Late 19th century horse-drawn carriage rolling to auction July 22

Kaminski Auctions will bring to auction July 22 items from a singular collection that includes more than one horse-drawn carriage.

The collection is that of Professor John J and Linda Donovan at The Stables at Devon Glen FarmRear, of Hamilton. Prior to the sale of items from this collection, a two-day Estate Tag Sale will take place, July 20-21.

Among the items up for bid are 18th and 19th-century English antiques and furnishings, sterling silver, sculpture, fine art, porcelain, the collection of antique horse carriage examples and antique cars.

Professor John J. Donovan's academic appointments include a tenured Professor at MIT. As well as a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Tuft's Medical School. In addition he's a Harvard University scholar, and a Yale University fellow. Plus, he's the author of sixteen books, ten US patents and fifty-five scholarly papers. He's founded and chaired 28 companies, and worked as an advisor to U.S. presidents and other government agency leaders. 

Linda Donovan was also educated at Harvard in the Ph.D. program. She served on the faculty of Harvard University teaching Econometric's before her retirement. She had previously served as Chief Financial Officer of the Anderson Grain Company.

Both Professor John J. and Linda Donovan were avid fox-hunters and equestrian enthusiasts. Their collection of antique horse-drawn carriages includes two late 19th to 20th century horse-drawn "Fifth Wheel" carriages, a horse-drawn single axel cart on two wheels with a tufted burgundy velvet seat. There are also two sleighs dating from the 19th century to the early 20th century. The first is a horse-drawn single runner sleigh and the second a double runner sleigh both in excellent condition.

The couple also collected Cape Ann seascape paintings by such noted artists as Donald Allen Mosher, Paul Strisik, and John Caggiano. On offer are lovely seascapes of Rocky Neck, Rockport and scenes of Gloucester. There are also paintings by the Maine artists Roger Deering (1904-1980) and Ron Goyette (1941-2002.) Contemporary artists include works by Bruce Backman Turner and Marion Gray Traver (American, 1892-1964.)

Antique Georgian and Federal furniture abound in the collection. Highlights include an impressive

Georgian mahogany secretary bookcase with glazed mullioned cabinet doors and satinwood interior drawers, above a red leather writing surface. There is an exquisite 19th century Federal mahogany secretary bookcase on bracket feet. The glass mullioned cabinet doors reveal shelves framed by fluted quarter columns. Other furniture highlights include a 19th century English mahogany campaign chest with five drawers mounted with brass hardware and a circa 1870's Victorian pool table with elaborate inlay labeled "J. E. Came Company, Boston." It measures approximately 32 inches high by 105 inches long by 58 inches wide and is conservatively valued at $3,000-$5,000.

Several gentlemen's watches are on offer including a Rolex Cellini and of particular importance, an eighteen carat white gold Patek Philippe with moon phase dial, automatic day and month indicator and original strap and buckle numbered P83000 &756C33.

Consistent with the elegance and refinement of the six Donovan residences, the collection includes silver and silver services, important KPM porcelain and china from such names as Royal Crown Derby, Herend, Limoges and Coalport. Also set to sell are oriental rugs, crystal chandeliers, gilt mirrors, and ship models. In addition, a vast collection of furniture and furnishings.

The auction will take place in the spectacular setting of Devon Glen Farm under tents in the horse paddocks in front of the stable at Devon Glen. The magnificent horse stabling has featured in many equestrian design books and magazines.

For more information go to www.kaminskiauctions.com and sign up to bid with KaminskiLIVE.