Sterling Associates’ Oct. 7 Estates Auction features Asian, fine and decorative art, mantel clocks, pocket watches

  • NORWOOD, New Jersey
  • /
  • October 05, 2020

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Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912-1997), portrait of a seated woman in traditional Central American attire; watercolor, charcoal and pencil on paper, signed and dated ‘84. Estimate $2,000-$3,000
Sterling Associates

NORWOOD, N.J. – Sterling Associates, Bergen County, New Jersey’s foremost estate specialists, will conduct this year’s edition of their popular Fall Collectors Estate Auction on Wednesday, October 7 through LiveAuctioneers. The sale’s featured collection consists of 100+ mantel clocks and 100+ American pocket watches from the estate of Phil Greco Jr., of New York.

 

The array of antique and vintage pocket watches spans a timeline of production from the 19th through 20th centuries and includes many sought-after pieces by Waltham, Illinois and Elgin. All are very reasonably estimated. A Hamilton Railway Special pocket watch has oversize numerals and a second hand, while Elgin’s Father Time model displays an especially attractive Greek key pattern around the bezel. Each is estimated at $100-$200.

 

Greco’s remarkable collection of Ansonia mantel clocks includes a handsome and highly ornamental spelter clock with Roman numerals, flanked by the figure of a man dressed in antique style, holding a book and scientific instrument. It is estimated at $100-$200. An ornate vertical Ansonia Rococo clock has a beautiful decorative panel with the painted image of two cherubs in a celestial setting, each holding garlands of flowers. It is also estimated at $100-$200.

 

An eclectic selection of art includes original works by Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912-1997). His signed 1984 watercolor, charcoal and pencil on paper depiction of a pensive woman in traditional Central American attire, seated on stone steps, is among the category’s highlights. It comes to auction with a $2,000-$3,000 estimate. An oil-on-canvas titled “Chips That Pass in the Night” is possibly American or English and depicts five gentlemen in tuxedos playing cards in a library setting. The title, date (1898) and the artist’s name (indistinct) are written in pencil on the back of the frame. The artwork measures 16.5 by 19.5 inches and is estimated at $3,000-$4,000.

 

The Asian art category is led by an 8.5-inch Chinese gilt Guanyin Buddha. It dates to the 19th century or earlier and has old label affixed to it that states “Shensi province 14th century.” The auction estimate is $1,000-$1,500. A fine 19th-century Chinese hanging jade chime features three carved and graduating medallions suspended within the framework of a carved hardwood screen. Its measurements are 13 by 5.5 by 4.25 inches, and the pre-sale estimate is $800-$1,200. Also worthy of note, a rare and unusual 19th-century Chinese handled hardwood screen is set with a central carved figural jade plaque and is surrounded by a medley of colorful semiprecious stones. It measures 5.75 by 11.25 inches and is expected to reach $1,000-$1,500 on auction day.

19th-century dore bronze figural centerpiece/planter with sculpted swan-head handles and high-relief figural motif around the body of the vessel. Estimate $4,000-$6,000
Sterling Associates

 

The 265-lot sale also includes sculptures, sterling silver, many decorative accessories, a collection of American coins and currency, and estate furniture. An 18th/19th-century bombe-form Dutch marquetry cabinet with glass windows on three sides is estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

 

Another highlight is a 19-inch (with base) Emile Louis Picault (French, 1833-1915) bronze depicting Perseus and Pegasus with the head of Medusa. The base is singed “E PICAULT” and it is inscribed “Salon des Beaux Arts 1888.” Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. An Elkington gilt-bronze-mounted Baccarat crystal centerpiece stands 30.5 inches high, and according to Sterling Associates’ owner/appraiser Stephen D’Atri, the bronze section is most likely Cristofle. The pre-sale estimate is $5,000-$7,000.

 

Sterling Associates’ Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 Fall Collectors & Estates Auction featuring the Phil Greco Jr collection of mantel clocks and pocket watches will begin at 11 a.m. US Eastern Time. Sterling Associates, Inc., is a full-service brick-and-mortar auction house. Their auctions are conducted online, exactly like a gallery auction, but without a live audience in attendance. Bidders may participate absentee or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers. All items may be previewed at Sterling Associates’ gallery prior to auction day by appointment, with masks required. Winning bidders have the option of picking up their auction purchases at Sterling Associates’ premises at 537 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648. Alternatively, goods can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Elgin Father Time pocket watch. Estimate $100-$200
Sterling Associates

 

For additional information on any item, call 201-768-1140 or email info@antiquenj.com. Online: http://www.antiquenj.com . View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Contact:
Stephen D'Atri
Sterling Associates
201-768-1140
info@antiquenj.com

Sterling Associates, Inc.
537 Broadway
Norwood, New Jersey
info@antiquenj.com
201-768-1140
http://www.antiquenj.com
About Sterling Associates, Inc.

Sterling Associates, Inc., is a full-service brick-and-mortar auction house. The company’s “hybrid” auctions are conducted online, exactly like a live auction, but without a live audience in attendance. Bidders may participate absentee, by phone or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable. All items may be previewed prior to auction day at the gallery. Also, all goods won in the auction can be picked up at Sterling Associates’ satellite warehouse located around the corner from the gallery at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624


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