douglas Armsden. A good portion of the land on Kittery Point had been in the hands of Decatur-Lear descendants since the late 17th/early 18th Century. Sometime in the very early 1970s a barn on that property was sold to one of the family members. At the time a number of antique trunks filled with historical artifacts had to be removed. The goods at the time were evaluated and divided into three approximately equal lots of value and significance, going to each of the three branches of the family. One item discovered in the barn, a Dunlap version of the Declaration of Independence, at the time proved to be too valuable to divide and subsequently had to be sold for the enormous sum of $175,000 (a Dunlap version today will bring in excess of $10 million). That portion which had gone to Alice Decatur Armsden had been maintained pretty much in its entirety until her and her husband’s estate was settled this past year. Because of the size, diversity and historical significance of the grouping, the family decided it would be best to sell the collection on the open market where the things would be acquired by the appropriate institutions and advanced collectors who could properly store and preserve these special treasures. “Before going to examine the safe deposit box, I had learned of the map of the siege of the Battle of Yorktown. From the moment I heard about it I was extremely excited,” James D. Julia stated prior to the auction. “The siege of Yorktown of course was the most significant military encounters in the history of our country. The defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown resulted in the eventual surrender of the British and thus our American independence. The map, hand done at the direction of Jean Baptiste Gouvion (who actually took part in the siege) was done a matter of days after the battle took place. A considerable amount of research revealed that one other version of this map already existed; it was done in exactly the same hand but a much larger version signed and dated by Gouvion and is currently in the National Archives. This larger map, in poorer condition, is also listed as part of the papers of the Continental Congress. Thus Julia concluded that the much larger and more detailed map in the National Archives must have been produced at Washington’s request to be sent to the Continental Congress shortly after the battle so that they might have a detailed knowledge of the battle and how it progressed. Julia reasoned this smaller version had to have been that of General George Washington’s himself. After all, it is a known fact that Tobias Lear handled Washington’s papers after Washington’s death. In addition, a number of the books offered in this particular auction had come from Washington’s own personal library and were detailed on an inventory sheet in Lear’s hand. “Since most of Washington’s papers and books were handled by Lear and since its highly unlikely that a map of this significance would have been made and presented to an Aide de Camp, it only stands to reason that Gouvion gave this map to Washington and it was simply part of his papers at the time Lear took control of them.” From the very beginning, Jim Julia said he had great anticipations and confidence about the map. However, research conducted by both Julia and the cataloger Marvin Sadik resulted in plenty of Yorktown map examples but none of which were this early and none of which brought any appreciable amount of money. Consequently, despite his speculations and anticipations, Julia estimated the map very conservatively at $5,000-$50,000+. By the time the auction was about to begin, it was obvious that the map indeed was as important and as exciting as Julia had thought all along. With approximately 25 clients set up on the phones to bid and some present in the audience, the battle began and rapidly escalated. At around $300,000 it was moving at $25,000 advances when a phone bidder jumped the bid substantially. By around $400,000 there was only one live bidder in the room bidding against the phones. At about a half million the battle narrowed down to the bidder in the audience and one phone. The phone bidder continually jumped the bid by significant amounts until the bidding reached $1 million. At that point the in-house bidder stopped and the phone won the lot for $1.15 million (inclusive of the 15% buyer’s premium). The price was not only a record for the Julia firm, but also the most expensive antique item ever sold at auction in Maine. It was also a world auction record for any map ever sold at auction. Applause erupted at the fall of the hammer and after the auction, Julia reiterated that this was indeed the most exciting piece he’d ever handled, not simply because of the monetary value that it realized, but because of the historical significance of its former owner and the event it depicted. Julia and his firm were not the only happy actors in this play, but for the three sisters, heirs of the Decatur/Armsden estate it was a bittersweet event. The prices and the tremendous enthusiasm displayed by collectors, institutions and corporations all over the world were a great satisfaction but the sale also represented a certain closure to what had been for generations a trove of historic material that had captured and reflected their family’s significant and historic past. But the map wasn’t the only thing to sell; the auction continued to perform far beyond expectations. One couldn’t help to be awestruck by the various offerings. Another of the more fascinating lots was a four page letter written by George Washington in his own hand to his nephew George Augustine Washington in which he speaks of family issues, offers marital advice, and promises the latter’s eventual inheritance of a parcel of land. Well surpassing a presale estimate of $40,000-60,000, it sold for $120,750. It was followed by a letter written by General Washington pertaining to his purchase of property adjacent to hallowed Mount Vernon. The letter detailed the transaction in which 90 acres were to be exchanged for 30 pounds of Virginian currency, 130 pounds of tobacco, and dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the landowner by Washington. The historical document found a buyer who was willing to pay $46,000 against an estimate of $25,000-40,000. A poignant draft of a letter from Martha Washington (written for her by Tobias Lear) to president John Adams reluctantly agrees to a request by Congress to have her late husband interred in the capital building, estimated $1,500-$2,500 sold for $24,150. Other letters included a full page account by Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear stating the necessity of a navy, encouraging Lear’s son to study for the bar in Maryland, and detailing the importance of a good education. It sold many times above its $5,000-10,000 estimate for $57,500. A copy of Commodore Edward Preble’s letter and also one of Stephen Decatur’s detailing the historic burning of the Philadelphia was estimated at $2,000-$3,000 and sold for $29,900. An assortment of letters from Commodore William Bainbridge in 1804 to Tobias Lear describing his captivity and a vivid description of the battle also offered important information regarding the strengths and vulnerabilities of his captors. A marvelous trove, it sold for $51,175 against expectations of $3,000-5,000. A selection of Barbary Wars items included a petition to the Dey of Algiers, Tobias Lear (consul to Algiers for the U.S.) and various European dignitaries for the protection of consuls and their families. Affixed with their wax seals this fascinating and important document sold for $46,000 against an estimate of $3,500-5,000. A copy of the first treaty between the United States and the Bey of Tripoli written both in English and Arabic was an extraordinary manuscript seldom encountered outside State Department archives. It sold for $74,750 versus a $5,000-10,000 estimate. And a lot of four account books once belonging to Tobias Lear detailing purchases and shipments during a three year period in the early 1800s brought 17,825, above a $5,000-10,000 estimate. Books from the Lear-Decatur-Storer collection that have been passed down through the family included a grouping of books once housed in George Washington’s personal library. These books were acquired by Colonel Tobias Lear from Washington’s own library. A selection of leather bound encyclopedias (from an original set of 21) dated from 1798 began the offering and helped set the tone for what was to come. The set brought $12,650 against an estimate of $5,000-10,000. Another lot of seven from the same set (consigned by another branch of the family) brought $23,000. In 2008, Julia’s sold a very rare American Pilot sea chart book by William Norman consisting of maps detailing the eastern coast of North America from Nova Scotia to Maryland. This time up for bid was the European version by the same maker and at one time belonged to Ichabod Goodwin (governor of New Hampshire during the mid-1800s). It brought a phenomenal $86,250 versus an estimate of $5,000-15,000. An exceedingly rare book, “Code Henry” pertaining to the Revolution and the establishment of the United States as well as the slave rebellion in Haiti and the Dominican Republic brought $17,250, more than four times its $4,000-8,000 presale estimate. The trove continued with a score of period military flags. Of the twenty or so examples offered, highlights included a 16-star American flag identified to one of several U.S. ships carrying the name Scorpion. Precious few of these early flags with this star count are known today in any collections. This example exhibited evidence of considerable use and wear having been used during wartime; it sold within its estimate of $5,000-50,000 for $21,850. This was followed by a mid-19th Century 34-star flag formerly owned and used by Commodore Stephen Decatur. It sold for $14,950, far beyond its $1,000-2,000 estimate. Other period militaria from the collection included an outstanding pre-Civil War naval dress uniform of Captain George Washington Storer, nephew to Tobias Lear. Storer eventually attained the rank of Rear Admiral in 1862. The uniform from two decades prior shows little use and was in very nice original condition. It sold above its $2,500-3,500 estimate for $8,625. Another member of the Storer clan, Lieutenant Colonel John Storer (who accompanied William Pepperell in 1795 on the expedition to capture Fort Louisburg, in Nova Scotia from the French) was represented by an early 18th Century silver hilted small sword. Inscribed with his name, it sold for $13,800 against expectations of $3,000-5,000. Storer’s personal diary kept on that same Louisburg expedition was estimated at $3,000-$5,000 and topped out at $15,525. The once in a lifetime opportunities continued with two extremely rare silver medals both featuring a bust profile strike of Stephen Decatur. Awarded to naval officers who took part in a battle with the HMS Macedonian, fewer than 50 were made and only a handful of these medals have survived, most of which are held by institutions. Remarkably there were two in this auction, having descended through different branches of the Lear-Decatur family. The first from the Decatur-Armsden branch of the family sold for $19,550 while the second, which descended through the Lear-Decatur family, sold for $28,750, each at the upper end of their respective estimates. The Lear-Decatur branch of the family upon learning of the other offshoot’s inclusion in the Julia auction decided to include a selection of their own, complementing the offering perfectly. An interesting porcelain bird given as a gift by George and Martha Washington to Tobias Lear and his wife when the Washington’s visited the Lears in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in the late 18th Century found a buyer at $6,325, more than tripling its estimate of $2,000-4,000. The figure was mentioned in two books of early New Hampshire history; one book dated in the 1850s. Aside from the celebrated Decatur offerings were other historically noteworthy objects such as the Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Presidential dinner china ordered by Mrs. Lincoln in 1865 for use in the White House. The delivery of this set did not take place until two months prior to the assassination of President Lincoln and therefore saw little use. It is purported that the Johnsons did not like the set and opted to replenish the traditional Solferino china set for his term. The 88 pieces in this original historic dinner service included a soup tureen, covered dishes, serving bowls, plates, cups, etc. and sold for $28,750. An original WWI recruiting poster with the classic James Montgomery Flagg image of Uncle Sam in the “I Want You” pose was in outstanding original condition. It sold for $9,775 against a $3,000-5,000 estimate. Day One of this spectacular sale started things off with approximately 400 works of art including American, European, and Russian artists in a variety of genres. Of the European variety, English artist Sir John Hoppner’s “Portrait of Lady Charlotte Percy, Countess of Ashburnham” depicted an elegant young woman seated in front of an open window. Considered by many to be the artist’s crowning achievement, Hoppner had (according to a book on the genre) “the reputation of investing his sitters with an ideal grace and beauty without losing likeness or character.” Truly a gifted hand, Hoppner’s portrait finished up at a jaw dropping $189,750, ignoring an estimate of $15,000-20,000. Henry Boddington’s oil on canvas summer landscape showing a shepherd taking a rest alongside a young girl by a fallen tree demonstrated realism that just pops off the canvas and draws the viewer in. It sold at the upper end of its $12,000-18,000 estimate for $17,250. Other European art consigned from other refined collections included Dutch artist Karel Frans Pilippeau’s oil on wood panel scene of a troubadour serenading a gathering of citizens by a palatial manor house. Masterfully executed, it exceeded a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000 to land at $18,400. French artist Emile Michel’s large panoramic view of Monaco across the Mediterranean through old growth trees. Underneath, a young woman is seen reading a book. This work brought $11,500 within an estimate of $10,000-20,000. Jean Dufy’s oil on canvas Paris scene gave a stylized bird’s eye view of the city in brilliant colors. It sold for $46,575 above expectations of $25,000-35,000. Other American art included a rustic oil on canvas scene by Hermann Herzog entitled “Road by the Farm” depicting a horse drawn wagon whose riders are taking a leisurely ride down a country path. Estimated for $15,000-25,000, it went out at $17,250. Rockport artist William Lester Stevens’ “The Back Road Conway, Mass” depicts a snow lined dirt road with a mountain in the distance. This oil on masonite work came fresh from a private Massachusetts collection with an estimate of $8,000-12,000 and went out at $8,050. Fellow New England artists included Emile Gruppe. Of the several works offered by this Northeast favorite was his “March Thaw”, a quaint rural setting picturing a lone man walking toward the viewer through the melting snow. Completed by a covered bridge and various dwellings along the way, the piece sold for $9,775. His “Return from Fishing Trip” was a traditional misty harbor scene with a worker securing a boat, which sold for $8,625 within expectations of $7,000-9,000. Other seaside scenes included Frederick Waugh’s dusky “Mist Moon” showing waves crashing over Maine’s rocky coast that changed hands at $12,075 (est. $6,000-9,000). And Fern Isabel Coppedge’s delightful harbor scene depicting two schooners moored to a large wooden dock sold for $8,625 against a presale estimate of $3,000-5,000. A few other surprises came in the portrait and still life categories. Robert Henri’s oil on board portrait of a young boy seemed to capture the essence of him and the image spoke to more than one bidder. It ultimately hit $17,825, well above expectations of $8,000-12,000. Henry Faulkner’s “Sicilian Flowers” in the bold painting and signature style of Bernard Buffet shows a large bouquet of colorful flowers on a ladder back chair. This piece sold for $10,350, more than three times its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A selection of Frishmuth bronzes proved to be popular. One depicting a nude woman leaning backwards while holding a grape laden vine behind her sold above its presale estimate of $5,000-8,000 for $9,200. And her bronze entitled “The Star” depicting a nude woman standing, reaching longingly for the heavens with her arm stretched aloft sold for $8,050 against a $6,000-9,000 estimate. The auction continued with a fine selection of folk art including various tobacconist figures. A traditional carved wooden Native American chief with full headdress and cuffed tunic attributed to the famed shop of Samuel Robb sold for $17,250 within an estimate of $14,000-20,000. An exceedingly rare carved and painted figure of a Turk or Moor who wears a turban and tunic and holds a sheaf of tobacco in his outstretched hand failed to find a buyer. These items were joined by a fabulous large collection of nearly 30 Lawrence Irvine carved wood fish plaques that performed well across the board. The offering represented the largest collection of Irvine carvings to ever come to auction. The late Lawrence Irvine lived in central Maine and carved, painted, and sold examples of Maine game fish. Highlights included an enormous and rare 37” striped bass that sold for $10,350, a brook trout that brought $3,105, and a brown trout that reeled in $2,300. In addition to Irvine’s fish was a carved salmon trophy mount by another artisan that exceeded an estimate of $800-1,200 to finish up at $4,600. Other highlights included an exceptional black forest carved bear hall stand. It featured a mother bear communicating with her cub that appears to have gotten stuck at the top of the tree. Beautifully carved, this piece exceeded its $4,000-5,000 estimate to bring $10,062. An American tole painted birdcage in the form of a 3-story Victorian home with bay windows and balconies was rather striking. Appealing particularly to a couple in attendance who purchased it for $4,887 versus an $800-1,200 estimate. An American carved stern board from the early 20th Century depicting a spread eagle on a rocky outcropping flew above its $2,000-3,000 to bring $7,245. Helping to round out the sale was a selection of Russian enamel consigned by an East Coast institution of higher learning. Highlights included a large enameled kovsh. Highly decorated in scrolling polychrome vinery and beaded borders, the wide body with inverted rim and applied handle with conforming enamel work surpassed expectations of $8,000-12,000 to bring $31,625. From the same collection was a fine Russian enamel tea cup holder. Densely decorated with polychrome scrolling vinery and flowers, it found a buyer at $15,525 against a $2,000-3,000 estimate. Julia's upcoming auctions include their phenomenal firearms and military memorabilia auction that will be held in March. Their next toy & doll auction as well as their rare lamp & glass auction will follow in June. Julia’s next antiques & fine art auction will take place in August. They are currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information or to place offers on unsold items, 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.

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	Of tremendous historic significance was an extraordinarily rare Battle of Yorktown map executed at the direction of Jean Baptiste Gouvion who actually took part in the siege itself. The battle combining American and French forces is unquestionably the most important battle in our nation’s history and resulted in the end to the Revolutionary War. The highly detailed map, circa 1781, is the earliest known version created. Well beyond a presale estimate of $5,000-50,000, applause erupted at the fall of the hammer when it finally sold for $1.15 million!
	Important and rare European pilot chart book published by J. Norman in 1788 was estimated at $5,000-$15,000 but realized $86,250.
	Other historically noteworthy objects included a set of dinner china ordered by Mary Todd Lincoln in 1865 for use in the White House. The delivery of this set did not take place until two months prior to the assassination of President Lincoln and therefore saw little use. The 88 pieces in this original historic dinner service included a soup tureen, covered dishes, serving bowls, plates, cups, etc. and sold for $28,750
	Other letters included a full page account by Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear stating the necessity of a navy, encouraging Lear’s son to study for the bar in Maryland, and detailing the importance of a good education. It sold many times above its $5,000-10,000 estimate for $57,500
	A true copy of the treaty between the United States and the Bey of Tripoli, signed by Joel Barlow, Agent and Counsel General and the Bey of Tripoli, dated January 3rd, 1797. Estimated at $5,000-$10,000, it finally sold for $74,750.
	Another of the more fascinating lots was a four page letter written by George Washington to his nephew George Augustine Washington in which he speaks of family issues, offers marital advice, and promises the latter’s eventual inheritance of a parcel of land. Well surpassing a presale estimate of $40,000-60,000, it sold for $120,750.
	The Decatur trove continued with a score of period military flags. Of the twenty or so examples offered, this 16-star American flag was identified to one of several U.S. ships carrying the name Scorpion. Precious few of these early flags with this star count are known today. This example sold within its estimate of $5,000-50,000 for $21,850.
	Robert Henri’s oil on board portrait of a young boy seemed to capture the essence of him and the image spoke to more than one bidder. It ultimately hit $17,825, well above expectations of $8,000-12,000.
	“Mist Moon” oil on canvas by Frederick Judd Waugh sold for $12,075 against a $6,000-$9,000 estimate.
	An exquisite portrait of Lady Charlotte Percy, Countess of Ashburnham, painted by Sir John Hopper was estimated at $18,000-$25,000 but brought $189,750, the second highest price ever attained at auction for this artist.
	This beautiful, large Russian enamel Kovsh was part of a small grouping of Russian objects consigned by an east coast educational institution. It carried a presale estimate of $8,000-$12,000 and went out at $31,625.
	American artist Jean Dufy’s oil on canvas Paris scene gave a stylized bird’s eye view of the city in brilliant colors. It sold for $46,575 above expectations of $25,000-35,000.
	Copies of original letters by Edward Preble and Commodore Stephen Decatur detailing their account of the historic burning of the ship Philadelphia. Preble’s letter was written on board the USS Constitution. The lot of two letters carried a presale estimate of $2,000-$3,000 but finally sold just under $30,000.
	One lot of seven encyclopedias affixed with Benjamin Lincoln Lear’s bookplate noting they had come from George Washington’s collection of books sold above its $10,000-20,000 estimate to finish up at $23,000.
	The rare opportunities continued with two extremely rare silver medals both featuring a bust profile strike of Stephen Decatur. Awarded to naval officers who took part in a battle with the HMS Macedonian, only a handful of these medals have survived. Remarkably there were two in this auction, having descended through different branches of the Lear-Decatur family. The second, which descended through the Lear-Decatur family, sold for $28,750.
	Lawrence Irvine, a carver of fish, lived at one time about 25 miles south of Julia’s auction facilities. Now deceased, his attractive carved and painted Maine fish have become very collectible and Julia’s to date have sold more of his fish than any other auctioneer in the country. In fact this sale was the largest offer ever at auction consisting of over 30 examples of his works. This one, a beautiful 20” Brook trout, estimated at $1,500-$2,500 finally sold for $3,105.
	A sample of some of the extraordinary historical items which descended through the Armsden-Decatur Family.
	The phones were active throughout the day on many of the historical items.
	Jeremy Mahns, in charge of the I.T. department and Sandy Julia, co-owner of the business, both handle phone bids throughout the day.
	Jim Julia and his Fine Arts & Antiques team consisting of: Bill Gage, Tony Greist and Katya Tilton all display the historic Siege of Yorktown map believed to have belonged to General George Washington which realized $1.15 million and is the most expensive map ever sold at auction in history.