Celebrate American Independence at Auction!

Everything tastes better with freedom on top. As Americans prepare to celebrate 241 years of Independence from the British Empire, we ‘the people’ will joyfully decorate hot dogs, cannonball into pools, ignite explosives, jar lightening bugs and battle on baseball fields. Festivities that are owed to the fierce revolutionaries and pen welding intellectuals who declared it so - on this day, July 4th 1776. 

Lot 24, Harry Jackson, The Flag Bearer, Bronze; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000

A hard gallop, hove to heel with stars and stripes at the helm. Harry Jackson, a true romantic for the wild hearted American West, will be represented in The Coeur d'Alene Art Auction, Fine Western & American Art sale on July 29th. Several sculptures by the prominent realist artist known for his paintings and bronze sculptures of cowboys and Indians forcefully showcase the sweeping allure of the specified genre. Click here to view all Harry Jackson sculptures offered in the catalog. 

Lot 132, Peter Force Engraving of the Declaration of Independence; Estimate $15,000 - $20,000

Arguably the most patriotic piece of paper in the nation, The Declaration of Independence, is in fact, just that. With time, all things need a carbon copy. 

This rice paper engraving from volume I of Peter Forces 1837-1853 series of books, "American Archives" Scarce, is one of only a few hundred in existence and rarely appears at auction. By 1820, the original Declaration had begun to deteriorate leading John Quincy Adams to commission William J. Stone to produce a facsimile. Stones copperplate was created by lifting ink directly from the original and creating a perfect copy. He printed 201 before placing the plate in storage. In 1843, Peter Force was commissioned by Congress to print series of books of important American documents, The American Archives. The stone engraving was removed for the occasion and used to produced new copies on rice paper. While 1,500 sets were authorized, subscriptions were low and many fewer copies, perhaps as low as 500, were printed. Making this version, scarce and highly collectable. 

This item, along with several other important historical American manuscripts and books, is available at Potter & Potter Auctions, Fine Books & Manuscripts sale on June 8th.

Lot 5, U.S. Congressional Desk, Congressman/U.S. Secretary of War George W. McCrary; Estimate $8,000 - $12,000

Feel like writing a strong letter to congress lately? This U.S. Congressional Desk, belonging to George Washington McCrary, might have some words to offer. George Washington McCary, was a four term Congressman from Iowa as well as the Secretary Of War in the cabinet of President Rutherford Hayes. The Congresional Desk was manufactured by Doe Hazelton, Boston, ca. 1857-1873, and is accompanied by facsimile of President Hayes and his Cabinet, (1877) as well as a letter, dated January 5, 1946 from the United States Maritime Commission explaining the naming of a ship after Mr. McCrary. Just one of many historical selections coming up at Witherelles American Arts: Four Centuries of Style, Timed Auction, available now through July 11th.

Lot 1, Ann Brelsford McCoy, Painting of a gentleman with a fox mask, Oil on canvas; Estimate $1,000 - $2,000

A spooky take on Americana. This composition is not only masked by the figure at the forefront but also by its connection to the creator and owner. In Pook & Pooks upcoming Art & Antiques from Big Bend, the Estate of George "Frolic" Weymouth sale on June 14th - the highlighted collector, George "Frolic" Weymouth married Ann Brelsford McCoy, the niece of the famous painter Andrew Wyeth, as well as George "Frolic" Weymouths painting companion. Although Weymouth and McCoy eventually divorced, this strange yet commanding portrait must have been cherished by the couple as the cryptic piece of American folk art. 

Lot 1, Philadelphia Double-Peaked Chippendale Sofa, ca. 1770; Estimate $25,000 - $50,000

Even before the Declaration of Independence was signed in the historically rich city of Philadelphia, there was still time for changing tastes in furniture and fashions being decided in the colonies. This pristine example of Philadelphia Chippendale, ca. 1770, brags beautifully carved wooden legs and an elegant backboard, dipping and rising like a landscape in the Double-Peaked style. Click here to view details on this cushioned couture item at Witherells upcoming American Arts: Four Centuries of Style, Timed Auction, available now through July 11th.