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#WorthPoint #AuctionInsights #ArtCollecting #PicassoArt #NativeAmericanArt #MarieBarber #AmatiViolin #CountryMusicMemorabilia #AntiqueCollecting #ArtMarketTrends #AuctionHighlights #Collectibles #ArtInvestments #VintageFinds #ArtHistory
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has a keen eye for standout items at auctions held by WorthPoint Industry Partners. By sharing his insights on recent sales, he offers valuable lessons on buying and selling trends in the industry. Here’s a summary of some of his favorite sales and why they caught his attention.
A Stand Out: Picasso Lithograph
On April 3, 2025, WorthPoint added 225,332 new items to its Price Guide, totaling $15,284,731.58—an average of $67.82 per item. Among these, a notable sale at Rago’s/Wright auction was a Picasso lithograph titled Tête de Jeune Fille (Head of a Young Woman) from 1947. This black-and-white piece, signed and numbered 35/50, measured 25 3/4″ x 19 1/2″ and sold for $44,450. While this price was lower than the $68,750 fetched by another print from the same set in 2015, it still stood out in a sale dominated by pottery, which averaged $8,827 per lot. The lithograph’s medium and price made it a highlight of the auction.
Native American Sculptures: Marie Barber’s Work
Minnesota Estate Sales featured 236 lots, averaging $61.41 per lot, but three Marie Barber painted bronze sculptures stole the show. Inspired by Native American themes, these pieces included a 14″ bronze of a seated woman tossing her hair (numbered 1/50), which sold for $1,554; a 26″ bronze of a standing Native American woman that fetched $920; and a seated brave smoking a pipe, which brought in $1,092. While Barber’s work has been cataloged as high as $4,400 in 2022, these pieces still captured significant attention at the auction.
Jackpot Find: Amati Violin
Alaska Premier offered a taste of the dream of finding a Stradivarius with the sale of an Amati violin for $2,520. Though likely a German copy from the 1900s, the violin came with its old case and carried the allure of a masterful instrument. While not a true Stradivarius, it still held value for connoisseurs. Early Amatis have even surpassed Stradivarius prices in WorthPoint’s records, but expert appraisal is essential to unlock their full potential.
Quite the Steal: Country Singer Autographs
A fun lot of 39 signed photographs from 1970s and ’80s country music artists, including the Kentucky Headhunters and Boxcar Willie, sold for $566.40. This nostalgic collection, sold by Archive, was a steal for fans of country music memorabilia. It’s a reminder of the enduring appeal of autographed items and the joy of discovering hidden gems at auctions.
About Will Seippel
Will Seippel, the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, has been an avid collector since 1974 and a dealer of antiques since 1984, with a focus on ephemera. He is also the creator of HIP, a website dedicated to preserving the world’s history through film. His expertise and passion for collecting make him a trusted voice in the industry.
WorthPoint’s Mission
WorthPoint’s mission is to help collectors and dealers discover, value, and preserve their treasures. By providing insights into auction trends and standout sales, WorthPoint empowers its users to buy and sell with confidence.
These highlights from recent auctions demonstrate the diversity and excitement of the collectibles market, from fine art and sculptures to musical instruments and autographs. Will Seippel’s observations offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate this dynamic industry.
