Stickley Candlesticks Steal The Show at Rago's Auction

Sometimes you just can't explain it.

Last week it was a Roycroft copper planter that sold for $92,000. This week it was a pair of Gustav Stickley copper candlesticks, estimated at a reasonable $3,500-$5,500, that two collectors battled over all the way to $65,100.

And this was a sale that had several contests vying for Top Ten Plays of the Week.

Neither of the two superstars of the auction disappointed anyone. The 27" Elizabeth Burton lamp ($50,000-$70,000 est.) sold for $52,700 and the Charles Rohlfs desk ($35,000-$55,000) went out the door for $40,300.

Indicative of his continued strength, a Gustave Bauman woodblock print "Procession" (#108 of 120 prints, 1936) estimated at $6,000-$9,000 sold for $19,840, quickly followed by his "Summer Rain" (est. $6,000-$9,000) at $12,400.

Art pottery sold extremely well, lead by George Ohr, consistently selling in the $2,500-$7,500 range, with a 7" handled vase leading the way at $14,880. Not to be outdone, Newcomb collectors pushed an unusual 12" charger with some minor condition issues (est. $10,000-$12,500) to $12,400 and a covered jar decorated by Mary Sheerer in 1904 with African violets to $9,920.

While auctioneer David Rago thought there were some bargains in the furniture category, there certainly were several highlights. A Gustav Stickley director's table (est. $9,000-$14,000) sold for $21,080; a mahogany leaded glass bookcase by the Roycrofters (est. $6,000-$9,000) found a new home at $12,400; and a Gustav Stickley early bow arm Morris chair (est. $8,000-$12,000) sold for $17,360.

Grueby art pottery remained strong in the $1,500-$2,500 range with no superstars in this particular sale. Teco performed well, with the large footed vase (est. $18,000-$22,000) selling for $19,840. Fulper, the quiet art pottery, did see two collectors battle over an 11" corseted vase (est. $5,000-$7,000) until it reached $11,160.

One to watch in the future: Chicago candlestick maker Jessie Preston has long been over-shadowed by her contemporary Robert Jarvie, but two collectors sent a pair of her 13" cast bronze candlesticks (est. $2,500-$3,500, pictured) to $10,540.

For complete auction results, please go to http://www.ragoarts.com.

All prices include the buyer's premium.

- Bruce Johnson

Next Week: Tips For Collecting Tiles