Submitted by aarAdmin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 00:00
A circa 1725 English Georgian spring table clock with an ebonised bell top case and ormolu mounts (lot 641) doubled its high estimate of $6000 ($13,145 with buyer’s premium) to take out top billing at Melbourne-based Leski Auctions decorative arts and collectables sale on March 18.
An antique red stone statue of the Indian goddess Rajasthan (lot 1006) filled second spot with a price tag of $9560 – while a pair of late 18th century demi-lune commodes (lot 702) brought $7767.
The religious icons brought to the auction by the family of former Australian professional golfing champion Ian Baker-Finch achieved mixed results – with the Russian icon of St George and the dragon in an ebonised timber case (lot 937), featured on the catalogue front cover, knocked down for $4600 ($5497 with buyer’s premium), well above its estimate.
A 19th century Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) rare and important Satsuma koro and covered modelled as Takarabune and painted by Shokado (lot 240) was another top performer, doubling its catalogue estimate to change hands for $7170.
Sterling Baron’s (1906-1956) photographs Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip taken on March 12, 1953 and framed, signed and dated 1954 for the Royal Visit to Australia (lot 1296) were sold for the same price. The photos are in superb condition and were published at the time in England by Raphael Tuck & Sons.
An impressive ivory and horn letter opener (lot 335) presented by Queen Victoria for Christmas 1897, her Diamond jubilee year, to cousin Prince Henry of Prussia was another strong result, selling for $5975, again double its catalogue estimate.
Other solid results included Luciano Gaspari’s Salvati Murano glass aquarium fish block (lot 432) , a Cenedese aquarium glass fish block by his compatriot Alfredo Barbini (lot 430) and a 19th century Indian origin carved wood Krishna panel (lot 1013).
