Fairfield, Maine, November 30 & December 1, 2007. - Renowned for bringing fresh-to-the-market, top shelf antiques to auction, the firm of James D. Julia, Inc. has over the last 40 years continued to find exquisite rarities and the buyers to appreciate them. Of equal importance is both the ability to obtain the merchandise and to successfully market it. Their recent two-day glass and lamp auction had both sides of the equation covered. With just over 800 lots, the sale grossed just shy of $1.7 Million against a total low estimate of items sold of $1.19 Million. Dudley Browne, Julia's department head of their glass and lamp division commented, “I am pleased with the sale. There were a lot of strong prices throughout, and as with any auction, you have to expect a small percentage of pieces that won’t find buyers.” Of the stunning array of treasures that were assembled from important collections and estates from across North America, included was a marvelous selection of Tiffany glass, lamps and desk accessories, fine art glass, French Cameo, and Victorian glass.

One of the many highlights in the sale was a gorgeous Tiffany mosaic peacock shade. A fresh discovery, originally designed for use with a kerosene chandelier, the hanger measures a mammoth 38" across and features a wealth of colorful iridized peacock feather panels. A similar example pictured in an authoritative book on Tiffany lamps by Neustadt described it as the only one known to exist. This example is now the second. Recently discovered stored in a warehouse it will now go to a collector who was the victorious bidder in a vigorous bidding battle. The final price of $69,000 was reached leaving its $10,000/15,000 estimate far behind.

This joined numerous Tiffany leaded lamps including some beautiful geometric examples and other various patterns. A wonderful Tiffany Studios turtleback chandelier consisting of an inverted dome comprised of gold iridescent Favrile geometric panels was completed with a top edge of curlicue braided rope trim. It changed hands at $37,950, surpassing its $25,000/35,000 estimate. A Tiffany Studios daffodil table lamp with a swath of flowers with heavily ribbed centers against a cream and green background, resting on a simple yet elegant slender root base was a popular choice. It neared the midrange of its $35,000/45,000 estimate to sell for $39,100. Other highlights included a Tiffany geometric table lamp with hundreds of green and orange mottled panels atop a Bradley & Hubbard copper urn base. It finished up at $16,100, exceeding expectations of $12,000/15,000.

Tiffany lamps in the "unleaded" variety included a gorgeous 10-light lily. Slender stems emerged from the naturalistic lily pad bronze base, terminating in a downward turned bouquet of green pulled feather shades. It sold for $35,650 against an estimate of $30,000/40,000. Other examples included a marvelous Linenfold table lamp with dark and light amber panels atop a flared base decorated with scroll design. Sometimes referred to as Fabrique shades, the formed glass panels conceived by Tiffany created the illusion of stretched rippled fabric. This outstanding lamp, including its original Linenfold cap exceeded its estimate of $20,000/25,000 to bring $36,800. A set of five Tiffany Favrile bullet shades housed in a more contemporary bronze chandelier fixture did not leave the block without a fight. The scarce iridescent shades decorated with a pulled feather pattern beneath a linked chain design showed beautiful form. The chandelier sold for $28,750 versus a presale estimate of $15,000/20,000 while a single Favrile pulled feather bullet shade exceeded expectations of $1,500/2,000 to bring $4,715. And an unusual Tiffany lamp consisting of a three-panel screen shade, with each shade centered with an iridescent purple and green turtleback segment quadrupled its $3,000/5,000 estimate to sell for $12,075.

Not to be outdone, makers such as Steuben gave Tiffany a run for their money. Never before seen at public auction, an exceptional large scale Steuben moss agate inverted bell shaped hanger in rich earth tones chimed in with a final selling price of $28,750 within its $25,000/35,000 estimate. A Steuben millefiori lamp with delicate flowers and gold iridescence on both its shade and matching base combined form and function in a lovely package. It sold for $17,250 against expectations of $10,000/15,000. A highly sought after Daum rain scene lamp showing barren trees bending in the driving rain against a subtle pink and frosted green background brought $32,200 within a forecasted estimate of $30,000/50,000. And a large Quezal art glass dome shade in iridescent yellow pulled feathers sold for $4,600 versus a $2,500/3,500 estimate.

Other lighting included a plethora of Pairpoint puffy examples, particularly a pansy. With realistic reverse painted flowers on its scalloped blown out shade, it sold for $9,200 against a $3,000/5,000 estimate. Other lighting included a pair of Handel palm tree overlay hanging lanterns with Sunset glass panels under tropical silhouettes. It weighed in with a $10,000/15,000 estimate, going out at $11,500. And an outstanding Galle mold blown Chapelle lamp in the form of a self-satisfied rooster whose brilliant red glass body appeared to nearly burst through his reticulated metal frame sold for $8,625 versus an estimate of $8,000/12,000.

In addition was an expansive selection of art glass including Steuben, Tiffany, Lustre Art, and Quezal. An extensive private collection of Quezal art glass that until recently has been in storage, not having seen the marketplace for many years included a never before seen flower form vase with delicate pulled design against a lightly iridescent clear background that sold for $20,125 (est. $18,000/25,000). A rare Quezal hooked feather decanter with lush multicolored iridescence over a gold background brought a spirited $19,550 against an estimate of $18,000/25,000, going to an advanced collector in attendance. A stunning and unusual Quezal decorated vase with applied iridescent gold tendrils over a pulled feather design and cutaway rim was an eye catcher. It finished up at $16,100 surpassing an estimate of $10,000/15,000. And a spectacular Quezal decorated vase with iridescent hooked feather design across the body and shoulder sold for $9,487, more than doubling its $4,000/5,000 estimate.

Works by Steuben were well received. A beautiful green Aurene trumpet vase with iridescent gold heart & vine decoration found a buyer at $11,500. And it was a rare Oriental influenced Steuben yellow jade covered vase offered is own surprise, hitting $5,175 against an estimate of $900/1,200.

Early Lalique included a Pintade mascot in the form of a Guinea hen that sold for $12,650 (est. $12,000/15,000). A stunning Sauterelles vase decorated in high relief with grasshoppers and blades of grass was estimated for $6,000/7,000 and sold for $6,325. And a Perruches vase by R. Lalique impressed all over with pairs of intertwined parakeets brought at the upper end of its $6,000/7,000 estimate for $6,900.

Adding to the breadth of the sale was a marvelous offering of French and English Cameo glass by the most sought after names in the genre. Included were Daum, Galle, Burgun & Schverer, Webb, and more. Daum included a large and impressive cameo and enameled vase with pink marguerite flowers on a mottled pink and yellow background. Its rare color scheme and brilliant hues made for a stunning find, selling for $13,800 against expectations of $12,000/15,000. A marvelous Daum cameo and enamel flared vase decorated with pink and red flowers over a mottled pink background saw active bidding, reaching $11,500 within its $9,000/12,000 estimate. Though not cameo that Daum is renowned for, an impressive and rare Daum Renee II enameled footed vase was worthy of notice. Featuring a disc shaped body showing the Duke of Lorraine atop his horse charging into battle with sword held high, it cut through its $8,000/12,000 pre-auction estimate to ultimately sell for $16,675.

Other cameo pieces included a magnificent monumental Muller vase with red cameo Oriental designs including Japanese women walking beside a pond among flowers, trees, and cranes. This sizeable piece brought $7,475 against expectations of $6,500/7,500. And a stunning Burgun & Schverer vase with internal decoration, wheel carved flowers, and gilt highlights on a mint green background settled in at $11,500 within its estimate of $10,000/15,000.

English cameo glass was highlighted by a Webb windowpane vase. This rare piece featured three framed windows with vines climbing up the sides of a brick pattern exterior. In sublime white and gray glazes over a green base glass, it sold for $23,000 against a $20,000/30,000 estimate. And a Webb lay down scent bottle in the form of a duck’s head exceeded its $3,500/4,500 estimate to sell for $4,600.

The auction continued with a select grouping of rare Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre from various collections around the United States. This magnificent and vibrant variety that wasn’t a huge commercial success in the 1920s when it was produced is now highly sought after because of its superb artistry and brilliant glazes. The line was made even more rare after artist Daisy Makeig-Jones destroyed many of her creations. Precious few still in existence occasionally come to market; this auction contained a splendid Malfrey pot in the Elves and Bell Branch pattern. This diminutive example, measuring only 3-5/8” tall, depicted various elves, fairies, and goblins dancing on spider web laden mushrooms. After a lengthy bidding battle it sold for $31,050, more than ten times its $3,000/5,000 estimate. A somewhat larger Malfrey pot in the "Bubbles II" pattern, decorated with a host of frolicking fairies, bubbles, and a larger than life spider gracing the lid, sold for $34,500 against a presale estimate of $22,000/32,000. Highlights from the grouping also included a gorgeous Fairyland Lustre vase in the Imps on a Bridge pattern against a brilliant flame lustre sky. It finished up at $20,700 exceeding expectations of $12,000/15,000.

A fine offering of rare Victorian glassware included numerous decorated Mt. Washington, Burmese, and Peach Blow pieces. It was two rare Mt. Washington black lava glass items that saw the most activity. A gold highlighted toothpick holder with shards of pink, blue, russet, teal, and brown hit $5,750, more than tripling its $1,500/2,500 presale estimate. And a small lava glass vase with applied reeded handles finished up at $4,025 against a $1,500/2,500 estimate.

Collectors of bronze Tiffany desk accessories were given a rare opportunity with a marvelous selection of hard to find patterns such as Bookmark, Pine Needle, Abalone, and Zodiac. The offering was a complete success; in fact the entire private collection of Tiffany Bookmark accessories sold for a phenomenal $69,175 against a total estimate of $21,800. For the executive who has it all, an outstanding enameled cigar box in the Bookmark pattern on a gold dore’ finish was just the thing. Two phone bidders took the piece well beyond its $1,200/1,500 estimate, going to the one willing to pay $12,765. Other enameled Tiffany also proved to be popular. A Tiffany Bookmark pen holder with Bakelite pen cup brought $6,670, more than 16 times its $400/600 estimate. The largest Tiffany Pine Needle frame ever seen or offered changed hands for $11,500 versus a $7,000/9,000 estimate. And a Tiffany cathedral shaped desk clock, deeply impressed with the Bookmark pattern and a rich gold patina sold for $6,612.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a fantastic antiques & fine art auction on January 31 & February 1, 2008. Their important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in March. Julia’s next glass & lamp auction will take place in Spring 2008, followed by a toy & doll auction. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@juliaauctions.com.

Fairfield, Maine. November 13, 2007 - This has been another stellar year for Julia’s who set a large number of new world auction records and saw one of their strongest years to date. It was also a year of growth for the company, expanding their firearms division with hires Wes Dillon and Bill Taylor (formerly of the renowned Cabela’s sporting goods team), and also added Tony Greist to their antiques and fine art division. In addition, Julia’s has enlisted Dorothy McGonagle, noted doll & toy expert as an agent for consignments and as a representative at various shows, etc. She is now an independent dealer familiar with the auction process, having recently left another well-known auction house. She joins the expert team including Jay Lowe, Mike Caffarella, and Rick Saxman.

Helping to complete another banner year of auctions at James D. Julia’s, the firm will finish their 2007 season with two solid auctions. Their toy, doll, and advertising division will kick things off on November 13 followed by a fine glass and lamp auction on November 30 & December 1. The toy and doll sale promises to be another marvelous and diverse array of quality goods, including many fresh-to-the-market rarities. Fine French dolls, German characters, and unusual china dolls are just the beginning. The offering continues with exquisite doll furniture and dollhouses as well as a wonderful grouping of teddy bears, trains, American and European tin, cast iron, pressed steel, Christmas items, salesman samples, advertising and country store items, and more. At this writing, with collections being finalized and more quality goods coming in daily, the sale is showing signs of being another blockbuster.

Topping the list of dolls will be a stunning and rare large 28” 18th Century wooden doll with great facial features. Pictured in “The Heart of the Tree” book on wooden dolls, it comes to the block with an estimate of $20,000/30,000. Joining the offering is a marvelous Einco googly with her side glancing eyes and impish smile (est. $5,500/6,500) and a rare Carton Moule papier mache lady doll (est. $3,500/4,500). A gorgeous Huret fashion doll from the Eliza Prevost period is a great find and is expected to sell for $8,000/10,000. A marvelous 26” Bru Jne R 12 closed mouth doll with bulbous blue paperweight eyes carries an estimate of $7,000/9,000. Other French dolls consist of a variety of Jumeaus including a delightful all-original 14” Tete Jumeau #5 with deep blue paperweight eyes and a 25” Depose Tete Jumeau 11, each expected to bring $3,500/5,500. A 24” closed mouth Jumeau 11 with brown eyes and a sweet expression carries a presale estimate of $4,000/4,500. Adding to the mix will be a 26” E12D with blue paperweight eyes, full lips, and antique mohair wig is expected to sell for 3,000/3,500 and a desirable 29” RD4 with blue silk and lace dress that carries an estimate of $4,000/5,000. A gorgeous and rare large 25” “Morning Glory” china with delicate molding including an elaborate hairstyle incorporated with bright flowers is expected to sell for $7,000/10,000.

Attractive German character dolls include a charming 20” K*R 101 “Marie”, originally purchased by the owner for his wife of the same name, who now wishes to downsize their collection. The doll’s trademark pout and wonderful detail make for a nice package with a $3,500/4,500 estimate. From another collection, Marie’s mate, a 16” K*R 101 “Peter”, may attempt to stage a reunion. He comes to the block estimated for $2,500/4,500. Also fresh to the market is an enchanting 13” Bruno Schmidt “Wendy” character doll. Because of her charm and rarity, collectors may well ignore a nearly undetectable hairline at the rear of her head, carrying a presale estimate of $3,500/5,500.

And American doll makers get into the act with a rare Ives Blakeslee mechanical crawling baby. Cute as a button, it carries an $800/1,200 estimate. This is joined by a rare experimental Schoenhut hula dancer doll. This mechanical wooden doll with her original hula hoop is likewise expected to sell for $800/1,200.

Accessories for the collection will feature a truly phenomenal collection of exquisite doll furniture formerly of the Beverly Darling collection, many of which were created by the renowned H. Sacks and Sons of Brookline, Massachusetts. So intricately crafted, it is possible these miniatures were intended as salesman samples, but would certainly be a splendid addition to the most luxurious of dollhouses. Highlights include a two-part, inlaid mahogany and tiger maple breakfront. Topped with a shelved section behind a geometric pattern of glass paned doors with a molded crest and turned finials, its craftsmanship is unbelievable. Equally important, an elegant inlaid bow front server with doors and drawers aplenty on graceful spindle legs joins a serpentine front, slant top desk on ball and claw feet. The miniature brass pulls and other facets faithful (literally) to the minutest detail are awe inspiring. Also included will be other wonderful pieces such as a lovely corner cabinet, a long dining room table on curved legs, dressers, as well as a large selection of various adornments. Included will be some outstanding sterling silver such as miniature covered tureens, flatware, candlesticks, and service implements. The furniture and accessories are to be sold individually and in small lots estimated from the low hundreds to the several thousands and are sure to receive much attention.

Other highlights include a large and rather meticulous doll shop diorama. Encased in a wood and gilded glass case, it portrays a doll restorer busy at work surrounded by scores of parts, pieces, works in progress, and completed projects. One is taken by the details of this model and the work it took to create it. It comes to the block with a $3,000/4,500 estimate. Fine craftsmanship is also quite evident in a large, fresh from the attic three-story Gottschalk red roof dollhouse. With a façade featuring fenced balconies on every floor, beautifully carved and turned architectural elements and other details, it makes for stunning realism. The split hinged façade opens to reveal several well appointed rooms ready for a new well-to-do family. The house carries an estimate of $6,000/12,000.

For Steiff collectors, a generous selection of bears is sure to please. A rare 16” Steiff cinnamon bear from a local home retains his button and comes with a $4,500/6,500 estimate. A 12-1/2” beige example with an adorable face is expected to bring $1,000/1,500 and a cute 13” 1907 Steiff apricot colored bear with his button carries a $1,500/2,500 estimate. Also included will be a scarce 1893 Steiff jointed circus monkey with orange ball and wild fuzzy collar that is expected to finish up at $1,500/2,500.

Antique toys of every variety will hit the block with a wide range for the beginning and advanced collector. For the latter, a select grouping of Christmas items from various collections will feature a large platform toy with the jolly old elf and his moss sleigh being pulled by four reindeer. Similar to an example Julia’s sold in November 2006 for over $21,000, this one boasts its original FAO Schwartz label as well as its original box! It comes with a $12,000/16,000 estimate. A wonderful European example with seated Belsnickel at the reigns of his wooden sleigh is expected to bring $7,500/9,500. An impressive 26” Santa nodder candy container with stuffed hat and a great look stands upon a mica flecked snowy base. He carries a pack of toys and a $6,000/6,500 estimate.

Fine European toys will include the famed and rare German tin windup delivery truck advertising Strawbridge & Clothier. It comes to the block with its original box and a $2,500/4,500 estimate. Other German tin windups include a painted tin windup by Gunthermann of a pair of black minstrels that walk side by side playing their instruments. It carries an estimate of $2,500/3,500. Also, a Gunthermann carousel toy in which several gondolas circle round while tipping forward offers a lively ride. It is expected to bring $1,500/2,000. Another German offering with a carnival concept is a scarce Distler windup toy portraying a circus monkey that drives a brightly lithographed car and tips his hat. It rolls to the block with a $900/1,100 estimate.

A phenomenal German 9-pins container in the form of a reclining German Shepherd is in beautiful condition and comes to the block with a $6,000/8,000 estimate. A lot of three charming candy containers depicting historical figures Teddy Roosevelt, Uncle Sam, and John Bull, all astride papier mache rabbits in full gallop. The wonderful set, complete with inset glass eyes is a fresh find and is expected to bring $6,000/8,000.

This joins an ample collection of Lehmann toys, one of the more prolific and sought after names in toy collecting. Included will be the “Man-Da-Rin” depicting two Chinese coolies carrying a noble dignitary in the traditional basket. It is expected to bring $1,500/2,500. The collection continues with the ever-popular “Anxious Bride”, “Naughty Boy”, and Paddy & his pig, three amusing Lehmann toys that play out different comical scenes. Each is expected to bring $800/1,200. From a separate collection, a Lehmann “Kamerun” of an ostrich drawn cart comes with a $600/800 estimate. Additionally, the “Tut Tut”, “Zig Zag”, “AHA”, and “Li La” fashion a parade of fun toys with nonsensical names to add to your collection.

Character toys include a 1920s Powerful Katrinka tin windup from the Toonerville comics that features the generously proportioned matriarch pushing Jimmy in a wheelbarrow. She stops, lifts the cart over her head before continuing on her way. This great toy carries a presale estimate of $1,200/1,500. A pair of Marx Amos & Andy walkers waddle in with a $800/1,200 estimate.

A toy that has crossover appeal to soda advertising collectors is a scarce tin lithograph windup for Moxie depicting a man on horseback alongside an early open air automobile. This piece is expected to bring $1,000/1,500.

Transportation toys will feature a rare 24” Bing gun boat with a highly detailed deck with all the firepower for a battle royale. It comes with a $7,000/8,000 estimate. If the conflict hits land, you’ll need to be prepared with ground forces. Luckily, Julia’s upcoming auction will also include an enormous selection of Britains lead soldiers including several boxed sets and box lots.

But why let boys have all the fun? The management at Lionel may have asked that question when the company created a special edition pastel train set in the 1950s, just for girls. Clearly not their biggest seller, but as such it has become quite rare today. Even more amazing is that the forthcoming example is complete and retains all its original boxes, including set box. According to the consignor (the only girl in a family of boys) it was always put away immediately after its obvious very few uses so her brothers wouldn’t destroy it (as they did their toys). This single-owner, completely fresh offering is as fine condition you’ll ever see and shouldn’t be passed up. It is expected to sell for $4,000/6,000. For the other train collectors, there are several lots of Marklin, Bing, and Bubb trains and cars worthy of consideration.

Of a different level entirely is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to purchase a 7-1/4” gauge Bassett-Lowke live steam engine. Most likely made for a garden railway this amazing toy train is approximately 7 feet in length! It rolls in with a $20,000/30,000 estimate.

If faithful scale model trains are your thing, a single owner collection of contemporary scale models are sure to please. Featuring examples by Aster, Fine Art Models, and Row & Co., they exhibit the precision and exact detail of the originals that is just remarkable. Highlights include a NY Central Dreyfus Hudson #5454 with tender (est. $5,000/10,000), a Norfolk & Western #1240 with double tender (est. $6,000/12,000), two Union Pacific Big Boy #4000 series sets (each with $5,000/10,000 estimates), and many others. All having been in climate controlled storage in their original wood chests for the past decade, the condition remains outstanding.

Other miscellaneous toys and pieces that defy category will include an unusual felt covered camel nodder with a bisque headed rider. This charming piece comes with a $2,500/3,000 estimate. It is joined by a humorous paper litho clockwork diorama of an English gent after a long night of intoxication. He struggles to enter his home, accusing his wife of moving the keyhole as she’s prepared to attack him with a broom. This framed automaton carries an estimate of $2,500/3,500.

Fabulous miniatures will include a number of salesman samples, exact recreations of their full size counterparts. The owner of a phenomenal road grader by Stockland Road Machinery contacted Julia’s after their success this past spring with a Sprague salesman sample mower that brought $16,100 against an estimate of $3,500/5,500. The grader features intricate gear mechanisms in which one can smoothly adjust the height, angle, and pitch of the blade on the go. Finely crafted of wood, cast iron, and brass, it could be considered a work of art. Exceeding its presale estimate of $6,000/10,000 would come as no surprise. An outstanding Majestic salesman sample stove rich in detail and highlighted in nickel is expected to sell for $2,500/4,500. Other stoves include an unusual nickel and enamel restaurant style example reminiscent of Marklin that is expected to bring $1,000/2,000.

In addition to the toys and dolls, the sale will also contain a wide variety of advertising items in many different media and genres. This segment of the auction is highlighted by a magnificent reverse on glass sign for the famous Rock Island railroad line. Measuring nearly 8 feet long, it pictures a passenger train inset with mother of pearl in a mountain valley scene. One of the most highly sought after of reverse on glass signs, it comes to the block with a $10,000/20,000 estimate. Another reverse on glass piece, a rare factory scene for Yale Brewing Company with gold leaf highlights and bold graphics weighs in at $2,500/3,500.

Signage also includes a scarce early embossed tin sign for Carter’s mucilage. Estimated for $6,000/8,000, it portrays a comical scene of a black boy trying to extricate a wealthy gent who has sat in Carter’s potent glue. A gorgeous and rare embossed tin sign for Campbell’s Soup, predating Warhol’s Pop Art by half a century is an attention getter. Most of these signs were destroyed when public opinion of the day deemed it to be a desecration of the American Flag. It comes to the Julia block with an estimate of $10,000/15,000. For the sportsman will be a tin sign entitled “Hammer the Hammer” for Iver Johnson showing the strength of their firearms (est. $1,500/2,500) and several paper posters and prints for Remington, Austin, and others.

Other advertising includes a collection of country store staples including Diamond Dye cabinets. Sought after collectibles, their embossed tin panels feature vibrant graphics of varying scenes. Included will be the Governess with children enjoying a trip around the Maypole with their brightly dyed duds, the Jester cabinet, Balloon, and the more infrequent Fairy cabinet. They carry estimates ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. A cabinet for Dr. Daniels’ veterinary medicines is expected to sell for $1,000/2,000.

Recent additions include a scarce Regina 27” disc playing tabletop music box. Known as the “casket model” for its two double hinged doors on top, it carries an estimate of $5,000/7,000. Also just added will be a collection of advertising signs and displays formerly of the collection of a renowned NYC record executive. Known for signing some of the most well-known names in the industry throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and today, the collection consists of works promoting tobacco, brewery, foodstuffs, and much more.

A trip to one of Julia’s auctions is a treat not only because of the quality goods being offered, but also because of the fast paced and lively manner in which they’re sold, the amusing banter from the block, the free spread of hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches, and drinks available throughout the entire preview and auction. This together with the world class attention Julia’s pays their customers makes the trip all the more rewarding.

Previews: Monday, November 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at Julia’s auction facility in Fairfield, Maine on Rt. 201, Exit 133 off I-95. Auction commences at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Experts and cataloguers, Jay Lowe and Mike Caffarella will available the week of the sale for questions or consultation. For more information about this and other exciting sales, contact Andrew Truman at 207-453-7125, by email: atruman@jamesdjulia.com, or visit Julia’s website at www.juliaauctions.com. A deluxe full-color catalog for the auction will be available. Free full-color, detailed, illustrated brochures are available by contacting the Julia offices. The catalog will also be available on Julia’s website.

In October of 2004, James D. Julia Auctioneers conducted a $9 million dollar auction; the highest grossing firearms auction ever held in the world! In the fall of 2005 Julia’s re-set this world record with a $9.2 million gross, but the recent October 2007 auction blew past all previous figures with an astounding $11.23 million gross!

In the last 3-1/2 years, Julia’s has conducted seven auctions (2 a year) and sold approximately $60 million dollars worth of firearms with an auction average of approximately $8.5 million (this is also a world-record in the firearms auction industry). In this most recent record-breaking October auction, the $11.2 million was attained with only 1,349 lots and an average sale value per lot of $8,328 (also an industry record). In recent years, Julia’s auctions have been consistently successful in attracting, marketing and selling some of the more expensive firearms in the industry.

This year’s October auction commenced on Monday, October 8th with the renowned collection of Confederate arms amassed by Mr. Ben Michel. Mr. Michel, and extremely successful lawyer from New Jersey has been a passionate collector of arms, rare Marklin trains, French military arms, etc., since the early 1950s. His passion for Confederate arms continued into the 80’s when he had somewhat completed his collection. Ben’s collection of Confederate conversions is recognized as the most extensive of its type in the world. This special single-owner auction presented a rare opportunity for serious collectors of Confederate arms. The star of the collection was a rare LeMat 1st Model serial number 7 revolver originally on the famous Confederate iron-clad “Atlanta”. The revolver carried a presale estimate of $50,000-$100,000 and after a furious bidding battle, topped out at $166,750. An extensive collection of Confederate long arms included the extremely rare and desirable Tarpley carbine. Only around 100 of these were originally made and only 20 of these exist today. This rare example was estimated at $75,000-$125,000 and sold for $80,500. An exceedingly rare and desirable Confederate rising breech carbine estimated at $40,000-$60,000 finally sold for $46,000 and a scarce Confederate Cook & Bros. cavalry carbine estimated at $20,000-$25,000 went out at a strong $41,400.

Also included in Ben’s collection were some very rare Confederate Bowie knives including a fine Georgia Armory Confederate Bowie w/exceptional scabbard estimated at $6,000-$8,000 that sold for $13,225. As rare as Confederate arms are, their cartridges are even rarer. Ten original Enfield rifle cartridges in their original paper containers sold for $7,475. Lot 1203 was a historic relic from the battlefield of Cedar Mountain, Virginia; a Confederate wooden canteen with its very rare original linen sling together with a period inscription applied on the side indicating it was taken from the body of a captain of a Confederate North Carolina regiment; it sold for $9,200.

Immediately concluding the successful Ben Michel auction, Julia offered a number of consignments of very rare Civil War items from other collections. A Confederate Texas Dance revolver, estimated at $40,000-$60,000 went out at $51,750. The finest pair of consecutively numbered Confederate manufactured pistols known brought $132,250. Some years back, Julia’s sold a rare presentation Civil War sword presented to Col. Jacob Frick. The sword did extremely well at auction and later Julia’s was contacted by another branch of the Frick family who also had a presentation sword, once owned by this well known Medal of Honor winner. This second sword an attractive and embellished dress sword was estimated at $15,000-$20,000 and finally sold at $47,150.

In addition to the extraordinary Civil War items was also an outstanding offering of rare Colt revolvers. The “Holy Grail” for Colt collectors is the Walker pistol, made at the request of Capt. Walker by Sam Colt for use in the Mexican War. A year and a half ago, Julia’s set the world record for the most expensive Walker revolver ever sold at auction at $438,000, this time, a nicer example topped out at $483,000; making it the new world record for a Walker. A rare, martially marked 1st Model Colt Dragoon, estimated at $27,500-$42,500 went for $51,750. A minty cased Colt M60 estimated at $20,000-$30,000 brought $41,400. A spectacular cased Mass Arms Belt revolver in pristine condition was estimated at $15,000-$25,000 but condition carried it to $32,200.

For the last five or six years Julia’s has consistently offered and sold some of the finest American and Confederate flags offered at auction and this sale carried a number of interesting examples. Remnants of the first American flag captured during the Civil War together with a large period fabric banner went out at $33,350. Another interesting American flag was a small primitively made flag constructed by school girls in a private Kentucky school. This flag, complete with a period inscribed letter documenting its history indicating that one of the teachers and a number of the senior girls had constructed the flag to wave out the window while Confederate militia was drilling in the streets below. This small folk art flag with a wonderful history carried a presale estimate of $5,000-$10,000 and finally sold for $26,450.

Although the sale was tremendously successful, not everything hit the mark; one surprise was an extremely rare and historic Civil War lot consisting of a swallow-tail guidon flag of the 15th Reg. of Pa Cavalry presented to the company’s bugler. It included a period photograph of the bugler and his actual bugle together with various photos and letters, etc.; an absolutely superb historic lot which failed to sell for its reasonable presale estimate of $50,000-$75,000. A number of Kentucky rifles offered included a relief-carved Kentucky rifle estimated at $15,000-$20,000 that sold for $31,000. But the pièce de résistance amongst the Kentucky rifles was a wonderful percussion Kentucky rifle with carved relief design including a fabulous federal-style eagle. The gun, estimated at $17,000-$25,000 finally topped out at $44,850.

Day two of the auction began with a single owner private collection of Indian Wars material. This collection definitely had a John Wayne “aura” to it, started off with a rare collection of Colt M60’s. An extremely rare and unique prototype of the M60, estimated at $22,500-$32,500 sold for $26,450. A Sioux skull-crusher war club documented and found on the Little Big Horn Battlefield was estimated at $35,000-$55,000 and went out at $54,650. Sgt. John Ryan, who served under Reno carried a presale estimate of $25,000-$40,000 and sold for $37,375. A period frontier buffalo hide army jacket once worn by an army scout sold for $3,740. Also included in this collection were a number of photos and CDV’s of soldier’s involved in The Battle of The Little Big Horn. Most notably of course were images of George Armstrong Custer. A cabinet card done by Brady during the Civil War carried a presale estimate of $1,500-$2,500 and went out at a little over $6,000. Another Civil War era image of Custer depicted in a group of McClellan’s staff; estimated at $4,000-$8,000 was the subject of a heated bidding battle and finally went out at $17,250. Lot 2157, another small Custer CDV, depicted him with his famous wife Libby together with Miss Cora Bean. A Civil War image done in 1864 by Brady, it carried a presale estimate of $1,250-$2,250 and also, as a result of a tremendous bidding battle finally topped out at $18,975.

A Colt single-action Army revolver carried up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Rider’s sold for $33,925. the predecessor of the famous Winchester rifle was a Volcanic carbine. An example in this auction by the New Haven Arms Company carried a presale estimate of $12,000-$15,000 but ended up more than double the high estimate at $36,800. a Henry rifle, one of the first Winchesters ever produced in fine condition, carried a presale estimate of $45,000-$65,000 and sold for $51,750.

One of the highlights of the second day was a group of three rifles, once owned and used by the most extraordinary marksman in the world, Annie Oakley. Two Marlins in this group came directly from the Marlin Factory archives and had, for years, been on loan to the Cody Firearms Museum where they were prominently displayed. Both had been donated by Miss Oakley just prior to the First World War Miss Oakley approached the War Department before the outbreak of the First World War and offered to raise a regiment of female soldiers. When declined, she then offered to serve as a marksmanship instructor which the War Department also declined?? (This was the greatest marksman in the world at that time but the War Department didn’t need her to teach marksmanship?) Miss Oakley, a fervently patriotic American, was not to be thwarted, she intended to support the U.S. forces and therefore went back home, took a number of her valued firearms, trophies and other possession and submitted them to be used in a fundraising campaign to buy War Bonds. Later, when the president of Marlin firearms learned that Miss Oakley had donated two of their lavishly engraved and inlaid firearms for the war effort, they purchased the guns back themselves and they have been part of the Marlin archives ever since. The first, a gold and platinum inlaid engraved model 1893 was estimated at $150,000-$250,000 and finally sold for $253,000. Mr. J.R. LaRue, Julia’s chief consultant announced immediately after the successful bidder purchased the gun that a deal had been brokered with the buyer who agreed to loan this magnificent arm once again to the Cody Firearms Museum where it could continue to be displayed so that others might see and enjoy it. the other gold plated and engraved Marlin sold for $184.000 and a third Annie Oakley lot, originally acquired by the consignor from an heir of Miss Oakley consisted of a Remington pump .22 rifle, one of her extremely rare sterling trophies together with a number of personal photos. The presale estimate was $100,000-$150,000 but it went out at $207,000!

A very rare Colt pinch frame (only a handful of these were made) sold for just under $110,000. Lot 2338, a spectacular silver-plated Cuno Helfrecht Colt single-action revolver inscribed to sheriff Farnsworth of Grant County, carried a most interesting history. Lost in a poker game to by the original owner to another law officer it was later taken from the second law officer in a jail break by a notorious bandit and his gang who killed this second law officer. A month or two later, the bandit was once again captured and because of the possession of the gun it was discovered that he was the individual who had killed the former law officer and the possession of the gun resulted in his being hanged. This spectacular work of art with its interesting history went out at $166,750.

Julia’s always has a very strong representation of rare Winchester rifles and this sale included some outstanding examples. A spectacular deluxe Winchester M86, estimated at $35,000-$50,000 finally sold for $103,500. Another very rare M86, estimated at $30,000-$50,000 sold for $46,000 and a third deluxe 86 takedown in outstanding condition and estimated at $25,000-$40,000 brought $43,150.

Session III began with the outstanding single-shot rifle collection of Dr. Glen Marsh. Dr. Marsh had previously consigned his collection of Bullards to Julia’s. the results of which were a tremendous success thus he consequently decided to sell his single-shot collection. An ultra-rare and unique Freund Remington single shot rifle finally sold for $46,000. A rare Sharps Borchardt M1876 was estimated at $15,000-$30,000 and sold for $25,300. A very rare semi-deluxe Winchester high wall single shot rifle, estimated at $7,500-$12,500 was the subject of a very competitive battle and topped out well above twice the high estimate at $25,300. Concluding the collection of single shot rifles, a spectacular selection of side-by-side rifles and shotguns were offered. A magnificent cased Rigby big bore estimated at $100,000-$150,000 brought $132,250. A royal presentation cased Holland & Holland big bore double rifle in cal. 577 was estimated at $95,000-$145,000 and brought just over the high estimate at $149,050. Immediately after, a spectacular cased Grifnee engraved Holland & Holland double rifle, 470NitroExpress estimated at $95,000-$145,000 again sold over high estimate at $149,000.

This sale included a plethora of high end double rifles and shotguns, all of which saw tremendous competition. A Rizzini RI-E 20 ga. double barrel shotgun estimated at $80,000-$125,000 sold for $92,000. Immediately after that lot a 28 ga. Rizzini estimated at $75,000-$125,000 went out at $97,750. A third Rizzini, an RI-E 16 ga. estimated at $80,000-$125,000 brought $86,000. A spectacular Fabbri O/U 20 ga. estimated at $80,000-$100,000 brought $80,500 and another Fabbri O/U 20 ga., estimated at $75,000-$100,000 brought $83,375. IVO Fabbri superimposed 12 ga. estimated at $65,000-$95,000 topped out way above the high estimate at $126,500. A very rare Ithaca Sousa grade single barrel trap gun, 12 ga., estimated at $20,000-$25,000 sold for $31,050.

Most of the quality, high grade shotguns and rifles were pleasant, positive surprises. About the only negative surprise was an extraordinarily rare Fox grade CSE double barrel shotgun, two-barrel set, once made for the director of the Fox Shotgun Company, Lewis H. Eisenlohr. The gun, considered by some to be one of the finest Fox’s in existence carried a presale estimate of $75,000-$125,000 and failed to sell. Winchester M21’s seem to always do well at Julia’s and a cased Connecticut presentation grade Win M21 2 bbl set, 12 ga. estimated at $17,500-$27,500 went out above high estimate at $37,950.

The third day finally concluded with a grouping of 20th century military arms. An extremely rare Navy contract Colt 1900 semi auto pistol realized $15,525. A rare Springfield M03 ramrod bayonet rifle realized $18,400 and a M1896 Kraig carbine carried up San Juan Hill by one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders carried a presale estimate of $10,000-$15,000 and sold for $20,700.

Initially Jim’s father became an auctioneer in the 1960’s. Jim followed in the 70s. Later in the 80’s Jim’s younger sister Jeannine Poulin and her husband began to carry on the family tradition doing estate auctions. She has most recently become a firearms auctioneers like her brother. Their auctions are always scheduled to take place the same weekend as the James D. Julia’s major firearms auctions preview. During Julia’s preview, the Poulin Auction Company conducted a two-day sale of collectible, antique and shooting firearms and on Thursday, after the conclusion of the three-day James D. Julia auction, the Poulin Auction Company again had another military-related auction consisting of a single-owner Nazi collection. The sum total of all three sessions was nearly $1 million and well attended with a number of exciting lots.

James D. Julia Auctioneers is a multi-divisional catalog auction company with specialty divisions in rare lamps and art glass; important toys, dolls and advertising items; and a fourth division specializing in fine arts and antiques. Their next auction, on November 13th consists of rare antique advertising, toys, dolls, trains and mechanical items. Brochures and catalogs can be had by contacting the office and more details are available at their website at www.juliaauctions.com. On November 30th and December 1st, Julia’s will host a spectacular two-day auction of rare Tiffany lamps, French cameo glass and over $2 million of other fine art glassware. Theirr next fine arts and antiques auction is scheduled for February 1st and 2nd, 2008. For more details about this and other upcoming Julia auctions, check out their website at www.juliaauctions.com or contact them at PO Box 830, Fairfield, Maine 04937. Phone (207) 453-7125.

Rockland, Maine-August 28-30, 2007 - For the last twenty of their forty years in business, the firm of James D. Julia has conducted an annual auction event at the posh Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine that has become a Coastal Maine highlight. One of the most anticipated auctions of the season, each year’s extravaganza exceeds the last in quality and quantity. Julia’s auction at the Samoset has grown from being Maine’s first million dollar auction (back when $1 Million was a lot of money) to regularly hitting two, three, and even four times that figure. This time the 3-day, 1,700-lot event took in over an unprecedented $4.5 Million versus a presale low estimate of items sold of $3.2 Million, making it their biggest yet! This sale also marks their first with recent hire Tony Greist who has been added to the division along with longtime department head Bill Gage. Tony has been in the antiques and auction business for over 35 years and has recently joined the Julia team from another prominent auction firm.

Helping to hit the multimillion mark was an outstanding selection of over 700 American and Continental paintings that took an entire day to sell. Despite the vast number, there was no shortage of buyers to snatch up the variety of landscapes, portraits, nautical scenes, and abstracts. Topping the list was a semi-abstract work by Philip Evergood entitled “Flowers by the Lake” that was once housed in the famed Robert Lang collection. The painting depicts a blue eyed bikini clad woman clutching a mammoth vase of poppies against a backdrop of freight ships, which appeared to be a study in perspective. The piece drove past its presale estimate of $100,000/150,000 to land at $201,250.

Other works for those who fancy the abstract included two unframed gouache studies by Russian artist Petr Petrovich Konchalovsky that depicted a seminude female model. The first sold within expectations of $10,000/15,000 to sell for $13,800 while the more revealing example brought above, topping out at $20,125.

Because of the success Julia’s had earlier this year with turn of the century Russian artist Ivan Fedorovich Choultse, a private California collector consigned his forest scene that centered on a lovely beech tree fronting a vibrant wooded backdrop. Choultse’s vivid and masterfully realistic scenes caught the eye of many a bidder, but ultimately went to the bidder willing to pay $41,400 versus an estimate of $25,000/40,000.

There were American paintings aplenty and featured were a great many works from the Rankin Estate, a prominent estate from the eastern shore of Maryland. The brilliant grouping of artwork collected over three decades included an outstanding array of marine paintings by some of the most recognized names in the genre. Luminaries from the Cape Ann School such as Anthony Thieme, Gruppe, Morrell, and others saw very active bidding. One such example was an oil on canvas harbor dock scene entitled “Wet Day” by Anthony Thieme that portrayed a number of fishermen unloading a boat in pea soup fog. It more than doubled its low estimate of $15,000/25,000 to hit $33,925. From another collection, Thieme’s “Back Beach, Rockport, MA” of a dirt road winding along Rockport Harbor with two central figures was a good buy at $54,625.

The ever-popular Gruppe family has long been a staple in Julia’s auctions and this sale was no different in that regard. What is truly phenomenal is the fact that there were 14 works by Emile Gruppe in the sale. Better known for his depictions of seaside and harbor scenes, this sale featured a fine large oil on canvas of a nude woman draped with a sheer cloth, standing at the edge of a woodland pool. This extraordinary piece brought several times its 8,000/12,000 estimate to sell for $32,200. His “Gloucester Harbor in Evening Light” depicting the quintessential New England waterfront scene with numerous fishing and sailing boats at port changed hands at $20,987 against an estimate of $12,500/17,500. And a Rockport Harbor scene with two men standing on a dock as a lobsterman moors his boat brought $18,400 above expectations of $12,500/17,500. The selection of Gruppe’s work also included an outstanding winter scene with morning sunlight brightening a snowy forest floor. Beautifully rendered, it brought $25,300 against a $20,000/30,000 estimate.

Another artist’s view of winter, Hobart Nichols’ “January Thaw”, depicted a train passing a farm at the base of a range of mountains. In soft lines and colors, it sold within estimate for $24,150. And a splendid mountain scene by Carl Lawless showing an isolated farm with imposing snow-covered mountains in the distance sold for $17,825 exceeding expectations of $10,000/15,000.

New Englanders such as Maine artist Abbott Fuller Graves included “Kennebunkport Cottage”, a delightful depiction of a Maine home among summertime trees and blossoms on a rocky hillside. This oil on canvas was a hot ticket, ultimately selling for $45,425 versus an estimate of $25,000/35,000. Another work by Graves, a still life of zinnias, lupines, and wildflowers, saw its first ever trip to the auction block and did not disappoint. It flourished, surpassing its $20,000/30,000 estimate at $31,625.

Arthur Quartley’s masterful depiction of 19th Century Georgetown Island, Maine shows a two-mast schooner docked in a small inlet. It well surpassed expectations of $7,500/8,500 to land at $13,800. And Edward Willis Redfield’s oil on board portrayal of Monhegan Island’s snow covered rocky coastline went to a phone bidder who was standing on the beach of that very island. His bids had to compete with seagull squawks that could clearly be heard by the phone operator; but he won out in the end with a bid of $18,400 against a $12,000/14,000 estimate. A little further south, “In Portsmouth Harbor” by Kenneth How shows the New Hampshire shipyard and harbor with a steel bridge overhead awash in fog. Ignoring its $3,000/5,000 estimate, it sold for $10,350. James Suydam’s beach scene (possibly depicting Martha’s Vineyard) spotted with several groups of people saw much attention, bringing four times its $5,000/6,000 estimate to finish up at $20,700.

Seafaring and marine imagery beyond New England’s shores was the subject of numerous works. Renowned artist Francis Silva whose amber toned oil on canvas scene of an early misty morning sail saw active bidding, selling for $47,150. Another jewel from the Rankin Estate was a fine watercolor scene by John Whorf showing two women at water’s edge looking out over the water, perhaps awaiting the return of their husbands. This touching piece sold for $17,250 against an $8,000/12,000 estimate. From a west coast collection William Edward Norton’s “Great Yarmouth Quay No. 1” of a 19th Century harbor showing various fishing boats with a crowd of people socializing and conducting business. It was a good trade at $13,800 against a $10,000/20,000 estimate. And Alfred Thompson Bricher’s coastal scene below towering cliffs brought $16,100 against a 7,000/10,000 estimate.

Further inland, an outstanding watercolor fishing scene by Ogden Pleissner from the Rankin Estate shows a lone fisherman assisted by his guide, working a salmon in from the cascading river before them. With marvelous detail, this action packed work reeled in a very strong $82,250 over modest expectations of $40,000/60,000. For the sportsman who also appreciates art, Aiden Lassell Ripley’s autumn landscape scene with two grouse hunters was just the thing. A most colorful meadow with turning leaves on the surrounding trees, it came from the Rankin Estate, and sold within its $20,000/30,000 estimate for $24,725.

Harrison Cady’s “In Old Ipswich, 1937” shows a quaint autumnal tree lined village road at the transition from horses to automobiles that hit $21,275 against a $20,000/30,000 estimate. The king of quaint and small town Americana, Norman Rockwell was represented by a watercolor and oil of a Spanish type dancer looking back over her shoulder at a uniformed man behind her, staring intently. Seemingly an atypical subject matter for Rockwell in a nonconforming style, it hit the midpoint of its $15,000/25,000 estimate to bring $18,400.

European artists likewise made a strong showing with a marvelous selection of works. French artist Emile Friant’s oil on wood panel scene of an elderly man entering a cabinet maker’s shop beat out its pre-auction estimate of $6,000/10,000 to sell for $23,000. Friant’s compatriot Paul Signac, whose ink and watercolor “Barfleur” depicted several boats at low tide, also fared well. The piece surpassed expectations of $6,000/10,000 to bring $18,400. One of the several sleepers in the sale was a remarkable inner city harbor scene by Raoul Dufy of several sailboats. It changed hands at $29,900, well above its $4,000/6,000 estimate. And an abstract tabletop still life by Spanish artist Benjamin Palencia sold for $12,650 against expectations of $5,000/7,000.

Female British artists gave the men a run for their money. Vanessa Bell’s depiction of arched stone bridges crossing the Thames sold for $11,500 (est. 3,000/5,000). And Dorothea Sharp’s interior scene entitled “Study for Vivi at Play, 1926” of an adorable little towheaded girl in profile with her beloved doll finished up at $15,525 (est. $3,500/4,500). A work with similar subject matter and style by American artist Joseph Henry Hatfield of a girl and her doll saw much activity, selling at $32,200 versus a $25,000/30,000 estimate.

The second and third sessions were a fabulous array of folk art, Oriental porcelain and rugs, English and early American silver, nautical pieces, early American and Victorian furniture, and much more. The third session specifically centered on some rather elaborate Victorian furniture. The finest of which was a remarkable and important labeled marble top Alexander Roux sideboard or hunt board. Labeled Roux pieces almost never come to market, and this one was a beauty. Deeply carved and highly ornate, it was a symphony of cherubs, wild game, grapes, leaves, and vines, and scrollwork you just wouldn’t believe. Bids mounted, quickly surpassing its presale estimate of $40,000/60,000. Bidders slowly dropped out when it started to hit $100,000; others held on through the 130’s, 140’s. But the final two resolute phone bidders brought it to $172,500 when one had to concede, resulting in a hearty round of applause from the audience.

Day II’s furniture selection was a medley of early American. Included was an important rare pair of Baltimore Federal inlaid and carved mahogany side chairs. Sans upholstery but maintaining a wonderful old finish on the wood, the pair sold for $20,700 within its $20,000/30,000 estimate. A Regency triple pedestal mahogany dining table that spanned a massive 105 inches brought $9,200 versus a $4,000/8,000 estimate. Four wonderful New England highboys included a coastal Connecticut example in cherry wood resting on Queen Ann legs. Towering with a multitude of drawers and topped with a curved apex with three onion spindles, it sold for $17,250 within a presale estimate of $15,000/25,000. A fine Connecticut River Valley Chippendale cherry reverse serpentine chest of drawers was a great find, selling for $14,950 against a $12,000/16,000 estimate. And a Connecticut Valley Chippendale cherry and birch slant lid secretary with beautifully scrolled cornice and bonnet top also sold with estimate when it brought $8,625.

This session also featured a number of marine paintings including a selection of ship portraits from the Sewall family of Bath, Maine. The Sewalls were a prominent shipbuilding family and an important name in and around the state of Maine. Renowned in the genre of ship portraits is Antonio Jacobsen whose portrait of the S.S. Algiers came to the block with a $10,000/15,000 estimate, ultimately selling for $16,100. An outstanding oil on board portrait from the Rankin Estate of the American coastal schooner “Kentucky” by Jacobsen sailed to $26,450 against expectations of $15,000/25,000. From the same collection, Jacobsen’s large portrait of the paddle steamer “Larchmont” sold for $22,425 within its estimate of $20,000/30,000. Hitting the $16,100 mark was an unsigned Chinese School portrait from the Rankin Estate of the American ship “Splendid of Baltimore”. And a portrait attributed to William Yorke of a three-mast American ship sailing across whitecaps brought $25,300 against an $8,000/12,000 estimate.

Other fine artwork included a number of portraits such as an important portrait of George Washington from 1793 by John Trumbull that sold for $23,000, a bargain given its $20,000/40,000 presale estimate. Following this lot, however, were two signed military documents by our country’s father that exceeded expectations of $1,500/2,500 apiece to sell for $6,800 and $6,325 respectively.

Other portraiture included an unsigned canvas of a small child in a peach colored dress. With the most captivating of stares and her adorable face, she caught the eye of many bidders, finishing up at $8,050 against an estimate of $3,000/4,000. Arguably a little less adorable was a 19th Century portrait of Amelia Weber attributed to Joseph Whiting Stock. Regardless, she too, exceeded a presale estimate of $3,000/4,000 and gathered bids to the tune of $8,050.

The wide variety of folk art in the sale spanned from functional to decorative. Embracing both ends was a fabulous full bodied copper flying horse weathervane in old paint. Wonderfully crafted and in all-original condition, it was a showstopper at $17,250. Of many other fine weathervanes offered that day, a J. Howard & Co. full body rooster weathervane was fresh to the market piece having been in the same family since 1922. Featuring a zinc body, molded copper tail, and a marvelous verdigris patina it exceeded expectations of $8,000/12,000 to sell for $14,375.

Other functional folk art included a unique heavily carved highly detailed presentation walking stick. It featured a crouching eagle forming the handle with various animals and military figures spanning the entire length. This exquisite item brought a solid $16,100 against expectations of 8,000/12,000. A large and impressive carved and painted American eagle with flag and banner reading “E. Pluribus Unum” soared past its $1,500/2,500 estimate to land at $12,362. It is unusual that an unknown maker such as the one just mentioned beats out a noted carver as John Haley Bellamy. An example of Bellamy’s work, a deeply carved, trademark spread eagle grasping a banner reading “Don’t Give Up the Ship” failed to find a buyer. Folk carvings also included a select grouping of decoys. A carved and painted Canada goose decoy by L.T. Ward flew past its $1,000/2,000 estimate to sell for $12,075. A Greater Snow Goose by Ward surpassed the same estimate, selling for $8,912.

Other folk art included Frakturs (folk art form of illustrated script practiced by Pennsylvania Germans during the 18th and 19th centuries) from the Shumaker family. One such example, intricately decorated with hearts. Flowers, birds, and verses sold within its estimate for $21,850.

This session also featured a large quantity of Oriental porcelain, blue and white Canton, Rose Medallion, Famille Rose, and more. Highlighting the grouping was a terrific pair of Mandarin decorated covered urns. Exquisitely crafted, these tall vases with enameled floral and butterfly motifs with royal court scenes were made for the domestic Chinese market. Despite some restoration, they still saw a heated bidding battle, finally stopping at $7,475 over its $3,000/5,000 estimate. Other examples included an unusual large polychrome Oriental bottle vase in canary yellow with allover decoration that sold for $10,925, surpassing expectations of $1,500/2,500. And a Chinese Export porcelain blue garden barrel with flowers and vines sold for $6,325. From the third session, an outstanding pair of bronze sculptures depicting imposing Chinese Foo Dogs brought $14,375 versus a $3,000/5,000 estimate.

The auction continued with accessories including a spread of Oriental rugs, which are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. A 19th Century Karachopt Kazak rug with a brilliant pattern and vibrant colors busied the large bank of phone bidders. It sold to the one who brought the final bid beyond its $1,200/2,000 estimate to $7,475. An equally wild Shirvan rug with octagonal medallions, “Lesghi” stars, and a zigzag border brought $6,037 against an $800/1,200 estimate.

Also available was a stellar offering of early American and English silver including a coin silver covered tureen by William L. Adams of New York. This superb piece resting on claw feet, was decorated with acanthus leaves around the exterior, and topped with a heart shaped handle formed of these same leaves. Simply stunning, it hit mid-estimate, selling for 9,775. Somewhat later, a rare pair of Tiffany sterling 3-branch candelabras decorated with repousse flowers was a hit, selling for $17,250 and nearing the top of its $15,000/18,000 estimate.

Other fine accessories included a number of clocks such as a Renaissance Revival gothic burl walnut bracket clock. With exquisite carvings from top to bottom of gothic finials, stepped cornice, and leaf tips, this stunning timepiece changed hands at $9,200. For the more traditional, a Massachusetts Federal carved and inlaid tall-case clock fresh from a Blue Hill, Maine estate kept time with its $4,000/6,000 estimate to bring $8,050.

A large and impressive, highly ornate “Belle Époque” gilt cast bronze chandelier was the epitome of sophistication, and sold for $10,637 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate.

A number of early photographs was highlighted by an Edward Curtis platinum print entitled “Three Chiefs Piegan” that pictured three Native Americans on horseback with rolling plains behind them. This outstanding image by one of America’s premier photographers more than doubled its $8,000/10,000 estimate to sell for $18,400. A rare early albumen print of the Nevada Falls in Yosemite by Carleton Watkins likewise saw heavy action, selling for $7,187 against a $3,000/5,000 estimate. An exceptionally rare reverse on glass photo from 1872 showed a fireman’s muster parading down the main street of Middletown, Connecticut. What made this particularly interesting was the fact that the photo also prominently featured the Middletown Mansfield baseball team in full uniform posing for the camera. The only known photograph of Connecticut’s first professional baseball team, it was a good trade at $6,612 versus a pre-auction estimate of $6,000/8,000.

Helping to complete the vast array of goods was an assortment of fine jewelry. A colossal yet stylish 4.3 carat solitaire diamond gentleman’s ring from a local home sold for $28,750 against an estimate of $16,000/20,000. Stones the size of Rhode Island are apparently the rage. A platinum ladies ring with octagonal cut stones (1.26 carats of diamonds and a massive 6.03 carat natural sapphire) sold for $15,525 within an estimate of $15,000/20,000 while a diamond and platinum ladies ring centered with a 4.05 carat alexandrite found a buyer at $14,950. And a fancy 18K gold, diamond, and sapphire bracelet comprised of 78 different colored sapphires weighing a total of over 42 carats was a stunner, hitting $6,900 against expectations of $6,000/8,000.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place October 8, 9 & 10 that will offer approximately $12 Million in rare antique firearms including the renowned Ben Michel Confederate arms collection. Mr. Michel’s collection of Confederate arms is believed to be the finest and most comprehensive ever offered at auction and geared to the intermediate and most advanced Civil War and Confederate collectors. Julia’s toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will follow in November, and their next antiques & fine art auction is scheduled for January 2008. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, June 29 & 30, 2007 - Traveling the American countryside to gather an outstanding offering of fine quality merchandise, Julia’s glass & lamp auction coordinator Dudley Browne once again assembled a tremendously diverse sale of over 1,000 lots ranging from ancient Roman glass (dating to approximately 100 A.D.) to exceptional contemporary glass, and everything in between. Long recognized as one of the leaders in the auction industry, Julia’s is renowned for sales whose abundant participation is responsible for several surprises. Their finely tuned marketing program, stunning catalogs, quality presentation, and their knowledgeable and obliging staff are the driving factors for their successful auctions in addition to an amazing assemblage of fresh and desirable merchandise. Going in with a presale estimate of items sold of $1.5 Million, the sale grossed $2.1 Million. This follows the firm’s $1.1 Million toy, doll, and advertising auction held the week prior. Their most recent auction boasted one of the largest selections of lamps to hit the market in recent memory. Included was over 80 examples by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint, Duffner & Kimberly, Loetz, and more. This was joined by a stellar array of fine art glass, French and English cameo glass, Victorian, modern, and various accessories for the fervent collector.

One of the signs of a dazzling sale is the number of lots that end in applause from the audience after an energetic bidding battle. One of the seemingly innumerable instances with such a finale was a dichroic Tiffany Favrile paperweight vase decorated with a leaf and vine pattern on a blue-purple background. With light transmitted through it, the color changes to ruby red. A truly fabulous piece for the top collection, it sold for a show stopping $40,250 against a $7,000/10,000 estimate. Interest in Tiffany glass is at an all-time high right now and the pieces in this auction were some of the best on today’s market. Several fine flower form vases included a fantastic and delicate 15” example with green pulled feather decoration extending from the stem with goldstone speckling, terminating in a ribbed opalescent and clear glass with gold Favrile interior. Bidding mounted to $17,825 against a presale estimate of $10,000/15,000. Another example with pale green pulled feather design on an opalescent clambroth ground beat out its estimate of $6,000/8,000 to sell for $10,350. Also bringing $10,350 was a Tiffany Studios Favrile vase with a bulbous base supporting a swelling cylinder neck. Done in bright green iridescent pulled feathers over a lustrous silvery blue background, it quickly surpassed its $5,000/7,000 estimate. A Tiffany flower form with a squat champagne type bowl decorated with pale green pulled feathers also brought more than its expectations of $3,000/5,000 to finish up at $9,200. A pair of Tiffany silver candlesticks topped with bulbous damascene type glass shades sold for $6,612 versus an estimate of $1,500/2,500.

Of the over 80 lamps offered in the sale, of course it was Tiffany that led the way, particularly a fabulous Tiffany Studios Sunset Tulip lamp. With an overall pattern of tulips in various stages of bloom in warm and vibrant oranges, the shade rested on a three arm urn base accented by five Art Nouveau columns. Simply stunning, it sold for $40,825, just above a presale estimate of $30,000/40,000. Perhaps even more impressive was a Tiffany dogwood leaded lamp with a swath of dogwood flowers and vines seemingly superimposed over geometric panels. Considered an exceptional example by the Tiffany Studio itself, it was marked with the elusive dash number found only on the most superb pieces. Bidding was commensurate for such a stellar example, it ultimately sold for $46,000, well above its presale estimate of $30,000/35,000. Another great leaded example was a Tiffany Swirling Leaf table lamp. Featuring a large band of swirling lemon leaves in greens and other earth tones between rows of geometric patterns, it finished up at $34,500 versus a $20,000/30,000 estimate. And a Tiffany apple blossom leaded lamp with a Grecian urn base sold within expectations of $25,000/30,000 for $28,750.

Other Tiffany lighting included a marvelous Linenfold table lamp with a rare candelabra base that received much attention. It featured a cluster of six gold dore stems emerging from a wavy platform terminating in candlestick light sockets. This was topped by a wonderful Fabrique shade, formed glass panels that Tiffany created that gave the illusion of fabric. This outstanding lamp exceeded its estimate of $20,000/30,000 to bring $36,800. A wonderful Art Nouveau desk lamp with delicately entwined stems comprising the base and supporting a wavy iridescent tulip shade sold for $25,875, far in excess of its $12,000/15,000 estimate.

Other lighting included a gorgeous Duffner & Kimberly mosaic grape leaded chandelier with great form and deep colors. It sold for $14,950 within expectations of $12,000/15,000. A heavily overlaid Handel leaded lamp decorated with cattails and reeds was a good buy at $11,500 versus a $10,000/15,000 estimate. And an intense, reverse painted Pairpoint puffy pansy lamp was a surprise when it brought $21,275, more than seven times its $3,000/5,000 pre-auction estimate.

With crossover appeal for buyers of lamps as well as cameo glass were several pieces fitting both categories such as a gorgeous Daum Nancy cameo and enamel lamp depicting a winter scene with snow covered branches against a mottled orange background. It sold for $16,100 versus a $15,000/20,000 estimate while a Galle cameo lamp with cameo butterflies on a frosted domed shade and matching base brought $17,825 (est. $10,000/12,000). A rare Daum Nancy ribbed lamp with the shade in green fading to raspberry, resting upon a base that fades from yellow down to blue. This eye catching item sold for $13,800 against a $10,000/15,000 estimate.

French cameo is by and large a very strong category at Julia’s. And while there were certainly several standout pieces, there were a number of bargains to be had for the keen eye and quick paddle. One such bargain was an 18” Galle vase with two cameo and wheel-polished dragonflies in flight over a pond of water lilies and flowers against a blue and caramel background. It was a good buy for $14,950, just shy of its $15,000/20,000 estimate.

Of course it’s the pieces and prices that make your jaw drop that are more fun to read about. A beautiful Daum Nancy cameo and applied vase decorated with soft pink marguerites with cabochon centers was a must for the advanced collection. It ignored its $12,000/15,000 estimate to finish up at $25,300. The natural world in all its beauty was also shown in a Daum Nancy freeform cameo vase with wild orchids and a flitting bumblebee. This wild piece brought $18,400 versus a $12,000/15,000 estimate. A Daum Nancy cameo wheel-carved and enamel vase with decorations of mushrooms and pinecones on a shaded and mottled background left the block at $17,250 within its $15,000/20,000 estimate. An acid-etched and wheel polished Galle vase decorated with red bleeding heart flowers, vines, and leaves on an amber and green background was beautifully styled and sold for $11,500 over its $4,500/6,500 estimate. A stunning Daum Nancy wheel-carved vase with acid etched black-eyed Susans with applied centers over a martele background sold for $9,775, just above an estimate of $7,000/9,000. And a Galle cameo vase with roses done in the “windowpane” technique on an amber background went to a bidder on the Internet for $7,200 within expectations of $6,000/8,000.

One of the bigger success stories surrounded a spectacular and rare monumental Daum vase depicting enameled seagulls situated against a setting sun. Selling at $10,350 within its $8,000/12,000 estimate may not impress some, but the fact that the consignor purchased it at an antiques mall in his area recently for only $200 gives us all hope for that one great find.

English cameo glass was also represented, producing highlights such as a marvelous Thomas Webb vase in blue with nicely detailed allover white floral and leaf design. It finished up at $6,900 while a Webb wheel-carved charger with intricate and deep carving of white roses and various insects more than quadrupled its estimate to sell for $8,337.

The differing styles of Lalique, Steuben, Loetz are poles apart, but each an amazing piece of artistry. Two rare Steuben flower form vases from one collection epitomized fine style. The first, an iridescent gold Aurene “Millefiori” vase with green heart and vine decoration with white millefiori florets under a ruffled rim, brought a phenomenal $20,125 over a $12,000/15,000 estimate. The second was similar in decoration but with a rounded bowl and flared rim that finished up at $17,825 versus a $10,000/12,000 estimate. A Steuben baluster form vase adorned in gold Aurene with peacock eyes and feathers was expected to sell for $8,000/10,000 and finished up at $10,350.

A large Lalique vase in the Sauterelles pattern featured polished grasshoppers on blades of grass against a frosted background. It more than doubled its $4,000/5,000 estimate to finish up at $12,650. A very attractive amber colored Lalique vase in the Monnaie du Pape pattern with allover leaf design encircling the exterior sold for $8,050, just above expectations of $5,000/7,000. And a striking R. Lalique vase in frosted olive green encircled with nude archers shooting at a flock of birds overhead sold for $11,500 just outside its 9,000/11,000 estimate.

Other art glass included a wild Wilhelm Kralik Sohn vase in platinum and purple iridescence supported by a wonderful Art Nouveau metal surround. Two unrelenting phone bidders drove the price up beyond its $2,000/3,000 estimate sevenfold, ultimately stopping at $15,525. Also included was a selection of Loetz iridescent pieces such as a spectacular vase in rich blue with freeform squares that saw active bidding to the point of $8,050 versus a $4,500/5,500 estimate.

A select offering of rare Victorian glassware added to the breadth of the sale. Included was a fine collection of very rare Mt. Washington decorated Burmese including an exceptional two-handled vase with rich gold and enameled floral decoration. In the bidding that just wouldn’t end, it ultimately went to the bidder who was willing to pay $23,000 with no deference to its $2,000/3,000 estimate. A close second was a Mt. Washington bulbous vase with slender neck. Decorated with two ibises in flight over Egyptian pyramids, it sold for $19,550 against an estimate of $3,000/5,000. A museum quality example with a remarkable enameled fish shown caught in a gold net reeled in $9,775 against an estimate of $3,000/5,000.

Also available were numerous rarities such as Mt. Washington lava glass. Included was a seldom seen raspberry colored lava tumbler with brightly colored inclusions and a similar style lava glass vase that brought $6,037 and $5,175 respectively over estimates of $2,000/3,000 apiece.

And in categories all their own, an internally decorated wheel-carved and gilded pedestal vase with white and raspberry flowers on lavender shot to $9,200 amid an $8,000/12,000 estimate. And a selection of modern glass included sculpted works by noted glass artist Dale Chihuly. A sculpture of a red glass stylized flame on a cone base with gold foil inclusions brought $6,900 against expectations of $5,500/6,500 while a Portland Press glass basket with a melon colored ribbed body with horizontal stripes around the body brought $4,600.

In addition to the fine glass, Tiffany Studios produced some of the most elegant accessories one could find. A rare double picture frame with pine needle pattern over green slag glass was captivating and sold for $8,050, in line with its $6,000/8,000 estimate. A Tiffany Studios humidor likewise in the pine needle pattern brought $8,050 against expectations of $4,000/5,000. A 14-piece Tiffany desk set in the etched metal grapevine pattern, also with green slag glass and a wonderful green-brown patina was a hot ticket. The set was worth every penny of its $8,625 price tag.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous end of summer antiques & fine art extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Always the highlight of the summer auction season it will feature approximately $4 Million in spectacular merchandise. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place October 9 & 10 that will offer nearly $10 Million in rare antique firearms including the renowned Ben Michel Confederate arms collection. Mr. Michel’s collection of Confederate arms is believed to be the finest and most comprehensive ever offered at auction and geared to the intermediate and most advanced Civil War and Confederate collectors. Julia’s next toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will take place in Fall 2007. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, June 23, 2007 - It’s definitely a seller’s market these days. With what some may consider a dearth of fresh, great condition, quality antiques hitting the market, dealers and collectors are snatching them up whenever they come up for auction. Of course, simple laws of supply and demand dictate that one needs to pay a premium price. At auctions it means bid high or else be left in the dust. James D. Julia’s recent auction showed such strong competition among bidders for the over 500 diverse lots of antique toys, dolls, advertising, and coin-op, those in attendance were aghast by how high the bids were reaching. Julia’s is no stranger to success and record prices; for nearly 40 years, the firm has continually added to their mountain of world auction records for fine antiques of every kind. Their finely tuned marketing program, stunning catalogs, a knowledgeable and obliging staff, and an amazing assemblage of fresh and desirable merchandise is their recipe for a booming high energy auction. When the final hammer dropped, the sale realized over $1.1 Million, more than 46% over a pre-auction estimate of items sold of approximately $750,000.

One of the centerpieces to the auction was an extremely rare cast iron Arcade armored car made for Brinks in the 1930s that was likely never offered commercially but specifically for the Brinks firm. Arcade’s trucks normally had a tin bottom, but to suggest the greater security of the actual trucks, this truck was made with a cast iron bottom, gun turrets, and was embossed with the Brinks logo in gold on the sides. One of only three or four to exist on the planet, it sold for a show stopping $34,500 within its $20,000/40,000 estimate. A popular Hubley Packard in blue, despite some restoration still managed to hit $12,650 within expectations of $12,500/17,500. Other examples in a normally soft automotive market was a nice Hubley boat tail racer in orange with animated flames shooting from the hood that exceeded its estimate of $1,750/2,000 to finish up at $3,450. One of the draws at an auction is the possibility of getting a bargain. Though bargains were few and far between at this sale, a few pieces slipped through the cracks and gave bidders a brief reprieve. One such bargain was an outstanding and highly anticipated Wilkins tedder. One of only five or six known, it is perhaps the scarcest of all Wilkins toys. The toy with its intricate mechanism moving the rear arms to churn the hay had been talked about among collectors and at several shows for months prior, perhaps giving a lesson to make hay while the sun is shining. It saw active bidding up to $6,325, within its $6,000/8,000 estimate. A surprise following this lot, and helping to complete the four-piece farm set, was a Wilkins horse drawn plow. In very good condition, its recast plow was evidently forgivable as it climbed to $5,175, exceeding a presale estimate of $2,000/4,000. A large and impressive cast iron fire pumper by Ideal with a nickel plated boiler and three galloping horses exceeded expectations of $800/1,200 to finish up at $2,760.

Other cast iron included a selection of mechanical banks that was underscored by a marvelous and rare Mason bank with its original box. Condition was key and this example had it in spades. It went to the bidder willing to pay $13,225, ignoring the $4,000/6,000 estimate. Collectors were able to look through the layers of old dirt on one Stevens Magic bank to see the gorgeous original paint beneath. After a mounting bidding battle, it cashed in at $4,370 over a $1,200/1,500 estimate. One of the finest Columbus World’s Fair banks to surface in recent memory received great attention. Depicting the famed traveler being offered a peace pipe by an indigenous man, the bank sold for $4,600, tripling its $1,500/2,500 estimate. Perhaps even more impressive, a desirable Kyser and Rex “Boy Stealing Watermelon” bank with outstanding paint sold for $6,325, likewise exceeding its $1,500/2,500 estimate.

German toys made a strong showing. The toy masters of Steiff whose rendition of Felix the Cat on an Irish Mail cart showed imagination and an amusing quality not seen in toys today. Bucking and jostling across the floor, this appealing toy was a hit, bringing $10,350 versus a $4,000/8,000 estimate. The largest Marklin Brougham ever produced, spanning a mammoth 44” long, and including its original hollow bodied tin horse, sold for a solid $24,150, exceeding expectations of $15,000/20,000. Marklin brougham carriage, the largest version the company produced, features an elegant double doored tin carriage with glass windows and cowl lamps being pulled by a dappled hollow bodied tin horse. Its commanding presence and marvelous condition is accompanied by a $16,000/20,000 estimate.

A seldom seen sight at any auction is a rare Lehmann Titania limousine with its brilliant red body and deep blue top and running boards. A sought after component in one’s advanced collection, it sold for $3,680 within its $3,000/4,000 estimate. A rare early German clockwork Vis a Vis horseless carriage caught the eye of a few eager bidders who drove the price up to $4,600 over its $1,000/2,000 estimate.

A lot that almost didn’t make it to auction was a wonderful and rare Gunthermann windup toy depicting old time comic character Foxy Grandpa. Found between the walls of a local family’s house during renovations, it had suffered the loss of a tin arm and leg and lacked significant amounts of paint. The husband thought because of its less than stellar condition, it should just be thrown away. However, not before the wife had it brought to Julia’s, just to make sure. Now, the unfortunate man is doomed to a lifetime of “I told you so” as the toy brought $1,552.

Hailing from across Europe, a Jep Hispana Suiza open air limousine in mustard yellow with red highlights sold for $4,600, just outside its $3,500/4,500 estimate. And likely of French manufacture a colossal 53” scale model of the battleship “Liberte” constructed of tin with wood detailing was a stunning sight. Modeled after the actual ship in nearly every detail, it fared the roughest ponds until running aground. It sold for a solid $5,750 versus a $3,000/6,000 estimate. Other playthings of past childhoods included a variety of pressed steel, particularly some fresh to the market pieces. Many of these treasures have been shelved in an estate collection for many years. From the collection was a variety of Buddy L trucks including a rare doored coal truck in near excellent condition. It sold for $6,325 against a $1,500/2,500 estimate. A desirable Buddy L crane car, a not too common component of the outdoor train set sold for $2,070 above expectations of $600/1,000. Quality didn’t come cheaply; from another New England estate collection came a rare Kingsbury motor driven stake truck in all original condition that sold for $5,175 over a $3,000/5,000 estimate while a restored example of the same truck still managed to bring $3,450. A splendid Kelmet crane truck modeled after the White line came to the block with a $2,500/4,000 estimate, doubling up at $5,175.

With a following all their own, collectors of gas powered tether racers (or “Spindizzies” as the cars are sometimes called) were treated to a rare opportunity to bid on 30 of these outstanding vehicles. Created to race around a circular track and unbelievable speeds, these cars (don’t call them toys!) are just as impressive under the hood as the body work on the outside. Known to hit speeds nearing 200 miles per hour, one goes to these competitions to hear the race, not watch it. You can’t see them! The collection contained some rare examples by some of the best known makers in the field. A 1933 Butch Marx Gus Schrader Special, one of only three ever built, it was considered one of the best gas racers around. It saw heavy action, bringing $5,750 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate. A Jim Carmellini “one-off” racer powered by a rare Black Panther 10c.c gas ignition engine also sped past its estimate to bring $4,887. A 1952 Butch Marx sprint car racer with graphics by Buz McKim brought $5,750 against an estimate of $2,500/3,500 while an aluminum bodied Papina racer circa 1955, ex-Gary Vahling collection sold for $3,450 (est. 2,000/3,000).

Also included was a plethora of Smith-Miller trucks in outstanding condition that were bought new from the store many decades ago. The original owner (now deceased) as an adult revisited the very toy stores he would frequent as a child and purchased these marvelous examples that were never played with and have been stored for over 20 years. Among this virtual time capsule were construction, commercial, and transport vehicles that one won’t find in such marvelous condition as these including a Bell Telephone truck with its original canvas top that rang up $1,955. An M.I.C. dump truck and an M.I.C. flatbed each sold for $1,380, all exceeding their $400/600 estimates.

On the scant list of steals was a colorful Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty Circus tent. This brightly lithographed cloth tent decorated with attendees and retaining one of two available side panels featuring side show attractions was a good buy when it changed hands at $2,875 against a $5,000/10,000 estimate. However, all was not inexpensive in Schoenhut Village. A rare Schoenhut Supplee Milk wagon in excellent condition, all the way down to retaining its original horse, driver, and accessories set a new World Auction Record at $10,350 against a $3,000/5,000.

Toy stoves included a marvelous Karr blue enameled example. Though these stoves come up on occasion, one almost never sees an original box. Bidders jumped at the rare opportunity; things heated up well above its $2,000/3,000 estimate to simmer at $6,325. After seeing the Majestic stove with its classic styling and nickel accents, the word “majestic” is not only the brand name, but it’s also an accurate description. This piece was more likely a salesman sample than a toy, ultimately selling, too for $6,325 against an estimate of $3,500/5,500.

A splendid selection of dolls was also offered. Culled from prized collections and estates from across the United States, a variety of subcategories included fine French fashions, googlies, French and German bisques, and the increasingly popular Chinese Door of Hope dolls. First created in the early 1900s, the dolls were a result of American missionaries wanting to help young Chinese women avoid the trend towards prostitution and establish marketable skills. Carved from pear wood with the most captivating expressions and individuality, Door of Hope dolls have gained a growing league of collectors in recent years. A rare policeman with tasseled pointed cap (est. $2,000/2,500) sold for $5,175 while a 6” Door of Hope kindergarten child (est. $500/1,000) sold for $4,025. The one known as Manchu Woman with her elaborate carved headpiece is considered one of the most rare and desirable. In great original condition wearing a wonderful pink print dress, she exceeded her presale estimate of $4,500/6,500 to settle in at $6,612.

A fine assortment of French and German bisque dolls made bidders sit up and take notice. An exceedingly rare Figure “E” Steiner bebe with deep blue gray paperweight eyes, finely painted features, long blonde wig, and original fully jointed body sold within her $20,000/30,000 estimate for $23,575. Perhaps even more scarce and desirable was a seldom found Simon & Halbig 1303 character doll of an East Asian lady made for the French market. Olive tinted bisque with amazing detail and realism, complete with the Bindi on her forehead, she was dressed in an exotic costume of multilayered fabric. Expected to sell for $20,000/30,000 bids climbed to $25,300. On the smaller scale, a petite cabinet size Jumeau size 1 with exquisite facial features and piercing blue paperweight eyes more than doubled her estimate of $3,500/4,500 to bring $8,050. A slightly larger 11” Tete Jumeau 2 ready for a new wardrobe but was perfect besides brought $6,900 against a $2,500/3,500 estimate. An early Portrait Jumeau bebe with blue threaded eyes and soft mauve eyeshadowing sold for $11,500 and an early E.J. bebe signified by the positioning of the 8 over the E.J. mark finished up at $11,212, each within their respective estimates.

A single owner collection of googlies with their humorous oversized side-glancing eyes included a marvelous 15” Kestner #221 in a red dress with lace trim and matching hat. She ignored her $3,500/5,500 estimate to bring an eye popping $7,187. A 21-1/2” Hertel & Schwab Campbell Kid style googlie with molded hair and delicate smile sold for $6,440 against expectations of $1,800/2,200.

From the same collection, a terrific grouping of French fashion dolls focused on quality and was highlighted in part by an 18” articulated wood body fashion. Dressed for a night on the town, complete with lorgnette, fan, and wrap, she carried a pre-auction estimate of $4,000/6,000 and went out at $4,600. A beautiful 17” Barrois type French fashion with delightful pale bisque sold for $2,530 against a 1,500/2,500 estimate. But it was a marvelous 16” Bru smiling fashion doll on a fully articulated wood body that stole the show. Her sublime look combined with her excellent overall condition projected her past her $3,500/4,500 estimate to $8,337.

Other highlights in the doll category included one of the finest Shirley Temple dolls in existence. With absolutely no crazing to the composition, crystal clear eyes, and all original down to her very box, this 13” example sold for $2,127, well above expectations of $800/1,200. And a 6” all-bisque Kestner doll with several changes of clothes brought $2,070 versus a $300/500 estimate.

A select grouping of trains made a showing, and was highlighted in part by some seldom seen Biaggi passenger cars and a mammoth 32” Biaggi Crocodile locomotive. These Italian giants command attention and fetched $6,095 for the engine and $3,220 for the five passenger cars each within their respective estimates. A rare Flying Scotsman scale model steam engine and tender by Bassett-Lowke, made even more desirable by its original test track sold for $5,750 against an estimate of $4,000/8,000. From the same estate came a terrific Basset-Lowke Duchess of Montrose engine and tender with its original box. Having remained untouched for generations, it pulled in at $4,025, surpassing its $1,500/2,500 estimate. Other European trains included a number of Marklin cars and other accessories to complete the layout including a rare Marklin O gauge Eagle set. This set is one of the more difficult to locate, it brought nearly seven times its presale estimate to finish up at $6,900. A 1:15 scale model Reihe 214 live steam locomotive that took one August Bobner 5,000 hours over the course of nineteen years to complete showed the intricate workings of an engineering genius and quality of the highest degree. It was accompanied by a custom track with mirrored base that allowed the viewer to see the underside at the same time as the main body. It sold for $7,475 at the upper end of its $5,000/8,000 estimate.

Other scale models included a nice selection of salesman samples. This auction featured examples that exhibit the same if not a greater level of craftsmanship than their full sized counterparts. These delightful, exact miniatures have long been quite collectable, particularly those of agricultural products. The recent examples included a bronze salesman sample for a sickle bar mower by Sprague. Outstanding in every detail with a patina that only age can provide, it cut through its estimate of $3,500/5,500 to sell for $16,100. An unmarked salesman sample of a furrow plow brought $5,635 versus a $2,000/3,000 estimate. And a salesman sample wardrobe in simulated wood grain tin whose door would revolve into the body of the closet sold for $4,312 against expectations of $1,000/1,500.

The auction also contained a generous assortment of antique advertising items as well. Julia’s is renowned for handling some spectacular pieces in this arena. This time, it was a rarely seen Coca-Cola three-dimensional display depicting a revolving door looking into a circa 1940s diner. This piece was found in the log storage bin at the estate of a prominent Little Rock, Arkansas family who owned the largest soda fountain in town. According to the family it was never put on display, but placed in the log bin as potential fuel. Captioned “The Pleasantest Place in Town” and complete with individual die-cut passersby that are displayed alongside, it finished up at $40,250 far exceeding its presale estimate of $20,000/30,000. A complete new old stock set of 17” die-cut service girls advertising Coca-Cola hit $5,175 against an estimate of $4,000/6,000. And a 1926 Coca-Cola cardboard sign with a bathing beauty under a parasol advertising America’s favorite beverage, claiming 7 Million drinks a day brought $4,025 within a $3,000/5,000 estimate.

Advertising signs and posters featuring baseball are hot collectibles these days. A brilliantly lithographed cardboard sign for Home Run cigarettes depicting an old time player at bat with the catcher looking on retains outstanding color. It was a hit at $5,750 over an estimate of $2,000/3,000. Also enjoying a solid place in the collectibles market are hunting and sportsman advertising; Julia’s is clearly finding the most serious buyers for them. One of the rarest of the Peters shotgun cartridge calendars, an illustration of duck hunters in a marsh saw active bidding, reaching $7,762 against expectations of $4,000/8,000. This was followed by a 1906 example depicting a hunter working his way through a dense forest with a mammoth moose head strapped to his back. Entitled “Coming Out A Head”, its stark image is tempered with humor by this interesting play on words. This scarce calendar sold for $3,737 doubling its 1,500/2,000 estimate.

A selection of pre-prohibition brewery items from an Ohioan collector included some seldom seen signs, posters, and calendars such as an 1893 calendar for Prospect Brewing Co. This Philadelphia brewer went all out with their very busy one sheet piece. Almost surrealistic, it showed several unrelated vignettes depicting holiday, historical, and military scenes all with cherubic children and animals holding the product aloft. It sold for $4,370 versus a $1,000/2,000 estimate.

A variety of music machines included two Reginaphones that play both metal discs and records. These inventive transition pieces marked a major advance for the time as home entertainment systems evolved, but also the beginning of the end of the Regina firm. The mahogany cases accented with heavily carved lions’ heads at the corners sold for $12,075 apiece over their individual $6,000/8,000 estimates. Other music included a tall upright Stella disc playing music box. With the brilliant tone and desirable 26” discs, the machine was a good trade for $8,625. For the more modern tastes, a Wurlitzer Victory model 1080 jukebox was a surprise. Having seen better days, this rare machine received considerable internet interest and ultimately brought $6,325, far above the house’s expectations of $700/1,000. A classic Wurlitzer 1015 with bubble lights sold for $4,715, just above a $3,000/4,500 estimate.

The sale was rounded out by some fantastic coin-op and arcade items. Included was a rare Freeport Dragons peanut vendor. A candidate for restoration, this intricately cast front vendor with its original front and side glass panels had been in storage for many years before being consigned to auction. It brought a solid $10,350 within an estimate of $6,000/12,000. A spectacular French cast iron postal card dispenser with a sensational front casting of a young Victorian woman giving a post card to Cupid sold for $12,650 within expectations of $12,000/18,000. An interesting coin-operated fortune teller issued by the National Institute for the Blind featured a man with a white cane that would spin beneath a dome, landing on any one of several fortunes. Doubling as an alms box (with two separate slots) so one wouldn’t feel as though they were gambling, the piece sold for $3,105.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous end of summer antiques & fine art extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Always the highlight of the summer auction season it will feature approximately $4 Million in spectacular merchandise. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place October 9 & 10 that will offer nearly $10 Million in rare antique firearms including the renowned Ben Michel Confederate arms collection. Mr. Michel’s collection of Confederate arms is believed to be the finest and most comprehensive ever offered at auction and geared to the intermediate and most advanced Civil War and Confederate collectors. Julia’s next toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will take place in Fall 2007. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

FAIRFIELD, Maine - James D. Julia’s firearms auction March 12-13 grossed just under $7.5 million. With a total low estimate of the items sold coming in at approximately $5.6 million, the sale was an overwhelming success—to date the highest grossing firearms auction for 2007. Continuing to maintain the highest sale value per lot, this auction came in at a healthy $7,666 per lot—approximately three times the majority of competitors in the industry.

Rarity and royalty ruled. One of the most anticipated lots in the sale was a Parker shotgun originally made for Czar Nicholas II of Russia. The gun, carrying a presale estimate of $225,000-325,000, generated an extraordinary of pre-auction interest, with much speculation, numerous articles, and a great deal of scholarly discussion. The gun was at one time thought lost and in the minds of some thought to have never been made. Over the years, it had reached virtually mythical status, and its discovery in October 2006 was exciting news for serious Parker aficionados. Parker enthusiasts traveled considerable distances to attend the auction, a number of whom were not intending to bid on the shotgun but wanting to be able to examine and hold it. The gun sold for a dramatic $287,500—a new world record for any American shotgun ever sold at auction.

The buyer, Jack Puglisi of Duluth, Minnesota, a dealer specializing in high-grade shotguns, admitted after the auction that he wanted very badly to purchase the gun and that he had given a great deal of pre-auction consideration to his tactics and decided to “go for broke.” About an hour before the gun was sold, he called Julia’s and asked to speak to the lady who would be his phone agent. He explained to her, “When the lots comes up, before the auctioneer has a chance to say anything, holler out to the top of your lungs, ‘A quarter of a million dollars!’. Not $250,000, a quarter of a million dollars. Be sure to be dramatic about it, and do not hesitate.” The young lady took his cue and did exactly as instructed. The crowd of observers and various phone bidders preparing to bid on the lot were totally taken by surprise. The bidders were somewhat overwhelmed, and somewhat like the Liston-Clay fight, it was all over in a few seconds, with Puglisi the winner. Puglisi reasoned that if he started the bidding at a low figure and worked up gradually, that it was possible that it might have eventually sold for less, but that it was also possible that it would sell for more. He decided to place his maximum bid immediately and in a dramatic fashion and hopefully intimidate any other possible bidders, and obviously it worked.

Shortly thereafter, a pair of Purdey Extra Finish 20 ga. double barrel shotguns made for the King of Romania sold for $115,000. There were a number of other great rarities in the auction as well. A very rare L.C. Smith Deluxe Grade double barrel shotgun with beautiful gold inlays carried a presale estimate of $45,000-65,000, and after a protracted bidding battle it sold for $138,000. A Colt Pinch Frame revolver, extremely rare and touted as possibly one of the finest in existence, carried a $300,000-400,000 presale estimate and sold for $345,000. An exquisite, cased Colt Paterson Belt Model No. 3 revolver, complete with period accessories and in outstanding condition, was estimated at $125,000-175,000. It saw tremendous bidding competition and finally topped out at $379,500.

A very rare U.S. Civil War flag of the 64th New York volunteers had a wonderful, folksy canton and was estimated at $35,000-45,000. It was the subject of a very heated bidding battle. Starting around $30,000 and going at $2,500 increments, it narrowed down to two phone bidders. At $42,500, one phone bidder jumped it to $50,000, and when the other phone bidder was asked for another $2,500 advance, they jumped it to $60,000. It reverted back to $2,500 increments and sporadically the bidders again plunged forward with large advances until it ended with a final selling price of $120,750—a new world record for a U.S. flag at auction.

A number of high-quality double rifles were offered, including an ultra-rare, one-of-a kind, cased Charles Boswell big bore double rifle, a beautiful, gold-embellished gun which finally went out to a Texas buyer at $97,750.

Another extremely exciting and much-anticipated lot was a group of photographs and personal letters between George Armstrong Custer and his wife Libby. This cachet of personal ephemera, discovered in the attic of a niece many years ago, was the most significant grouping of intimate letters ever offered for sale relating to Custer and his wife. After Custer’s death, Libby was purported to have burned all their personal letters, and this grouping was an exciting find. Divided into numerous lots that collectively carried a presale estimate of approximately $175,000, the final sales price for the group was an astounding $422,280. One buyer purchased the entire lot, one piece at a time, via an agent. Some of the lots sustained a tremendous amount of competition, but in each case, the agent won out. It is rumored that the new owner may have a book produced concerning the contents of this wonderful grouping.

Julia’s auctions are known not only for their quality and rarity, but also their diversity, and this auction was certainly no exception. Firearms weren’t the only items of interest. A small, select grouping of paintings from various sources was included. The most sought-after was an oil on canvas of a cowboy chasing a runaway horse by Richard Lorenz which carried a presale estimate of $30,000-45,000. It sold for just under $95,000.

Julia’s last auction featured a very rare Saltillo serape that had formerly belonged to General George Custer and its wife. The blanket brought an outstanding price, and as a result, Julia’s received another rare Indian blanket for this auction. The Classic Chief’s 2nd Phase Navajo men’s wearing blanket was in outstanding condition and estimated at $65,000-85,000, finally selling for $69,000.

A number of outstanding Colt Single Action Army revolvers were offered. One, in outstanding condition and believed to be one of the finest Colt Cavalry revolvers in existence, was estimated at $50,000-80,000 and went out at $92,000.

One of the most famous Western bad men was Tom Horn. Horn was hired by his friend John Coble and a group of cattle barons for the purpose of ridding their range land of rustlers and squatters. Horn was quite effective, in fact, so much so that pressure from newsprint and the populace began to focus on the cattle barons, who needed a scapegoat. Horn was accused of murdering a young sheepherder, and as a result of a very controversial trial was found guilty and hung. All the while, his very best friend, John Coble, stood by him, assisted him, and paid all his legal expenses. This auction included a rare Remington revolver inscribed to Tom Horn from John Coble. The gun, estimated at $50,000-100,000, sold for a final price of $86,250.

Another Wild West lot was a pistol, saddle, and stirrups purportedly seized from the dead outlaw Clell Miller after the unsuccessful Northfield, Minnesota bank robbery. Jesse James’ Gang together with the Cole Younger Gang rode into town with intentions of robbing the bank but was eventually recognized by the citizens, many of whom armed themselves and had a shootout with the gang. A young Henry Wheeler, studying to be a doctor but at home on school vacation at the time, grabbed a Civil War carbine in the local hotel, ran to the second floor, and from his vantage point shot Miller dead. He also wounded Cole Younger. He later removed the gun from Miller’s body and took the horse, saddle, and stirrups.

Later, when Wheeler returned to medical school, he confided with the college, who frequently had problems finding appropriate cadavers for anatomy class, that there were two recently buried outlaws in his home town. He and his friends went back to Northfield, exhumed the two outlaws, and used their cadavers in anatomy class. This extremely interesting lot went out at $46,000.

Pawnee Bill, at one time partners with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, was presented with a special, engraved Colt revolver inscribed to him. This historic revolver sold for $63,250.

Julia’s auctions are always known for their Civil War and Confederate inclusions, and in fact, in recent years, they’ve been the largest sellers of high quality Civil War items in the country. This auction included a number of interesting rarities, including a Confederate Augusta Machine Works 12-stop revolver estimated at $45,000-65,000. It sold for $63,250.

A Civil War Union officer’s slouch hat of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry, together with a Corps badge, was estimated at $18,000-24,000 and sold for $21,275. A rare, Confederate, inscribed staff and field officer’s sword by Leech & Rigdon carried a presale estimate of $25,000-30,000 and sold for $31,600.

Julia auctions in recent years has become one of the world’s foremost purveyors of high-grade shotguns. In addition to the ones previously mentioned, a number of outstanding guns were offered. A rare Parker DHE grade double barrel .410 cased shotgun with the original hang tags was estimated at $35,000-50,000 and sold for $74,750. A scarce Purdey double barrel shotgun was sold at $46,000, and a Winchester Model 21 Grand American 2-barrel set made for the one-time Winchester president James F. Towey sold for $36,800.

One of the most famous sportsmen ever from the state of Maine was L.L. Bean, the originator of the famed catalog and sporting goods company in Freeport, Maine. This auction included L.L.’s personal grouse gun—a rare CHE grade Parker—which sold for $20,700.

Another popular firearms category always well-represented at Julia’s are Winchesters. A rare deluxe Winchester Model 73 sold for $51,750. Another Model 73 Deluxe Special Order rifle went out for $37,375. A much earlier repeating rifle, extremely rare and highly collectible, was the Smith Jennings 2nd Model repeating rifle. Estimated at $17,500-22,500, it sold for $26,450.

Colts were offered in great profusion, including many rare and desirable examples, one of which was a rare cased, engraved Colt Presentation Model 1851 Navy, presented to R. D. Hubbard, Esq., from the inventor. This fine, cased example carried a presale estimate of $35,000-45,000, but went out at $58,650.

One of the very first forms of machine guns was the Colt Gatling gun. This auction included a Model 1890 version which sold for $51,750. A beautiful and scarce, cased, engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Model percussion revolver, estimated at $12,500-22,500 sold for $30,475. An outstanding, martially marked, Colt Cavalry Single Action, estimated at $15,000-25,000, sold for $23,000.

Julia’s auctions always feature gun-related advertising. This auction included a scarce Model 1897 Winchester “Double-W” cartridge board which sold for $23,000.

A number of Civil War-era fighting and Bowie knives were offered, including a spectacular Roby Bowie knife with etched blade estimated at $10,000-15,000. It sold for $20,700. An outstanding Monumental Cutlery Company “Rio Grande” knife, complete with period scabbard, sold for $16,100.

Another ephemeral lot, certainly most appropriate for this gun auction venue, was a copy of an original letter sent to Abraham Lincoln and members of his cabinet from a group of individuals encouraging the formation of a National Rifle Association. This was one of the first steps in the formation of what today is the most powerful gun lobby in the world, the NRA. This interesting and historic letter sold for a final price of $2,300.

A number of pre-Colonial and Colonial firearms were offered, including a rare North Model 1811 flintlock martial pistol estimated at $10,000-15,000, which sold for $16,100. A North Model 1826 Navy pistol estimated at $5,000-8,000 went out at a strong $17,250. A rare Ferguson breechloading flintlock rifle sold for $31,625. A cased and inscribed Wesson & Leavitt Mass Arms belt revolver with accessories estimated at $7,500-12,500 sold for $18,400.

A Comanche bow case and quiver, together with photographs and provenance indicating that they had been removed by a Texas Ranger in 1856 from the body of a dead Comanche Indian, realized $9,200. An exquisite early Burlwood dipper with early silver inlays, possibly Metis or northern woodslands Indian origin, carried a presale estimate of $4,000-6,000. It finally sold for $11,500.

The results of this entire auction, together with photographs, can be seen by visiting Julia’s website at www.juliaauctions.com. Julia’s next auction will be a Fine Arts & Antiques auction scheduled for May 5, 2007. There is a Fine Glass & Lamp auction schedule for June, followed by an outstanding Toy & Doll auction in July. The next firearms auction will be conducted in October, just prior to the Hartford Antique Arms Show and will include a number of important collections. One outstanding early inclusion will the Ben Michel lifelong collection of Confederate firearms—one of the finest of its type offered in many, many years.

For more details or information on consigning, contact James D. Julia, Inc., PO Box 830, Fairfield, ME 04937. (207) 453-7125.

Fairfield, Maine-February 2, 3, & 4, 2007. One of their most successful winter auctions to date, the firm of James D. Julia, Inc. played to a packed house of active bidders all three days of their auction extravaganza. Consisting of an outstanding array of fine American and European art, early furniture, historical items, folk art, silver, and other accessories, this massive offering coupled with Julia’s trademark global marketing strategy resulted in strong prices across the board. Consisting of nearly 1,600 lots, Julia’s three-day event grossed a whopping $2.4 Million against a total low estimate of items sold of $1.7 Million. Company president Jim Julia has often quipped, “It’s not like Field of Dreams where ‘If you build it, they will come.’ It takes a concerted effort to first obtain the great merchandise, and then to properly market it. Ours is one of the most aggressive marketing programs in the industry and the efforts of Bill Gage (sale coordinator) and his support staff made this sale the success it was.” Julia then summed it up with “Quality goods plus quality promotion equals quality results.”

And this sale had quality in spades. With a full day devoted to over 500 American, European, and Russian paintings, the session was awash in a wide variety of styles and genres for the astute collector. Once again Julia’s offered choice items from the unending cache of quality goods that is the Woolworth Collection, the family being renowned for their chain of Five & Dime Department stores in the early 20th Century. This time, highlights included two works by turn of the century Russian artist Ivan Fedorovich Choultse. His brilliant and masterfully realistic winter scenes showing hilly landscapes covered in fresh, thick blankets of snow caught the eye of many a bidder. It was an unrelenting bidding battle that started with over 20 phone bidders, but as the bids got progressively higher, the number of contenders slowly dwindled, finally coming down to two. “Jour d’ Hiver Pres de Davos” and “Soir d’Hiver” ultimately sold to the same bidder who was willing to pay $106,950 and $103,500, ignoring the respective presale estimates of $20,000/30,000 and $30,000/50,000.

Joining these was a wonderful selection of celebrated artists including those of the Rockport-Gloucester school, who are renowned for their delightful depictions of seaside settings and Northeastern Americana. New Englanders know coastal beauty like no other; one of the five works that hit the block by Emile Gruppe was “Rockport Harbor”. This beautiful oil on canvas scene showing a red and green-hulled schooner, moored alongside two smaller boats was certainly one of his finest works. It sold for $36,800 within its estimate of $30,000/50,000. His “Vermont Covered Bridge” with a snowy wooded country hillside accented by a quaint covered bridge crossing a small river was also well received. Coming fresh from a private Pennsylvania collection, it sold for $19,550 versus a presale estimate of $15,000/20,000. From the same collection came Gruppe’s “Silvery Day Gloucester” that shows the harbor he helped make so well-known populated by a number of boats in various states of repair. This fine oil on canvas fetched $12,650 over expectations of $8,000/10,000.

When William Staples Drown’s “Fort San Marco, Sea Wall St. Augustine, Fla” hit the block, Julia announced that no other piece in the auction received as many inquiries as it had. This pale oil on board scene portraying a sea wall abutting a tranquil ocean with two small boats brought more than thirteen times its $2,000/4,000 estimate to sell for $26,450. Representing the west coast, Franz A. Bischoff’s depiction of the California shore with windswept trees and grass in the foreground likewise saw active bidding, selling for $11,500, exceeding its $4,000/6,000 presale estimate.

Amid this variable sea of successes there was one significant disappointment for the Julia firm. A charming small oil on board signed Childe Hassam carried a presale estimate of $500,000-800,000 and the firm was confident that the painting would bring all of that estimate and perhaps more. Mounting interest in the painting prior to the auction was also encouraging. The story began in the fall of 2006 when an agent for the consignor approached Bill Gage in Julia’s Fine Arts Department. The painting depicted a young mother holding her infant son standing amid a garden of flowers. The work was signed and with a painted inscription on the reverse “Doan, Boston, Mass”. The young mother in the painting was Ann Magill Doan, holding her son, Calvin. Ann Magill Doan married the cousin of Kathleen Maude Doan who was the wife of Childe Hassam. The painting, according to family tradition, was painted sometime during midsummer of 1886 (which was correct for the approximate age of the child who was born in January of 1886). According to the family history, it coincided with the annual Doan family reunion and was believed to have been painted or at least initiated during the family reunion of 1886. Since its creation, the painting has remained in the Doan family. Later passing to the infant in the painting, Calvin Doan, who in turn left it to his daughter Ann Sprangler Doan, who in turn in sometime in the 1970’s gifted it to her granddaughter, the consignor of the painting, also of course a Doan. A few years earlier, the family had been introduced to one of the leading art conservationists in New York who not only did some small touch up repair but also in a letter noted that in his opinion, the signature was original to the painting. They later brought the painting to a scholar and recent author of a book dedicated to Hassam’s work. The author examined the painting and in a letter stated “It is in my opinion the painting…(an enclosed photograph of which I have signed) is an autographed work by Childe Hassam and one that typifies at a high level the style and subject of his work at the end of what might be termed his “Boston Period”. That is the artist’s first important stage of development prior to his departure from Paris in the Autumn of 1886”. During the initial meeting with Bill Gage, the agent also disclosed that the family had contacted a noted New York City art dealer who has, for a matter of years, been in the process of preparing a raisonne on Hassam’s work. The family had approached the art dealer directly and then later after not receiving a response about their painting in the upcoming raisonne, made a highly unusual and questionable decision to hire an attorney to confront the art dealer concerning its inclusion in the upcoming raisonne to no avail. After discussing the painting and its history, Julia and Gage both felt that despite the lack of the inclusion in the upcoming raisonne, the painting was unquestionably correct and in fact, because of its history, was a dream from the standpoint of an auctioneer or anyone dealing in historic items because of its provenance and history. They agreed to handle the painting and promoted and marketed it widely. Approximately a week before the sale of the painting, the art dealer (currently working on the Hassam raisonne) phoned Julia directly and told him that in his opinion he did not consider the painting to be genuine. Julia was perplexed and asked for his opinion as to why he had come to that conclusion. His response was that it was not his signature, not his style and it is not by him. Despite Julia’s conviction about the genuineness of the painting, after a certain amount of deliberation, he and Gage elected to proceed in the manner that the firm has become renowned for and that is to deal with the matter in a straight forward and honest manner. To that extent, Julia wrote a letter explaining all the details about the painting and including the art dealers opinion regarding the painting. Julia’s firm notified by telephone all individuals who had expressed interest in the painting and if they were planning to bid, disclosed the information they had just received. For those people that attended the auction, Julia met with them privately and also made a full disclosure to them. The understandable results were the effect disparaged the painting enough so that it did not sell. After the sale Julia stated “I have an immense amount of respect for scholars in any field and in deed my firm spends hundreds of thousands of dollars in a year to utilize the services of a great number of these special scholars throughout North America, for cataloging, advising and reviewing collections and specific items”. “Over the years I have utilized a great number of experts. Some of which have phenomenal knowledge within a given field. However, one of the things that I learned long ago is that even experts are human beings and as such, they make mistakes and not all experts are always right all of the time and in this situation I am convinced that this is the case. The provenance, history and documentation are just too overwhelming for me to accept otherwise”.

The amazing variety of other American art included a fine oil on canvas scene by J. Alden Weir depicting a windblown woman and child walking up a hill, seeking shelter against an approaching dark storm cloud. This captivating piece sold for $40,250 within expectations of $40,000/60,000. A marvelous work by Edward Potthast of a herd of cows being led down a lush country road finished up at $23,000 against a $20,000/30,000 estimate. Jane Peterson’s stylistic ceremonial scene showing a procession of people in fancy dress descending a grand stairway more than doubled its estimate of $8,000/10,000 to sell for $20,700. Aldro Thompson Hibbard’s brilliant scene showing a ridge of blue mountains under passing rain clouds sold for $17,250 over expectations of $10,000/15,000. The diversity of genres also included a winning portrait by George Benjamin Luks entitled “The Tenth Round”. It depicts a bare-chested boxer with a triumphant expression that some believe to be a self-portrait, as Luks was known to fabricate tales of his boxing career as “Chicago Whitey”. The piece was a knockout hitting $25,300 within its $25,000/50,000 estimate.

Other highlights included an oil on board landscape by Ernest Lawson of a river winding through a field of wildflowers at the peak of springtime bloom with red roofed houses in the background. Estimated to bring $6,000/8,000, it finished up at $13,800. In the same vein, William Frederick Jackson’s oil on board California landscape scene of a flowering meadow among a hilly backdrop. It lolled past its $4,000/6,000 estimate to rest at $9,200. For the more urban minded, a nighttime street scene by Niles Spencer tripled its $3,000/5,000 estimate to sell for $9,775. Rare opportunities included a portrait by the renowned N.C. Wyeth depicting a stately woman rider. Decked in riding gear with a riding crop under her arm, she exudes wealth and privilege. Surpassing its $6,000/8,000 estimate the piece changed hands at $8,625. And a fine watercolor of a green heron perched on a branch by Francis Lee Jaques ignored its $1,000/3,000 estimate to sell for $8,050.

Across the Pond and around the globe, the selection of art included several works by European artists, creating a virtual United Nations in Fairfield. A wonderful beach scene by Dutch artist Bernardus Blommers showed several children frolicking by a shallow tide pool. The piece sold for $10,350 versus an estimate of $4,000/6,000. Likewise selling for $10,350 and surpassing an estimate of $5,000/8,000 was German artist Wilhelm Kuhnert’s “Kudu” depicting a large antelope running through a rocky forest. A Victorian era Parisian street scene attributed to Edouard Leon Cortes was convincing enough for several bidders, bringing it beyond its $2,000/4,000 estimate to sell for $12,075. Fellow French artist Bernard Buffet’s “Village au Bord de L’Eau 61” with its stark, almost folk art quality depicting a small village beside a canal sold for $10,925 against a pre-auction estimate of $3,000/5,000.

This session also consisted of over 20 bronzes in various sizes and shapes. Of particular note and rarity was a figure by Andrew O’Connor, Jr. of a warrior holding a shield, poised for battle. Its size, subject matter, and the fact that it was created by an American bronze smith make this especially desirable. It sold within its presale estimate of $5,000/10,000 for $6,325. An exquisite bronze by Emanuel Villanis entitled “Sapho”, which portrays a young woman wearing a draping toga and playing a lyre. It sold for $3,450 against a $3,000/5,000 estimate. And Dennis Anderson’s outstanding bronze water buffalo head mounted on a tapered square teak base brought $2,587, exceeding its $500/1,000 estimate.

Other American works included a tremendous collection of early American prints, etchings, and lithographs from several legendary and otherwise noteworthy artists. Of particular note was Grant Wood’s “February”, a hand signed, titled, and numbered lithograph depicting three horses in a snowy field. Wood of course is most famous for his ubiquitous and oft imitated “American Gothic”. It corralled $4,600, above its estimate of $2,000/4,000. Day II also offered an expansive collection of prints and lithographs; the focus here was on several rare pieces by 19th Century publishers Currier & Ives from one central New York estate. Examples included a set of four prints depicting various American hunting and field sports scenes that tripled the low end of its $6,000/10,000 estimate to bring $18,400. An outstanding large folio lithograph entitled “American Express Train” depicting a locomotive steaming left to right past a side-wheeler in the adjacent river carried an estimate of $8,000/12,000, and pulled in at $10,925.

Session II also contained a generous variety of art. Nautical did well and was highlighted by a wonderful oil on canvas portrait by James Bard, the 19th Century’s sovereign of ship portraits. His depiction of the side-wheeler “Troy” being manned by over seventy people, is believed to have the largest number of passengers ever painted on a Bard ship portrait. This outstanding work was a bargain at any price; it ultimately sold for $51,750, selling within its $50,000/80,000 estimate.

The session’s mixture of folk art included a fabulous unframed theorem of a basket of fruit that had hardly seen the light of day and thus was as vivid as the day it was created. One of the many sleepers of the day, it brought $16,100, well in excess of its $500/1,000 estimate. A fabulous folk art figural trade sign for Sheppard Campbell wholesale oysters, a business aptly hailing from Bivalve, New Jersey, was a definite pearl. Exhibiting years of faithful outdoor service and patina, the sign sold for $8,912 within expectations of $8,000/12,000.

Continuing the world tour, the auction also included Oriental rugs and runners and a marvelous selection of Chinese Porcelain from the Woolworth Collection. Highlights included a Chinese Export Famille Rose cylinder mug decorated with American ships. It’s interesting that this 19th Century enterprise designed their wares with the American buyer in mind, already operating on a global scale. The rare mug was competed for by no fewer than fifteen bidders and shot to $5,750, ignoring its $1,000/2,000 estimate. From the same collection, a fine Chinese Export Famille Rose armorial barrel form mug, perhaps used by some important noble circa 1785, was also quite popular. In like manner, it exceeded its $1,000/1,500 estimate to bring $4,025. From a distinguished Southern Massachusetts home, an outstanding pair of large Oriental floor vases decorated with panels of exotic birds, lizards, trees, and flowers finished up at $12,650 against a $5,000/7,000 estimate. Of the many rugs that came across the block, a colorful antique Caucasian scatter rug stands out among the rest. It had come from an old Bangor, Maine collection and was decorated with multicolored latch hook medallions on an ivory field, it met with feverish bidding, ultimately selling for $23,000, far exceeding its $2,000/3,000 estimate.

Joining the vast array of quality goods was a fantastic pageant of antique American furniture, mirrors, and accessories. Session II concentrated on early American furniture while Session III focused on the Victorian Era. Early furniture included a two part curly maple Queen Anne highboy. Of Rhode Island origin, circa mid-18th Century, its simplistic elegance was a bargain at $7,762 while a Queen Ann inlaid cherry flat top highboy sold for $5,290, just above its estimate of $3,000/5,000. Other highlights included an outstanding circa 1760 Queen Anne drop-leaf table with a round top on four nicely carved cabriole legs in old red paint. Formerly residing in the private collection of the late Ken Tuttle, beloved local antique dealer, it sold for $8,625 within its presale estimate of $8,000/12,000. An outstanding one-drawer tiger maple Hepplewhite stand brought $4,887, above expectations of $2,000/3,000 while an interesting continental 18th Century three drawer table with a heavy plank top and splayed base found a buyer at $5,750 despite an $800/1,200 estimate. A large 19th Century gilt Florentine mirror featuring an elaborate carved and gesso foliate border went to an eager phone bidder for $6,095 against an estimate of $1,000/2,000.

The centerpiece of Session III had to be the monumental four-piece Birdseye maple carved bedroom suite. When elaborate just isn’t enough, when massive just isn’t enough, when you want your bedroom furniture to have its own zip code, this is the set! Standing nearly 10-1/2 feet tall, the half tester bed, all in Birdseye maple with carved scroll and leaf design with an equally elaborate headboard served as the focal point. When it was cataloged for the auction, it was discovered to have been signed under the removable finials by a number people who presumably had slept on the bed. What stories it could tell. Dwarfing even the most amply proportioned person the set sold for $63,250.

Other furniture included a wonderful carved, caned, and painted French bed originally from the home of famed artist Maxfield Parrish. The bed was de-accessioned from the Cornish, New Hampshire home museum and featured two large pierced flower and leaf motifs and a decorative pierced wreath crest flanking its tall headboard. For the Parrish collector who has everything, this was a must have. It sold for $5,980 against a pre-auction estimate of $3,000/4,000.

Other categories included a private collection of highly sought after KPM plaques and other hand painted delights. Highlights from the collection included an outstanding large KPM plaque depicting two young maidens, one in a light blue dress reading from a book while the other girl embraces her shoulders from behind with a smile. The piece is highly detailed and is perhaps one of the finest of its type. Julia’s accommodated 28 individual phone bidders for this piece and it ultimately sold to the only one willing to pay $18,400, well above its $4,000/6,000 presale estimate.

A selection of fine glassware and rare porcelain included an outstanding large, round bodied Camille Faure Limoges vase. Its silver footed base, small flaring mouth and a rolled silver rim, sculpted in deep and light reds, white and black enamels was a hot ticket. Its swirling decoration with circles of white and black trailing pinwheels added to the charm of this phenomenal piece. It left the block at $12,650, surpassing a $7,000/10,000 presale estimate. Exquisite pottery included a large early Rookwood art vase having a grapevine leaf and cluster pattern across the body and a neck beautifully incised with shells and geometric patterns. This rare vase exceeded expectations of $5,000/7,000 to land at $8,050. An exquisite Royal Worcester demitasse set hand decorated with a foxhunt motif was an unexpected bolt from the blue. Expected to bring only $250/400, the set didn’t rest until it hit $8,050, more than 32 times its estimate.

Further miscellaneous items included an exquisite enameled silver desk accessory in the form of a grand piano that had it all. The combination inkwell, penholder, clock, and music box with delicate allover decoration of birds, flowers, and cherubs was too good to pass up. It sold to a phone bidder for $5,290, notwithstanding a $1,000/1,500 estimate. Also worthy of mention was an enormous collection of original artwork for editorial and political cartoons. Bangor, Maine native Robert D. Smith spent several years during the 1940s amassing the collection. He would write a particular artist requesting an example of their work and in many cases would receive a letter accompanied by an original work. This virtual treasure trove showcased many of the key creators of the period and sold for $5,175 against a presale estimate of $2,000/4,000.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their important March firearms & military memorabilia auction, which will feature a vast array of rare and some very historic antique firearms and will include an extremely significant pair of Purdey 20 bore "Extra Finish" cased shotguns made for the King of Romania. Julia’s next antiques & fine arts auction will be in May. Also on deck is a fine lamp & glass sale, and a toy, doll, & antique advertising auction in early summer. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@jamesdjulia.com.