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#WorthPoint #AuctionInsights #Collectibles #NarwhalTusk #MaritimeCollectibles #MackenzieChilds #ChineseBronzeVases #YongzhengVase #NativeAmericanBaskets #RowenaBradley #AntiqueTrends #CollectingTips #AuctionRecords #RareFinds #VintageTreasures
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, recently shared his insights on some standout auction items sold by WorthPoint Industry Partners. As an expert collector and dealer with decades of experience, Seippel’s observations offer valuable lessons on buying and selling trends in the antiques and collectibles industry. Here’s a summary of his highlights from recent auctions and what they reveal about the market.
Narwhal Tusk: A Maritime Marvel
One of the most intriguing items from Eldred’s auction was a 6.5-foot-long narwhal tusk, mounted on a custom wood stand. Narwhals, Arctic-dwelling whales, grow tusks that can reach up to 10 feet in length and use them for hunting and attracting mates. This tusk, which fetched $17,640, had a minor repair to its tip, visible only under blacklight, but its historical and aesthetic value remained intact. Seippel noted that narwhal tusks are highly prized, with larger specimens commanding even higher prices. However, there are legal restrictions on their sale; this piece could only be purchased by a Massachusetts resident and couldn’t be shipped out of state. The maritime-themed sale also featured scrimshaw, a sailor’s Valentine, and a Roy Cross painting, with the top five lots totaling $50,000.
Mackenzie-Childs: A Decorator’s Dream
At Everard’s sale, Seippel discovered the Mackenzie-Childs brand, known for its vibrant and eclectic home decor. Three pieces from this line contributed $50,000 of the $65,000 total from the top five lots. The standout was the Mackenzie-Childs Chicken Palace jewelry chest, which set a WorthPoint World Record for the brand. The 46-inch-tall chest featured seven drawers, a house-shaped jewelry box, and a hidden mirror, all showcasing the brand’s signature style. Its uniqueness suggests it may have been a custom piece. The sale also included a pair of Chinese bronze vases, which fetched $5,120. Despite lacking specific age or provenance details, their intricate dragon and cloud motifs, along with animal-form handles, made them highly desirable.
Yongzheng Vase: A Piece of History
The highlight of Leland Little’s sale was a mazarine blue vase from the Yongzheng Period (1723-1735) of the Qing Dynasty. The 13.5-inch vase, which sold for $79,200, had a fascinating provenance, having descended through a relative of Buffalo Bill Cody. Its deep blue glaze was historically reserved for sacrificial vessels, adding a layer of mystique. Though the vase and its stand showed minor damage, its historical significance and rarity made it a standout piece. For context, the highest-priced Yongzheng vase recorded by WorthPoint was a white-background vase with a red dragon pattern, which fetched $2.13 million. The top five lots at this sale totaled around $170,000.
Native American Baskets: A Growing Market
K&B Auctions featured a collection of Native American baskets, including several by Cherokee artist Rowena Bradley. Her baskets, often signed or accompanied by old tags, are highly regarded in the collecting world. The top lot was a handcrafted waste paper basket by Bradley, which sold for $1,092. While this is a solid price, Seippel noted that there’s still room for growth in this market. He recommended that sellers include the maker’s name in the item’s title to attract more bidders and potentially drive up the value. Recognized artists like Bradley often command premium prices, making it essential to highlight provenance and craftsmanship.
Key Takeaways
- Niche Markets Thrive: Items like narwhal tusks and Mackenzie-Childs decor continue to attract high bids, even in specialized markets. Collectors and investors should stay informed about niche categories with strong demand.
- Provenance Matters: Pieces with historical significance or unique backstories, like the Yongzheng vase, often command higher prices. Documenting provenance can significantly boost an item’s value.
- Craftsmanship Counts: Handcrafted items, such as Rowena Bradley’s baskets, are highly prized. Highlighting the maker’s name and details about their work can increase desirability.
- Legal Considerations: Certain items, like narwhal tusks, come with legal restrictions. Buyers and sellers must be aware of these regulations to avoid complications.
- Room for Growth: Markets like Native American basketry still have potential for appreciation. Strategic cataloging and marketing can unlock higher values.
About Will Seippel
Will Seippel, the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, has been an avid collector and dealer since the 1970s. His expertise spans a wide range of antiques and collectibles, with a particular focus on ephemera. He’s also the creator of HIP (Historical Image Project), a website dedicated to preserving historical film records.
About WorthPoint
WorthPoint is a leading resource for discovering, valuing, and preserving antiques and collectibles. With its extensive Price Guide and database, WorthPoint empowers collectors and dealers to make informed decisions in the marketplace.
Seippel’s insights not only highlight the diversity of the auction world but also underscore the importance of knowledge, provenance, and strategy in buying and selling. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, these lessons can help you navigate the market with confidence.
