Schwenke Auctioneers announces expansion

WOODBURY, Conn. — Schwenke Auctioneers is expanding. Gene Oakes, of E.L. Oakes Fine Art and Antiques, has joined Schwenke Auctioneers as Regional Consignment Representative for Florida East Coast.

Operating since 2009, Schwenke Auctioneers has sold tens of thousands of individual auction lots. This regional auction house produces results consistently on a par with major international auction houses. The aim is creating the ultimate auction experience for both buyers and sellers. Primary effort is given to maximizing property values for consignors through careful research, aggressive marketing and rigorous administrative practices.

Gene's agreement to come on board brings to fruition several years of discussions and planning between Gene and Thomas Schwenke, who founded Schwenke Auctioneers in 2009. Mr. Oakes has over thirty years of experience in fine art and 18/19th century furniture. His work history involves placing numerous pieces in well-known collections. The US State Department and The Minneapolis Institute of Art, as well as many notable private collections, are representative.

As a recognized expert in 18th century furniture and 19th century art, Mr. Oakes aids in vetting of several Florida antique shows. He is a former exhibitor at some of the more respected art shows in the country, including the Winter Antiques Show for East Side Settlement House, The Delaware Antique Show, The Minneapolis Institute of Art Antique Show, and many other well recognized antiques and art shows. He is a former board member of the ADA, The Antiques Council, and a former member of the Decorative Arts Trust and the Palm Beach Historical Society.

For more information and to discuss consigning, contact Gene Oakes at eloakes@woodburyauction.com or call 561-307-2482. The next catalog auction at Schwenke Auctioneers is Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.