Gorham ‘Loving Cup’ may top $9K

BOSTON, Mass. – Skinner Inc. presents its spring auction of European Furniture & Decorative Arts in its Boston gallery on Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m.

With more than 700 lots on offer, the auction features Part I of the Troy Dawson Chappell collection of 17th and 18th century English pottery, as well as a broad range of fine silver flatware and hollowware from the United States and Europe; ceramics from England and the Continent; and European fine and decorative arts of the 16th through the early 20th centuries.

The silver session, with more than 150 lots, opens with British silver and features a Queen Anne chocolate pot by Richard Green, estimated at $2,500 to $3,500, as well as a George III two-arm epergne by Joseph Preedy ($2,000-$3,000). Examples of Continental and Chinese export silver on offer include a pair of French Art Deco two-light candelabra ($2,000-$3,000), and a three-piece Chinese Export tea service by Zee Wo ($1,000-$1,500). The top American makers also are represented in the sale. Among the highlights are an impressive Gorham sterling silver loving cup presented to J.F. Deems, an accomplished railroad official ($7,000-$9,000).

The emphasis is on the diverse and sometimes subtle ways by which potters and decorators produced their wares, and his discerning eye and collecting acumen are exemplified by offerings such as a tin-glazed earthenware charger featuring Queen Anne ($15,000-$25,000); a salt-glazed stoneware ale mug ($5,000-$7,000); and an agate ware milk jug and cover ($2,000-$3,000).

Additional offerings include:
• George Jones “Punch” punch bowl ($5,000-$7,000).
• Minton four-tier revolving oyster stand ($1,200-$1,800).
• Pair of Chinese export porcelain hexagonal vases and covers ($4,000-$6,000).
• Louis XVI-style gilt-bronze fruitwood marquetry table ($1,000-$1,500).
• Bronze sculpture of Arthur, Duke of Wellington ($3,000-$5,000).

Ahead of the auction, Skinner Inc. will host archaeologist and ceramic historian Robert Hunter for a lecture, April 7. The presentation, “The Art and Mystery of Early English Pottery: The Troy D. Chappel Collection,” is free to the public.

For more information, visit www.skinnerinc.com or call 508-970-3240.