Category: Past auctions

Saturday February 15th Charity Book Auction of Historical, Literary, and Artistic Treasures

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With 490 lots, this Saturday, February 15 charity book auction is an extensive event with a diverse range of collectible, scholarly, and vintage books, periodicals, and ephemera. It features both individual volumes and grouped collections, appealing to collectors, historians, and bibliophiles.

The catalog includes historical, literary, and artistic books, with a strong representation of military history, fitness, and sports-related works. Notable entries include World War I-era training manuals, vintage boxing and baseball publications, and fishing and firearms books. There is also an extensive selection of art and photography books, including monographs on major modern artists such as Marsden Hartley, Charles Demuth, and Pór Bertalan, as well as exhibition catalogs and art magazines like Artforum from the 1980s.

A large section is dedicated to history, travel, and exploration, covering subjects from colonial expeditions and European history to American national parks and decorative bindings from the 19th century. Among these are a 1907 Basque travel book, a 1959 Colonial Society of Massachusetts volume, and a work on Hemingway’s experiences in Spain. Scholarly publications appear throughout, including an early 20th-century pamphlet on financial oversight, studies on New York City’s school system, and collections of rare pamphlets on public health and governance.

For those interested in children’s literature, vintage illustrated books, and entertainment memorabilia, the auction includes Disney books, a Barbie comic book set, and early 20th-century books on ocean liners. Additionally, collectors will find vintage treasure-hunting magazines, niche periodicals, and books covering various aspects of American culture.

Given the extensive number of 490 lots, the selection is significantly broad, ranging from literature and poetry (such as a Robert Frost volume) to specialized books on design, architecture, and industrial arts. Some lots contain early Folio Society publications, adding further value for collectors of fine press books.

Valentine Auction LOVE and Timeless Elegance: A Curated Auction of Exquisite Jewelry & Rare Books, Philogyny, French Erotica & Forbidden Pleasures

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The auction catalog features an eclectic range of items, including a notable collection of books with literary, artistic, and cultural significance. The book offerings are diverse, spanning genres such as erotica, surrealism, poetry, feminism, and historical works, many of which are accompanied by illustrations or fine bindings.

Among the highlights are classic French erotic literature, including Cécile ou les Rencontres Amoureuses, illustrated with original engravings, and Les Aventures du Roi Pausole, a satirical novel by Pierre Louÿs. These works are presented as limited editions, emphasizing their collectible nature. Similarly, La Beauté Féminine offers an exploration of aesthetics with photographic illustrations, while Daphnis et Chloé combines a pastoral Greek romance with vibrant illustrations in a luxurious edition.

Feminist themes emerge in works such as Lettres d’une Péruvienne by Françoise de Graffigny, an 18th-century novel reflecting on cultural dislocation and gender, and La Philosophie d’une Femme by Madame Louise d’Alq, which examines women’s societal roles during the late 19th century. Additionally, surrealist elements are present in Oh! Violette ou la Politesse des Végétaux by Lise Deharme, featuring dreamlike illustrations by Léonor Fini.

Overall, the catalog’s literary selection showcases rare and specialized editions, often blending textual and visual artistry, appealing to collectors interested in historical, cultural, and artistic narratives. The focus on unique bindings, limited editions, and visual embellishments underscores the value placed on these works as artifacts of both literature and art.


This auction also offers a captivating selection of jewelry that reflects artistry, craftsmanship, and historical charm. The collection spans various styles, materials, and periods, making it appealing to both collectors and enthusiasts of fine and vintage adornments.

Among the notable items are antique and vintage pieces showcasing intricate designs and materials. For example, there are elegant Victorian-era sterling silver pieces and beautifully carved shell cameos, reflecting the timeless elegance of the 19th century. Unique enamel work and heavy sterling silver bracelets also highlight craftsmanship from earlier eras, emphasizing durability and aesthetic appeal.

The collection includes an array of statement jewelry, such as a stunning Weiss Company snowflake pin, sparkling with vintage allure, and Napier’s frosted sterling pieces that are rich in mid-century charm. Vibrant Bakelite earrings and bracelets showcase the bold and playful styles of the 1940s and 1950s, catering to those who appreciate retro fashion.

A wide range of gemstones is featured, including garnet, marcasite, tiger’s eye, and turquoise, offering natural beauty combined with artistic settings. Pieces such as sterling and abalone bracelets, coral bead necklaces, and freshwater pearl strands display a balance of elegance and versatility, suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

The catalog also includes more unusual and whimsical items, such as steampunk-inspired necklaces, sterling silver heart clasp bracelets, and playful designs like palm tree necklaces and flip-flop charms. These pieces add an element of fun and individuality to the collection.

Overall, the jewelry in this catalog celebrates a variety of styles and eras, with pieces that range from refined antique treasures to bold vintage statements. The collection is unified by a focus on quality and detail, ensuring that each piece holds its own unique allure and story.

Monday January 13th Fine mix of antique & scholarly books

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The catalog showcases a diverse selection of collectible and antiquarian books, prints, and ephemera. Among the standout offerings is an 1862 edition of Washington Irving’s Life of George Washington, bound in original leather and adorned with steel engravings. A disbound atlas from the 1890s, The C.A. Gaskell Family and Business Atlas of the World, includes detailed maps and data reflective of America’s transformative 1890 census. Additionally, the facsimile of Ars Moriendi reproduces a 15th-century guide to the art of dying, preserving the cultural attitudes of the era toward mortality and the afterlife.

Private press and finely crafted limited editions are a strong focus in this auction. Examples include a 1938 publication commemorating the opening of The Cloisters in New York, signed by renowned printer Joseph Blumenthal, and Bruce Rogers’ 1927 edition of Benjamin Franklin’s educational proposals. Luxury and artistic craftsmanship are evident in pieces such as a limited edition of Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native, featuring Clare Leighton’s signed woodcut illustrations, and a rare Grolier Club publication showcasing miniature designer bindings.

The collection extends to niche interests and ephemera, such as an 1897 bicycle company stock certificate from the cycling boom, a French WWI military art book by Guy Arnoux, and a 1939 World’s Fair photograph of Richmond Barthé’s sculpture symbolizing African American progress. Historical prints, like the 19th-century engraved view of Castle Garden in New York, complement the books, offering a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and artistic artifacts to appeal to collectors across diverse interests.