A full-length oil portrait painting of Lady Bridget by Thomas Gibson (English, 1680-1751), and a bust oil portrait painting of a young man done by a French School artist in the late 18th or early 19th century, sold for $36,300 and $9,680 respectively, at a two-day New Year’s Signature Estates auction held January 15th and 16th by Ahlers & Ogletree, online and live in the Atlanta gallery.

The auction was loaded with an extraordinary array of items that include an impressive selection of Asian art, timeless 19th century furniture, fine and decorative arts and collectible sports memorabilia. In all, close to 800 premier lots crossed the auction block. January 15th featured many fine Asian items, while January 16th showcased a wonderful array of fine art from many established estates.

The full-length, life-size oil on canvas portrait painting by Thomas Gibson was the overall top lot of the two days. Measuring an impressive 68 1/4 inches tall by 44 ¼ inches wide (canvas, minus the frame), the work was titled Lady Bridget Daughter of John First Earl Poulett and Wife of Polexfen Bastard Esq. It carried a pre-sale estimate of $2,000-$4,000, but bidders pushed that to $36,300.

The French School oil on canvas painting, titled simply Portrait of a Young Man, was a bust portrait, apparently unsigned, that had a canvas size of 23 inches by 19 inches and was housed in a frame measuring 28 inches by 24 inches. The work came into the sale with a modest estimate of just $500-$700 but, like the Gibson portrait, bidders blasted through expectations to finish at $9,680.

Following are additional highlights from the auction, which attracted 20-25 in-person bidders to the gallery and grossed $814,270, including the buyer’s premium. Internet bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com and Ahlers & Ogletree’s platform, bid.AandOauctions.com. There were 31 phone bidders and over 400 customers either tuned in or checked in to the auction.

All prices quoted include a 21 percent buyer’s premium.

A seven-piece Reed & Barton sterling hot beverage service in the Francis I pattern (active 1907-2019), comprising a tilting kettle on a stand, a coffee pot, a teapot, a covered sugar bowl, a cream jug, a waste bowl and a tray, all marked appropriately, settled at $16,940 against a pre-sale estimate of $7,000-$9,000. The service in its entirety, to include all materials, totaled about 213.09 troy oz.

An Egyptian Revival style glass top and sphinx base center table having a silvered and gilt bronze base supporting a round glass top, apparently unmarked, 28 ¾ inches tall and 42 inches in diameter, changed hands for $10,890 against a pre-sale estimate of $1,200-$2,400.

An untitled (Forest Landscape with a Pond) oil on canvas painting by Auguste Emmanuel Pointelin (French, 1839-1933), rendered in 1869, signed "Aug. Pointelin" and dated lower left, had a $2,000-$3,000 estimate but realized $9,680. The work was 35 ½ inches by 51 inches (canvas, less frame).

An American Continental currency $20 bank note dated May 10, 1775 (Friedberg CC-9), printed on marbled polychrome paper sailed past its $1,000-$2,000 estimate to ring up $7,865. The paper for the note was supplied by statesman Benjamin Franklin. The face and back emblems plus the mottos were sketched by Franklin, serial number 7262. The paper note measured 2 ½ inches by 4 ¾ inches.

A pair of French 19th century cast stone winged gargoyle architectural elements, each depicted crouching on square base with their tongues out, accompanied by wood pedestals, bested the $800-$1,600 estimate by garnering $6,050. Each element was 24 ¼ inches tall on a 14-inch-tall stand.

The two-day event featured an impressive selection of Asian art, timeless 19th-century furniture, fine and decorative arts, and sports memorabilia. Among the highlights were a pair of Ming Dynasty polychrome wood Lohan figures, a magnificent 19th-century French Louis XIV Boulle Bureau Mazarin, and an exquisite 1934 signed watercolor by renowned American artist Charles Demuth.

While not all lots sold, many brought final prices that were well beyond even the high estimates.

To learn more about Ahlers & Ogletree and the firm’s calendar of upcoming auction events, please visit www.aandoauctions.com. Updates are posted frequently. You can also follow Ahlers & Ogletree on social media, at Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

About Ahlers & Ogletree:
Ahlers & Ogletree is always seeking quality consignments for future auctions, especially Asian arts and artifacts, and luxury jewelry and accessories. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, call 404-869-2478; or, send an e-mail to consign@AandOauctions.com. To learn more about Ahlers & Ogletree and the firm’s calendar of upcoming auction events, please visit www.aandoauctions.com. Updates are posted frequently. You can also follow Ahlers & Ogletree on social media, at Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC will burst onto the scene in 2025 with a huge, four-day Desert Riches Auction, January 31st thru February 3rd, featuring over 2,100 lots in numerous collecting categories to include mining, gold, numismatics, scripophily, Native Americana, railroadiana, philatelic and general Americana, starting at 8am Pacific time each day.

The first three days – January 31st thru February 2nd – are live sessions, hosted in Holabird’s gallery located at 3555 Airway Drive in Reno; as well as online on all of their auction platforms (iCollector.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com). The fourth day – Monday, February 3rd – is a timed-only session, hosted on iCollector.com and LiveAuctioneers.com only.

“We chose the name ‘Desert Riches’ to honor the gold specimens, stock certificates, mining artifacts and railroad pieces in this sale from the California desert mining camps in Inyo County and Death Valley, as well as from Arizona and Nevada,” said Fred Holabird, the president and owner of Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. “Thia is going to be a great auction.”

Day 1, on Friday, January 31st, contains 434 lots of stock certificates and bonds (mining, oil, transportation – such as air, auto, railroad and steamer/marine – and miscellaneous, such as banking, Express and foreign); and philatelic (including postal covers, revenue and US and foreign stamps).

Day 2, on Saturday, February 1st, showcases 503 lots of transportation, to include railroad (passes, lanterns, locks and ephemera); bottles and brewing; general Americana (geographic sort US, foreign, books and maps, and miscellaneous, to include gaming, sports and toys); and military, political and weaponry/militaria.

Day 3, on Sunday, February 2nd has 501 lots of Western art and collectibles (cowboy, Native Americana and art); minerals and mining (gold specimens, minerals, fossils, mining artifacts and equipment and mining ephemera); and numismatics (US Mint and ingots, California fractional gold, US and foreign coins, medals, currency and scrip, and tokens).

Day 4, the timed session only on Monday, February 3rd, features 716 lots, all with $10 start prices, in categories that include minerals and mining, transportation, general Americana, numismatics, and stocks and bonds (mining, transportation and miscellaneous).

The numismatics category on Day 3 will be led by a Carson City Mint treasure: a pair of 1871 documents appointing the melter/assayer for the Mint, with one signed by President Ulysses S. Grant. Also up for bid will be a circa 1884 tin ingot from the Deadwood, Dakota Territory; a silver ingot from the State of Maine Mine in Tombstone, Ariz., lead and babbit ingots from California; and lead mining ingots from Idaho and Missouri.

The rest of the section includes a California Fractional Gold collection (over 20 lots); a Lesher dollar; scrip; and Western tokens from Arizona, Montana and Nevada.

The auction marks the beginning of some fantastic material from the California desert mining locales such as Inyo County and Death Valley. Featured are circa 1870s-1880s ore bags from Darwin/Keeler and placer gold from Inyo and Kern counties.

The mineral section also has Alaska gold from Valdez and 75 lots of stunning turquoise from the No. 8 mine in Nevada, split into different types of lots based on the color and size of the specimens. Also offered will be rare meteorite lots and fossils, as well as 19th century assay and mining tools found in the Comstock Lode in Nevada.

The star lot of the Americana category is an exceptionally rare 1862 Nevada Territory receipt issued to Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) for his work as a legislative reporter, signed by Clemens on the reverse. Also on offer is a Pony Express Virginia City cover sent the same month Clemens arrived in Virginia City to work for the Territorial Enterprise; plus early bonds signed by Governors Nye and Blasdell, and an 1862 Mayfield murder trial witness certificate.

Other lots in the large, diverse section include an abolitionist John Brown family photo album; an 1860 Lorino’s terrestrial globe with stand; a 1914 National Cash Register; three Mills slot machines; and an original 1881 cabinet card of a Tucson store posse.

The railroadiana section begins with a small group of ever-popular railroad passes, followed by locks from the Central Pacific, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railways; a Railway Express lockbox; ultra rare Nevada artifacts that include brass plates and luggage tags for Bullfrog, Tonopah & Goldfield, V&T and Eureka & Palisade; lanterns; and ephemera.

The sale features hundreds of lots of stock certificates and bonds from the Ken Prag collection, plus others. Be sure not to miss the Death Valley / Inyo County mining stocks (as well as Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada); and rare autograph certificates, including Otto Mears, CP Huntington, Founding Father Robert Morris, Wells and Fargo, Henry Clews, William Sharon, and early baseball figures.

A modest Native Americana, art and cowboy section on Day 3 includes a stunning group of bronze statues; a rare Washoe Chief carte de visite; an Edward Dobrotka original Superman artist collection; a Steven Woodburn painting; cowboy belt buckles; Native American jewelry; and some Native American artifacts.

As if all that weren’t enough, the auction will also feature antique bottles (including pieces found on the Comstock, such as a rare citron example from the USA Hospital Dept.); weaponry and militaria (including rare knives, Civil War letters and artifacts); and philatelic lots (including an LZ 129 Hindenburg cover collection); revenue stamped documents; and foreign stamp collections.

Bids can be placed online, in-person or over the phone with an agent. “Be sure to use the Keyword Search Tool on our website to search for items in your collecting categories across all sections,” advised Mr. Holabird, who added, “You can also search past sales, too.”

Telephone and absentee bids will be accepted. Color catalogs are available by calling 1-844-492-2766, or 775-851-1859. To learn more about Holabird Western Americana Collections and the huge, four-day Desert Riches Auction slated for January 31st thru February 3rd beginning at 8 am Pacific time each day, please visit www.holabirdamericana.com.

About Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC:
Anyone owning a collection that might fit into a Holabird Western Americana Collections auction is encouraged to get in touch. The company has agents all over America and will travel to inspect most worthy collections. To consign a single piece or a collection, you may call Fred Holabird at 775-851-1859 or 844-492-2766; or, send an e-mail to fredholabird@gmail.com. To learn more about Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC please visit www.holabirdamericana.com.

New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, January 23, 2025 -- Several spectacular signed pieces of museum-quality Canadiana furniture, as well as original paintings by the English-born Canadian artist Ted Harrison (1926-2015) and acclaimed Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970) are expected highlights in two days of online auctions slated for Saturday and Sunday, February 8th and 9th, by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., beginning promptly at 9am Eastern time both days.

The Saturday, February 8th Select Canadiana Furniture, Folk Art, Textiles and Pottery auction is packed with 325 lots of Canadiana, pottery and stoneware, textiles, art glass, lamps and lighting. The Sunday, February 9th Post-War Canadian Folk Art sale is a tidier event, with just 74 lots of post-war Canadian folk art by Harrison, Lewis and others such as Charlie Tanner (1904-1982) and Joe Norris (1924-1996). Like Maud Lewis, both Tanner and Norris hailed from Nova Scotia.

“This is a landmark sale,” said Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. “The three signed pieces of furniture include an untouched original schrank in paint, inlaid with initials for the maker John Klempp of Neustadt, Ontario; a Sam Bricker chest of drawers, prominently inlaid ‘MB’, known as the dowry chest he made his daughter Mary; and a Quebec arbalète commode with carved feet and leg brackets in superb condition with 200 years of impeccable provenance.”

All three are documented, Miller commented, adding, “The sale also features other ‘book’ pieces including rare pottery and folk art.” These are online-only auctions. There is no in-person event to attend, but bidders can tune in to the live webcast February 8th and 9th to watch the lots close in real time. Online bidding will be provided by the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website (MillerandMillerAuctions.com) and LiveAuctioneers.com. Phone and absentee bids accepted.

The Quebec arbalète commode is shown in the book Les Meubles Anciens Du Canada Français by Jean Palardy (p. 303, Plate 495). The consignor said of the piece, "My grandmother received it from a Madame Langlois, who was a good friend. It, in turn, came to my father when my grandmother died, and then came into my possession when my father passed away in 1994." The commode could very well take home top lot honors, with a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$50,000.

All estimates in this report are in Canadian dollars.

The circa 1880 Ontario “schrank” (German for cabinet or cupboard), in original paint, has upper panels bearing the initials “J” and “K”, for the famed maker John Klempp (1857-1914), a hotel proprietor and cabinetmaker known for his inlaid furniture and smaller objects from 1870-1890. It’s in excellent untouched condition and beautifully crafted in pine, with elegant proportions and supported by a scalloped base with a center drop and a carved cartouche (est. $18,000-$25,000).

Lot 198 is an early impressive Adirondack-style hooked rug with a large central image of two stags facing out with their heads turned while they seem to be standing on a bed of leaves against a mottled brown background. The rug, made in Quebec circa 1890-1920, is in good condition, with strong colors, and measures 96 inches by 84 inches. It’s currently mounted for display with Velcro strips on a wooden frame but could still be used as a floor carpet (est. $12,000-$15,000).

Lot 217 is an oil on canvas painting by Chief James Beaver (1846-1925) of the Six Nations Reserve in Brantford, Ontario. Painted with precise detail, it’s an excellent example of the artist’s work, with a red trimmed white house, a black picket fence and a white church to the side with outbuildings. The circa 1900 work, with strong colors, is 23 ½ inches by 35 ½ inches (canvas, minus frame), and signed lower right “Chief Beaver Oil Painter” (est. $8,000-$12,000).

On to February 9th, where Maud Lewis is expected to finish atop the leader board again, as she has in so many past Miller & Miller auctions. Her iconic oil on beaverboard titled Three Black Cats was rendered in the second half of 1965. This image is also found in marmalade and white colors. Three Black Cats is a serial image only found in the 1960s. This example, 11 ½ inches by 14 inches, is artist signed and comes with a signed letter of authenticity (est. $20,000-$30,000).

Also expected to do well that day is the 1988 acrylic on canvas by Ted Harrison titled Japan, Harrison's interpretation of the Japanese culture. Through bold colors and dramatic landscapes, he achieves harmony between tradition and modernity, as well as nature and the human spirit. The 24 inch by 36 inch work was inspired by Harrison’s travels and appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. It’s signed and inscribed “Japan” and “Harrison” in Kanji (est. $20,000-$25,000).

Lot 36 is a painted wood carving by Charlie Tanner titled Family Group (Eagle Head, Nova Scotia. 1981). Tanner's carving style is unique and unmistakable. This boldly carved and colorful work, 12 ¼ inches tall and artist signed, portrays an interaction among Tanner's iconic bulbous figures. There are many single figure Tanners, but very few multiple-figure Tanners. This is an exquisite example of folk-art sculpture by one of Canada's finest folk artists (est. $3,500-$5,000).

Lot 55 is an acrylic on canvas painting by Joe Norris titled Swordfish and Harpooners (Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia, circa 1985). Norris’s robust paint colors, endearing subject matter and the accurate depiction of life on the ocean are all on display. His attention to detail often included painting the frames of his work with flowers, birds or stars. This work is artist signed lower right (“Joe Norris”) and is housed in the original 24 ½ inch by 40 ½ inch frame (est. $9,000-$12,000).

Here is a link to the February 8th auction on the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website: https://live.millerandmillerauctions.com/auctions/4-FNB4TX/select-canadiana-furniture-folk-art-textiles-and-pottery. Here is a link to the February 9th auction, also on the Miller & Miller site: https://live.millerandmillerauctions.com/auctions/4-FNB8BR/post-war-canadian-folk-art.

To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and the February 8th and 9th auctions, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.

About Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.:
Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections and is always accepting quality consignments. The firm specializes in watches and jewelry, art, antiques and high-value collectibles. Its mission is to provide collectors with a trusted place to buy and sell. To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (519) 573-3710; or, you can e-mail them at info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., please visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

Media Contact:
Ethan Miller
Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.
59 Webster Street
New Hamburg, Ont., CD N3A 1W8
519-5473-3710
info@millerandmillerauctions.com
http://www.millerandmillerauctions.com

The New Frontier Western Collectibles and Firearms Show will be held the weekend of February 14th-16th at the Choctaw Casino & Resort Conference Center in Durant.

This year’s event will feature a large assortment of new and antique firearms, accessories, knives and edged weapons, cowboy and Indian artifacts, relics, Western memorabilia and antiques, jewelry and more.

“Durant is one of the fastest growing cities in Oklahoma and is accessible to our guests in Oklahoma and north Texas,” said Scott Tarbell, the owner of New Frontier, based in Loveland, Colorado. “We look forward to seeing everyone for this new show.”

Vendor setup will take place on Friday, February 14th, from 8am to 12 o’clock noon Central time. The show times are Saturday, February 15th, from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, February 16th, from 9am to 2 pm. The show is open to the public all three days.

New Frontier conducts two Western Collectibles and Firearms Shows per year. The other one is in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This year’s Cheyenne show will be held August 22nd-24th at the Laramie County Events Center at Archer, located at 3801 Archer Parkway in Cheyenne.

Unlike the Durant event, which is strictly a show, Cheyenne will feature an auction component. Past auctions have included a pair of Monte Montana boots ($3,000); a Plains Indian beaded vest ($2,850); a Mehl Larson bronze statue ($3,785); a pair of Plains ceremonial moccasins ($3,452); and a Plains war shirt ($$6,230).

Future auctions will feature a scarce pair of Phillips and Gutierrez spurs; a Navajo silver bridle; a pair of Hamley Pinto angora chaps; a Pat Gill silver saddle; a Ken Payne bronze statue; a Navajo chief’s blanket; and a Lyle Tayson oil painting.

Scott Tarbell was born into a ranching family and grew up in the Dakotas and Wyoming, where he attended the University of Wyoming. As a young child, Scott had a fascination and interest in Western heritage. Little did he realize this would become not only his life’s passion but also his career path.

While still in his early teens, Scott went to work for several dealers who specialized in horses, horse-drawn equipment, and antique cowboy and Indian collectibles.

Since the early 1980s, Scott has worked for numerous major Western auction companies across the United States. As a result, he has refined and focused his business model to specialize in pre-1900 Western artifacts, as well as Colt and Winchester firearms. He is well respected by his peers and throughout the industry for his involvement in the field.

Scott has a presence at all major firearms shows across the United States. His focus has been greatly enabled by having immediate access to many sources of the grand era of the American cowboy and Native American population. Subsequently he has been able to spotlight phenomenal finds that are true “old West collectibles” within the industry.

Keeping the industry in the public eye and maintaining the love and respect for our Western history alive through its artifacts has truly become Scott's dream. Going forward, it is his passion to promote the Durant and Cheyenne events in order to preserve and amplify America’s heritage and the populace of our people that love the whole spectrum of weaponry, new and old.

Scott feels confident that his dealers, clients, visitors, and enthusiasts alike will benefit from the broader market and larger collector population in the marketplace. Quite simply, there is such a concentration of those who share the love and history of the Old West, and all its Grand Heritage, that he will continue to follow his passion by keeping this great history alive.

The preferred hotel for the upcoming New Frontier Western Collectibles and Firearms Show is the venue itself – the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. The group rate is $219 per night. Guests can call to reserve a room, 24 hours a day, at 800-788-2464. Press #1 to reach the reservations department and mention offer code NEWFRONTIER25 for the group rate.

Other hotel options in Durant include Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Durant; La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham; and Best Western Markita Inn. Folks can learn more about Durant by visiting the websites Durant.org/278/Tourism and Travelok.com/durant.

To learn more about New Frontier and the New Frontier Western Collectibles and Firearms Show being held the weekend of February 14th-16th at the Choctaw Casino & Resort Conference Center in Durant, Oklahoma, please visit www.NewFrontierShow.com.

About New Frontier:
New Frontier is headquartered in Loveland, Colorado. Later this year, the 16th Annual New Frontier Show and Auction will take place in Cheyenne, Wyoming. These events are held in order to preserve and amplify America’s heritage and the populace of the people who love the whole spectrum of weaponry, new and old. Dealers, clients, visitors, and enthusiasts alike will benefit from the broader market and larger collector population in the marketplace. To learn more, visit http://www.NewFrontierShow.com.

Media Contact:
Scott Tarbell
New Frontier
913-406-8057
newfrontiershow@proton.me

Pittsburgh, PA, January 16, 2025 -- Beyond Business Virtual Assistants (BBVA), a leading provider of professional virtual assistant services, is excited to announce the extension of its highly successful Three Kings Day Promo. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Wolf of Broad Street (WOBS) Royal Rendezvous Real Estate Networking Party 2025, we are extending the promotion until January 23. The extended offer allows business owners to hire a high-caliber virtual assistant for only $1499—a great opportunity to streamline operations and boost productivity.

BBVA is proud to be ranked among the Top 5 Virtual Assistant Agencies by realtors in Pennsylvania, further validating the value and impact of our services. Realtors and small business owners alike have trusted BBVA for years, recognizing the exceptional quality and affordability of our virtual assistant support.

“We are thrilled to extend this promotion, especially considering the growing demand for virtual assistants among real estate professionals,” said Andy Kowalski, CEO of BBVA. “Our team of skilled VAs has been a game-changer for many businesses, particularly in the real estate sector, helping them stay organized and responsive. Being ranked among the top 5 VA agencies in Pennsylvania is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

BBVA's virtual assistants bring expert support in key areas such as administrative assistance, social media management, lead generation, and customer service, allowing business owners to focus on growth and revenue generation. Whether you’re a busy real estate agent, entrepreneur, or small business owner, BBVA provides the tools and expertise to help you scale effectively and efficiently.

The Three Kings Day Promo has been extended to ensure even more businesses have access to this amazing offer. For just $1499, clients can hire an expert virtual assistant with specialized industry knowledge to handle crucial tasks that can otherwise be time-consuming.

Don't wait – this offer ends January 23, 2025, or when all available slots are filled!

To claim this special promotion, visit Beyond Business Virtual Assistants – 3 Kings Special.

About Beyond Business Virtual Assistants (BBVA):
BBVA is a top-rated virtual assistant agency, specializing in providing highly skilled and dedicated VAs to businesses across various industries. With a focus on real estate, BBVA helps professionals save time, improve productivity, and scale their operations. Their team of VAs is highly trained, adaptable, and committed to delivering results that matter.

About the WOBS Royal Rendezvous Real Estate Networking Party 2025:
The Wolf of Broad Street (WOBS) Royal Rendezvous Real Estate Networking Party 2025 is one of the most anticipated events in the real estate industry, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, and key figures for networking and collaboration. The event serves as a prime opportunity to connect, share insights, and discover new tools for success.

Contact Information:
Beyond Business Virtual Assistants (BBVA)
Phone: 215-346-6211
Email: admin@beyondbizva.com
Website: www.beyondbizva.com