ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The astounding single-owner lifetime collection of nearly 350 pieces of American Brilliant Cut Glass (ABCG), accumulated by William (“Bill”) and Barbara Meek of Naples, Fla., will be sold at a public auction scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd, at the St. Charles Convention Center, located at One Convention Center Plaza, starting at 9:30 a.m. Central time.

The auction will be conducted by Woody Auction, based in Douglass, Kan. “The Meeks began collecting with two goals in mind – to strive to fill their collection with the best of the best, and to buy items in pristine condition as often as possible,” said Jason Woody of Woody Auction. “Once bidders lay eyes on these fine pieces, they will realize the Meeks achieved both goals.”

Mr. Woody added, “This collection surpasses many similar auctions we’ve held in the past, with regard to the quality and condition of the items up for bid. Lovers and collectors of American Brilliant Cut Glass will recognize many treasures that are seldom seen and rarely come up for bid. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity for people to add these gems to their collection.”

Two signed pieces from the Libbey glassware factory in Ohio, both in the Ellsmere pattern, are certain to draw interest. One is a three-part epergne in the highest quality pattern cut, with a large scalloped hobstar foot and bulbous pattern cut stem. Another is a 5-part banquet lamp, 37 inches tall, marked “Bradley & Hubbard Metal Works” with a fully patterned cut glove and cut front.

Another epergne to watch is a five-piece example in a fully Harvard cut pattern, having a flared base topped with a large ball-shaped cover supporting a rolled rim bowl over a base with a tall center lily. Also sold will be a decanter set with underplate and 8 matching wines, the decanter having a triple ring neck and a Chrysanthemum pattern by Hawkes, plus a pattern cut stopper.

Must-see vases will include a Gladiola vase, 30 inches tall, in a hobstar, vesica, strawberry diamond, nailhead diamond and fan motif, similar to Dorflinger’s Pattern #4 and boasting a crystal clear blank and magnificent cutting; and a three-handled hanging vase, 11 inches by 7 inches, in a hobstar, vesica, cane, zipper strawberry diamond and fan motif with superb blank.

Anyone for punch? A truly complete punch set, with a signed Egginton two-part Cambria pattern bowl with brilliantly clear blank, 19 punch cups and a signed Egginton ladle marked Gorham silverplate with shell-shaped dipper, will be offered; as will a magnificent pedestal punch bowl, 9 ¾ inches by 12 ½ inches, in the Propeller pattern by Marshall Fields, with a facet cut ball stem.

If not punch, then perhaps ice cream or sherbet? Sold will be an ice cream set in the Seneca pattern by Empire, comprising a tab-handled rectangular tray and six matching 5-inch round dishes, all with top quality blank and cutting; and a specialty sherbet cup in the Kalana Lily pattern by Dorflinger, from a set of 12, monogrammed and set on a silver reticulated base.

Pitchers and tumblers will feature a 10 ½ inch by 7 inch water pitcher in the Alhambra pattern by Meriden, with triple-notched handle and hobstar base; and a pedestal pitcher set with 6 tumblers in the Sunburst pattern by Pitkin & Brooks. The pitcher measures 13 ¼ inches by 7 inches and has a triple-notched handle and hobstar foot. The set was featured in a Pitkin & Brooks catalog.

The Libbey name will be called frequently throughout the day. In addition to the pieces already described, the auction will also feature a round, signed Libbey tray in the Ellsmere pattern 11 ¾ inches; and a signed Libbey tall handled basket in the Premiere pattern, featured in a Libbey book by Fauster, 18 ½ inches by 8 ¾ inches and with a double-notched handle and ray cut base.

Salad offerings from Libbey will include a two-piece signed Libbey salad set in the Engraved Vintage pattern, exhibiting superior quality and measuring 5 ½ inches by 9 ¾ inches; and a signed Libbey salad bowl and underplate in the Spillane pattern, 7 inches by 11 inches and having excellent size and condition, and featured on page 201 of the cut glass book Rarities.

Vases certain to attract bidder interest will include a pedestal vase signed J. Hoare, 11 ½ inches tall and with a hobstar, nailhead diamond, strawberry diamond, prism and fan motif, with a large hobstar foot and a heavy blank; and a massive footed vase signed Pitkin & Brooks, impressive at 24 ½ inches tall, with a cane, pinwheel, bulls-eye, crosscut and fan motif, step cut and notched.

Rounding out just some of the day’s expected top lots are a cut glass decanter in the Mercedes pattern by Clark, 15 inches by 6 inches, with a facet cut ring neck, exact pattern cut stopper and large hobstar base; and a diminutive inkwell with a sterling top marked “M. F. Hamilton & Son”, very heavy, with nearly five pounds of glass, but quite small in stature, at 5 inches by 4 ½ inches.

Internet bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com (bidders are encouraged to register a day or two ahead). Absentee bids will also be accepted. Absentee bids should be submitted with a written statement indicating the amount of the bid and all bids must be received no later than Thursday, May 21. Bids may be fax’d to (316) 746-2145, or e-mailed to info@woodyauction.com.

A preview will be held on Friday, May 22nd, from 4-6 p.m. There will be a cocktail social during preview. The St. Charles Convention Center is located just off exit 229 of Interstate 70. As for lodging, the Holiday Inn Airport West has rooms blocked for Woody Auction at a rate of $95 per night, which includes a shuttle bus to the Convention Center. To book space, call 314-291-6800.

Woody Auction is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection you may call them at (316) 747-2694. Or, you can send them an e-mail, to info@woodyauction.com. To learn more about Woody Auction and the May 23rd auction, log on to www.woodyauction.com, or go to www.liveauctioneers.com/browse/seller/woodyauction.

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