On March 12, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates conducted a 717 lot auction of miniature and other kerosene era lighting featuring part two of the renowned 40 year collection of Karen and Frank McWright of Bethel, Conn.
The highlight of the 330 lots of miniature lamps offered were examples of the Swan figural lamp in all four known opaque colors, each complete with its rare original shade and in excellent condition. The two most elusive colors being pink (Lot 57) and green (Lot 56) which sold for $6,325 and $5,175 respectively.
Other miniature lamps that drew strong competition included one of three known bisque Elf figural lamps (Lot 294) that reached $4,600 and a Consolidated Lamp & Glass Co. cased blue with satin finish Basket pattern lamp with rare matching umbrella form shade (Lot 42) that closed at $2,645.
A fine selection of early kerosene stand lamps crossed the block, including a circa 1870 ruby latticinio font example featuring 18 spiraling white stripes, brass stem, and marble base (Lot 454) that soared to $1,725 against a $200-$300 estimate. A large selection of Victorian lighting devices included a number of fine, complete Gone-with-the-Wind style parlor lamps, the favorite being a ruby-satin Consolidated Primrose pattern example (Lot 492) circa 1902 that made $1,380. Other Victorian lamps offered were five New York Lamp Co. Dewdrop/Hobnail pattern stand lamps, each in a different color combination. The most hotly contested of these both featured a custard-glass base, one topped with a rubina opalescent font (Lot 410) and the other a deep cranberry font (Lot 407) – each reaching $1,035.
Over 40 years the McWrights had amassed a large collection of lamp parts including rare shades, burners, and chimneys. Two outstanding gilt decorated shades drew strong attention and soared well above estimates, each realizing $1,380. The first, a translucent lime green ball-form example was decorated with a Roman chariot (Lot 584); the second of umbrella form in a cased Peachblow-type color featured birds and butterflies in the style of Thomas Webb (Lot 590).
The McWrights’ collection of lanterns also drew spirited bidding led by 20 skater’s lanterns, many with rare colored shades including an amethyst (Lot 542) at $632.50 and emerald green (Lot 543) at $517.50.
“Good quality lighting continues to perform much better than most other categories of glass and antiques in general. I think this is because there are several very active collector clubs associated with this category. Specifically the Night Light (Miniature Lamp) Club, the Rushlight Club, and the Historical Lighting Society of Canada,” said company president Jeffrey S. Evans, following the sale.
“Each of these organizations has a large membership that continues to research and promote the history of lighting which has been such an important and vital part of our social history,” added Evans.
The next lighting auctions at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates will be held Friday, July 29, and Saturday, Oct. 22.
To see all of the firm’s past catalogues with prices realized, or for the full schedule of upcoming auctions visit www.jeffreysevans.com.
For additional information, call 540-434-3939.