Clars Auction Gallery’s March Antiques and Fine Art Sale will be richly diverse with exceptional European pieces and collections, a rare collection of rock ‘n roll photography by Jim Marshall, important 19th century dolls, fine European and California wines plus fine art and furnishings, both American and Continental. The two-day event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 17th and 18th, 2012 at their gallery in Oakland, CA.

It’s fitting for the sale of the rare rock ‘n roll photography collection (Photo 1) to be held in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the culture and the music took seed and changed the world. This collection of photos, done by legendary music photographer Jim Marshall (1936-2010), will include 1960s and 70s images from icons including Jimi Hendriz, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles as well as his important Jazz Portfolio which includes greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington.

Complementing this collection, an extensive offering of Hollywood memorabilia and signatures will be offered during the Saturday session.

Turning to the unusual and important pieces and collections coming from Europe, the first collection of note is a large selection of 19th century Persian flintlock Jezail long-barreled muskets and pistols. One, a Napoleonic pistol by Boutee, Versailles, bears Napoleon’s insignia the butt. A second exquisite example is inlaid with bone and coral and wrapped in silver.

Furthering this genre, to be offered will be a collection of 19th and 20th century European suits of armor.

With a French twist, is a circa 1910 Parisian Art Nouveau cast iron street lamp which carries an estimate of $3,000 to $5,000. This lot will be offered as part of the large collection of Continental and American furniture in the sale.

A very important instrument from Austria, a Marcus Stainer (1633-1693) violin is both instrument of music and a work of art and will no doubt garner worldwide attention.

Also coming from Europe is an extensive collection of 19th century dolls (Photo 3) in different compositions. A number in this collection come from German makers including H. & B., J.D.K. and Simon Halbig. An assortment of wooden Polish dolls are also part of this collection as is a beautifully executed circa 1900 French fashion doll. To complement the doll lots, fifteen (15) mid-20th century dollhouses in multi-sizes and levels complete with furnishings and holiday decorations will be highly sought after by collectors.

Investment level French and California wines are expected to see competitive bidding as the vintners to be represented include Lafitte Rothschild, Pomerol, Diamond Creek  and Ridge.

Rounding out the other exceptional special collections will be important Pre-Columbian works, including a Mayan stone mask, (Photo 4) that has been illustrated in books and has ties to Diego Rivera. Also to be offered will be an extensive collection of European porcelains including fine Meissen examples as well as sterling.

Turning to the fine art, among the European highlights in this category will be Rheinlandschaft, (Photo 5) a framed oil on canvas by Johann Gottfried Pullan (German, 1809-1875) and, attributed to Jan van Huchtenburg (Dutch, 1647-1733) will be his oil on panel entitled Battle Scene.

Significant California paintings consist of Maurice Braun’s (1877-1941) oil on canvas, Path Through Mountains; August Gay’s (1890-1948) picturesque oil on board, Untitled (Farm at Sunset/Hatton Ranch) and a Chinatown watercolor dated 1959 by Jake Lee (1915-1991).

American offerings include four photorealist still life oils on board by Charles S. Bell (American, 1935-1995) and a watercolor, Autumn Stream, 1888, by Jasper Cropsey (American, 1823-1900) (5-7K)

The Asian offerings will be particularly strong in March and will feature a selection of Japanese Meiji era ceramics, cloisonné ceramics and metalwork. In specific from the Meiji period will be a massive Imari-style covered urn measuring 30” high. (Photo 7)

The jewelry category will round out this two-day event nicely with both exceptional jewelry and timepieces to be offered. Of note will be a lady’s diamond Cartier “Tank Aloongee” wristwatch created in 18k white gold.

Clars magnificent March 17th and 18th , 2012 Antiques and Fine Art sale brings to auction investment level opportunities in all categories.  The Saturday session will begin @ 9:30am and the Sunday session start promptly at @ 10am. Previews for this sale will be Friday, March 16th   from 1pm to 6pm and 9am Saturday and Sunday or by special appointment. A full catalog will be available online at www.clars.com prior to the sale.

For more information on this sale, please call (510) 428-0100, email: info@clars.com or visit their website at www.clars.com Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.