Fairfield, Maine, June 19 & 20, 2008 - The auction firm of James D. Julia, Inc. did it again. Experiencing tremendous growth and consistently strong auctions over the last several years, their recent glass and lamp auction set a new high for the division. Department head Dudley Browne reported a final gross of over $3 million against pre-auction projections of items sold of $2.2 million, approximately 33% over estimate, making it the firm’s highest grossing and most successful glass and lamp sale to date. In fact, this was one of the largest auctions of rare glass and lamps conducted by any firm in North America. In light of what many are considering to be a soft market it is all the more impressive. But Browne attributes it to a simple formula, “Quality goods with quality promotion gives you quality results. True, low to mid-range antiques are down, but the upper level is what collectors are looking for and is still performing well.”

Collectors from all over the world competed for this choice offering of rare glass and lamps with an obvious enthusiasm and confidence in rare tangible assets. With over 1,200 lots, it was a dazzling selection of Tiffany glass, French Cameo, superb lamps, art glass, and accessories for the discriminating collector. The centerpiece to the auction was a phenomenal Tiffany Studios lily leaded window. Unquestionably the finest example Julia’s has had the pleasure to offer, it was comprised of three separate layers of glass creating depth and realism one would not expect from a leaded window. It pictured a magnificent flower-draped pillar and large lilies in the foreground framing a background scene of a mountain, lake, and waterfall. Seeing much competition it sold for $172,500, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of $85,000/100,000.

The auction also boasted one of the largest selections of lamps to hit the market in recent memory. Included was over 100 examples by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint, Duffner & Kimberly, Loetz, and others. There is always heavy competition for these exquisite pieces, particularly those by Tiffany, making for a fun and exciting auction. Among the selection, a stellar stand-out was a fabulous Tiffany red poppy table lamp. Depicting numerous poppies in various stages of bloom against a variegated green background of leaves and geometric panels, it sold for $120,750 within its $110,000/130,000 estimate. A gorgeous Tiffany lamp with seven overlapping down turned dragonflies in various shades of green with red jeweled cabochon eyes flew to $115,000 against an estimate of $100,000/125,000. Other examples included a daffodil leaded lamp with dense green, amber, and white decoration atop an equally impressive Gentian base with openwork stem and petal design. Considered by the studio itself to be one of their prime creations (and marked accordingly) it exceeded expectations of $40,000/50,000 to land at 51,750. A beautiful Tiffany Studios woodbine table lamp with rich red, green, and tan flowers over a marvelous green honeycomb background reached $40,250 above its $30,000/40,000 estimate while a poinsettia example with dichroic glass brought 43,125 against a $35,000/45,000 estimate. And a Tiffany pomegranate table lamp sold above expectations of $12,000/15,000 for $20,700.

In addition to Tiffany, the mass of lighting included a rare Duffner & Kimberly Viking table lamp. So named because of the bronze bands separating the six panels terminate in griffins’ heads, which are reminiscent of figureheads traditionally found on Viking’s ships. The intricate leaded panels comprised of interlocking geometric designs in dramatic colors below layers of green scales made for one of Duffner & Kimberly’s most famous lamps. It sailed to $80,500 against expectations of $60,000/80,000. Another gorgeous example by this company was a leaded thistle table lamp with a broad bell shaped shade in a variety of blues, greens, and purples finished with an irregular border. It sold for $23,000 versus a $15,000/20,000 estimate.

Numerous examples of Handel added to the selection including a marvelous wisteria leaded table lamp. Its massive shade in blues and greens caught the eye of several bidders but went to the victor who ignored the $12,000/15,000 estimate to shell out $27,600. Even more impressive was a Galle cameo lamp beautifully carved with Oriental poppy design over a camphor colored background that sold for $31,050 against a $15,000/25,000 estimate. Other Galle included a reverse painted floral and butterfly table lamp known simply as “6688”. What makes this piece outstanding is the fact that the multihued floral decoration goes nearly to the top of the lobed shade where typically there is only a band of blossoms comprising the lower half. The shade, accented by a few delicate butterflies, made for a stunning lamp. It sold for $15,525, just above its $12,000/15,000 estimate. Also worth noting was a duo of Handel obverse painted hanging lamps decorated with birds and foliage formerly of the renowned Dr. Irving Paul Collection. Each more than quadrupled the low end of its $2,000/3,000 estimate to finish up at $9,200 and $8,625 respectively. Twenty years ago Dr. Paul, a dentist in Bangor, Maine, had amassed what was considered by many to be one of the finest collections of Handel lamps in North America. At that time, he decided to dispose of his collection and subsequently sold many of his rare lamps through various consignments with the Julia Auction Company. Eventually the lamps and their success resulted in the formation of a special glass & lamp division at Julia’s auction company. This recent consignment from Dr. Paul represents the very last of all of his Handel holdings. Dr. Paul, who long ago retired, has recently sold his large, lovely home in Bangor and moved into much smaller quarters and no longer collects.

The auction also offered numerous Pairpoint puffy lamps including a wonderful apple tree lamp with a multitude of minutely detailed blossoms, leaves, and fruit. This exceptional lamp changed hands at $40,825 somewhat better than its $35,000/40,000 estimate. And a gorgeous multicolor puffy rose lamp finished up within its $17,000/20,000 to bring $19,550.

Other highlights to the sale included fine Tiffany glass, beautiful art glass and vases, French Cameo, and of course a selection of the ever popular Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre for which Julia’s has in several recent auctions achieved some phenomenal prices. This auction was no exception. Topping the list was an exceedingly rare plaque in the Torches pattern showing a white staircase illuminated by flaming torches leading to an onion dome palace in the background. Further detailed with serpents, birds, and her trademark fanciful creatures, this phenomenal item, actually signed by the artist (a rarity in itself) bested its $35,000/40,000 estimate to finish up at $40,250. An exceptional covered malfrey pot decorated in the Candlemas pattern shows six panels portraying illuminated candles with human heads in profile, separated by vertical bands fraught with black fairies. The domed lid featured a golden spider among a midnight background surrounded by a variety of flowers. This piece brought $32,775 within an estimate of $30,000/40,000. And two Fairyland bowls, one a Daventry bowl featured male figures, foliage decoration, and gold detailing and the other, a lustre lily tray in the Fairy Gondola pattern was covered with fairies, trees, and of course floating gondolas. They sold for $24,150 and $19,550 respectively with the former well exceeding its $10,000/15,000 estimate.

Fine Tiffany glass included an unbelievable Tiffany Studios mosaic centerpiece comprised of a 24” cast bronze base in the form of overlapping leaves spreading from the center, inset with gold favrile mosaic diamonds, and finished with a tall gold iridescent ribbed center vase and six gold favrile salts. Elegance and style at its finest, it sold within its pre-auction estimate of $50,000/70,000 at $57,500. Other Tiffany glass included delicate Jack in the Pulpit vases such as a wonderful elephant ear vase in deep blue iridescence with gold and purple highlights atop a bulbous foot. It sold for $24,150, trampling its $15,000/20,000 estimate. An important Tiffany Studios inkwell in the form of a pond lily decorated with swimming fish. Highly sought after, this piece brought $10,925 against a $10,000/15,000 estimate.

The variety of Tiffany went beyond the realm of glass to include a magnificent Flemish style grandfather clock with intricately carved oak case and silvered dial face. It was a great trade, going within its $20,000/40,000 estimate for $25,875. Other fine Tiffany included an unbelievable selection of bronze desk accessories in a variety of patterns such as Art Deco, Byzantine, 9th Century, Pine Needle, and more. Highlights included a Tiffany Furnaces Art Deco desk lamp with blue enamel decoration on a gold patinated base complete with a blue and green iridescent damascene shade that finished up at $14,375 (est. $12,000/15,000). And a Tiffany Furnaces bronze clock with red enamel decoration saw active bidding, hitting $7,475 within an estimate of $7,000/9,000. And something you’re not going to see everyday, a collection of architectural and design photographs that were possibly used as design and sales tools by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his employees. The collection of over 130 photographs, formerly belonging to the late Bob Ogorek brought a solid $4,140 against expectations of $1,000/1,500.

The auction continued with a vast array of rare French cameo glass that included works by several of the world’s most recognized and sought after names. Early Lalique, distinguished by the signature “R. Lalique” indicating these were done during Renee’s lifetime included an outstanding R. Lalique acanthus vase with branch and leaf decoration that brought $16,100 within expectations of $15,000/18,000.

The offering of French Cameo also featured some exceptional pieces by Daum, Galle, and Burgun & Schverer. A magnificent acid etched vase with cameo flowers and applied silver rim and foot saw much activity and finished up at $9,775 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate. An outstanding diminutive Daum vase with white cameo decoration of tranquil swans sold above its $7,500/10,000 estimate to bring $10,637. And a gorgeous acid etched and enameled with a flock of cranes in various stages of flight in tremendous detail brought midway between its $20,000/25,000 estimate to sell for $23,000.

Galle was represented by a magnificent wheel-carved vase featuring a flying grasshopper among purple and pink flowers. Its delicately carved lip accented by an engraved French inscription about crocus covered mountains along with its color and quality were certainly appealing. Worth every bit of its $8,000/12,000 estimate and then some, it finished up at $23,575. Other Galle included an outstanding iris vase in purple and blue on a creamy background that brought $8,912 against an estimate of $3,000/5,000. It was joined by a magnificent Galle mold blown vase featuring red grape clusters, vines, and leaves over a subtle amber background which sold within its $14,000/16,000 estimate for $15,812. And a mold blown vase decorated with hanging fuchsia blossoms over a rich yellow background (est. $13,000/15,000) brought $16,675.

Works by G. Argy Rousseau also performed well. Examples included an outstanding cream colored pate de verre vase featuring a wide decorative band of flowers and stylized waves. Beautifully rendered, it came to the block with an estimate of $20,000/25,000 and sold for $23,000. One of the sleepers of the sale, a pate de verre covered box found favor with its feather and floral decoration. It changed hands for $10,925 against a $5,000/6,000 estimate.

Highlights from the English Cameo department included a pair of Webb scent bottles with white cameo hydrangeas and roses over a ruby red background which brought $7,762 over expectations of $2,500/3,500. And an exceptional Webb cameo scent bottle with intricate flower and leaf decoration estimated for $3,000/4,000 brought $4,600.

Choice art glass included extraordinary and rare Steuben vases such as a rare red aurene vase with leaf and vine decoration and a gold iridescent interior. It sold within its $20,000/30,000 estimate for $21,850. A gorgeous Steuben elongated vase with ruffled rim, decorated in a peacock feather design in gold and green exceeded expectations of $10,000/15,000 to bring $16,387. One of the largest Steuben Moss Agate vases James D. Julia has had the pleasure of auctioning was a beautiful shoulder vase with flared lip awash in swirling colors of amber, brown, and green. This stunning example changed hands at $17,825, far exceeding its presale estimate of $8,000/12,000.

Quezal lovers were delighted with a number of exquisite shades and vases. Of the highlights, a squat Quezal vase with gold hooked feathers among a lightly iridized green background sold for $7,475 versus a $4,000/6,000 estimate while a footed example with green, gold, and purple hooked feathers among a stunning blue, green, and gold iridescent background sold for $6,612, over its $4,000/6,000 estimate.

The sale was rounded out by several miscellaneous pieces and over 200 lots of mini lamps and fairy lamps from a Connecticut estate including a rare rainbow satin fairy lamp with the Diamond Quilted pattern. It saw much competition, nearing the upper end of its $3,000/5,000 estimate to sell for $4,025. Another rainbow satin example, a mini lamp with ruffled rim and applied crystal highlights sold for $2,817 against a $2,500/3,500 estimate. A rare and desirable wee red nailsea fairy lamp in the swirled diamond pattern went to $2,530, more than eight times its $300/500 estimate while a translucent red mini lamp with enamel decoration brought $2,530 versus a $1,400/1,800 estimate. And a very scarce mini lamp with ribbed translucent amber and cranberry components brought $3,737 over expectations of $1,000/1,500.

A signed KPM plaque depicting a captivating seminude woman reading a book brought $4,600 against an estimate of $2,000/3,000. And a Wave Crest glove box with enameled decorations of chrysanthemums over blue satin base changed hands at $3,220 over its $400/600 estimate.

Also up for bid was an estate collection of antique paperweights (including Sandwich, Clichy, and others). Highlights of particularly strong examples included a millefiori example with closed concentric canes in a full range of color. It reached $2,587 over its $300/500 estimate. And a St. Louis paperweight with upright bouquet and faceted sides went out at $2,185 against a $400/600 estimate.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous end of summer antiques & fine art extravaganza in August at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Always the highlight of the summer auction season it will feature approximately $5 Million in spectacular merchandise. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in October. Julia’s toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will take place in Fall 2008. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine. June 28, 2008 - Anyone lamenting a soft economy these days surely hasn’t attended a Julia auction. Over the last forty years, James D. Julia Auctioneers has consistently been a leader in the auction world, handling some of the finest merchandise available. With a trend for many to pull their money from the stock market, much of their money is going toward tangible assets. As a result, the auction market is booming and Julia’s is at the forefront. Though the low and mid-range levels aren’t as strong as they once were, the upper end remains robust and is still regarded as a solid investment. And the results of Julia’s recent toy & doll auction should evaporate any concerns to the contrary, hitting over $1.1 million against a pre-auction estimate of items sold of approximately $850,000.

This time around, Julia’s offered a plethora of antique American and European tin, cast iron, and pressed steel toys as well as rare and desirable dolls, trains, scarcely seen advertising, salesman samples, and perhaps one of the largest offerings of coin-operated machinery and slots the company has handled in some time. Of this group, a fabulous Rockola World Series baseball game featuring the 1937 All Stars presented a rare opportunity. This very intricate game with great action that rivals modern technology is considered one of the finest in existence. Julia’s bidders knocked it out of the park, bidding up to $44,400 against a $35,000/40,000 estimate.

Rare coin-op proved to be a popular choice throughout the day with a variety of upright and tabletop slots, fortune machines, arcade games, and trade stimulators such as a rare and desirable Lukat the Lucky Cat. This charming full bodied figure of a reclining feline in green with gold highlights was an early lottery game in which one would pull the cat’s tail and a ticket would pop out of its mouth. If various predetermined numbers matched those found on the attached marquee, the bearer would receive free cigars. An ecstatic collector flew in from France with the sole purpose of purchasing the piece. He was not disappointed, ending up as the proud owner after a bidding battle brought it to $22,425 over its $15,000/20,000 estimate.

Other gambling pieces featured a number of dice games such as a Bally Reliance with quality restoration and great form that sold for $16,100 against a $12,500/15,000 estimate. An exceedingly rare J.J. Oaks & Son combination dice popper and cigar cutter featured an elaborate hexagonal brass base decorated with fancy floral patterns. With crossover appeal to gambling collectors as well as tobacco aficionados, it went out at $7,590 versus a $6,000/8,000 estimate. And a rare Fey dice machine trade stimulator with aluminum case sold for $9,660 against an estimate of $5,500/7,500.

For those who prefer the more ostentatious, upright slot machines included a nice selection, many of which went to a very active phone bidder. Highlights included a fabulous Caille New Century upright slot machine with music. Featuring a center roulette dial with pierced brass dial in a gorgeously carved walnut case with two side columns, intricate nickel cabriole legs, and beautiful nickel castings, it also featured a cylinder music box to add to the entertainment. This outstanding piece went out midway through its $35,000/45,000 estimate to sell for $40,250. Tabletop slot machines included a Watling Rol-a-top with its seldom found original shipping crate that sold for $7,475 over its $4,500/5,500 estimate.

Other items for the game room included a fabulous Caille Uncle Sam strength tester. Depicting the patriotic icon with arm outstretched, he challenges passersby to test their grip by shaking his hand. Interestingly enough, a Canadian buyer won out, buying it for $25,875 against a $22,500/32,500 estimate. An English horserace game entitled “Grand National” pitted one swift steed against another in a race for the finish line. Exceeding expectations of $1,500/2,500 it found the winner’s circle where it sold for $6,612. Though not a coin-operated item, a fabulous horserace gaming wheel by Evans certainly complements one’s collection. With nickel plated frame, mirrored glass inserts, and original odds counter, it sold for $9,000 surpassing its $4,500/6,500 estimate. And who could predict that a 1960s Jenko Grandma fortune teller machine would surpass its $1,000/2,000 estimate to sell for $4,312?

For those with a taste for the macabre, an English working model depicting an interior scene of a funeral parlor was a popular choice. Upon inserting one’s coin, the somber faced undertaker tends to business, and suddenly receives the shock of his life when the cadaver he thought was at rest is actually not dead at all! This wild item made a killing at $23,000, far exceeding a presale estimate of $8,000/12,000.

Coin-operated music also fared well. A Seeburg K nickelodeon with piano and xylophone within an oak case sold for $13,800 (est. $10,000/12,500) and a scarce coin-operated Stella upright 26” disc playing music box brought $16,100 against a $10,000/15,000 estimate.

The auction continued with a stellar selection of toys, dolls, and advertising items that found eager buyers from around the globe. European toys in the sale included a scarce German Moko motorcycle with its seldom seen original box. In near mint condition, it went out at $18,975, more than quadrupling its estimate of $4,000/6,000. A fine quality Marklin 1 gauge locomotive and tender with its original wooden box and accessories was a good buy at $8,912, just inside its $8,000/12,000 estimate.

Tin toys included a number of Lehmanns in great condition. A classic Man Da Rin depicting the emperor in his sedan chair being carted about by two coolies sold for $2,415 against a $1,250/1,750 estimate. A Lehmann Paddy and Pig in exceptional condition brought $1,955 versus its $1,000/1,500 estimate. A scarce tin windup motorcycle and sidecar by Paya featuring a black rider blowing a horn looked remarkably similar to the gent in Lehmann’s Tut Tut. It finished up at $4,715 against an estimate of $2,400/2,800. Other European tin windups included a near mint 10” Bing water tower boat that brought $2,160 against a $400/600 estimate. And a Hessmobile friction car in similar condition exceeded expectations of $800/1,200 to sell for $1,840.

Other toys included an outstanding Mickey Mouse cowboy doll by Knickerbocker. Difficult to improve upon the condition of this one, it sold for an impressive $4,887 against a $1,500/2,500 estimate. A 7-piece Buddy L yard train set in good original condition surpassed its estimate of $1,750/2,200 to sell for $4,715. Cast iron toys included an Arcade International panel truck in very fine all original condition that sold for $5,462 versus a $3,000/4,000 estimate. And an ever-popular, fresh-to-the-market Stevens Darktown Battery bank that combines baseball collectibles with black memorabilia sold for $9,200 against expectations of $4,500/6,500.

Japanese tin windups from the 1960s with their original boxes have become quite popular, and as always, condition is very important. Highlights included a futuristic King Jet friction racer that brought $2,160 (est. $1,200/1,800).

Toys of a slightly more primitive nature were also offered, reminding us of a simpler time. A large lot of German composition and carved wood zoo animals with virtual miniature acres of habitats and cages saw very active bidding, finishing up at $6,612 against expectations of $1,000/1,500. A 20th Century German circus wagon with its own herd of animals ignored its estimate of $250/350 to sell for $3,162. Other European delights included various teddy bears by Steiff including an exceptional 20” “Cone” bear, so named for its cone-shaped nose that sold for $4,800 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate. These joined a collection of Schoenhut Circus animals as well as a rare large sized Schoenhut horse known as “Wunderblitz”. This jointed beast was the largest the company ever produced and interest was intense, bringing a final price of $10,925.

A splendid selection of dolls was also offered including fine French fashions, googlies, and French and German bisques such as a charming cabinet size 11” Depose Jumeau E4J with deep blue paperweight eyes and a ball jointed composition body (est. $4,000/5,000) that sold for $9,775. A 17” first series Portrait Jumeau with spiral blue paperweight eyes, mauve eye shadowing, and her original 8-ball joined body sold within her $10,000/15,000 estimate for $12,650. And an all-original Bru fashion doll including her original fully articulated wooden body and delicate cotton gauze dress brought the midpoint of her $7,000/9,000 estimate, selling for $8,050.

Outstanding German characters included a rare 17” Armand Marseilles “Fany” with blue glass eyes and a realistic pouty expression. She came to the block with a $7,000/9,000 estimate and changed hands at $10,925. A rare Armand Marseilles 345 character child with intaglio cut eyes and the most captivating expression sold above her $2,500/3,500 estimate for $6,612. A rare pair of Heubach bicyclist figurines with exceptional detail rolled in with a $3,000/5,000 estimate and sold for $3,450. One may consider a wailing baby doll to be unsightly, but there’s something about a 12” OIC “Screamer” that appealed to many collectors. With wide open mouth and half closed eyes, this pitiful infant brought $1,840 against an $800/1,200 estimate.

Helping to round out the sale was a wide variety of choice antique advertising items. Topping the list was a fabulous pair of papier-mâché full-bodied crouching tigers with their original cage crates. Most likely store displays for Learbury Clothiers of Syracuse, New York, the pair roared past their $4,000/6,000 estimate to finish up at $17,250.

Soda related items have long been a popular subject matter among collectors. Included were some wonderful Coca-Cola signs, calendars, and trays. Collectors were able to overlook condition for rarity with a 1902 paper sign depicting a Victorian woman wearing a plumed hat while enjoying a 5 cent glass of America’s favorite beverage. One of only a few known to exist, it went out at $9,200 versus expectations of $9,000/11,000. A 9” 1903 serving tray featuring early opera star Hilda Clark surrounded by a swath of chrysanthemums sold for $3,565 over its $2,000/3,000 estimate. Other soda advertising included an exceedingly rare paper poster for Dr. Pepper. The company showed that their beverage can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, even a lion on the African savannah. The king of beasts promoting the “King of Beverages” brought $6,000 against a $6,000/8,000 estimate. While most really spectacular things tend to see lots of action and bring strong prices, not everything is always a winner. One significant surprise was the extraordinary Dr. Pepper paper sign with a beautiful Victorian lady. This near mint colorful graphic depicting a brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty with large straw bonnet sipping a glass of Dr. Pepper estimated at $12,500/15,500 surprisingly failed to find a home and went unsold.

Other advertising highlights included an extremely scarce 1896 calendar for Daisy air rifles. Depicting two lads in a skiff testing their marksmanship on some passing birds, this bright stone lithographed illustration went out at $8,050 against a $7,000/9,000 estimate. A rare Humphrey’s veterinary cabinet with oak case and molded painted composition horse head front panel sold within its $6,500/7,500 estimate for $7,187. And a wonderful Western Union Edison stock ticker with its original dome, coming from the family of a former employee of Western Union, sold for $9,200 against expectations of $6,000/8,000.

Salesman samples were created by companies throughout the 19th and 20th centuries who wished to show prospective clients their product line without the hassle of carting around a full-sized example. The creation of these samples allowed the individuals to show the features of their merchandise in every detail, sparing their backs in the process. In recent years Julia’s has been extremely successful selling salesman samples. This sale offered a varied selection of these pieces including some agricultural and construction machines. In particular, horse drawn road graders included two examples by Adams, featuring intricate gear mechanisms that smoothly adjust the height, angle, and pitch of the blade on the fly. One example even retained its original carrying case. They sold for $16,800 and $16,675 within their respective $15,000/17,000 estimates. Other heavy equipment included two different sickle bar mowers. An example by the famed Adriance company, predominantly constructed of brass and steel retaining its original wood crate sold for $8,050 against an estimate of $4,000/8,000 while Walter Woods’ version in brass and wood brought $9,775 against an estimate of $4,000/6,000.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their fabulous end of summer antiques & fine art extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Always the highlight of the summer auction season it will feature over $5 million in spectacular merchandise. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in October. Julia’s next toy & doll auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction will take place in November. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more. information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine, May 10, 2008. - The auction firm of James D. Julia recently held their spring antiques and fine art auction, receiving high marks on many of the first-rate objects. In recent months there has been concern about the impact of the economy and rising fuel prices on the collectibles market. This auction clearly reaffirms that while the middle market may show some softness, the upper end of the market continues to be extraordinarily strong and vibrant. The one-day auction consisted of over 350 works of art, and 350 pieces of early furniture, nautical pieces, and all sorts of regional Americana, hitting a final tally of just over $1.1 Million.

A session devoted to a sturdy offering of American and European paintings was highlighted by a spectacular oil on canvas by Daniel Ridgeway Knight depicting a beautiful young maiden in her rose garden. An interesting point is that the maiden is the very subject of a different work entitled “At the Well” by Knight that Julia’s sold in 2005. Fresh from a New England home, this work changed hands at $172,500 against expectations of $75,000/125,000.

Renowned painter of hunting and sporting scenes Edmund Osthaus was represented by an outstanding oil on canvas of dogs retrieving a game bird among an autumn landscape. In untouched original condition it came to the block with a $20,000/40,000 estimate and fetched a solid $51,750. Known for an entirely different genre, Norman Rockwell, whose sketch for “The Pharmacist” depicting a balding druggist carefully measuring became the cover illustration for the Saturday Evening Post in 1939. It hit $12,650 against an estimate of $10,000/15,000.

A wide variety of schools known for portrayals of coastal life were popular among buyers. William Glackens whose works are no stranger to Julia’s included a colorful pastel scene showing several figures enjoying the summertime shoreline. It neared mid-estimate, selling for $17,250. And a large oil on canvas work attributed to William Moore Davis depicting men in a fishing boat on a choppy sea reeled in $9,775 against a $9,000/12,000 estimate. There were even a few bargains to be had for the perceptive and quick of paddle. Works included those of the Hudson River and Rockport-Gloucester schools such as contemporary Rockport-Gloucester artist Thomas Nicholas. His large oil on canvas wharf scene entitled “Gloucester Afternoon” captured the essence of coastal New England. It was a great trade for one astute bidder at $20,700 on a $25,000/35,000 estimate. The French’s take on coastal illustrations came with Theodore Rousseau’s oil on canvas scene of two sailboats navigating along a rocky beach. It sold at the upper end of its $20,000/30,000 estimate for $28,750.

Back on land, masterful mountainous scenes saw active bidding. An outstanding landscape by Hermann Herzog showing the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn peaks and a valley farm in the foreground exceeded expectations of $10,000/15,000 to sell for $21,850. And a panoramic landscape of the Adirondacks by Henry Boese brought $11,500, above its $8,000/10,000 presale estimate.

Other American artists included great works by Guy Wiggins whose snowy cityscapes show a little slice of New York City. Assorted pedestrians and various vehicles make it through another chilling storm, making us happy our most recent seemingly endless winter is finally behind us. One such scene entitled “Central Park” sold for $22,425 within its estimate of $20,000/30,000. And a pair of still life’s of fruit and flowers attributed to Severin Roesen sold for $12,650 and 12,075, each within their $10,000/15,000 estimates.

Also worthy of mention is a tall oil on canvas nude by Belgian artist Emile Baes showing the subject pictured back to, peering out a window that overlooks lush greenery, which sold for $6,612 against a $4,500/6,500 estimate. And one of the sleepers in the sale was a mountainside village scene attributed to French artist Andrew Lhote that surpassed expectations of $1,000/2,000 to finish up at $4,887.

The auction opened with a fabulous array of folk art, Oriental porcelain and rugs, a mix of American and English furniture, and accessories galore. It was the rare and unusual that seemed to receive the most attention. A fantastic continental Rococo revival carved corner étagère imbued with carved dragons and a bird of paradise supported by a winged female creature with goat legs more than tripled its expectations of $4,500/5,000 to sell for $16,100.

Other unique finds included an arts & crafts style American carved oak figural wall clock by the Michigan Chair Company depicting three minstrels. Having descended through the family of Old Mr. Boston distillery, it found a new home when it sold above its $1,500/2,500 estimate for $3,680. A fine life-size marble statue from the late 19th Century of a robed female with flowing garments so realistically carved, one would swear they were actual fabric. From a fine home in Belfast, Maine, it went out at $5,750 versus expectations of $3,000/5,000.

Other items of interest included a framed collection of 45 American military uniform buttons including early New England infantry and cavalry buttons as well as rare voluntary militia buttons. This outstanding grouping sold for $9,200, ignoring is $2,000/3,000 estimate. Synonymous with wealth and sophistication, a fine Louis Vuitton travel trunk with its trademark brown and gold pattern decoration sold for $4,600 within expectations of $2,000/6,000. A violin from 1630 and marked by the maker sold for $8,337, several octaves above its $1,000/2,000 estimate. And a blue decorated salt glazed 3-gallon stoneware jug (est. $800/1,200) saw much competition, finally selling for $3,450.

For underneath it all, Julia’s offered a sizeable selection of Oriental rugs. A 19th Century serape carpet from northwest Persia with a blue black indigo medallion among pale turquoise lotus blossoms and stylized leaves sold for $8,050 against a $1,500/3,000 estimate. Its mate, a Heriz Oriental carpet with ivory spandrels, vinery, and latticework border surpassed expectations of $1,000/2,000 to bring $4,600. An unbelievable Mahajaran Sarouk palace carpet, circa 1910, with rich wine red field filled with intricate vinery and floral decoration throughout its massive 25 feet length was the bargain of the day. It went out at $22,425 against a $30,000/40,000 estimate.

Julia's upcoming auctions include their toy, doll, and coin-op auction as well as a rare lamp & glass auction each taking place in June. Their next antiques & fine art auction is their annual extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine August 26-28. Julia’s important firearms and military memorabilia auction will take place in October, offering approximately $10 Million in rare antique firearms including an important recent discovery of a historical Colt martial Walker pistol, the finest known to exist. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

Once again James D. Julia Auctioneers of Fairfield Maine established a new benchmark for the highest grossing firearms auction in history! This new record of $12.7 million attained with only 1,270 lots exceeds their October 2007 record of $11.235 million, which exceeded their previous world record of $9.2 million.

A huge crowd was in attendance at the Julia Spring Firearms auction Monday March 10th and Tuesday March 11th. Some had flown in on their own private jets to attend this fabulous extravaganza of firearms. And judging from the prices it appeared that no one was disappointed with what was offered.

The two-day sale, conducted on March 10th & 11th included a number of notable collections and an extraordinary diversity of rarity and quality, beginning with the collection of the late Bruce Stern of Connecticut. Mr. Stern was a passionate, lifelong collector of 20th Century military and was also a strong advocate of 2nd Amendment rights and a staunch supporter of the NRA. His military auction started off with 100 of his Class III weapons. Billed as the largest offering of Class III weapons offered anywhere in recent years, the Stern Collection was Julia’s initiation in the marketing of collectible Class III weapons. This collection, well known throughout North America, included a number of great rarities and resulted in tremendous interest from all over North America and fierce bidding throughout the collection. A Rheinmetall Germany FG42, Second Model machine gun was not only a choice example but also one of only a few currently known in this country. It carried a presale estimate of $50,000-$90,000 but saw tremendous bidding competition and ended up at $149,500. There were a great number of rarities within the Class III, many of them bringing far above their estimate. A rare and outstanding Johnson Model 1944 light machine gun, carrying a presale estimate of $10,000-$15,000 flew to $74,750. A British Sten MKI sub machine gun, estimated at $7,000-$9,000 brought $32,000. A U.S. Browning machine gun, cal .50M2HB, manufactured by Colt and estimated at $29,000-$39,000 sold for a final price of $51,750.

In addition to Class III weapons, the Stern collection included a number of other military firearms including a rare Borschardt Patent Model 1893 semi-automatic pistol. This outstanding cased example is a representative of one of the first successful semi-automatic pistols made. It carried a presale estimate of $30,000-$40,000 but went out at $51,750. A rare Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety, USN, estimated at $9,000-$13,000, sold for $21,850.

Extremely rare prototypes included a pre-WWII experimental semi-auto Japanese military rifle, SN 8 and cal. 6.5 carrying a presale estimate of $7,500-$12,500; it went out for a final bid price of $23,000. An extensive collection of sniper rifles, most from WWII included a Mauser 98K Shot Rail Sniper Rifle with sling and bayonet, estimated at $5,000-$7,500 and sold for a final bid price of $24,150. Late in the Second World War, the Germans, with most of their factories destroyed, had little capability of producing firearms and one of their last efforts was a crudely made semi automatic rifle known as the VG5 C. This example estimated at $12,000-$15,000 went out for a final price of $31,050. An unusual Swiss Mondragon Model 1908 Military Issue Semi-Auto Rifle, estimated at $2,500-$4,000 sold for $27,600. During the early part of the twentieth century, a man named Pedersen invented a device that could be mounted on a normal bolt-action rifle converting it to a semi-automatic rifle that came to be known as the Pedersen Device. An ultra rare US Model 1918 Mark 1 Pedersen Device from the Stern Collection, together with a few boxes of cartridges was estimated at $20,000-$30,000 but sold for $60,250.

The afternoon session consisted of an extraordinary array of high grade shotguns and one of the finest assemblages of American shotguns the Julia firm has offered to date. The very first lot was an extraordinary rare L.C. Smith grade 16 ga shotgun. Only two of these exquisite shotguns were ever made, this being the finest example in existence. It carried a presale estimate of $225,000-$275,000 and went out at $235,750. Also extremely rare was an L.C. Smith deluxe grade gold inlaid 20 ga., estimated at $125,000-$175,000; it sold for $138,000. A rare and high grade L.C. Smith hammer drilling carried a presale estimate of $8,000-$12,000 and sold for $28,750. An outstanding A.H. Fox CE grade 2 bbl set estimated at $20,000-$25,000 brought $31,625. A group of rare Ithaca’s included the very scarce Ithaca NID 7E grade side by side estimated at $27,500-$37,500 that sold for $28,750. An extraordinary factory custom Winston Churchill engraved Jerry Fisher stock Winchester model 21 shotgun 2 bbl set estimated at $30,000-$50,000 brought $74,750. An extremely beautiful and rare royal grade Thomas Bland & Sons rifle estimated at $40,000-$60,000 went out at $69,000. A fabulous engraved Bertuzzi side by side 12 ga estimated at $25,000-$35,000 sold for $40,000. And a lovely LeBeau Courally pigeon gun 12 ga was estimated at $15,000-$30,000 and finally sold for $40,000. A number of Brownings included a spectacular custom Churchill/Fisher cased Browning superposed shotgun estimated at $10,000-$20,000, which brought $ 21,850.

The second day began with an outstanding collection of single shot rifles, many of which came from the collection of the late Ron Kiser. A cased Daniel Frasier side lever single shot dropping block 303 rifle with original scope estimated at $7,000-$10,000 brought $17,250. An extremely rare and beautiful one of a kind engraved Harry Pope Fugger engraved Ballard single shot target rifle was estimated at $10,000-15,000 and went out at $21,275. An extremely rare Sharps extra heavy model 1874 target rifle estimated at $20,000-$30,000 realized $25,300.

Once again Julia’s had rounded up a spectacular array of Winchesters. Out in front was the extraordinary rare and important Ulrich deep relief engraved deluxe Winchester model 66 lever action from the Hank Vogel collection. It’s believed the gun was displayed at the Philadelphia exhibition of 1876 and has been illustrated in various books. Carrying a presale estimate of $275,000-$375,000, it sold for a final bid price of $322,000. A rare Hoggson engraved model 1860 Henry lever action rifle also from the Vogel collection estimated at $75,000-$100,000 brought $97,750. A rare and beautiful restored Winchester 1873, one of one thousand estimated at $40,000-$70,000 sold for $66,125. A recently discovered beautiful rare factory gold and nickel engraved Winchester 1866 deluxe lever action rifle estimated at $40,000-$70,000 brought $63,250. Many of the Winchesters were in a spectacular original condition such as the Winchester 1886 Musket with brilliant case hardening and finish estimated at $28,000-$30,000 brought a strong $45,000. A wonderful little factory engraved Winchester model 1890 deluxe pump with scope estimated at $5,000-$10,000 went out at $37,950.

Another recent discovery was as extremely rare engraved presentation Colt model 1855 full stock sporting revolving rifle in 44 cal. The workmen of Col. Colt’s Armory in Hartford, CT had presented this fabulous gun decorated by the renowned engraver Nimschke.” The gun carried a presale estimate of $30,000-$60,000 but shot through to double the high estimate at $126,500. The second day also included an extraordinary assortment of Colts. The ultra rare and spectacular presentation Glahn engraved gold plated Single Action Army revolver carried a presale estimate of $150,000-$200,000 went to a collector at $155,250. From the same collection an exceedingly rare Eugene Young factory engraved gold and nickel Frontier Six shooter estimated at $150,000-$300,000 brought $172,500. The third lot from this same private collection was an extraordinary, rare and desirable pair of engraved and inscribed silver plated Colt Single Action Army revolvers. In spectacular condition with little or no previous use they went out at $195,500. A fine Cuno Helfrecht engraved Colt Single Action Revolver, because of its age and the fine engraving, it had been cataloged with a presale estimate of $12,500-$25,000. However, before the auction Julia’s lead consultant, J.R. LaRue, discovered that the gun had actually been used in the famous Johnson County cattle range wars in Wyoming in the late 1800s. The checklist of guns turned in by the various gunslingers that took part in this famous western altercation showed this very Serial No. 102242 as being one of the guns turned in, and thus shot to over double its high estimate to $63,250. An extraordinary nearly new martially marked Colt Calvary Single Action Army revolver estimated at $ 75,000-$100,000 went out at $97,750. Even great holsters were bringing fabulous prices an extraordinarily rare F.A. Meanea double loop single action Colt holster estimated at $12,000-$17,000 was the subject of a fierce bidding battle and finally selling at $24,150. A magnificent case Gustav Young engraved presentation Colt model 1851 navy revolver was a beautiful presentation weapon, complete, cased, and with all the accessories. It was estimated at $100,000-$175,000, and sold for $105,000. Another exciting lot was an outstanding cased Colt revolver with accessories at one time the property of E.O. Perrin (compliments of Col. Colt). Perrin lived an exciting life and during the Civil War was dispatched to New Mexico where he served with the famous Kit Carson arranging for supplies for the Union Army. This revolver together with a group of ephemera including a photo of Perrin with the famous Kit Carson was estimated at $30,000-$45,000 and went out at $69,000. A spectacular condition Colt model 1851 Navy Revolver estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold for $43,125. Coming from a direct descendant of a famous Mexican War and Civil War hero was a historic period State of New Jersey case presentation sword with battle honors and presidential commissions including Abraham Lincoln signed documents to a hero of Monterey and a brave Union Officer killed in action: Nathanial Beakes Rossell 5th Reg. U.S. Infantry. This exquisite sword estimated at $ 30,000-$45,000 saw a tremendous amount of competition and ended up at $66,125. A very important historical Civil War lot including a cased Civil War sword, numerous commissions including Abraham Lincoln signed documents and much more all from the property of famous Turner Maine Civil War Brigadier General Ruffis Ingalls. Ingalls was quarter master of the Army of the Potomac and one of the most famous quarter masters in the mid-19th century. This fabulous historic lot associated with a famous Maine ancestor brought $40,250.

Included in a select offering of Civil War items was a wonderful New Hampshire captured Confederate Flag that went out at $95,000. An exceedingly rare captured Confederate drum with period notation on the skin head was estimated at $10,000-$15,000 and went out at $20,700. During the early 19th century slave owners in Charleston and formerly Charleston Neck could rent out their slaves for a daily wage. But each slave offered in this manner had to be fitted with a copper slave tag purchased from the town fathers identifying the slave’s specialty, such as carpenter, house servant, etc. Slave tags are much reproduced, but this lot, a spectacular offering, was all genuine. 10 of the 13 had been dug up by a single well-known excavator and the collection was one of the largest groupings of slave tags ever offered in one lot. It carried a presale estimate of $85,000-$95,000 and sold for $184,000. A small collection of scrimshawed powder horns from the David Galliher collection featured a spectacular Revolutionary War Map Horn estimated at $ 3,500-$5,500 and sold for $6,900. A grouping of Indian related items included a rare Plains Indian ghost dance. The beautiful Catlin bowl inlaid with lead or pewter featured the Ghost Dance Thunderbird, and sold for just under $11,000. An exceedingly rare and outstanding Peter White relief carved Kentucky rifle estimated at $50,000-$75,000 went out at $63,250. Also featured in the sale was a fabulous offering of Philadelphia guns from the collection of Ron Gabel. Mr. Gabel renowned as one of the foremost Kentucky rifle experts today had collected the Philadelphia guns for much of his lifetime and is currently in the process of writing a definitive book on Philadelphia guns and their makers. This offering from the Gabel collection featured many rare Philadelphia makers. A supreme cased John Krider double bbl shotgun estimated at $8,000-$12,000 went out at $18,400, and a beautiful cased set of American percussion dueling pistols by Robertson estimated at $25,000-$50,000 went out at $42,550. Also from the well known Robert Sadler collection was a pair of exceptional matched Kunz (Kuntz) Kentucky pistols estimated at $50,000-$100,000. They brought a little over the midrange at $80,500. Kentucky pistols are exceedingly beautiful and rare, but matched pairs are extraordinarily rare. A model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol also from the Sadler collection went out at $16,000. The only known 1822 dated model 1816 Harpers Ferry model flint lock Musket included its pattern tools. This rare example complete with tools sold for $36,800. A fine U.S. Model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol, according to documentation, at one time belonged to Lewis Benedict Eader. Documentation indicated that Eader acted as an escort to General Lafayette during the General’s visit to Frederick, MD in 1825. The pistol carried a presale estimate of $25,000-$35,000 and went out for $43,125.

The sale concluded with a small interesting grouping of Patent models relating to firearms. One such Patent model included was a rare wood and brass Patent Model by Colonel Laidley, which sold for $1,265. The Julia auction not only broke a record for the largest grossing firearms auction ever held in the world but the 1,270 lots, which realized $12,700.000 averaged out to $10,000 per lot, the highest per sale average of any firearms auction EVER. Preceding the Julia firearms auction, Monday and Tuesday was the Poulin auction sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The sale of approximately 1,500+ lots included over a thousand items from the famous Bruce Stern collection-representing phase I. Their auction house located only 50 yards from the Julia Auction house was flush with activity over the three day period and ended up at $1.5 million, thus the combined total of the Julia auction and the Poulin auction in Fairfield Maine for that short duration of time resulted in $14.2 million worth of firearms sale, and extraordinary achievement. More details on this auction can be had by contacting James D. Julia or visiting their web site at www.juliaauctions.com. Julia’s next auction is a fine art antiques auction scheduled to take place in May at their Fairfield facility. Julia’s next firearms auction will take place in October 2008 and will be preceded by the Poulin auction company’s second phase of the famous Bruce Stern collection of Military items. Details regarding James D. Julia auctions can be obtained by contacting them by phone at 207-453-7125, or by fax (207) 453-2502 and via the internet. Details about the Poulin auction company and their sales, contact them at (207) 453-2114 or online at www.poulinantiques.com.