“When a man paints, he expresses his whole life, what he’s done and experienced. If you are bold and outgoing, your work will show it.” – Emile Albert Gruppe.

James D. Julia has established itself as the premier auction house specializing in paintings from the Cape Ann (Massachusetts) School of artists. From the mid-19th century onward, this seaside destination established itself as the ideal East Coast artist colony, given its extraordinary ocean views, picturesque landscapes and gardens and dramatic seasonal changes. In 1921, Aldro T. Hibbard started the Rockport Art Association, an organization celebrating and promoting artists and artwork from the Cape Ann area.

Julia’s often features the works of one well known Cape Ann artist, Emile Albert Gruppe. He is especially famous for his landscapes, fishing and fisherman themed works and paintings of the ocean. Emile was born in 1896 in Rochester, NY to Helen and Charles P. Gruppe. The artistic influence was very strong in this family; Gruppe’s father was also a painter and an art dealer and all three of the Gruppe siblings went on to artistic careers. Emile spent most of his childhood years in the Netherlands, where his father painted and represented Dutch painters to US collectors. The family returned to the USA in 1913 in anticipation of the onset of WWI. Back in the states, Emile studied at the National Academy of Design in New York and at the Art Students League from 1914 until 1920.

Emile dedicated himself to painting in 1915, at the age of 19. In 1925, after seeing paintings from the Rockport and Gloucester areas at an exposition, he visited the area to see it firsthand – and fell in love with it at first sight. Soon after, he moved to Cape Ann where he blossomed amongst the creative community and fellow artists – including Anthony Thieme, Marguerite Pierson, Antonio Cirino, W. Lester Stevens and Aldro Hibbard. His mentors included his father, Charles Hawthorne, George Bridgman, Charles Chapman and Richard Miller, and John F. Carlson. In 1942, he and Carlson later went on to found the Gruppe Summer School that specialized in plein air techniques. This program remained in operation through the mid 1970s. Although primarily known for his Cape Ann themed work, Emile also produced numerous fine canvases featuring favorite scenery from Vermont, Florida and the Bahamas.
Emile was a well liked, outgoing, energetic, and prolific artist. He is known for his marvelous hybrid of realism and impressionism. In 1978, he revealed, “If you want exacting details in a painting, then you might as well look at a photograph. I make an impression on canvas, and let one’s imagination fill in the details.” Over time, his work won numerous prestigious awards, was featured at the National Academy of Design, Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, the North Shore Art Association and the Rockport Art Association. Emile was a member of the Allied Artists of America, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, the North Shore Art Association, the Gloucester Society of Artists, the Rochester Art Association, the Sarasota Art Association, the St. Augustine Art Association, and the Salmagundi Club of New York, among others.

Today, Emile’s paintings remain extremely popular with collectors worldwide and are displayed at many important venues, including the White House. And collectors are willing to turn over a pretty penny to own one of his masterpieces. The highest price ever paid for one of his works was in 2008, when his 36” x 40” “First Snow” realized close to $60,000 at auction.

Since 2002, James D. Julia has had the distinct pleasure of handing over 150 of Emile Albert Gruppe’s works. Highlights include his 24” x 20” “Morning Along Creek, 1928” which realized $24,150; his 25” x 30” “Winter Reflections” which realized $24,150; and his 24” x 36” “Water Lilies” which realized $34,500. Most recently, our Winter 2016 Fine Art, Asian and Antiques sales event showcased his 30” x 36” “Gloucester Morning” which realized $11,850 and his 25″ x 30″ “Shadowed Snowbank Stream” which realized $10,665.

If you have an Emile Gruppe, and are interested in selling it, or getting an auction estimate of value, please contact us. We are the foremost auctioneer in the world for Cape Ann School Fine art.

Whether it be Fine Art, Asian and Antiques, or Rare Lamps, Glass and Fine Jewelry, or our Rare and Collectible Firearms division, Julia’s is known for offering at auction some of the most amazing, rare and collectible items in the world. During March 14th and 15th, we had our semi-annual Extraordinary Auction of Rare and Collectible Firearms, and once again our facility was filled with treasures from around the world, including several important items from the Civil War era.

I grew up in York, Pennsylvania. York was the First Capital of the United States, and seemed to be so close to many of the seminal events in the creation of our country. Valley Forge was not too far away to the east, and Gettysburg was a mere 40 miles to the west. As a child, I was always intrigued by history, and our frequent family trips to historical sites like Harper’s Ferry, Gettysburg, Antietam, Bull Run just spurred my interest in the Civil War to a higher level. We would explore the battlefields, visit the exhibits, and try to learn more about the people of that era.

Since joining Julia’s, I’m seeing it from a different perspective. The flags, the uniforms, the furniture, the letters, the symbols, and the firearms. Whether it is from Texas, or Massachusetts, the story is now far more personal. We are fortunate to have one of the foremost Civil War experts, John Sexton, on our staff to share his unique insights with us, and all of our clients.

There were several amazing Civil War items at our last auction, but the one that intrigued me the most was the “Sisterdale Texas Dragoon”. The pistol was manufactured in 1862 by a group of men assembled in Sisterdale, Texas. They attempted to combine the “best” features of Colt, Remington, Smith and Wesson, and Rogers and Spencer. It is believed that they only produced six pistols, and there is only one known example that survives to this day. Imagine – just one left in the entire world! Incredibly, it was retained in the family until 1974, and has been in the collection of the foremost Confederate collectors, including its most recent owners, Don and Kathlee Bryan. It sold at auction after spirited bidding at over its auction estimate for $253,000.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sisterdale Dragoon, view our video produced by Forgotten Weapons or click here to read John’s wonderful description of this unique firearm.

Fairfield, Maine. Fairfield, Maine is unquestionably the worldwide epicenter for firearms auctions. The largest number of high-end, rare and expensive units offered, the largest total gross for firearms at auction; all take place in Fairfield, Maine. This year on March 11-15, the total take approached an amazing $19 million. Starting off the semi-annual event was the Poulin Auction Company which conducted a 3-day sale from March 11-13. Poulin’s specializes in moderately priced, affordable firearms and they regularly present not only an expansive offering but a tremendously diverse offering. Total take for their 3-days was $4 million. Less than 100 yards, a “stone’s throw” away, at the James D. Julia Auction facilities on March 14 & 15, things were far different. Julia’s presents a more intimate selection of firearms for auction but the average sale value is the highest you will find anywhere in the world. This Julia Auction grossed approximately $15 million. The average sale price of lots sold was $12,600. Over 300 lots realized $10,000 or more, 20 lots realized $100,000 or more.

Monday, March 14 featured the Sporting & Collector Firearms Session, a new addition to the Julia Firearms Auction. This session generally presents more moderately priced firearms in the average range of $2,000-8,000. This portion of the sale featured the Estate Collection of well-known Texas collector, G.W. “Bill” Stewart. Bill had a passion for Colts and Winchesters and judging from the prices, many of the collectors shared his views. The first lot up was a rare Smith & Wesson #1 Volcanic pistol which carried a presale estimate of $7,500-12,500 but went out at just under $15,000. The sleeper of the sale was Bill’s rare Nimschke engraved Winchester Model 66 carbine. This silver plated, engraved masterpiece had been ordered by Mexican President, Porfirio Diaz, who had 10 created and presented them to prominent businessmen. This example had been estimated at $6,500-12,500 and went out at a strong $31,000.

Also included in this sale was the Estate Collection of another Texan, Dr. Robert G. Cox. Cox and his collection have been much renowned for many years. Dr. Cox was a scholar and authority on Colt New Line revolvers and his collection reflected that. A factory engraved plated pistol in a beautiful black leatherette case was estimated at $3,000-5,000 but with a number of serious buyers chasing it, the price flew to $13,800.

Another collection was of Carmen Gianforte from Tennessee. Mr. Gianforte was a well-known scholar on a special group of Pocket pistols made by James Reid, known as Reid Knuckledusters. His very rare 41 cal. Knuckleduster, estimated at $8,000-12,000, shot to $16,100. But it was not just his guns that fellow collectors wanted, he had an archive of his personal notes and scholarly books. Those carried a presale estimate of $500-1,000 but shot up to $5,175.

A nice selection of moderately priced sporting arms included a massive William Evans 8 bore Fowler estimated at $2,500-4,000; collectors drove the final price to $12,650. A pair of Colt Python 357 “Snake Eyes” cased set were estimated at $3,000-5,000 but soared past the high estimate to $17,250. Perhaps one of the most stunning items in Monday’s sale was an extremely rare factory engraved gold plated Smith & Wesson .38 1st Model Hand Ejector that had been created specifically for the 1901 Pan-American Expo in Buffalo, New York. It went into the auction with a presale estimate of $4,000-7,000 but went out at a healthy $23,000.

Tuesday’s sale was where the greatest excitement was. First lot up was a spectacular and pristine Volcanic #2 pistol. At one time, it had been in the Colt Firearms Museum and carried a hefty but well warranted presale estimate of $75,000-85,000. The final selling price was just under $100,000 at $92,000. One of the more distinguished collections was that of Paul Tudor Jones II. Jones, one of the country’s top hedge fund managers, many years ago had collected choice firearms to decorate an Eastern Shore Maryland hunting compound. He recently donated the facilities and land while electing to sell his small but very discerning collection. Included was an engraved, plated Model 66 Winchester with carved ivory stocks made for Mexican President, Porfirio Diaz. The gun was estimated at $150,000-250,000 and sold for $230,000. Mr. Jones’ rare Winchester 1876 1 of 100 also fared well. It carried an estimate of $175,000-275,000 and it went out at $230,000 also. Mr. Jones’ extraordinary rare cased consecutive numbered exhibition quality Colt Model 1860 Armys had been presented to General Joseph Hawley for his service as President of the U.S. International Exhibition in Philadelphia, PA. For the most part, the guns were almost brand new and much coveted. They finally sold at $212,750. Another exciting piece from the Jones Collection was a spectacular Lefever “Optimus” quality shotgun in outstanding condition. The gun was presented by Friends of Industry to President Benjamin Harrison, who was an avid duck hunter. This gun carried a presale of $75,000-125,000 and went out at $120,750. This makes the second Presidential shotgun that Julia’s has offered at an auction. In fact, Julia’s holds the record for the 8 highest prices realized for American shotguns at auction. The highest being a Fox shotgun they sold that originally belonged to Theodore Roosevelt. That particular gun established the world record for the most expensive shotgun ever sold at auction when it realized $862,500.

There were plenty of desirable Winchesters, but one of the most beautiful examples was an extremely rare factory engraved John Ulrich signed special order Deluxe 1894 Takedown. The gun was engraved on one side with a beautiful grizzly bear on a ledge and a leaping stag on the reverse. It was inlaid with gold and in outstanding condition with an estimate of $55,000-85,000. It went out at $103,500.

A super rare and desirable Colt Model 1883 U.S. Navy Gatling Gun on tripod together with two extra drums generated a total of $346,150, confirming the demand for these iconic early “machine guns”.

A great number of beautiful Colts were available. One of the best Single Actions was a black powder, factory engraved, plated gun featuring pearl grips and shipped to Charles Hummel, San Antonio, Texas in 1885. This beauty went out at $92,000. Speaking of Colts, this sale included the esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Mr. Ardia’s love has been Colts and he specifically attempted to collect only outstanding examples, such as the rare rosewood cased Gustav Young engraved 1851 Navy. It came on the block with a $60,000-80,000 estimate but went out with a final selling price of $69,000. Another beauty from the Ardia Collection was an extremely fine 1860 fluted cased Colt Army estimated at $65,000-95,000. When the smoke cleared, the final price was $74,750.

One of the most coveted Colts is the Paterson model, which represents the earliest Colt creation. This sale included an extremely rare cased Colt #5 holster model Texas Paterson cased together with all its accessories in outstanding condition and came to the sale with a $300,000-600,000 presale estimate and went out with a price of $345,000.

Julia’s sales regularly include outstanding Civil War and Confederate items. For the serious collectors, this sale was certainly one for the ages. Included was the Don and Kathlee Bryan Collection of Confederate Revolvers. The collection was billed as the finest, most comprehensive collection of Confederate Revolvers ever assembled. Don is not only a passionate collector but also an authority and scholar on Confederate Arms and had spent much of his lifetime amassing some of the finest examples known. He continually upgraded when the opportunity presented itself. His rare Cofer Portsmouth revolver was estimated at $100,000-150,000 but after the battle was over, it went out at $149,500. His LeMat revolver SN 8, which had belonged to Confederate General Beauregard, is considered by many to be one of the finest condition Confederate revolvers ever known. Early on, Beauregard not only championed LeMat’s lethal handguns but invested money in the company, which provided many Cavalry officers with a 7-9 shot pistol featuring a second barrel that housed a 16 ga. shotgun filled with buckshot. Beauregard’s historic pistol was estimated at $200,000-300,000 and finally sold at $224,250. His extremely fine Dance Revolver inscribed to cavalryman, Charles Hill, Company H, 35th Texas Cavalry is the finest Dance Navy revolver extant. Bidders on this gun paid accordingly. It came to the auction with $100,000-150,000 estimate but went out at just under $150,000. Bryan’s collection of Texas Confederate revolvers was both complete and extraordinary. His rare L.E. Tucker Lancaster Confederate Navy revolver is one of only two examples known; this one being absolutely in superb condition and subsequently the finest example known. It had a presale estimate of $150,000-250,000; if finally topped out at $172,500.

The highlight of the day for Confederate items and specifically the Bryan Collection was his much coveted and unique “Sisterdale” Texas Dragoon revolver. It is the only example in existence, it retains its original cow horn grips and came to the auction with a presale estimate of $150,000-250,000. Its great importance was reflected in its great price and finally sold at $253,000. Other rare Civil War items included a fine Model 1861 Parrott rifled cannon made for the State of New York and believed to have been used at the Battle of Gettysburg. It came to the auction with a reasonable estimate of $40,000-60,000 and went out with a blast at $80,500. A very extraordinary and historical captured Civil War battle flag of the 45th Pennsylvania featuring numerous battle honors went on the block. It was captured at Petersburg in 1864 when General W.H.F. Rooney rounded the loop of the Union Army to attack them from the rear. The results were devastating and the 45th was annihilated by Lee’s Virginians. The flag captured by the rebels was estimated at $40,000-60,000 and went out at $57,500.

In the Fall 2015 auction, Julia’s offered a portion of the famous John Ashworth Collection of Confederate Bowies. The remainder of Bowie knives from Ashworth’s estate was offered in this sale and his exceptional and unique massive “Memphis Novelty Works” Bowie with “Floating CS” was estimated at $30,000-40,000. It slashed its way to $34,500.

This sale featured an extraordinary array of sporting arms. A truly exceptional pair of 410 ga. Purdey golden age extra finish side by sides, possibly the finest small bore pre-war guns in existence, came to the auction with a presale estimate of $150,000-250,000. They went out at $189,750. This sale included 16 rare and desirable English Purdey shotguns.

If you were impressed by the number of Purdeys in this sale, you would be astounded by the approximately 40 rare and desirable Holland & Holland shotguns and double rifles that were offered. Most of these came from a single owner, private collector who collected what is known as Stopping rifles. This type of gun was used for hunting large and very dangerous game, such as elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, etc. in the late 19th and early 20th century. The highlight of the collection was an incredible 4-bore made for the Nizam of Hyderabad. It came in with an $80,000-120,000 presale but went out with a roar at $258,750. Another gun from the Nizam was an exceptional gold inlaid 10-bore Holland & Holland double rifle which was estimated at $65,000-95,000. This too drew much competition and finally sold at $149,500.

Double rifles are expensive but so is the ammunition. An exceptionally rare, full box of 10 Holland 4-bore nitro rifle cartridges by Kynoch came up on the block with what seemed like a high $3,000-5,000 estimate but left with an astounding sale price of $20,700. At over $2,000 a round, one could not afford much target practice.

A great number of other quality English sporting arms were offered in this sale and included a coveted pair of magnificent and rare Boss side lever hammer ejector game guns estimated at $70,000-90,000; they generated a $92,000 sale price.

The big money for an American shotgun was, of course, the Harrison “Optimus” for over $120,000 but there were other notable American side-by-sides such as an exceptionally rare “All Options” L.C. Smith premium grade 12 ga. which came in at $50,000-70,000 but went out at $69,000.

A number of fine Parkers were offered, the biggest money being for an exceptional high original condition .410 ga. VHE Parker with case and hang tags. Presale estimate was $20,000-30,000 and the price shot through to almost double the high estimate at $57,500.

Winchester was also represented with a scarce 16 ga. Model 21 Deluxe Grade #6 engraved two-barrel set carrying a presale estimate of $25,000-40,000 and went out at $37,375.

Another area that Julia Auction House excels in is Class III weapons (machine guns). From 2008 up to October 2015, James D. Julia’s has sold more than 50% of all Class III weapons offered at auction in North America during that time period. Four other major auction houses dealing with firearms divided up the remaining 50%. Up until this sale, Julia’s had sold nearly $12 million of Class III items; the remainder equating to approximately $9 million was divided up between the other auction houses. So it is no surprise that once again, some more fine examples were offered at Julia’s. A Colt Model 1921 Thompson machine gun, a favorite weapon of Machine Gun Kelly and/or Al Capone, carried a presale estimate of $25,000-35,000; it flew to $43,700. A 50 cal. Browning Water-cooled M2 “Tora Tora” on pedestal mount was estimated at $25,000-35,000 but finally sold for just under $50,000. A Colt SP1 Machine gun set up with 3 custom uppers was estimated at $15,000-25,000 and established a new auction record at just under $42,000.

For more details on this spectacular auction check out www.jamesdjulia.com/firearms.

Julia’s next firearms auction is scheduled for October 2016 and already includes fabulous collections and spectacular arms and is sure to be another record breaker.

About James D. Julia, Inc.:
James D. Julia, Inc., one of the top ten antique auction antique houses in North America as measured by annual sales, is headquartered in Fairfield, Maine. The company also has an office in Boston, Massachusetts. In business for over 45 years, the company conducts high-end antique, collectible and fine art auctions throughout the year. Julia’s has routinely established new world records through its sales events. The company consists of three key divisions, including Rare Firearms; Fine Art, Asian & Antiques; and Rare Lamps, Glass & Fine Jewelry. Each division is regarded for its excellence and is staffed with world-class specialists to ensure fair and professional authentication, identification and valuation services. For more information on James D. Julia, Inc., please visit www.jamesdjulia.com.

Image	Description
	Lot 2198 – LeMat SN 8, General P.G.T. Beauregard’s Personal Revolver and Finest Known (Bryan Collection) (est. $200,000-300,000) Sold for $224,250
	Lot 2203 – Extraordinarily Rare and Unique “Sisterdale Texas” Dragoon Army Revolver (Bryan Collection) (est. $150,000-250,000) Sold for $253,000
	Lot 2149 – Extraordinarily Rare Cased Consecutive Numbered Pair of Exhibition Quality Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolvers from the General Joseph R. Hawley Estate (Tudor Jones II Collection) Sold for $212,750
	Lot 2016 – Extremely Rare Winchester Model 1876 1 of 100 Lever Action Rifle (Tudor Jones II Collection) (est. $175,000-275,000) Sold for $230,000
	Lot 2429 – Spectacular Presidential Lefever “Optimus” Quality Shotgun, Presented to Benjamin Harrison for His “Protection to American Industry;” Probably the Finest and Most Important 19th Century American Shotgun (Tudor Jones II Collection) (est. $75,000-125,000) Sold for $120,750
	Lot 2354 – Incredible Four Bore Holland & Holland Hammer Double Rifle Made for the Nizam of Hyderabad with Original Case and Full Complement of Original Accessories (est. $80,000-120,000) Sold for $258,750
	Lot 2144 – Extremely Rare Cased Colt No. 5 Holster Model Texas Paterson Percussion Revolver (est. $300,000-600,000) Sold for $345,000
	Lot 2065 – Colt Model 1883 U.S. Navy Gatling Gun on Tripod and Two Drums (combined est. $158,000-265,000) Sold for Combined $346,150
	Lot 1007 – Rare Nimschke Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine (Stewart Collection) (est. $3,500-12,500) Sold for $31,050
	Lot 1748 – Extremely Rare Factory Engraved Gold-Plated Smith & Wesson 38 Hand Ejector 1st Model DA Revolver for Pan American Expo, Buffalo, NY 1901 (est. $4,000-7,000) Sold for $23,000

Fairfield, ME ~ February 3-5, 2016. The 2016 auction season has been officially launched, thanks to James D. Julia’s amazing three-day mid-winter sales event. Cold temperatures were no deterrent to bidders who could not get enough of the almost 1,400 lots of world-class fine and decorative arts, antiques, folk art, Asian articles, historical items, and archives on offer. After the hammer fell for the last time, 36 lots realized $10K or above. In addition, 8 lots realized $25K or more, and 3 lots broke the six-figure mark!

Day one hit the ground running with over 260 lots of outstanding paintings and fine art selections. Museum-quality sales highlights included Martin Johnson Heade’s deeply symbolic Roman Newsboys II which made headlines at $189,600; Howard Terpning’s Searching the Mountains which found $127,575, and German American artist Hans Hofmann’s Abstract in Colors ’42, which realized $94,800.

Julia’s is internationally recognized as the leading authority on Rockport school paintings as well as works featuring Maine artists and themes. Enthusiasts found the outstanding selections of both on offer oceans apart from any other auction house. The sale presented several Aldro Hibbard paintings, with his impressive Canadian Rockies reaching the summit at $17,925. And lot 1030, Emile Gruppe’s Gloucester Morning was an early hit, realizing $11,850. Top Maine picks included a tranquil interior scene of two women arranging flowers by Abbott Fuller Graves which realized $13,628 and Walter Schofield’s Coast of Maine, which realized $27,338.

Day one also included a highly curated selection of other fine works. Lot 1160, Paul Cezanne’s The Large Bathers cleaned up nicely at $10,665. But it is safe to say the heavy hitter here was a bronze attributed to Edvard Munch and signed “E Munch.” Titled Sostrene, this never-before-seen sculpture depicts two women’s heads – possibly the Meissner sisters, Olga and Rosa. After much back and forth among bidders, this Munch mystery realized $18,225.

Day two was “standing room only” with the auction hall filled with over 100 bidders, and the parking lot overflowing onto the nearby highway. Auction day two featured over 650 lots of outstanding American and European antiques, furniture, and accessories. There was no time out for bidders pursuing this sale’s comprehensive selection of extraordinary tall case clocks. Lot 2121, an Important Simon Willard Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock; lot 2106, a Chippendale Cherry Tall Case Clock By Peregrine White; and lot 2078, a Mahogany Chippendale Tall Case Clock by Thomas Harland were up to the minute highlights, realizing $26,730, $16,590, and $13,035 respectively. Knock on wood, Queen Anne furniture was another key category in this sale. Bidders gave the royal treatment to lot 2068, a very fine cherry Queen Anne Tray Top Tea Table, which realized $14,580, and lot 2069, a set of six Queen Anne Compass Seat Side Chairs, which realized $9,480.

It was all hands on deck with this sale’s fantastic selections of nautical art. There was a boatload of interest in three paintings in particular. These included lot 2061, an early 19th century portrait of the ship Amity which realized $25,477.50; lot 2062, Solon Francis Montecello Badger’s portrait of the schooner Bessie C. Beach” which realized $9,480; and lot 2064, Antonio Jacobsen’s Gloucester Fishermen on The Banks, which realized $8,295.

This sale presented collectors who insist their acquisitions have a distinctly historical context some truly breathtaking and once in a lifetime opportunities. Several incredible rarities had their origins in the founding of our great country. These included lot 2026, an extraordinarily rare and historic Revolutionary War Powder Horn used by Minuteman Oliver Buttrick at the Battle of Concord which realized $88,875; lot 2002, a Samuel Drowne signed silver American Revolutionary War Eagle-pommel Officer’s Sword of Captain Samuel Storer, which realized $24,292.50; lot 2006, a fine French and Indian War Powder Horn and Commissions of Abner Curtis, along with his Revolutionary War Commissions, which realized $18,960; lot 2071, a fine pair of coin silver tablespoons by Paul Revere Jr. that realized $10,665; and lot 2010, a Revolutionary War-era tricorne hat which realized $12,442.50. These fine investment quality items will certainly stand the test of time.

Collectors were clearly blown away with this event’s fine offering of early weathervanes. Lot 2091, an early, rare, and untouched steeplechase Horse Jumping Over the Gate Weathervane, won the race at $112,575. Also in the spotlight was lot 2107, a rare and important monumental full-bodied Fireman Weathervane retaining its natural verdigris surface. When the smoke cleared, this barnburner realized $94,800. Other highlights included lot 2090, an over-sized Cow Weathervane. possibly by Harris & Sons, which realized $13,627.50 and lot 2180, an over-sized Leaping Stag Weathervane, attributed to Washburne, which realized $9,480.

An auction would not be an auction without a surprise or two, and this mid-winter sale really delivered in that respect. Bidders gave their stamp of approval to lot 2348, a rare 2013 Jenny Right-Side-Up 6-Stamp Block of the Jenny inverted stamp, which realized $59,250. This modern rarity, created to celebrate the historical misprint of this original stamp in 1918, is only one of possibly 77 out of 2.2 million sheets produced, and was purchased down the road in Waterville, ME in 2015.

Other fine categories and items featured during the second day of this comprehensive sale included rugs, stoneware, accessories, antique silver, and Object d’Art, among many others.

Julia’s third auction day was dedicated to Asian Art, and realized over three quarters of a million dollars in sales – again confirming Julia’s position as the emerging leader in this these most important categories.

This sale offered several very unique Asian treasures which really resonated with buyers. Leading the charge was lot 3268, a finely carved Large Rhinoceros Horn Scholar Landscape Cup which realized $56,287.50. And lot 3092, a monumental pair of Cast Iron Buddhist Lions, roared to $47,400.

Buyers really lit up over this sale’s expansive offerings of censers. Three highlights included Lot 3203, a rare Guanyao Tripod Censer which realized $23,700; lot 3170, a Jiaotan Guanyao Censer which realized $15,405; and lot 3169, a Ge-Type Tripod Censer which realized $12,442.50. Jades also sold well at this auction event. Various forms were on offer, with many exhibiting exceptional carving details and coloration. Lot 3091, a Mottled Yellowish Jade Carving of a Carp realized $24,885, while lot 3136, Jade Plaques For A Belt, waisted no time in realizing $4,977. And lot 3279, a Spinach Green Jade Brush Pot, realized a healthy $7,110.

Julia’s selections of porcelain items on offer were second to none, and buyers could not get enough of these precious Asian rarities. Lot 3196, a Ge-Type Pear Shaped Vase realized $23,700, while lot 3211, a Famille Rose Porcelain Panel, blossomed at $23,700. Other highlights included lot 3200, a Ge-Type Bottle Vase which realized $20,145; lot 3198, a Guan Quatrefoil Planter which realized $18,960; and lot 3164; a Ge Ware Foliate Brush Washer, which came clean at $16,590.

According to Bill Gage, Department Head of James D. Julia’s Fine Art, Asian, and Antique Division, “I was happy to see such enthusiastic bidding across all categories over the course of this three day sales event. There was great interest in our selections of fine paintings and weathervanes, and both categories did quite well. Our next will be held in August 2016, and our team is already accepting consignments for what many people consider the highlight antique auction of the summer.”

About James D. Julia, Inc.:
James D. Julia, Inc., one of the top ten antique auction antique houses in North America based on annual sales, is headquartered in Fairfield, Maine. The company also has an office in Boston, Massachusetts. In business for over 40 years, the company conducts high-end antique, collectible, and decorative arts auctions throughout the year. Julia’s has routinely establishes new world records through its auctions. The company consists of three divisions, including rare firearms and militaria; fine and Asian art and antiques; and rare lamps, glass and fine jewelry. Each division is regarded for its excellence and is staffed with world-class specialists to insure fair and professional authentication, identification, and valuation services. For more information on James D. Julia, Inc., please visit www.jamesdjulia.com.

Contact:
Bill Gage
Department Head, Fine Art, Asian, and Antiques Division
James D. Julia, Inc.
207-453-7125
bill.gage@jamesdjulia.com
Captions:

Image	Description
	MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE, ROMAN NEWSBOYS II, 1849 – SOLD: $189,600
	HANS HOFMANN, ABSTRACT IN COLORS – SOLD: $94,800
	HOWARD A. TERPNING, “SEARCHING THE MOUNTAINS” – SOLD: $124,425
	REVOLUTIONARY WAR POWDER HORN USED BY MINUTEMAN OLIVER BUTTRICK – SOLD: $88,875
	AMERICAN SCHOOL PORTRAIT OF THE SHIP “AMITY” OF NEW YORK – SOLD: $25,478
	UNTOUCHED STEEPLE-CHASE HORSE JUMPING OVER THE GATE WEATHERVANE – SOLD: $112,575
	MONUMENTAL FULL BODIED FIREMAN WEATHERVANE – SOLD: $94,800
	SIMON WILLARD FEDERAL MAHOGANY TALL CASE CLOCK – SOLD: $26,070
	MONUMENTAL PAIR OF CAST IRON BUDDHIST LIONS – SOLD: $47,400
	LARGE RHINOCEROS HORN “SCHOLAR LANDSCAPE” CUP – SOLD: $56,288
	COIN SILVER TABLESPOONS BY PAUL REVERE JR. – SOLD: $10,665