On Friday, Weschler’s Capital Collections auction hit a high note at its February 20th sale. European furniture and jewelry were thestand-outs of this sale, showing the continued strength of the jewelry market and an increased interest in quality European furniture. The auction had an 83% sell through rate, with competitive bidding in the gallery, on the phones and on the
Internet.

The highlight of the sale was a Régence ormolu mounted parquetry tulipwood and kingwood régulateur from the second quarter of the 18th century after a design by Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier. The régulateur’s $8,000-$12,000 auction estimate was far exceeded by a number of bidders on the phone, internet, and floor. The floor bidder came out the victor, concluding the bidding at $76,000 and earning a round of applause on the floor. A pair of Louis XV Style giltwood fauteuils with Aubusson tapestry upholstery from the same estate, also exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $1,500-$2,500, reaching a hammer price of $17,000.

Jewelry found the high-end of the estimate continually throughout the saleproving to be a constant strong seller. The crowning jewel was a stunning pair ofBelle Époque Platinum and Diamond Earrings. The pair, estimated to bring$20,000-$30,000, just topped the high-end of the estimate, at $34,220. Aplatinum and diamond wreath brooch by Tiffany & Co. was another leader,reaching a $9,500 hammer price with an estimate of $7,000-$9,000. The surpriseof the jewelry portion was a beautiful Art Deco platinum, blue sapphire anddiamond ring by Tiffany & Co. which brought $8,500, far surpassing its $1,500$2,500 estimate.

Other notable lots included a Federal walnut tall case clock by the Winchester, VA clocksmith,Goldsmith Chandlee, circa 1790. The clock reached $18,000 against its $15,000-$25,000 pre-sale estimate. A wonderfully colored painting, Southwest Landscape, by artist, Doel Reed (1895-1985), sold for $12,000 hammer as well as seven J. JayMcVicker (American 1911-2004) aquatints selling above estimate. The pair of works, Sunscape and Nocturnal Sequence, was the top lot among the works, reaching $4,800.

The next Capital Collection will be May 8th, with a consignment deadline of March 20th. For more information, please contact Weschler’s at 202.628.1281 or visit www.weschlers.com.