26-D Maine Antique Digest, April 2018

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The Potomack Company, Alexandria, Virginia

The Potomack Company Begins Its Year in Grand Styleby Walter C. NewmanPhotos courtesy The Potomack Company

The Potomack Company kicked off its 2018 auction schedule with a spectacular sale of antiques and fine art. The 400-lot auction

was held on January 27 at Potomack’s galleries in Alexandria, Virginia. Well-known auctioneer, appraiser, and antiques personality Tim Luke was on hand to guide the action.

While the sale offered a wide array of lots from several consignors, it was anchored by 155 lots that descended through the estate of William Myron Keck (1880-1964). Keck was an early California oil wildcatter. In 1921 he founded the Superior Oil Company. As the industry matured and grew, so did Keck’s fortune. Superior Oil evolved into a part of what we know today as ExxonMobil. With his wealth, Keck acquired a collection of world-class antiques from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and he also established a foundation. Today the W. M. Keck Foundation supports science and engineering research, medical research, and education.

To appreciate the significance of the Keck collection, it must be viewed within its historical context. La Belle Époque in Europe, approximately 1870 to 1914, corresponded with the era commonly referred to in the United States as the Gilded Age. This was a time of optimism, prosperity, innovation, discovery, and, above all, opulence on a grand scale.

At the turn of the 20th century, France, and specifically Paris, was arguably the center of bold and elegant furniture design that expressed the exuberance of the times. The era’s top cabinetmakers, inspired by the designs associated with the styles of Louis XV and Louis XVI, created incredible and imaginative pieces for their discerning clients.

Among those considered the greatest in their fields were cabinetmakers François Linke (1855-1946) and Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener (1848-1895) and sculptor Léon Messagé (1842-1901). These craftsmen created suites of furniture in the most extravagant taste, constructed from the finest woods and then veneered, inlaid, and accented with elaborately cast ormolu mounts and gilded embellishments. What some may view today as “over-the-top” design was, at the time, the ultimate in refined elegance.

World War I changed everything, especially in western Europe. The beautiful era was over. Grand suites of furniture were broken up and redistributed within families, and the grand style largely fell from favor. Within the next half-century, many of the pieces that had been so meticulously created found their way onto the secondary market or were relegated to a position as an example of days gone by.

Following World War II, a return to a more elaborate lifestyle began to reemerge. A taste for Louis-style furnishings among a new ultra-affluent generation brought back into fashion many of the masterpieces from the turn of the century.

It was during this time that William Myron Keck began to acquire his furniture. The items offered at the Potomack sale were purchased in the 1950s as furnishings for Keck’s mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California. That home, known then as Carolwood (now Owlwood), was decorated in a style that would have drawn envy within the world of La Belle Époque.

Today the styles and decoration popularized by craftsmen like Linke, Zwiener, and Messagé enjoy a smaller but extremely knowledgeable worldwide

following. On January 27 collectors, dealers, and their representatives from the United States, Europe, and South America found their way to Alexandria, Virginia, for the Potomack sale. Many of the pieces offered were museum quality, and everyone knew it.

While most of the auction fireworks centered on six pieces of the Keck material, the entire consignment sold well, with only one passed lot. Those six lots, however, were quite special and accounted for over half of the entire sale, collectively selling for $1,265,625 (including the buyers’ premiums).

Those six lots consisted of a circa 1895 vitrine attributed to Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener; a pair of circa 1905 pedestals by François Linke; a circa 1880 Régence-style commode; a large buffet and an open-shelf console desserte bearing sequentially numbered index references from François Linke; and a pair of monumental bronze and crystal vases. The pieces are described in detail in the photo section.

Although the style of these furnishings is not to everyone’s taste, the construction and attention to detail is outstanding. The forms appear delicate, but from the hands of master craftsmen such as Linke and Zwiener, the pieces are both practical and structurally sound. I am told that collectors of fine automobiles refer to “fit and finish” as a mark of excellence. That was certainly the case with the major pieces from the Keck estate.

For additional information, contact The Potomack Com-pany at (703) 684-4550 or visit the website (www.potomackcompany.com).

What some may view today as “over-the-top” design was, at the time, the ultimate in refined elegance.

The high lot of the day was perhaps the most visually spectacular piece in the sale. The Belle Époque kingwood marquetry and parquetry decorated vitrine dates circa 1895 and is attributed to German-born Parisian craftsman Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener (1848-1895). The ormolu mounts are believed to be by Léon Messagé. The large display case stands 92" in overall height and is 65" wide. The surface is covered with inlaid and applied gilt figures, and the center crest is an intricately formed bagpipe. The vitrine sold to the trade for $468,750 (est. $70,000/100,000). Keck collection.

Montague Dawson (British, 1895-1973) was one of the most prolific maritime artists of the 20th century. His paintings of ships under sail are detailed and dramatic. This oil on canvas is titled Up She Rises and depicts the whaling ship North America sailing directly toward the viewer. The title may originate from the chorus of the popular sea shanty “What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor?,” which is referenced in an account of the 1839 Pacific Ocean voyage of the North America. The 28½" x 42" painting sold to the phone for $56,250 (est. $30,000/50,000). Keck collection.

These oil on board still lifes by Paul Lacroix (French/American, 1827-1869) depicts grapes with stems, tendrils, and leaves, along with other fruit. The 8" x 10" (sight size) paintings were presented in matching period frames. They sold to an Internet bidder for $12,500 (est. $5000/7000).

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These circa 1905 Louis XV-style mahogany and marquetry bombé-form pedestals are by François Linke. The breche violette marble plateaus are inset atop molded and ormolu-mounted cases. The bodies are inlaid with foliate sprays. The pedestals are raised on cast ormolu legs with hairy paw feet and stand 50½" high. The pair sold for $250,000 (est. $30,000/60,000). Keck collection.

These monumental bronze and crystal vases stand 31" in height and had been displayed atop the Linke pedestals while in the Keck mansion. The bases are marked by French sculptor Hippolyte François Moreau (1832-1937), and the crystal is thought to be Baccarat. The vases sold for $81,250 (est. $5000/10,000). Keck collection.

The accompanying period photograph shows the pedestals and vases in situ, flanking a doorway in the Keck mansion.

This Régence-style ormolu-mounted commode is adapted from similarly configured pieces by Charles Cressent (French, 1685-1768). This piece dates circa 1880 and is constructed of tulipwood with extensive kingwood inlay. The top is serpentine molded fl eur de pêche marble above a conforming bombé case that displays extensive cast ormolu scrolling and mounts in the form of female busts. The central decoration depicts two putti suspending a monkey on a rope swing between them. The end panels feature similar decoration, with a dog balancing on the rope swing. Similar acrobatic design castings are found on several examples of Cressent’s work that are now in museum collections. The commode measures 37" x 63" x 27". It sold to an Internet buyer for $59,375 (est. $10,000/15,000). Keck collection.

This Empire-style rectangular mahogany center table features a green veined marble top and ormolu mounts and is supported by Classical seminude female forms. The stretcher displays a central lidded vase, flanked by female Greek sphinx figures. The table dates from the late 19th century and was designed after an earlier model by French cabinetmaker Françoise-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter (1770-1841). It measures 32" x 49" x 27", and it sold for $25,000 (est. $8000/12,000). Keck collection.

This Louis XV-style ormolu mounted and inlaid mahogany console desserte (serving table) is by François Linke and dates 1890-1905. The open-shelf server features an ormolu-trimmed molded serpentine splashboard. The top is molded breche violette marble. There are three drawers over two open shelves, all raised on six tapering cabriole legs. The open shelves and splashboard are inlaid with radiating sunburst patterns. The console desserte measures 66" x 77" x 26" and sold for $187,500 (est. $25,000/35,000). Keck collection.

This Régence-style ormolu-mounted clock is by François Linke and likely dates from the first quarter of the 20th century. This example of a Linke clock is one of a well-documented group in this design. The clock (missing its works) is set in a drum case with figures of Venus and a putto on one side. The clock stands 37" in overall height. It sold to an Internet buyer for $31,250 (est. $10,000/20,000). Keck collection.

The large (89" x 95" x 36") Louis XV-style mahogany buffet dates circa 1890 and is by Parisian cabinetmaker François Linke (German/French, 1885-1946). The high arching sculpted splashboard displays two putti with garlands over an inset enamel dial clock. The molded serpentine breche violette marble top rests on a conforming case fitted with three drawers over four doors and raised on six splayed legs. The drawer and door faces are framed with applied ormolu castings. The decorative mounts are by sculptor Léon Messagé (French, 1842-1901). The doors are decorated with finely inlaid geometric parquetry patterns. The Linke buffet sold for $218,750 (est. $25,000/35,000). Keck collection.

This Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain-mounted center table dates from the third quarter of the 19th century. The table is 32" high x 31" diameter. The top features a center Sèvres porcelain charger surrounded by 17 portraits and one heraldic medallion. The baluster is ebonized and fitted with scrolled bronze mounts. The base is gilt bronze. The table sold for $16,250 (est. $8000/12,000). Keck collection.

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Here is a hand-painted mother-of-pearl folding fan dating from the 19th century. The guard and sticks are carved with various shell and floral patterns. The leaf is painted with a Classical scene depicting a central female figure attended by numerous individuals. The fan was offered in a giltwood and gesso shadow box. It sold for $1062.50 (est. $300/500). Keck collection.

The Louis XV-style giltwood console dates circa 1880. The top is serpentine molded highly figured fl eur de pêche marble over a conforming heavily carved frieze, centered with a large putto figure. The S-scroll legs feature female masks at the frieze. The stretcher is ornately carved. The console measures 37½" x 60" x 26". It sold for $34,375 (est. $3000/5000). Keck collection.

This desk clock is by the famous firm Patek Philippe of Geneva. The clock is solar powered and housed in a 5½" square x 3½" deep case. The clock probably dates from the late 1950s. It sold to an Internet buyer for $5937.50 (est. $2000/3000). Keck collection.

The 18½" diameter Chinese dish-shape platter dates from the late 19th century. The piece is decorated in iron red, with a flaming pearl in the center, surrounded by a large dragon figure. The rim displays four smaller dragon images, within an overall pattern of scroll-form clouds. The Chinese dragon plate sold for $5000 (est. $600/800). Keck collection.

These two George IV gilded silver cups and covers date 1824-26 and are marked by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell of London. The urn-form cups are quite similar. Each is raised on a pedestal foot, and the bodies display a wraparound scene of two greyhounds chasing a rabbit. The lids are fitted with greyhound-form finials. The taller of the two stands 10¾" in height. The cups sold for $5312.50 (est. $1500/2000). Keck collection.

This large Chinese famille rose jardinière dates from the late Qing Dynasty. The vessel stands 24¾" high with straight flared sides and a wide rim. The body is decorated with colorful birds and flowering branches. The piece rests on a Louis XV-style giltwood stand decorated with carved swag accents. The jardinière sold for $8750 (est. $1500/2500). Keck collection.

This precisely arranged platoon of 24 sets of gilt silver salt cellars, spoons, and pepper shakers dates from the 1950s. The spoons are by Adie Brothers, Ltd. of Birmingham, and the salts and shakers display English hallmarks for Tiffany & Co. The salts are fitted with cobalt-blue glass liners. All display the initial “K.” The lot sold to a telephone bidder for $2000 (est. $600/800). Keck collection.

The wall-mounted clock and barometer date from the late 19th century and are in the style of Louis XV. The clock face is signed “Etne. Lenoir / Paris.” Both dials are enamel. The upper portions of the ormolu surrounds feature a sunburst design surmounted with a cherub and chariot. Below both dials are Classical figures seated in a relaxed posture. Each piece measures 41" in overall height. The pair sold for $23,750 (est. $8000/12,000). Keck collection.

The circa 1900 KPM porcelain plaque depicts the seminude siren Lorelei seated on a rocky cliff above a body of water. She is presumably tempting the crew of a passing ship, luring them on to the rocks. The plaque measures 12¾" x 7⅝" and is marked with an impressed KPM and scepter. The plaque brought $3750 (est. $1000/1500).

This autograph letter, signed “A. Lincoln,” is dated “Dec. 28, 1857” from Lincoln’s Springfield, Illinois, office. The letter offers an update of the details related to Lincoln’s efforts on behalf of his client William H. Davenport in an ongoing land title case. This letter descended within the family of the recipient. It sold to a telephone bidder for $11,250 (est. $6000/9000).

This Chinese export tea set with a matching tray dates 1880-1920 and is marked “KW” (for Kwan Wo, Hong Kong or Canton). The set consists of a covered teapot and sugar and an open creamer. All three pieces are globular in form and covered with bright enamel decoration depicting flowering roses and chrysanthemums. The handles and finials simulate bamboo. The 21" wide tray is similarly decorated with enamel. The set opened at a surprising $24,000 and moved quickly from there, ultimately selling to a telephone bidder for $43,750 (est. $5000/7000).

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This Italian pew ter centerpiece is a Richard Cipolla design, Westport Harvest. The piece measures 17½" high x 22" wide. The hurricane shade features leaf and stem overlay. The base displays stag horns along with an arrangement of ears of corn, acorns, and leafy vegetation. The piece is marked with the factory stamp and two paper labels. The centerpiece was won by a telephone bidder for $937.50 (est. $600/800).

The oil on canvas depicts the steam frigate H.M.S. Shannon with her sails set and boiler fired. The painting dates circa 1880 and is attributed to Tommaso di Simone (Italian, c. 1805-1880). This Shannon bears the same name as the famous British warship that took part in the War of 1812. This Shannon saw considerable action in the Far East and India during the early years of the British Indian Empire. The 15½" x 19" (sight size) painting sold to a telephone bidder for $1125 (est. $1000/1500).

The diminutive blockfront Georgian-style chest of drawers displays a heavily japanned and gilt surface. The shaped top overhangs a conforming case with four long drawers raised on a conforming molded base with bracket feet. The surface of the chest is decorated with various figures, animals, and architectural and botanical subjects in the chinoiserie style. The brasses are pierced Chippendale style with bail handles. The chest measures 33" x 34½" x 21½", and it sold for $2375 (est. $1000/3000).

This little oil on panel landscape is by Charles Franklin Pierce (1844-1920). Pierce is well known for his paintings of New England and farm subjects, but this image depicts the shoreline of the Isle of Arran situated in the Firth of Clyde along the western coast of Scotland. The painting is signed and identified, but it is not dated. The painting sold to an absentee bidder for $875 (est. $500/700).

In 1987 this set of four matched and sequentially numbered shotguns was presented to Patricia Kluge by King Juan Carlos I of Spain. The guns are Spanish, by Armas Garbi, 20 bore with 26" barrels and single triggers and sidelock ejectors. The guns are heavily engraved and appear to have never been fired. They were presented in a fitted leather case. They sold to a telephone bidder for $50,000 (est. $25,000/35,000).

This oil on cardstock laid on masonite is by John Atkinson Grimshaw (British, 1836-1893). Grimshaw is perhaps best known for his scenes depicting evening and nighttime views. This daytime woodland landscape view is overlooking a river from a high vantage point. There is a woven fence in the foreground, with water in the distance. The 20¼" x 16¼" (sight size) painting is signed by the artist and dated “1868” lower left. “B–44” is handwritten diagonally in the upper right quadrant. The painting sold to a telephone bidder for $17,500 (est. $15,000/30,000).

The furniture of George Nakashima (1905-1990) is known for its distinctive use of free-edge thick-cut slabs and its equally distinctive use of decorative butterfly-shape fasteners. This Nakashima trestle desk dates 1986-87 and measures 30" x 54" x 38". It features a single drawer. A telephone bidder won the table for $31,250 (est. $30,000/50,000).