Clars Auction Gallery set a new world record on a Moorcroft for Shreve example on Sunday, October 6, 2013. The circa 1905 silver overlaid loving cup, executed in the Claremont pattern, was estimated to sell for $1,200 but, after highly spirited bidding from the floor, phones and Internet, the increments quickly escalated to a new world auction record achieving $32,130. The base of the cup was numbered R’N’ 420081 and was signed W. Moorcroft/Shreve & Co./San Francisco and measured 7.5” high x 7” wide overall. The success of this lot along with several other exceptionally strong prices contributed to Clars October 2013 sale being the strongest October sale in the firm’s history generating $850,000 in total sales.

There were numerous other surprises at this sale. Two Persian carpets each went for several times their high estimates. A circa 1935 Persian Tabriz rug was offered for $1,500 to $2,500 but sold for $17,850 followed by a palace-sized Persian Bakhtiari carpet, circa 1930, which achieved $16,600 against its high estimate of $6,000.

Rounding out the very exciting decorative arts and furnishings category was a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair which flew past its high estimate going for $7,735 as did a Chinese Export silver handled presentation tray by Nanking which tripled high estimate selling for $6,545.

Diamond-laden jewelry was the next category to achieve unexpected prices with an emerald cut diamond ring weighing 1.97 cts bringing $10,710 and a stunning Art Deco diamond and platinum ring featuring (1) one old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.92 cts selling for well over estimate at $8,330.

And in the Asian offerings, several lots flew past their estimates. Highlighting this category was a Chinese mixed stone inlaid gilt lacquered wood plaque measuring 63.25” high by 32.75” wide that sold for $7,735. A pair of Chinese wood side tables (PHOTO 5) reached six times their high estimate achieving $7,140 And a lovely Chinese enameled porcelain warming dish, (PHOTO 6) the base with a Tonggzhi mark, followed suit selling for $6,545 against its $800 estimate.

For complete information and prices realized for Clars October 5 and 6, 2013 Fine Art and Antiques sale, please visit www.clars.com, call (510) 428-0100 or email: info@clars.com.

Clars next auction of Fine Art and Antiques will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 9 and 10, 2013. Previews for their November event will be held Friday, November 8th  from 1pm to 6pm and 9am each auction day. A complete catalog will be available online one week prior to the sale.

Bidding for Clars auctions is available in person, by phone, absentee and live online @ www.clars.com, and through www.liveauctioneers.com and http://www.artfact.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.