Mt. Washington Lava, originally known as Sicilian Glass, proved to be the most desirable ware at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates’ January 26 Winter glass auction, with stellar prices realized for several different objects made in this manor. A bulbous-base vase done in shiny raspberry with multi-colored inclusions and gilt trim, circa 1878-80 realized the highest price of the day, $5,462.50. [Lot 450]

Other Mt. Washington Lava ware that did well was executed in dramatic dark backgrounds, the ideal showcase for the shimmering inclusions. A black bulbous vase with waisted neck, and a flared-form vase with waisted neck, each sold for $2,760; while an urn-form vase with applied handles, sold for $2,300. These, too, were executed circa 1880. [Lot 454, 456 and 451, respectively]

Two items made at the Imperial Glass Company of Ohio also realized high prices. A Free Hand line iridescent colorless compote, with opal hanging hearts and cobalt blue rim and tall stem, previously unlisted in the literature on the factory, sold for a record price of $3737.50, the second-highest price of the auction. Executed circa 1925, and standing nearly 10 inches high, the compote went for almost four times the estimated selling price, because it was a terrific example, never before illustrated, and in wonderful condition [Lot 476]. A Free Hand 8 inch tall vase from the same factory and period, with unusual low handles, known as shape FH10, sold for $2,300, also way over estimate. The deep marigold and applied blue green vase was unusual and very attractive to many collectors. [Lot 514]

A covered sugar bowl produced by the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Co., a Greentown number 450, in the Holly Amber pattern and golden agate color, made circa 1903, 6 5/8" high, sold for $3,335. The rarity of this bowl and cover in this colorway and pattern lead to frenzied bidding, with the final price nearly ten times the estimate. [Lot 50]

Lastly among the top-selling lots, a figural glass Santa Claus miniature lamp by the Consolidated Lamp & Glass Company, dating to the late 19th century, sold for $2100 due to its desirability. [Lot 334] Additional strong results were realized for collections of toothpick holders; tumblers; cruets; Finlay Onyx & Floridine; as well as Steuben.

The above lots were all from the collection of the late Richard “Dick” and Mary Ann Krauss of Clyde, OH. Also featured in the auction were collections from New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

After the sale, Jeffrey S. Evans said, “I am extremely pleased with the auction results. We received our highest number of absentee bids for a glass sale in the past 5 years. This auction demonstrates that collectors are recognizing good values in the market and are re-entering the arena. The Krauss collection of Imperial art glass was unprecedented at public auction and drew tremendous interest and strong results. It was a great pleasure cataloging the collection – it gave me a crash course on the company’s short-lived and financially unsuccessful foray into the art glass world.”

Overall, the sale realized $265,972.00, with one lot withdrawn due to a condition issue (lot 500). The gallery received over 3,300 pre-auction absentee bids and more than 2,300 live internet bids on auction day from potential buyers located in 15 different countries. In addition to those bids, Evans and his top-notch staff orchestrated over 200 phone bids along with stiff competition from a serious group of in-house bidders. In all Evans sold 1,050 lots in 9 ½ hours for an average of 110 lots sold per hour. The complete catalogue with prices realized can be accessed at jeffreysevans.com.

The next auction scheduled to take place at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates is a Variety sale scheduled for President’s Day weekend, on Saturday, February 16, 2013. The second half of the Krauss glass collection consisting of 2,000+ salt, pepper and sugar shakers will be held at the Evans gallery on July 27. The auction will be held in conjunction with the Antique Glass Salt and Sugar Shakers Club’s (AGSSSC) 2013 Convention in nearby Harrisonburg, VA. Visit the firm’s website or call 540.434.3939 for more information.