Fresh-to-market Chippendale sofa may see upward of $25K
An 18th century double-peaked, camelback Chippendale sofa, acquired in 1942 at a Los Angeles antique store, will come before bidders July 8 during Witherell’s American Arts auction.
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — A newly discovered Philadelphia Chippendale sofa is being offered in Witherell's American Arts Auction that runs to July 11, 2017.
Antique Store Furniture Find Could Bring $50K
One piece is, a mahogany double-peaked, camelback Chippendale sofa. The acquirer of the piece is the consignors mother, upon viewing it at a Los Angeles antiques shop about 1942. Brian Witherell. Chief operating officer and ‘Antiques Roadshow’ appraiser assessment sparks interest, Witherell dates the sofa to 1770-1780. It is on offer for a conservative, pre-sale estimate of $25,000 to $50,000.
Joining the Chippendale sofa as a headliner is a 1940s painting by Dale Nichols. It is among four centuries of art and design in the auction. Originally the December illustration for a Red & White Foods calendar, “Red Barn” shows reds and snowy blues with strong light and shadow contrast. This demonstrates the style of the “American Regionalist” painters from the mid-nineteenth century.The 20 x 23 inch oil bears an estimate of $20,000-$40,000.
Congressional Desk and Chair Among Offerings
Joining the Chippendale sofa among the selection of furniture, is an elaborately carved wooden desk and chair with gold velvet seat, back and arm rests from the House of Representatives. It is an offering in two parts, presenting an estimate of $8,00 to $12,000 each. Belonging to Congressman George W. McCrary, in services to President Rutherford B. Hayes’ cabinet, the set with classical Congressional chair and desk was featured on “Antiques Roadshow.” These unique pieces come to Witherell’s by direct family descent.
A Queen Anne highboy and chest of drawers, estimated at $8,000-$12,000, came from the estate of a local antiques dealer. With nine drawers of flame mahogany, it is a fine example of a mid-eighteenth century highboy in good condition. This auction has furniture from the eighteenth through the twenty-first century, including some fine pieces that would be unique to the buyer’s home—and could even be used as accent pieces in a more contemporary setting.
Truman-Signed Proclamation of Victory Document Up For Bid
An original May 8, 1945 Proclamation for Victory in Europe Day signed by Harry S. Truman came to Witherell’s as part of the Secret Service Agent Hipsley’s estate who traveled with the President to the Potsdam Conference. Its value is $8,000-$12,000.
A painting by Edward Willard Nichols (American, 1819-1871) bearing his initials is among the items. Upon research, Witherell reports “EWN” stood for a prominent painter of the Hudson River School. A conservative estimate for the 16 by 25 inch oil is $5,000-$10,000.
A Francis Davis Millet (American, 1848 – 1912) depicts what is thought to be the artist’s wife shown in formal period attire, came to Witherell’s through the McAuliffe estate.The 18 x 25 inch painting is expected to fetch $5,000-$10,000.
For more information, visit www.witherells.com or call (916) 446-6490.
