Nostalgic Treasures: Exploring the Legacy of Hubley Toys

Aug 22,2023 | 10:00 EDT By E. Jung

Nostalgic Treasures: Exploring the Legacy of Hubley Toys

Hubley Toys was a renowned American toy company that was active from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Founded in 1894 by John E. Hubley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the company initially began as a manufacturer of metal accessories for horse-drawn carriages. However, it soon transitioned into producing cast iron toys, which became their primary focus. Hubley Toys gained popularity for their high-quality cast iron toys, which were known for their intricate designs, attention to detail, and durability. They produced a wide range of toys, including model cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, motorcycles, and various other vehicles. Additionally, they produced figures, doorstops, and even cap guns. The company's toys often featured realistic and intricate designs, making them popular among both children and collectors. Many of their toy...Read More

A Tablescape for the Ages

Aug 10,2023 | 14:05 EDT By Cynthia Beech Lawrence

A Tablescape for the Ages

From the end of the War of 1812 until around 1860, the Staffordshire potters of Britain produced millions of pieces of transferware for the American market. Using brilliant white pearlware and ironstone printed underglaze with deep cobalt blue, Staffordshire potters imitated the brilliance of Chinese porcelain on widely affordable domestic tableware. Appealing directly to the American market, wares were decorated with patriotic scenes and historical landmarks which were set in either romantic garden landscapes or unspoiled scenery, and the early achievements of the Industrial Revolution, such as steamships and railroads. So popular was the style, it is still produced today- although reproductions lack the variety of artwork and the original intense cobalt, which has been replaced with synthetic blues. The original pieces still typify the st...Read More

Chinese Clothing Stand Valued at $500 Hammers for $830,000 at Stair

Aug 07,2023 | 16:15 EDT By Anthony Wu

Chinese Clothing Stand Valued at $500 Hammers for $830,000 at Stair

At the start of summer, a much-anticipated piece of furniture was offered through one of Bidsquare’s partners. In Stair’s Summer Mid-Week auction on June 22, 2023, an innocuous Chinese Carved Hardwood Clothing Stand (lot 571) went up for sale with an estimate of $500- $700. Using the mortise and tenon technique, the stand was deceptively simple in its construction. Two vertical posts jutting from foot bases support four horizontal beams. The central beams contain a lattice design of Chinese lingzhi 靈芝 longevity fungus heads and lily florals (image 2). The terminals of the top rail contain a well-carved scene of a phoenix amongst scrolling clouds (image 3). Each of these beams are additionally supported by delicate spandrels also containing the longevity fungus motif. Even with its simple title of ‘Chinese Carved Hardwood Clothing Stand’, th...Read More

The Evolution and Enduring Legacy of Barbie: A Timeless Icon

Jul 26,2023 | 09:00 EDT By E. Jung

The Evolution and Enduring Legacy of Barbie: A Timeless Icon

Introduction For decades, Barbie has been an iconic figure in the world of collectible dolls & toys, capturing the hearts and imaginations of children and collectors alike. With her impeccable style, timeless beauty, and ever-evolving persona, Barbie has transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. In celebration of the newly released Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig, we delve into the fascinating history of Barbie, exploring her creation, evolution, and the enduring legacy she continues to leave behind. The Birth of Barbie In 1959, Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, observed her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls and imagining them as grown-ups. Realizing the absence of adult female dolls in the market, Handler envisioned a toy that would inspire girls to imagine themselves as successful and indep...Read More

Images of the Ideal Scholar - A Pair of Impressive Chinese Porcelain Vases at Case Auctions

Jun 30,2023 | 15:00 EDT By Anthony Wu

Images of the Ideal Scholar - A Pair of Impressive Chinese Porcelain Vases at Case Auctions

On July 8 Case Auctions in Knoxville Tennessee will be offering for sale a pair of exceptional Chinese famille verte porcelain ‘palace’ vases. Standing at 35 ½ inches high and produced during the mid-19th Century of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), these vases are extremely large and well-decorated. When seeing the vases, the eyes are immediately drawn to all the vignettes of figures going about their daily lives. There is a plethora of scenes which include both male and female figures, and some young children as well.  Even though they look like a more common Chinese court scene, what we are actually seeing is the idealized image of China’s ‘four scholarly arts’ 四藝. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) there have been written accounts of the ‘perfect’ Chinese gentleman as someone who is able to master the four criteria of calligraphy 書, painting ...Read More

Ruth Asawa: A Legacy of Creativity, Resilience, and Accessibility

May 17,2023 | 16:00 EDT By Derek Koffi-Ziter

Ruth Asawa: A Legacy of Creativity, Resilience, and Accessibility

The name Ruth Asawa is synoynmous with the transformative power of wire sculpture and a steadfast commitment to accessibility in art. She worked long hours, attended meetings and performances in the evenings, and often drew late into the night. She was curious about how things were made and enjoyed hearing from others how to make them. Adding to the allure of Ruth Asawa's artistic legacy, Fine Estate Inc., a San Rafael-based gallery, is currently featuring Untitled S.391 in their upcoming ‘California Dreaming Fine Art and Jewelry’ auction on May 21st. This captivating wire sculpture, crafted circa 1958, showcases six interlocking brass wire trumpets. Notably, the piece has never been offered for sale or publicly exhibited until now, making it a truly fresh discovery for art enthusiasts. Originally, Asawa exchanged this sculpture for piano l...Read More

Own a Piece of California State History

Apr 19,2023 | 16:00 EDT By Derek Koffi-Ziter

Own a Piece of California State History

1901 $10 Bison Note Turner Auctions + Appraisals is very pleased to present The Pebble Beach Estate of Norman Lausten on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Reflecting Mr. Lausten’s passion for collecting that spanned more than seven decades, this online auction features an eclectic array of over 330 lots in diverse categories, reflecting the wide range of items in the estate. Among the antique, vintage and/or contemporary items are books, directories and other printed material; jewelry, clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and men; objects related to automobiles and bicycles; knives; silver certificates; artworks; Asian collectibles; musical instruments; war items; and a variety of mechanical devices such as cameras, radios, steam engines, telescopes, and more. In addition to Lausten's stunning collection, several lots featured come from other...Read More

A Diamond Collectors Dream

Apr 14,2023 | 07:00 EDT By Derek Koffi-ZIter

A Diamond Collectors Dream

On March 29, 2023, John Moran Auctioneers hosted a luxurious auction titled "Jewelry from the Estate of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree," which captivated the attention of jewelry collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts in Los Angeles, CA and abroad. The auction was held onsite in Los Angles and online at Bidsquare.com. Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree was renowned for her philanthropy and contributions to various nonprofit organizations and causes in the Santa Barbara area, many of which were named after her and her husband. To honor her legacy, John Moran held a preview of the jewelry collection at the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in her hometown of Montecito, CA. The auction was a resounding success, exceeding the median pre-sale estimate by one-and-a-half times. The 85 lots featured exquisite pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bro...Read More

36th Annual March In Montana Auction Raises The Bar For Western Art

Apr 10,2023 | 23:00 EDT By Derek Koffi-ZIter

36th Annual March In Montana Auction Raises The Bar For Western Art

The 36th annual March in Montana auction, held on March 17-18, drew a standing-room-only crowd at Charlie Russell’s Elk Lodge and saw many new records set for art and Western collectibles, with final sales exceeding $2.5 million. Coeur d’Alene Galleries conducted the auction in partnership with Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, drawing dealers and buyers from around the world, with online bidding platforms like Bidsquae.com facilitating the process. The two-day sale featured 766 lots with a sell-through rate of more than 98 percent, attracting nearly 1,000 registered bidders, half of whom were present at the event while the rest were located across the globe. While the excitement of live bidding appeals to some, others prefer the option of bidding directly from their computer or smartphone from Bidsquare.com. Described as the finest Keyston Bros s...Read More

Art and Carpets from Across Eras and Regions

Mar 10,2023 | 11:00 EST By Derek Koffi-Ziter

Art and Carpets from Across Eras and Regions

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming ‘Art and Rugs’ auction hosted by 1stbid on Sunday, March 26th, 2023 on Bidsquare.com. The auction will offer an exquisite collection of fine art and handmade rugs from around the globe. This auction will feature a diverse selection of styles and designs, sure to captivate the discerning eye and cater to all preferences and budgets. Whether you are an avid collector, a seasoned decorator, or simply someone with a passion for beauty, there is something for everyone. Their team has worked tirelessly to source only the highest quality pieces, and we are confident that each item in their collection is sure to impress. From intricate Persian rugs to contemporary art pieces, our auction is a celebration of the finest craftsmanship and artistic expression from around the world. This meticulously curated auct...Read More