MESA, Ariz. – An early 1970s 14kt gold necklace set with a #8 spider web turquoise stone sold for $5,750 at Big Fall Phoenix, an auction held Nov. 8-9 by Allard Auctions, Inc., based in Saint Ignatius, Mont. The auction was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Mesa, near Phoenix. Approximately 800 lots of American Indian artifacts, art and related collectibles came up for bid.

The original, one-of-a-kind, 26-inch-long necklace – co-designed by Andrew of Scottsdale and Alexander, Artist in Gold – boasted 26 custom beads and squash blossoms. The naja (the inverted crescent pendant on squash-blossom necklaces, a term coined by the Navajo) was set with a beautiful turquoise stone. The sides were Lone Mountain. The necklace was the top lot of the auction.

“Jewelry was strong across the board, so it didn’t surprise me the necklace did well,” said Steve Allard of Allard Auctions, Inc. “Rugs and weavings were also a hit and a couple of the beadwork pieces from a collection in Nebraska got attention.” Some of the other major categories included hand-made baskets, Kachina carvings, pottery and clothing. Allard called the auction a success.

About 100 people attended the event live (with about 60-70 of those holding bidder numbers), and 364 people registered to bid online through LiveAuctioneers.com and iCollector.com. Allard said the online catalog attracted around 1,000 “watchers” – people who didn’t register to bid, but still kept an eye on the action. Many left bids were recorded – for about one-third of the catalog.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. For publication purposes, all prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium, although the percent may have actually been different on some items, depending on how the bid was placed.

A rare, circa-1980s black-on-black San Ildefonso water bowl (or “spirit bowl”) by Carmelita Dunlap, with cut-out access and accompanying ladle (used to remove water, according to expert Catherine Harris) changed hands for $2,587. The steps cut-in represented Kiva steps. The bowl was in very good condition except for one tiny scratch and measured 7 ¼ inches by 11 ¼ inches.

An early 20th century, hand-crafted white buckskin Mandan men’s war shirt set with matching leggings - both items featuring colorful, finely quilled ornaments, human hair suspensions and painted horseshoes – hammered for $1,840. The set was in very good, even like-new condition. The shirt measured 34 inches by 29 inches, while the leggings measured 35 inches by 12 inches.

A circa-1900 deep hard-sided Klickitat basket with intact rim loops and an interior containing 18 rare female figures, in fine condition, rose to $2,300; and an award-winning (at the Arizona State Fair, 1962) Navajo rug (weaving), made by Agatha Garnenez and measuring 38 inches by 66 inches, with some details – a Two Grey Hills runner – went to a determined bidder for $1,955.

An outstanding pair of fancy parade gloves (or gauntlets), with extended beaded tops having fine floral motifs, well-worn but with the beadwork in very good condition, realized $2,587; and a circa-1970s all-silver squash style cross Pueblo necklace with sandcast features, turquoise stones and early bench-made dime beads, 33 inches long and in very good condition, breezed to $1,840.

An early 1900s pair of sinew sewn and lazy stitch Arapaho beaded hard-soled moccasins, with a great design and only minor bead loss, went for $1,840; a hand-carved “Tlingit Chief” Shonaha doll, wearing a Chilkat blanket and with a fine Lelooska carved Potlach hat and staff, hit $2,185; and a circa-1900 old sinew sewn and lazy stitch beaded two-sided buffalo hide Sioux pipe-and-tobacco bag with traditional geometric designs and faded quilled slat suspensions made $2,415.

Allard Auctions, Inc.’s next big event will be the annual Big Spring Phoenix Auction, March 7th and 8th at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Mesa. Steve Allard said the firm is close to securing “several really good collections” for the sale, adding he expects baskets and pottery to be strong. Allard Auctions has its home offices on the Flathead Indian Reservation in St. Ignatius, Mont.

Allard Auctions, Inc., has been selling exclusively American Indian artifacts, art and related collectibles at auction since 1968. The firm is always accepting quality merchandise for future auctions. To inquire about consigning a single piece, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them at (406) 745-0500 or (888) 314-0343; or send an e-mail to info@allardauctions.com.

To learn more about Allard Auctions, Inc., and the upcoming Big Spring Phoenix Auction scheduled for March 7-8, please visit www.allardauctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

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