Two fine auctions in one weekend at Garth's of Delaware, Ohio begin Friday, November 7th, 2014, as Garth’s will offer over 500 luxury items in its Second Annual Gentleman's Auction. The overall auction theme is well represented by items which are sure to turn any man into modern gentleman. The auction will feature fine furniture and decorative arts, polo, equestrian and sporting iconography, luxury travel and leather accessories, scientific instruments and tools, collectible bottles and objects d'art. Jeff Jeffers, CEO, and Principal Auctioneer noted, “A Gentleman’s Auction has taken on a cult-like following and this year’s event offers a wider array of luxury goods to meet those buyer’s demands. The items for sale celebrate a dapper way of living and embrace the art of a sophisticated style. This auction is the perfect opportunity to pick up an item for a library, an office, even a man cave!”

Crossing the block early in the auction will be two attractive hand-crafted leather items from the United Kingdom by Dimitri Omersa. Dimitri Omersa and his wife Inge came to England in 1955 and settled at Lavender Croft, where Dimitri Omersa found work in the leather trade with ‘Old Bill’, who worked making fine leather luggage for Liberty’s of London. Dimitri’s famous pigs were created while the pair were contemplating what to do with the leftover leather. The famous pig footstool began selling through Liberty’s in 1927. Eventually ‘Old Bill’ retired and a deal was struck for Dimitri Omersa to take over the leather-side of the business and continue to supply the coveted pigs to Liberty’s. Dimitri soon branched into producing other animals such as an elephant, a donkey and a rhino-which became their best seller. Wanting to expand his business, Dimitri took the animals to North America, and in 1963 he entered the donkey into the California State Fair where he won a Gold medal. The animals were soon stocked by Abercrombie and Fitch, purveyor to the fantasies of the rich and famous, during the 1960’s–1980’s. During the auction, bidders will have two opportunities to purchase the iconic leather animals. The first piece being offered is a stout Leather Bulldog by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch which stands 14” high and is 19” long; the bulldog carries a presale estimate of $800-$1,200. A Leather Horse Footstool also by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch stands 28” high is 31” long and includes a modern saddle, reins and stirrups (estimate:$1,500-2,500).

Whether one is a seasoned collector or a novice buyer looking to spruce up their personal space, the next few items are sure to add a sophisticated tone to any room. An English Newtonian Telescope from the 2nd half of the nineteenth century carries a presale estimate of $800-1,200. An English Rolling Ball Clock by Joseph and Ida Platt of Cannon Craft featuring an architectural form raised on four ball feet and supported by four columns with three central dials showing hours, minutes, and seconds. The clock is expected to sell for $2,000-3,000. Bidders will also appreciate the fine art offered over the course of the day including "The Heythrop Hunt at Blenheim” by Michael Lyne (United Kingdom, 1912-1989.) The oil on canvas is signed in the lower right, stretches 50” wide in the frame and is expected to fetch $8,000-10,000. An additional highlight is the Folies Bergere Poster by Leo Fontan and Paul Saltenhammer. The poster shows a deco-style burlesque dancer with intertwined swans. Reading “Folies-Bergere Un Coup De Folie (love at first sight) Super-Spectacle de L. Lemarchand.” The poster is estimated at $4,500-5,500 and is among the only ones known of which Paul Derval thought to show the luxury and sophisticated magnificence of his revues in the Mannerist style. This poster was also chosen as the cover for the 100 years of Posters Folies Bergere and Music Halls book, published by Graphiques Inc., New York by Alain Weill 1977.

For your bar area, take this opportunity to own a crate or a quart of Coronet Dry Gin. Each collectible bottle has its original label and paper box. The assorted lots of Coronet Gin are from “The Westlake Cache” (as it became known). The cache was saved from certain destruction in the 1970s when the consignor’s father and a few of his friends negotiated for several cases of gin from the heirs to a prominent Cleveland estate whose family had been instrumental in the establishment of The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). Hoping to avoid an embarrassing public acknowledgement of the extensive cache, the heirs happily struck a quick deal with the men who were determined to “assist with this worthy mission to save the liquor from its current predicament and certain death at the hands of the criminally sober.” Sadly, the father passed away in December, 2012, shortly before he passed, he shared the secrets of the Westlake Cache with his son. The crates have collectible bottles have presale estimates of $1,200-1,500 while the quarts size bottles will cross the block with estimates of $150-250. If you prefer a quality port that has been aged for decades, try the Fernando Gonzales & Co. Sherry Port Blend from Spain. The port has been stored since it’s creation in 1910 and was imported by the Charles Bruml Co., Cleveland, Ohio. The bottle retains its original seal and is expected to sell for $800-1,200. To add some folksy character to your bar room don’t miss Gringorenko’s Salon Display by Michael Carman. The American display is signed and numbered “35/750” and dated “1990”, and is expected to sell for $4,000-8,000. For the ultimate masculine conversation piece, see the autographed John Wayne Photo and a Stetson Hat. The photo depicting Wayne and his dog is inscribed “Good luck Edward John Wayne”, and the Stetson is purported to be the one he is wearing. An accompanying letter indicates that these items were inherited from a caretaker of the Wayne family. Accompanying the hat and autographed photo are two color stills from Wayne’s movies (estimate: $250-500). To be a truly dapper modern man when entertaining one must sport the Deakin and Francis 18K White Gold Skull Cufflinks which are in mint condition, and include the original branded wooden box. The cufflinks have a presale estimate of $4,000-6,000.

For those interested in fish and game, there will be plenty of a selection to choose from including sixteen 20th century Miniature Balsa Decoys from the Duck House. The collection contains six pairs of drakes and hens, including a gadwall, a wood duck, a spoonbill, a green winged teal, a Canada goose, a bluebill, a pintail, a redhead, and a mallard; the entire collection will cross the block with an estimate of $800-1,200. A large collection of taxidermy will be offered throughout day as well. Among the taxidermy, a mountain lion displayed on a scenic mount with a big horn sheep skull is expected to fetch $1,500-3,000 and a black bear mounted with a salmon and a fishing pool has a presale estimate of $600-800.

Shane David Hall, specialist for this two-day event commented, “This weekend auction represents beautiful examples of a well curated lifestyle and this year we have combined our popular A Gentleman's Auction with a select group of fine art, offering fine paintings, and sculpture, which are the cornerstone of any quality collection.”

On Saturday, November 8th, Garth’s presents American & European Works of Art. Most importantly, two paintings in the auction will emerge onto the market for the very first time since leaving the hands of the artist to the first owners. A painting, titled Smoky River by Birger Sandzen (Swedish/American, 1871-1954), was initially bartered to a family in exchange for oil production supplies that were needed by their client. In later years, the children inherited the painting and, unfortunately, the painting was sent to the curb for trash pickup. Thankfully, another descendant of the family saved the painting from its eventual demise and stored it in her Ohio attic for the next 20 years. The artist, Birger Sandzen, was the son of a Lutheran Minister and studied art education at the College of Skara and painting under the direction of Andres Zorn at the Artists’ League of Stockholm. By 1894 Sandzen emigrated to Lindsborg, Kansas where he retained the position of Principal Art Teacher for Bethany College until 1945. Sandzen is best known for his stylized depictions of the West; primarily working in a modernist style, Sandzen implemented bold colors and heavy impasto, similar to Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse. The painting is expected to bring $30,000-50,000. Another other notable painting is by Adolph Gottlieb (American, 1903-1974). The somewhat abstract painting is a watercolor, pastel and graphite on paper in hues of brown, pink, red, rust, and white, circa 1943. The piece was originally purchased from the artist and thence by descent, it landed with the current owner. The painting is estimated at $30,000-50,000. Gottlieb began a storied career under the leadership of John Sloan and Robert Henri at the Art Student League of New York. Departing for Paris in 1921 to study at the Academie de la Grand Chaumiere before returning to New York in 1923. Gottlieb’s career is described as having four phases: Pictographs (1940s), Grids and Imaginary Landscapes (1951-1957), Busts (1957-1974), and Imaginary Landscapes (1960s). Gottlieb is perhaps best known for working in an Abstract Expressionist style similar to Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still, and Barnet Newman. The Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation catalogs this work of art as number 4354.1, and recently supplied a letter of authentication.

Additional highlights in this auction include a Canal Scene by Frits Thaulow (Norway/France/Netherlands, 1847-1906). The oil on canvas is signed lower right and depicts a canal lined with vernacular-style buildings which sits in an elaborate carved and gilded frame. Frits Thaulow began his artistic studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, before studying with renowned marinescape artist C. F. Sorsensen. By the 1870s Thaulow began experimenting with plein-air painting taking influence from French realist painters. Thaulow exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon from 1877-1880. By the 1880s Thaulow returned to Norway where he was considered to be a superior artist. Thaulow retained strong ties to artist communities throughout France for the remainder of his life. The Canal Scene is expected to sell for $15,000-30,000. Another Canal Scene by Alice Schille (American 1869-1955) is signed in the lower left and portrays four boats docked alongside a row of buildings reflected in a canal. Ex. Keny and Johnson Gallery, Columbus, Ohio, it is estimated at $7,000-9,000.

Those with an eye for equestrian and sporting fine art will be pleased to see a Polo Scene by Frank Tenney Johnson on the block. The gouache on paper painting is signed and dated “1906” in the lower right and illustrates three polo players seen in pursuit of the ball. (estimate: $15,000-20,000). Best known for his moonlight and western scenes, Frank Tenney Johnson was born on June 28, 1874 in Big Grove, Iowa. In 1895 Johnson enrolled at the Art Students League of New York returning to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, only five months later to work as a illustrator. Johnson would later return to New York to complete his studies under the guidance of John Twachtman, Robert Henri and William Merrit Chase. It is said that Johnson’s work “represents the best of the old west” focusing on the landscapes of lives of the great American cowboy.

Ohio State and Michigan fans will surely battle over an oil on canvas titled Howard “Hopalong” Cassady by Emerson C. Burkhart (American, 1905-1969). The work is signed and dated “55” and depicts 1955 Heisman trophy winner Howard “Hopalong” Cassady at the 50 yard line during the Ohio State versus Michigan game. The painting carries a presale estimate of $10,000-15,000 and is ex Dr. William L. Hall. Never fear, the next fan and bidder will have another chance when Football Practice by Emerson C. Burkhart is offered. This oil on canvas is signed and dated lower right, and again verso “Sept 6 1956 EB.“. The painting illustrates three figures standing under a shade tree while Ohio State University football practice commences with Woody Hayes coaching. The Ohio Stadium, also known as The Horseshoe, can be seen in the background. The iconic scene is expected to bring $10,000-15,000. Ex Mr. and Mrs. William A. Jenkins, it was once exhibited at The Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, November 1970-January 1971.

Other notable works include Red Building by William L. Hawkins (American, 1895-1990).
The Red Building is an acrylic on board and is signed in the lower stretcher. Framed in black wood, this painting is expected to bring $12,000-$18,000. Urbanscape by Irma Rene Koen (American, 1884-1975) is an oil on canvas featuring an urban street with figures in hues of blue and grey. The painting is signed in the lower right and carries a presale estimate: $3,000-5,000.

Preview hours for both auctions will be available November 3rd thru the 7th or by special appointment and will be held in Garth’s main gallery located at 2690 Stratford Road, Delaware, Ohio. For a copy of the illustrated catalog, to leave bids or request condition reports, please contact Garth’s at 740-362-4771 or via email at info@garths.com. The digital format of this catalog may be viewed at www.garths.com.