January 28th & 29th, 2021 - Americana & International Auction at Pook & Pook, Inc., Downingtown, PA

After what many saw as a surprisingly good year for antiques during this global pandemic and rocky economy, some people wondered if the market would continue hold up. Well, in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Pook & Pook kept the good times rolling with an Americana sale that saw incredible results. With a total just over $1.8 million, this sale was a stunner. Even though the auction was limited to online, absentee, and phone bidding, nothing could stop the eager bidders vying for the exceptional items … except for, of course, a very literal stop to the action caused by a brief power outage mid-sale. Even with this brief break in the action, over 98% of the lots sold. Topping the sale was the pair of Philadelphia combback Windsor chairs. The rare and ever-so-slightly mismatched pair, likely made for a husband and wife, brought a hammer price of $65,000.

Lot 97, Charles Morris Young oil on canvas fox hunting. Sold for $31,980

The sale began, as Pook and Pook’s previous few have, with the continuation of an exceptional collection of mocha, one that has not yet disappointed. The prized piece this time around was indeed the large bowl with twig decoration that opened the sale and finished up at $5,568. Day one of the sale also featured several show-stopping pieces of fine art, such as a Charles Morris Young oil on canvas that brought a total price of $31,980, and a beautiful winter landscape by Arthur Meltzer that deservedly rang up an $18,450 total, along with several nautical themed paintings like the William Stubbs piece depicting the ship named the Alice Winslow, whose winning bid came in at $7,000.

Lot 310, Ohio mennonite painted poplar Dutch cupboard. Sold for $44,280

 The sale also showcased plenty of Ohio furniture, which included a very charming Mennonite wardrobe that fetched a pretty penny at $17,220 after premium. Taking the second overall slot at the two-day auction was an Ohio painted Dutch cupboard at $44,280 after premium, and there were four tall case clocks that each chimed in over the $10,000 mark when all was said and done. The auction, which featured classic Philadelphia furniture like the aforementioned chairs and clocks, also had an array of more eclectic treasures for collectors. A small collection of beautiful Russian enamel wares brought a final total of $23,124, and an absolutely precious pocket globe in a shagreen case brought a total of $7,995 after heated bidding. On the topic of globes, a silk embroidered globe made by a student at Westtown School, ca. 1807, came in at ten times the high estimate at $5,658.

Lot 506, New England chip carved pine wall box. Sold $24,600

The big surprise of the sale was a New England chip carved wall box, which came in far and beyond the high estimate of $4,000 with the winning bid of $20,000. The auction hall, composed entirely of the auction staff, broke out in applause after the hammer fell. The hugely successful sale was a reassuring display for collectors everywhere, as it demonstrated the renewed strength in the antique and collectibles industry.