Auctions | February 23, 2012

Erte Sculpture and Henry Fielding Set Led NBA's February Auction

[ITHACA, NY] National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, hosted a Sunday, February 19th auction featuring a broad range of rare antique books, as well as an intriguing assortment of ephemera and artwork. Of particular note were rare first editions of early and modern titles, many of which were signed. This 474-lot auction also featured two important bronze sculptures and Major League Baseball collectibles.

A limited edition sculpture by Erte brought a hammer price of $5400.00 (including buyer’s premium). This sculpture depicts The Three Graces of beauty, charm and elegance. It is one of a collection of 18 pieces entitled "Erte: Image in Bronze." This edition was produced and distributed by Fine Art Acquisitions Ltd. of New York, and is number 311 of 375.

Realizing a hammer price of $2952.00 (including buyer’s premium) was a complete six-volume set by Henry Fielding titled “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling.” This handsome antique set is bound in full leather binding with raised bands, gilt lettering, and ornamentation.

A complete 36-volume set titled “Library of the Civil War” sold for $1291.50 (including buyer’s premium). This deluxe edition of the history of the Civil War contains contributions by many eminent historians. Some of its contents include a biography of Robert E. Lee, the personal memoirs of Ulysses E. Grant, and Jefferson Davis’ “The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government.” This set is bound in handsome blue leather, with gilt tooling.

Bringing a hammer price of $1020.00 (including buyer’s premium) was an original oil painting on canvas painting by Charles D. Hunt. This painting depicts a view of the small New England town of Middlebury, Vermont from an elevation, with pastoral scene in foreground and several houses and churches at center. This well preserved painting is housed in a gilt frame, and features the artist’s original signature.

National Book Auctions is a public auction service specializing in books, ephemera, and art. National Book Auctions is a targeted service offering experience and expertise unique to marketing antique and modern books and ephemera for consignors and collectors alike. Preview for the upcoming Sunday, March 18th auction is at 10 a.m. and the live auction starts at noon. For more information or to consign collectible material please contact David Hall, Business Manager, at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.