Marine painting from 19th century eyeing $200-$300K finish

19th century seascape painting “Near Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Maine” by Alfred Thompson Bircher ($200,000-$300,000). (All photos courtesy Thomaston Place Auction Galleries)

THOMASTON, Maine – Dominance in 19th century shipbuilding helped establish Thomaston, Maine’s reputation as “The Town that Went to Sea.” Local auction company Thomaston Place Auction Galleries will extend this maritime tradition with the collection of fine harbor paintings to be featured in the firm’s Summer Feature Sale on August 27-29.

The auction will also include ship models and other maritime items, bronze sculpture, New England paintings, folk art, jewelry, art pottery, Chinese and Japanese antiques, estate silver, and decorative items.

In addition to live bidding in the auction hall, Thomaston Place accepts bids via absentee, telephone, and on the internet (via Thomaston Live, Invaluable, or Live Auctioneers). Buyer’s premium is 17% for live, telephone, and absentee bidders and 20% for online bidders.

Leading the marine art category will be a seascape painting by Alfred Thompson Bricher (NY/NH, 1837-1908) titled “Near Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Maine” ($200,000-$300,000). James Edward Buttersworth’s (NJ/NY/UK, 1817-1894) oil on canvas, “The Start of the 1866 Great Transatlantic Yacht Race” ($60,000-$90,000), will be another featured item, along with “Sand, Sea and Sky,” and among many others, an 1889 work by William Trost Richards (PA/RI, 1833-1905), that may realize between $60,000 and $80,000.

More than 500 non-marine paintings, featuring “Sunrise” by Albert Bierstadt (NY/CA/MA, 1830-1902) ($250,000-$350,000) will also cross the auction block. In addition, a large group of paintings by contemporary New England and Maine artists, plus many fine bronze sculptures, including “War” by Carl Kauba, depicting a Native American Chief in full battle regalia ($7,000-$9,000), will be offered.

Additional featured lots in the August auction

Japanese Meiji Period mixed metal vases by master maker Atsuyoshi Ikko Dou ($10,000-$15,000)

Collection of photography by various late 19th and early 20th century photographers.
1832 New York Gooseneck Tub Engine firefighter memorabilia ($60,000-$80,000)
Mid-19th century iron and oak two-man firehose cart ($3,500-$5,000)
19th century carved pine cigar store Indian ($30,000-$50,000)
18th century Massachusetts tavern sign ($10,000-$15,000)
Japanese Meiji Period mixed metal vase by Atsuyoshi Ikko Dou ($10,000-$15,000)
Platinum and 2.94 carat diamond ring ($14,000-$18,000)
Custom 18-karat gold ring set with an oval 6.10 carat natural Paraiba neon green tourmaline surrounded by diamonds ($10,000-$15,000)

For more information, visit www.thomastonauction.com or call 207-354-8141.