Paul Klee, William Keith, Edward H. Bohlin and Queen Elizabeth I Will Attract Collectors to Oakland Auctioneer’s Two-Day Fine Arts & Antiques Sale.

Clars auctioneers, appraising and selling fine art and antiques since 1948, will offer collectors a two-day sale February 5-6, 2011, with important works of fine art, Asian art, furniture, jewelry, books, manuscripts and collectibles offered from their Oakland salesroom with live bidding via the internet.  Top lots include a Paul Klee oil on paper, a rare Queen Elizabeth I manuscript, a first edition of “Grapes of Wrath” and a classic motorcar, among many other desirable lots. 

An extensive and impressive list of works by American and international artists is led by an unframed oil on paper by Swiss artist Paul Klee titled “Landhaus im Norden,” 1925 (est. $400/600,000).  “Under the Mango Tree” by Fernando Cueto Amorsolo (Filipino, 1892-1972) is estimated at $35/45,000 while a framed color pencil on paper titled “Tete de Profil” by Amedeo Modigliani (Italian, 1884-1920) should draw international attention (est. $80/120,000). 

American works include a beautifully executed oil on canvas by William Keith titled “View of San Anselmo Valley with Mount Tam.”  This view of the Bay Area is expected to bring $30/50,000.  The work was purchased directly from Keith and comes to auction through family descent.  An oil on canvas titled “Heaton Park Races,” 1944, by Vaughn Flannery (American, 1898-1955) is one of four to be offered, the work expected to sell for $30,000 to $50,000.  An important work by Milton Avery (America, 1885-1965) is titled “Afternoon Landscape” and expected to bring as much as $120,000.

Fine art comes in many forms and Edward H. Bohlin was truly a master of art in leather and sterling silver.  His saddles are revered worldwide and Clars is very pleased to offer a circa 1940 Bohlin saddle with extensive sterling mounts (est. $15/20,000).  Antique gun collectors will be very interested in a circa 1850 William Golcher .52 caliber rifle, made by Golcher himself at the age of 17.  The rifle is engraved with an American eagle at the charred maple stock and the barrel is marked “James Golcher Maker Philadelphia” (est. $20/30,000).

February’s auction will feature a number of historical documents.  An extremely rare and important manuscript from the Reign of Queen Elizabeth I, estimated at $30,000 to $50,000 and stemming from an important San Francisco Area estate, is a framed Indenture from Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) dated 1563, bearing the Royal Great Seal. The indenture states the terms of a loan Queen Elizabeth I was taking out through her financier Sir Thomas Gresham.  The indenture is signed on the reverse by several Lords. The loan was executed in 1563, the same year that Elizabeth I moved the Royal Court to Windsor Castle to avoid the bubonic plague.  According to Clars President Redge Martin, “Clars is extremely honored to be able to represent this piece and anticipates brisk international bidding for this historic document.”

Another collection of historic documents will be offered including a signed Abraham Lincoln appointment dated 1861, a signed by Teddy Roosevelt letter and another missive signed by Napoleon Bonaparte.  Important book lots include a collection of prints in two volumes from the rare book “Pictures for the Purpose of Illustrating the Dramatic Works of Shakespeare by the Artists of Great Britain” published in London by John Josiah Boydell in 1803, followed by a first edition of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.”  Published in 1939, this Steinbeck classic also includes the first state dust jacket.

Also of historic importance is a presentation bronze medal inscribed to the captain, officers and crew of the R.M.S. Carpathia in recognition of services from the survivors of the S.S. Titanic.  Estimated at $2,000 to $4,000, this piece comes from the Marcollo Collection, offered along with a selection of period steam ship lithographs.

Clars’ auctions routinely bring fine Asian antiques and art to the block.  In their February sale will be a pair of large Southeast Asian patinated bronzes chinthe/leogryph, circa 19th century.  Also to be offered is a Chinese coral figural carving of a celestial maiden and children and a selection of Chinese scholar’s objects.

Among the important antique furnishings to be offered will be a German Black Forest hall tree estimated to bring $4,000 to $6,000.  Fine furniture includes a circa 1880 American Eastlake walnut secretary bookcase, and a Continental Renaissance style marble top sideboard, circa 1870.  The Arts and Crafts period is represented with a large selection of tile top tables and classic style wood pieces.  A Daum Nancy table lamp with hand wrought mounts is to be offered, along with a framed Berlin porcelain hand-painted plaque.  A selection of American carousel animals includes a Carmel “Jumper” horse and a Herschell Spillman zebra.

Jewelry offerings will be spectacular, including a diamond solitaire pendant and neck chain set in platinum with a 10.09cts pear-cut diamond.  A stunning diamond solitaire ring is set in platinum sporting a 3.25cts round brilliant-cut diamond.

Classic car aficionados will have the opportunity to vie for a wonderful 1940 Packard 120 Club Sedan, expected to bring $30/40,000.

Clars upcoming February Fine Estates sale will be held on Saturday, February 5th beginning at 9:30am and Fine Art and Antiques are offered on Sunday, February 6th beginning at 10am.  Previews will open to the public on Friday, February 4th from 1pm to 6pm and at 9am each auction day and by special appointment.  The sale’s full catalog will be available online at www.clars.com prior to the sale.  The catalog is also available online at www.icollector.com.

Bidding for this sale is available in person, by telephone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com. To register as a bidder or to gather more information, call Clars Auction Gallery at (888) 339-7600, or via email: info@clars.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.