Garth's Offers Amazing Americana over Labor Day Weekend

When someone says the words “diary” or “journal”, it evokes( to the average Joe) thoughts of young girls ensconced in their rooms quickly chronicling personal thoughts and school experiences, but to even the average antiques collector, the words more frequently bring to mind a treasure trove of records and inventory lists of antiques and decorative arts discoveries. On September 3 & 4, Garth’s Auctions of Delaware, Ohio will host its Annual Labor Day Weekend Americana auction comprised of over 800 lots which will include collections of great 18th century furniture from a Michigan consignor and Peaseware from Washington State. Each of these collections is accompanied by the sort of documentation that makes collectors and dealers of antiques smile. Garth’s was given copies of each collector’s diaries in which they recorded each object (with a picture), along with what they bought it as, where they bought it, who they bought objects from, and what they paid.  Garth’s auctioneer and appraiser, Andrew Richmond commented “Such collection diaries are HUGELY valuable resources as items are catalogued for auction and for the future owners.  With current technology and the potential added value of a well-documented provenance, it is easier than ever for 21st century collectors NOT to be keeping some sort of collection diary or journal.”

For over a half century, Garth’s has been recognized for handling fine Americana and this sale is no exception due to its quality and diverse selection.  In 2009, Garth’s began to sell part of the aforementioned Michigan collection from the late Mary Ellen and George Gotshall of Bloomfield Hills in 2009 and continues in grand style offering wonderful 18th century furniture such as the Queen Anne maple tavern table, attributed to Connecticut. The oval top overhangs a deep rectangular straight apron with quarter round returns on block and turned, tapered legs ending in dainty pad feet. Retaining a wonderful old, if not original, dark brown finish, the table has an equally appealing provenance as it is ex George Samaha (Ohio)( Estimate $10,000-20,000).  Also from Connecticut is a Queen Anne cherry, poplar and pine high chest of drawers. In two-pieces, the chest has nine drawers, the central lower drawer being shell-carved, all over a scroll-cut skirt and cabriole legs ending in pad feet. Ex Nathan Liverant and Son (Connecticut) and ex Maze Pottinger Antiques (Michigan), the chest is accompanied by a 1963 letter from Zeke Liverant stating this high chest descended in the Webster family of Berlin, Connecticut. According to family tradition, it was made by Elisha Flagg of Berlin and Hartford(estimate $8,000-12,000).  A fine inlaid Federal cherry candlestand, also from Connecticut and dating to the late 18th-early 19th century, is ex Ed Weissman of New Hampshire. The square top is inlaid with corner fans and a narrow checked circle surrounding a mariner compass. With the grungy finish and elongated vase turned standard, it should easily fetch $2,500-$3,500.  A mid 18th century Connecticut Queen Anne cherry tea table with a rectangular tray top, conforming, deeply scalloped skirt and cabriole legs ending in pad feet also retains an old crazed red-brown painted surface on the base. Ex Taylor B. Williams (Illinois) and measuring a delicate 29"h. and 27 3/4"w., the table should bring $8,000-12,000.

The story of Peaseware and the Pease woodturning mill is well documented, too.  The family came to northeastern Ohio from Massachusetts around 1850 and brought with them the tools and concept for a new style of woodenware or treen. Paying homage to the then popular pewter forms, David Pease ( and later his sons ) crafted from maple and other local Ohio woods the common household containers, which were  - and are still - noted for their body profiles and decorative banding.  The value of Peaseware is determined by factors including size and several larger pieces are offered from this collection. A large container with lid, unusual ball finial and a bale handle measures 7 3/4"h.  The estimate of $400-600 makes it a reasonable purchase for novice collectors. Other similarly estimated items are a large straight sided container with lid, urn finial, original red stain, and a stamped label "Berea, Souvenir 1909", 7"h., as well as a 5”h. covered jar of excellent form. 

A large collection of colorful delft from a Cleveland, Ohio couple prominent in the antiques collecting community is sure to attract the attention of bidders.  A 17th century English delft charger, 13” dia., with white tin glaze, oversized flower and fanciful Asian style building in polychrome is expected to bring $600-$1,200.  A pair of English delft chargers dating to the early 18th century is distinguished by the polychrome design in vibrant colors of green breasted birds and a blue globe shaped vase of flowers. The 11 ¼” dia. pair is estimated at $1,400-$2,600.  Two delft figural tureens, one of a hen on nest and the other of a mallard, are each estimated at $200-400, while assorted delft plates with Asian themes and peonies are offered in the $300-800 range. .  According to Garth’s CEO Jeff Jeffers, “This delft collection is representative of a thoughtful and studious couple who have a marvelous eye”. 

Garth’s travels throughout the United States to assemble material for each auction, but some things are found in Garth’s backyard such as the Lincoln broadside that came to an appraisal day at the Firelands Historical Society in Norwalk, Ohio. The rare Lincoln campaign poster was published by W. Schaus, NY in 1860. The lithograph, by Leopold Grozelier (1830-1865), is after a painting by Thomas Hicks (1823-1890). Signed in the stone below "Yours Truly A. Lincoln" and titled "Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Republican Candidate for the Presidency, 1860", it is expect to sell for $6,000-8,000.  Hicks's original portrait, now referred to as The Springfield Portrait is in the collection of the Chicago Historical Society.  A Civil War reunion flag for a colored regiment is stenciled with "5 Regiment U.S.C.T." and the battles in which they engaged: New Kent Courthouse, City Point, Ft. Darling, Petersburg, New Market Heights, Fair Oaks, Virginia, Sugar Loaf Hill, Federal Point, and Wilmington, North Carolina. At 11 3/4"h. 21 3/4"w. it is framed with information about the unit( Estimate $300-500).  To compliment that lot, a good group of late 19th-early 20th century photographs of African Americans is to be sold( Estimate $200-400) which includes approximately twenty tintypes and twenty-five various photographs, including portraits, agricultural and domestic scenes, a family group, and a wonderful collection of early sports images from the West Virginia Collegiate Institute.

Garth’s is also proud of the assortment of Shaker material to be sold during the Saturday session of the auction. Pieces from Maine, Connecticut and Ohio will be offered – all from a single old Ohio collection.   An important Shaker counter chest from Union Village, Ohio is a highlight of the items. Constructed of butternut and poplar, the eight-drawer chest retains most of the original turned knobs and an old finish with rich color(estimate $4,000-6,000). A dough box( $400-800), several chairs( each estimated in the range of $600), and a Shaker peg rail(estimate $150-300) each carrying the Union Village provenance as well.
 
Rounding out the sale is a stunning array of material including everything from fine American Indian pottery to historical  firearms to 19th century photographs and manuscripts.  A billboard-sized circus poster was printed in ten sheets and measures a monumental 8'8"h. 16'4"w., with a 6'3" extension for the banner.  Signed "J.S. Homell", the poster was made for the Barnes Brothers Circus which entertained crowds from 1942 until 1949. The featured act was famed lion tamer Terrell Jacobs, who is illustrated on the poster, and the provenance traces directly back to Jacobs(estimate $2,000-4,000).  If historical ephemera is a pursuit, but in a more portable size, the collection of 16th century pamphlets, including ones on witches and devils should be of interest.

Folk art is always a highlight of Garth’s auctions and in this case, strong regional collecting habits will bring out the lovers of Ohio Valley artists.  Four small limestone and sandstone carvings by Ernest “Popeye” Reed are each estimated in the $100-400 range, while bidders will have to go a bit father to the $400-600 range to win either of the colorful mixed media works by Levent Isik, one depicting three women having a “Girls Night Out” and the other a monkey juggling.    Other items of note include an American barber pole found in Vermont retains its weathered white and black paint and traces of red( Estimate $400-800).  A mid 19th century American poplar decorated box has a good original painted surface with cornucopias on a mustard ground.  The fitted interior is salmon with a painted lid featuring a bird and "M.A. Sawyer" in gilt letters (estimate $2,500-3,500).  A selection of finely decorated toleware includes trays, tea caddies, document boxes and other containers, but the finest pieces are an apple tray attributed to Maine with flowers on a red ground( Estimate $600-800) and two coffee pots each with flowers or fruit on a black ground( estimates $800-1,600 and $1,500-,800).

Garth's Labor Day Weekend Americana Auction catalog will be online at www.garths.com. Garth's, located at 2690 Stratford Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015, will have preview hours in its gallery from August  30 through September 4. For further information about Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, please contact info@garths.com or call 740-362-4771.

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